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A very sad day..And I still don't know what to do..

Maize411

Maize411

Hooked for life!!
Hello everyone,

First off I would like to apologize for not being in touch with everyone as much as I used to. Work has definitely taken up a larger part of my life as of lately. But along with my work schedule changing, many things have been happening around me as well. I am very close to just selling off my collection of snakes. I do love these guys very much and definitely will be keeping some of them. But a majority of them I am probably going to find new homes for.

I just recently came to realize that I still am just not fully sure of what I want to do with my life. I really thought I wanted my life to revolve around reptiles but now, I don't know, maybe I do, maybe I'm meant for other things. All i do know is that I have become overwhelmed. It's very difficult for me to keep up with feeding and cleaning of all these snakes and still be able to work many hours in the day, come home, do the house chores and also have a life outside the house. It's just all building up on me in a very stressful way. I do not blame the animals though. I love every still one of my snakes and hope that the ones I do re-home are well taken care of and loved like they have been with me.

I am also going to try to find new homes for 2 of my bearded dragons, but I have been on that search for a while already. However, another bad thing that has occurred in my life is that my Dachshund Zinc has come down with a very bad back condition. He yelps and cries in pain at the slightest touch near his back legs and has started to lose control of his rear legs. Joe and I became so scared and worried for him that at the vet today we were inches away from ending his suffering and putting him down. The vet literally had the shot in her hand. But at the last minute, we pulled back and told them no. Zinc started having feeling in his rear legs again. When I saw that, I knew that it still wasn't too late to help him. But I know the surgery he needs is very pricey. (At least well over $4000.00) Which is money that neither Joe nor I have. But that has not stopped my will and drive to help him. I have helped Zinc overcome so many different hardships in his life (Epilepsy, Lime Disease, Fleas) and I am not about to sit around and give up on him. I saw when he tried to use his legs today that he is not done fighting..and as long as I see that in him..I am going to fight for him as well..I don't know what I'm going to do..Or how I am going to get the money..but I am putting my faith and trust in god...and am just praying that things will work out...

I do apologize for this (once again) long rant..But I needed to share with someone and as I have mentioned before..You all are like a second family to me. Thank you everyone for being here and just hearing me out. That alone helps more then you know.
 
I'm so sorry. You have my number text me if you want to talk. You can even call if its after 3pm tomorrow.
 
I wish you the best in all you do and in all your decisions. I've been feeling the same pinch of time and money. It is stressful. I know you'll make the right choices.

We'll light a candle on our altar for Zinc's recovery. You can always get a wheelie for his back end so he can get around. lol
 
(((( Des )))) So sorry to hear that things are so tough in your corner of the planet. I hope you know how much you're loved here. Lean on us, hon. xoxo
 
Big (((hugs))) to you Des. I do hope Zinc has a full recovery and can stay with you many more years. Some times we get overwhelmed with all that happens in our lives. It's just how life works. But you will find a way and things will get better for you soon. :)
 
I am so sorry to hear about Zinc and that your having a tough time.

If you decided to rehome any snakes I'd be willing to help, I can't take the beardies but I can help with snakes.

I hope things start turning around for you.
 
So sorry to hear of your stressful time!

I can't really advise you about your poor dog. I have been through this way too many times with my cats, and it still brings tears to my eyes. Get a second opinion if it will make you feel better about when it is time. But if he is in pain, and you are not able to do anything about it, you will have to let him go, as painful as it will be. I am so sorry!

It really sounds as if you are too overwhelmed with animals at this point. If you continue to feel this way, you will eventually burn out and resent them. I have seen people who went through this and suddenly got rid of ALL of their animals and just left the hobby entirely - such a shame. Much better to try to prioritize and pick a few that you really love, and find great homes for the others. That will help THEM and YOU both!

If you find yourself looking forward to seeing and caring for your charges, they are adding to your life. If you find yourself dreading their care, then you are not helping yourself or them, and it is time to rethink things. Once you have gotten it down to the number so that you look forward to a relaxing time with them, even after a hectic day, then you will find enjoyment rising and stress levels decreasing. And that is the way it SHOULD be, if at all possible.

Hope Zinc is able to recover enough to enjoy a few more years with you!
 
I am sorry you're going through these hardships... rest assured though that during difficult times it is quite logical that your mind would begin to question your choices, for they led you to a point where you're not happy with.
All I can say about the choice of direction in life... wait, this isn't really the time to decide... though I know how maddening it can be not to have a direction... currently, any choice you make may end up being very temporary and derived from the wrong reasons.

As for your dog... I am sorry if I sound cruel but... a person can share and give only when he has the ability to do so... once you do not have the means, reducing yourself and your family to debts and possibly to a lower quality of life... you have an obligation to yourself and your husband as well.
It is amazing that he survived so many trials... but Zinc's quality of life, to me, sounds as though it is deteriorating... not because of you God forbid, but because the ailments pile up.
Maybe I am cruel... but unless I was financially established and none of my family needed such a sum... I wouldn't have opped for this surgery...

I worked as a vet technician... and a person brought a 14 year old poodle with a huge hematoma on his head... he insisted on operation... one of the dog's eyes had to be cut out, and allot of skin tissue had to be removed... the animal suffered so much during recovery... sometimes... sometimes it is selfish to not let go, sometimes we preserve life when we should let the dog move on.
I quit that job soon after, I couldn't stomach being a part of such a thing again... it drained me and sent pangs of regret, anger, frustration... I just couldn't do it.

I can't judge your dogs' condition... but I find that sometimes people wait for a miracle without realizing that their existence and ability to think is a miracle unto itself- and we should use it to do what is right, to the best of our abilities.
I pray for divine intervention here... but I have learned not to rely or expect it... not because God is not compassionate... but because we were all given allot already, and should grow on our own.
 
Thank you all for your kind words, advice, wishes for a good recovery and everything else you all have given me. It's just great to know I still have a place to come to talk to people who I know will listen. I do not hate or resent any of my animals and i don't think I ever could. That is why I am making some of these choices now. So that both me and the animals can live better fulfilling lives. Thank you all again. I will keep you all updated as the updates come..
 
((Des)) I have been thru it with my cats, so I know how it feels with your Zinc. Does the vet know WHY this is going on? Is there anything that can be done other than the surgery? Hang in there, let us help, OK? PM me if you need to, I am here pretty much every day!
 
Sorry to hear you are having difficulties. Don't jump in to the surgery for Zinc as that is often considered a last resort. You didn't specify what condition he has, but in many cases, simple treatment with steroids and pain medications and rest do wonders. In over 26 years as a vet tech, I've only seen 2 cases where spine surgery was actually needed. The hundred other Dachshunds all responded well to steroids.
 
Thank you again everyone for your comforting words and encouragement. I am actually going out right now to buy him a dog crate so that I can encourage rest to him. I do have him in the kitchen on a blanket but he always gets to excited..So I'm going to buy a dog kennel/crate so that He won't be able to jump and run around as much. Plus I have been doing some research and have found that I can actually get insurance for my dog. Right now I'm looking at Pet Insurance by VPI. Does anyone know of this pet insurance and how well it works for the pet? Any experiences are welcome to be mentioned. Thank you all once again.

Also things are finally starting to turn around in a positive way for me a little. With Zinc walking around a little bit, And with me finally having sold one of my bearded dragons (And the same guy might come back to buy the other), things are finally going a little better. My only real concern right now is I have run out of mice for my snakes and I really need to find a way to get some more. But I know I will figure something out. Thank you all, and I will keep everyone updated as the week goes on.

Also, It is very possible that Maize is pregnant!! I am so excited about this :)
 
After doing some research, I have found that "groomingdiva", you were right..No pet insurance company is going to cover Zinc's issue since it is now pre- existing...And that also means his lyme disease and his seizures also would not be covered. So in the long run, it's just not worth the money to put into it. But there is still hope! :)

While researching all through the night, I have found 2 things that might be able to help me..One is called "Pet Assure", it is not a pet insurance company but rather company that will give you a 25% discount as long as you go to one of their registered vets (I am going to have to look more into this). The other thing I found I pray will be my saving grace..it is called "Save U.S. Pets Foundation". It is basically a pet assistance source that will "Grant" approved pet owners the necessary money to pay for an emergency or critical vet bill. the only thing is the vet has to be the one to apply for it, the owner cannot apply, and the pet owner must pay at least 15% of the bill before being approved. I pray this will come through for me. It was created right here in NJ so I am hoping that this will work out for me. I just can't believe all the things I have been finding. I just hope one of these things proves to be enough to help my Zinc :(
 
Thank you cornspot for all those links! I've already started checking them out and I must say they are very helpful :)
 
I am so sorry to hear of all your hardships. My older brothers dax just went through the same operation. She slipped 3 disks in her back and her back legs went. The op cost him $3500 on the spot and he is struggling terribly after such a hit! But he did say she was doing much better. Although crate bound for a month, and having to be carried outside for the toilet she is no longer in pain and she should heal, although he was warned the disks could slip again at any time. I guess this is the problem when people breed dogs with long backs and legs too short to carry it, it's a disaster waiting to happen and breeders should not be breeding for this trait... I hope your wee one gets his op and pulls through though. Best of luck in the world to you and your beloved pets!
 
One of the genetic problems dachshund's are prone to is a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Basically, the cartilage in the dogs back turns to bone, causing sever and chronic pain. Here is a link describing this condition.

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-do-dachshunds-have-back-problems-1347348.html

One of the toughest decisions we all face as pet owners is "when is it time to let go?" We have faced this very tough decision with one of our cats. It's such a difficult decision to make because our dogs and cats become a cherished member of the family. Take a bit of time Des to make this decision. I wish you the very best with that.

As for a comment you made about wanting your life to revolve around reptiles, let me add my two cents worth on that. I personally look at my corn snakes as a hobby. I don't want my hobby to take up all of my free time. I have thirty two corn snakes and thus far I have been able to balance my time between my hobby, family obligations and my friends. Should I find that my reptiles are taking away from the other aspects of my life and family, that will be the time for me to scale it down so that I can maintain balance once again and find my reptiles an enjoyable part of my everyday routine. There isn't anything wrong with admitting to yourself that maybe you have bitten off a little more than you're able to chew. I think it's relatively easy, as corn snakes really can become addictive. But the most important thing to remember is to maintain balance with all aspects of your life, so that you can enjoy the hobbies and activities that make your life enjoyable. Good luck and all the best.
 
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