Life Lesson Number 136

Charlie will be 6 months old on March 15th, hard to believe already. When we decided, ohhh probably 4 years ago that we wanted an English Bulldog, we knew there were going to be risks. They already have compromised airways due to their "smushed" noses, and small palates. We knew this going into it, but did we know we would already be dealing with him in the hospital at just 6 months old? No!

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I am a nervous wreck. On Friday my sister and I were in a serious car accident, I have been in loads of pain since then and had to go to the hospital again today. Yesterday Charlie was acting really sluggish after he had been out playing in my parents back yard. He seemed tired, like anyone would be after playing in the yard, so... no harm. When I went to bathe him, to make him feel better, he choked up some blood. I knew it wasn't right, so immediately I was crying and losing myself. I thought I was falling apart. I could barely hold my head up as it was, and now my heart was falling out of my chest. We rushed to the emergency animal hospital, and his oxygen level was 75%, he has aspiration pneumonia. He's not even 6 months old. They think he got this from choking down some vomit at some point and it turned into pneumonia. He has been undergoing oxygen therapy for 24 hours. I call as often as I can, without driving them insane, and we went to visit this afternoon. He is so pitiful with his little "daisy" collar on, and IVs coming from a couple of his paws. I couldn't hold him because he is in an oxygen chamber but he poked his face out to kiss me. They say that after 2-3 days of therapy and antibiotics he should be on the up and up. He has a fan club at the hospital so I know he well is taken care of. I will keep you all updated, and if you would all keep us in your prayers.

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I hope to get some rest tonight. I have only had 12 hours of sleep since Friday, in pain, and worried out of my mind about Charlie. Our wedding plans are being looked at a little closer since we paid $2000 to the vet yesterday. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we make it through this, I know we will, but it's hard to stay positive when things come crashing down on you. All things happen for a reason, and I know God is with Charlie right now, and with us, keeping us strong. Thank you to all of you who have responded to our needs, and I promise to keep you all posted. Goodnight.