Thank You

Darby - RIP 12/9/2011

       We just wanted to take a chance to say thanks to everyone that wished us well in the tough time. Losing Darby to bloat was very difficult. Bloat is a scary thing, something every single one of us Weim families fear. It's tragic and quick and that's want makes it even worse. One minute they're fine, the next they're in distress.

We did everything "anti-bloat" by the book with our weims since losing Kam. We had scheduled feeding, drinks, relax time, diet, all that stuff. On the morning of Darby's death she was fine. She was sick and vomited a few time during the day but she also layed with Amy and slept as well. In the middle of the night she started going downhill quick. We made the call to the vet down the street at 1:00am but they were in surgery and could not take Darby in. We found another emergency vet 45 minutes away but by the time I got there it was to late and I was forced to make a decision that I didn't want to. I came home that night by myself.

No one knows exactly what causes bloat. Amy and I were fortunate enough to run into one of the best vet's in the country this past weekend (Dr. Robert Hutchison) and we had the chance to discuss bloat with him. His office (actually his son - Dr. Randy Hutchison ) is one of the few doctors in the country that performs a non-invasive stomach-tacking that prevents torsion (or twisting) of the stomach during bloat. Once your dog starts to bloat and the stomach twists the surgery will cost you $5,000!! That's right, 5-grand! lot's of zeros. For about 20% of that you can be proactive and have this surgery performed and save your pet's life. If they bloat and you get to a vet they can tube the dog and release the gas....the dog won't die that horrific death which is commonly associated with bloat. you can contact them below - I wanted to share this info.

Animal Clinic Northview

36400 Center Ridge Road

North Ridgeville, OH 44039

Ph: 440.327.8282 Fax: 440.353.0331

Emergencies: 440.452.7743

Email: repro@northviewvet.com

It seem to me that $1000 is worth the investment.. after all, I took Darby to the vet and came home without here for $500... You do the calculation.

Also, I should mention that we are in the process of overhauling this blog to bring something special within the next few days or week....or so.... So stay tuned and see what's next.