Subj: Re: EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST FOR "SAPHIRE",
ONE OF OUR RESCUED BICHONS.
Date: 3/3/2003 3:02:30 PM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Here is a picture that we took last night.
Once I got home from Tulsa, we let Saphire
out of her kennel. She slowly came out but
all four legs went out from under her because
she had never been on hardwood floors before.
She was so scared but still you could see
that she had a strong inner spirit that would
get her through each new day. In the two
weeks that we have had her, she has absolutely
blossomed. Saphire follows us everywhere,
has her tail up and wagging, and is right
there with Mischa, Lily and Beauthreaux wanting
hugs. She loves to go outside to explore
our yard, is now running and playing with
the dogs and with the many toys. She loves
baths, having her still short fur brushed,
and being held in your arms. She thinks Lily,
our pint size Shih Tzu, is her baby. She
is constantly by her side, licking her, and
making sure she is always safe. She is such
a special little girl who we love dearly
and feel so lucky to have been able to experience
her transformation.
We pray that she will make it through this
surgery. I know with so many Small Paws® people
praying that God will take care of her. The
person who adopts this special bichon named
Saphire will be getting a special jewel like
her name.
Lori
P.S. Robin, you are in my prayers too. Thank
you for all your support.
Subj: Re: EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST FOR "SAPHIRE",
ONE OF OUR RESCUED BICHONS.
Date: 3/3/2003 3:42:15 PM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Robin:
I'm to go there at 4:15 to talk to Dr. Miesse
and bring Saphire home. Yes!!!!!!!!!!! I
said home. I will let you know as soon as
I get home. I am a little scared....okay
big time scared about this but I will do
the best that I can to take great care of
Saphire.
Love, Lori
Subj: Re: Saphire is home
Date: 3/3/2003 6:03:03 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
She is sitting up and did walk a couple of
steps in her crate. She has already pooped
a good poop....I think that is a good sign....and
are you ready for this? When I walked into
the office where we have her, she WAGGED
her tail:))))) although I'm sure she doesn't
feel good.
Lori
Subj: Saphire
Date: 3/3/2003 10:06:01 PM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
An update:
Saphire was bleeding so we called Dr. Meisse
and now we are taking Saphire to the emergency
vet to have them put a pressure wrap on her.
This will stop the bleeding so that it won't
become a problem. She still is groggy but
does not seem to be in pain, just uncomfortable
probably. This doesn't seem like an emergency...just
didn't want it to become one.
Lori
Subj: Re: Saphire
Date: 3/4/2003 12:50:03 AM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
We just got home and Saphire is fine. We
had a great vet who did her blood work-up
and they said cells and solid matter were
within the normal range. They wrapped her
so now she won't bleed.
Saphire in her purple Mardi Gras Wrap
They gave her the two meds that she needed
and now she is groggy and laying down in
a crate next to our bed. I think she will
be fine and in the morning, I will take her
back to the vet office to watch her until
our appt. at 2:30. I will make sure that
Dr. Antey looks after her before Dr. Miesse
comes in.
The bill was about $77.
Will update in the morning. Thanks for your
support.
Lori
Subj: Saphire...the morning after
Date: 3/4/2003 8:25:19 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3, Fuzzalot, Bichon412
Hi all:
Yes, we all are exhausted but doing okay:)
Last night after being at the Emerg. vet,
she was a little sick and peed:) in the crate
several times so after cleaning up, we got
to bed at 1:30 and up again at 3:30 and several
more times when she was sick some more. Another
call to the Emergency vet at 4:00 and they
answered our questions and felt like she
would be okay. So, this morning we are tired
and I am going to take her to our vet to
watch her until her appt at 2:45. She is
something precious:))) She is sitting up,
her ears are up, and she is not whinning.
She wasn't interested in food but will take
water when we give her a little.
I know all the prayers have gotten her this
far. We're still not out of the woods but
she is still here:))
Lori
Subj: Re: Saphire
Date: 3/4/2003 1:41:01 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
An update on Saphire. They have her on an
IV to rehydrate her since she was nauseated.
Her kidney level is a little high but that
doesn't mean anything right now. They do
feel like her kidney is working so that is
good news. She is just sitting there quietly.
All sounds good to me....what a jewel Saphire
is:)
Lori
ubj: Re: Saphire
Date: 3/4/2003 5:12:17 PM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Went for the 4:30 appt. and saw Saphire.
They have had her on an IV to rehydrate her
and she is doing better. Dr. Miesse is there
until 8 so after talking to him, he wanted
to have her stay there until 7 to continue
the IV.
He said that she is not out of the woods
but definitely is better.
I'll write more after I get her home tonight.
Lori
Subj: Re: Saphire
Date: 3/4/2003 8:09:03 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Saphire is home. She is like a lost soul
at the vet but when we put it in the Explorer,
she immediately looked up at us and wagged
her tail:)) At home, we put her out on the
grass and she put her tail up and walked
a few steps to me. You just don't know how
good that feels and keeps me going. I know
we did the right thing and through prayers,
she is going to make it.
Dr. Miesse said she continues to improve.
Her kidney levels are still high but he isn't
too worried yet. She did pee twice which
he said is a very good thing cuz it means
that her kidney and bladder are working.
He said that it'll be a week before she is
out of the woods. We have made it this far
through prayers....this is definitely the
work of God.
Hugs,
Lori
Subj: Saphire:)
Date: 3/5/2003 7:54:35 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
I'm out the door to go to church for Ash
Wednesday but had to let you know that Saphire
is doing better. I will write ya after church
about our morning so far:)) It's time for
a little celebration.
Lori
Saphire- Wednesday morning
Date: 3/5/2003 12:21:51 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Update and time for a little celebration!!!
I brought Saphire home last night from being
monitored by the vet all day. They had hydrated
her so she was feeling better. I wasn't to
feed her or give her anything to drink so
she wouldn't get sick.
This morning:))))) she looks so much better.
She was wagging her tail constantly, her
ears were perked up, and she was standing
up wanting out of the crate. We carried her
out to our front yard and she walked around
a little AND pooped several times and peed.
This is a GREAT!!! sign cuz it means that
her remaining kidney and bladder are working.
Of course, I'm in my robe and we were squatting
down trying to look under her as she was
trying to do her business and we were jumping
up and down when she did do something. There
is only one bad thing.......the neighbors
may have called the men in white coats to
take us away for our crazy behavior.
I took her back to the vet for monitoring
today AND they are going to try to feed her
solid food. I don't think they thought she
would survive the surgery much less still
be alive, but the power of prayer is at work
and she is alive and feeling much better.
Please continue your prayers cuz she has
to continue this progress. They say she would
not be out of the woods for at least a week
or so. SAPHIRE WILL SHOW THEM THAT SHE IS
A PUPPYMILL SURVIVOR!!
Lori, Andy, and Nurses Mischa, Lily and Beauthreaux
P.S. Our dogs really are helping in her progress
and are watching her so intently. They understand
her pain.
Subj: Saphire Update
Date: 3/5/2003 6:08:39 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
I picked up Saphire and she is happily back
home. Dr. Antey said that she was able to
start eating soft food and kept it down.
She did say that the kidney levels are higher
than they have been so they want to monitor
that real closely. They took off the pressure
wrap and the incision looked good. Saphire
goes back tomorrow. I will call Dr. Miesse
tomorrow to see if she needs to be there
all day. Dr. A also said that she was very
subdued...not like I was saying she was acting
this morning. Well....I got her in my car
and the tail starts wagging continually,
she's alert.....she just needed her hu-mom.
Got her home and she immediately did her
business.
Well, that's all for now.
Lori
Subj: Saphire- prayers?
Date: 3/6/2003 7:46:42 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Last night was not as good. Saphire ate a
few pieces of grass when I brought her home
and then kept licking the dog bed. I would
constantly watch her and stop her. At 7,
I went down for 2 minutes and when I came
up, she was in a corner and had gotten sick.
I felt so bad for her and myself. I continued
to try to give her some water. For whatever
reason, she kept trying to lick the crate
blankets and herself some. I'm sure she is
weaker today and when I took her out, she
didn't pee but did walk up the three porch
stairs on her own. What a girl.
I'll write when I get back from the vets.
Please pray that she is still on track with
her recovery.
Lori
Subj: Saphire-Surgery
Date: 3/6/2003 8:31:10 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Robin:
Andy and I are home and are praying as we
wait for the doctor to call regarding Saphire.
We had a visit with Saphire and she looked
good and even lifted her head and looked
from me to Andy as we talked to her and even
wagged her tail. I told Saphire that thousands
of people were praying for her and that we
knew that she was fighting with all she had.
I told Saphire that if she could just fight
a little more that we would get her back
home and that she would always have love.
I am at peace with whatever happens now.
Everyone at Petmeds were wonderful and I
told the doctors that they needed to say
a prayer before starting the surgery and
ask God to guide them.
Thanks for your patience and guidance. I
will let you know as soon as I hear from
the surgeon which I think will be in about
an hour.
God bless you,
Lori and Andy
Subj: Re: Saphire-Surgery
Date: 3/6/2003 10:17:29 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Hi all:
It's 10 :07 and we got a phone call from
Dr. Gillespie, the specialist that Robin
talked to earlier.
Saphire is still in surgery. The surgeon
did find scar tissue, and a suture obstructing
urine flow from the kidney to the bladder.
They have removed the obstruction, and some
urine is flowing from the kidney. The kidney
appears to be functioning. The specialist
said this is a guarded statement. The bladder
is swollen and thick as is the uterine wall.
This is giving the surgeon some trouble and
he has called in a second surgeon to assist.
Dr. G. made the comment that these surgeons
are some of the best in the country and we
are very lucky to live here. The surgery
will last another hour or so but the next
48 hours are critical. Saphire is doing well
under the anesthesia and her heart is great.
Dr. G. said that this is what they were hopeing
to find(sounds like good news to us). We
asked if we were hearing more good news than
bad and she said yes.
Dr. Gillespie said to let Robin know and
to keep saying the prayers.
Thanks and we will keep you posted when we
know more.
Lori and ANDY!!!!!!!!
Subj: Saphire:)))))))))))))))))
Date: 3/6/2003 11:55:06 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To:
Good news! Saphire made it through the surgery,
is awake and is resting comfortably.
The surgery was complicated but went well.
The kidney is functioning and producing lots
of urine per the surgeon. Seems the kidney
has been producing urine but a suture was
too close to the opening to the bladder and
prevented the urine from passing from the
kidney to the bladder. The concern now is
that the bladder may not get all the blood
that it needs to function properly. The bladder
does have a history of being very resilliant
so that is a plus. The surgeon said that
the biggest concern now is whether the kidney
will be able to produce enough urine to meet
her body's needs. While we were talking to
him, Dr. G brought back a blood test result
and the numbers are moving in the right direction.
He said he wouldn't be ready to celebrate
for 3 or so days but felt good about it.
He said she is a fighter....as we all know
huh?!?!?!
They will call us tomorrow morning and let
us know when we can visit. I know that once
I visit that she will feel so much better.
She has responded so positively when I am
around due to her trusting me.
I work at our church all day tomorrow but
will be able to go see her when they say
so. You can reach me at 901-754-xxxx if you
want to call for any reason.
We are going nighty-night now:)))))) I hope
and pray that our prayers have been answered.
Lori and Andy
P.S. Nurses Mischa, Lily and Beauthreaux
are practicing up on their nursing skills
right now.
Subj: Saphire
Date: 3/7/2003 7:13:25 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Haven't heard anything from PetMed since
midnight so that is good. Will call shortly
to check on Saphire. I can't wait to see
her and give her a hug and kiss from all
of Small Paws® Rescue.
Lori
Subj: Saphire-update
Date: 3/7/2003 8:36:22 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Hi all:
Andy just talked to the surgeon. The kidney
is producing lots of urine which is good.
She hasn't gotten sick so far and they are
going to try to get her to eat a little and
continue the rehydration since her potassium
is low. They are running blood tests right
now. She looks better than she did when we
brought her in yesterday and they do want
me to visit cuz they know that will definitely
help in the healing. He said still the next
several days are critical so he doesn't want
us to get excited yet but that he is more
optimistic.
The number to call is 901-624-xxxx and then
push 2 and that takes you to a nurse. They
will be happy to give you updates on Saphire.
They are already under her spell:))
I'll get back with updates as I get them.
Lori
Just talked to the surgeon. The kidney level
yesterday was 130-140, now it is 45. That
is great. He is very happy with the blood
results. He wants me to come out!!!!
Saphire is hopefully on the road to recovery.
Keep those healing prayers coming:))))
Lori and Andy who are much happier now:))))
Subj: Saphire
Date: 3/7/2003 3:26:33 PM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Lori went to see Saphire and she is drugged,
but looked up like what are y'all doing to
me now. Lori talked to Dr. Gillespie and
she said that things are still fine. We will
visit later and will update. Keep the prayers
coming.
Thanks to all!!!
Andy and Lori
Subj: Saphire-Friday night update
Date: 3/7/2003 9:17:15 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
We went tonight to see little Saphie. They
had just given her a pain med so she was
very drugged and could hardly stand up. Dr.
Gillespie spent some time with us and said
that she is doing very well and producing
lots of pee. Dr. G said that Saphire is such
a good girl and never complains. Saphire
didn't have much of a personality but when
a door would shut, she would look up and
when Dr. G. walked out of the room, she would
watch her leave. Saphire really likes Dr.
Gillespie and Dr. G has really fallen for
Saphie. They are going to try to start weaning
her off the pain meds tomorrow so we should
see the real Saphire starting to respond
tomorrow. The doctors feel it is real important
that we visit her and it is helping with
the healing process. We also saw the attending
surgeon, Dr. Tobias. Dr. Tobias said that
he has never seen such a clean and detailed
surgery as Dr. Dassler preformed last night
and was very impressed with the way the surgery
went.
That's all for now. Saphie is still very
sick but is improving. I'm going to take
a picture of her tomorrow and take a teddy
bear to comfort her.
Lori
Tonight, Saphire wasn't interested in the
water or chicken that Dr. G. tried to feed
her so tomorrow we get to bring her a hamburger.
Tomorrow, Saphire, Andy and I can just have
a picnic at the vet hospital:))
Subj: Saphire-Saturday update:)))
Date: 3/8/2003 8:37:12 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Just talked to Dr. Gillespie and she said
that Saphire is doing great!!!! Her blood
numbers are normal!!!!!! She did get a little
nauseated but they realize she has been through
so much and her organs are just traumatized.
We still get to bring a hamburger to tempt
her and they want us to visit. Yahoo!!!!
what a relief to be hearing positive things
and hearing the happy tones in Dr. Gillespie's
voice.
KEEP PRAYING PLEASE for our sweet Saphie!!!
as she heals.
Lori
Subj: Saphire-Sunday night update
Date: 3/9/2003 9:28:46 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
This is a pic of Saphire finally sitting
up at the vet hospital.
She is feeling better, alert, and seems like
she is ready to come home. The vet tech got
her to eat a 1/2 can of cat soft food. (Here
I was home cooking all these different types
of food and she eats CAT food). We just want
her home:)))) and our dogs do too.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Lori
Subj: Saphire
Date: 3/10/2003 11:12:32 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
We got a tail wag!!!
Lori is at the church, but she wanted me
to let you know that Saphy stood up and wagged
her tail when Lori walked up to the cage.
Saphy ate a little dog food for Lori. :)
Andy
Subj: Saphire-Unbelievable Update
Date: 3/10/2003 6:54:24 PM Central Standard
Time
From:Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Monday, 3/10 afternoon update.
Went to see Saphire this afternoon. I was
sitting in the waiting room and Dr. Gillespie
came through the waiting room door and who
was behind her but Saphire!!! and when she
saw me, she ran over to me as fast as her
weak legs would let her with her tail wagging
all the way. It brought tears to my eyes
and probably Dr. Gillespie's too. I got on
the floor and Saphie crawled in my lap. Saphie
and I had such a nice visit and eventually
she even wandered around the room and would
look out the glass door. When Dr. Gillespie
came back about 45 minutes later, she remarked
that Saphie even looked better than when
she first came out.
They are going to do bloodwork and if the
numbers look good, I may get to bring Saphie
home TOMORROW:)))) We are so ready to have
her home and healing. This has been such
a tough week with two surgeries but this
little girl is a Puppymill Survivor who is
ready for a brand new life.
More tomorrow.
Lori and Andy
Mischa, Lily and Beauthreaux who are again
practicing up on their nursing skills
Date: 3/11/2003 9:33:44 AM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
Robin:
Also, just heard from the vet hospital. I
CAN PICK HER UP BETWEEN 3 AND 5. YEAH!!!!!
YAHOO!!!!! THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY!!!!!
Her kidney values are a little higher but
they said that would happen because her one
kidney is trying to compensate so the values
will change. They will see her again on Thursday
so that is good.
Thanks for the prayers and support.
Lori
Subj: Saphire-Home Update
Date: 3/11/2003 6:42:41 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
A funny thing happened at the vet hospital.
Saphire walked into the waiting room and
went to where I visited with her yesterday.
The person sitting there was not me. Didn't
matter to Saphie. She visited with that person
and then when I called her, she realized
where I was and came running to Dr. Gillespie
and myself. She is very lively, tail wagging,
shaking her head and prancing everywhere.
Got a picture of Dr. Gillespie and Saphie
and you can tell both are very happy today.
Saphie is a success story and a survivor
of the odds against her.
Now comes the fun part. She DOES NOT like
pills and she has 4 different meds that she
gets to take...some 3 times a day. She is
an expert at finding them and spitting them
out.
She is incontinent right now but she did
not forget her housetraining. As soon as
I take her outside, she pees and poops. Sadly,
she will have to stay in a kennel most of
the time until her bladder heals. As long
as she is in the room with me though, she
is happy.
Here's a happy picture:)) of Saphire and
Dr. Gillespie, who along with the wonderful
team of surgeons, other doctors, & vet
techs saved Saphire's life. Saphie loves
Dr. Gillespie as you can tell.
Your prayers definitely worked and please
continue them as she is now healing.
Lori
Subj: Saphire-Vet visit update
Date: 3/13/2003 3:23:10 PM Central Standard
Time
From: Abichon@aol.com
To: Pup3
This has been a wonderful day not only for
our miracle dog "Saphire" but for
the safe return of Elizabeth Smart. With
so much sadness in the world, it is nice
to witness miracles happening today.
Saphire and I went to see Dr. Gillespie today.
She got an excellent report, her bloodwork
was all in the normal range, and she got
lots of hugs from everyone at MedVets. Saphire
really enjoyed all the attention as long
as I was right there. She is definitely my
little "Shadow".
We are now home and she is bouncing around,
tail wagging over her body and absolutely
smiling. She is such an inspiration:)).
Please continue to keep Saphire in your prayers
and please say a prayer of thankfulness for
all the wonderful and caring staff at MedVet.
Lori, Andy
Mischa, Lily, Beauthreaux
and SAPHIRE:))
God Will Make a Way
http://www.cyberjocki.com/audio/GodWillMakeAWay.M3U
Lyrics and Music by Janet Pascal
It must have felt strange to end up stranded
between an army and a sea.
It must have felt forsaken wondering why
God
wasn't all He said He'd be.
When your back's against the wall
it's the hardest place of all
But somewhere between provision and impossibility...
God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
Forever He is faithful
He will make a road
When you bear a heavy load
I know God will make a way.
When a world of circumstances
leaves you crying in the night
And you struggle till your strength is almost
gone
God will gently hold you
in the shelter of His arms
and cut a road for you to carry on.
So carry on! Travel on!
God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
Forever He is faithful
He will make a road
When you bear a heavy load
I know God will make a way.