The prettiest girl.
Yesterday is a day I would like to forget. Unfortunately, we have a permanent memory.
It began like any other Monday: work, lunch, homework, etc. I went to class at 5pm, checking my phone one last time to make sure it was on silent. I try to not look at my phone during class, but around 5:45, it lit up in my purse and caught my eye. Normally, I would have ignored it, but I happened to see it was a text from Michael that said one word: Emergency. I grabbed my phone and everything else and ran out of class, dialing his number while running to my car. After the accident with my brother last year (yesterday was the one year anniversary, actually), I’ve learned that everything can change in one split second. I tried to breathe but I felt like my chest was collapsing. Michael answered and started yelling about how something had happened to Leia and he was trying to find the vet. Since we just moved here earlier this summer and haven’t had the need for a vet yet, we didn’t even know where to find one. I told him to park his car right where he was and I would come to him.
How I got my car from the school to him I will never know. My head was spinning and I felt dizzy, sick, and like I was choking. He got in my car with Leia wrapped in a towel; there was blood everywhere. I took the deepest breath possible and punched the gas pedal — again, I’m not sure how my car wound up at the vet’s office, but it did. Thank you God.
Michael ran inside and I collapsed in the parking lot, crying and hyperventilating. I was finally able to stand up and go inside — the vet and nurses were tending to Leia, and I grabbed Michael by the shoulders. I could tell he was in shock.
I don’t want to go into the details, mostly because they’re terrible and unexplainable, but she got into an accident around 5:40 involving our fence and the neighbor’s dog, and she lost one of her front legs. Michael was home when it happened, heard her crying, and rushed over to her. He then somehow managed to text me, get in his car, dial a vet, and drive, all while holding a dog who was bleeding badly. I don’t know how he did it. I still don’t know.
She was in too much shock to operate yesterday, so the vet stabilized her and gave her something for the pain, then checked on her several times throughout the night. They operated on her this morning; more of the leg had to be removed to prevent infection. She is resting now, and we’ll more than likely go to visit her this afternoon. We don’t want to excite her too much, but are desperate to see her.
It’s one of those freak-accident, traumatic, instantaneous things that happens and leaves your mind reeling. We kept asking ourselves last night, “What just happened?” This morning was spent doing a lot of crying. This afternoon, we are feeling thankful and optimistic. We’ve been googling websites and videos dedicated to and featuring three-legged dogs, and we know she will adapt. We are completely up for the task of making her life as comfortable, functional, and normal as possible. We will make this work. She will be the happiest little tripod and we will be the best damn three-legged dog parents the world has ever seen.
The vet told us yesterday that she should have died. She should have bled to death. To say we are grateful is an understatement. Leia is a firecracker, so of course she pulled through, and won’t let the fact that she is missing a leg stop her for a minute.
We are so appreciative of the prayers and kind words from all of you via Facebook, Twitter, texts, and calls. It means the world to us and few things are more comforting and encouraging than getting a big hug from the Internet — from people all over the place, saying sweet things and sending up prayers for our little baby dog.
I’ll update again soon, but I needed to type this out. I know there are a lot of terrible things going on in the world that might make this seem like a small thing, but it’s huge to us nonetheless. Please continue to pray for Leia’s recovery as we move forward and learn to adjust to this new way of life. Also, pray for Michael, as what he experienced was extremely traumatic. We’re having a hard time of it, but we’re all going to be okay.
Chelsea says:
I love you both… well, all 4 of you! I’m so sorry that you and Michael are having to go through this. But YES, Leia will be a rockstar tripod!! I will continue to pray for you two and for Leia’s recovery.
Jill says:
Any other person would probably think I’m crazy right now, for having to grab a tissue for the tears in my eyes. I’ve been so scared for you – also having 2 dogs that I love more than life, I cannot imagine how you’ve felt. Thinking about you guys and praying your little baby will be okay!!! My former neighbor (in CT) had a 3-legged dog, and she got around like nobody’s business. Hugs and prayers, bloggy friend.
Stephany says:
I am so heartsick over this, because I know how these little pups become so important to us. I get freaked out when Dutch has a simple cold so I know this had to be so scary and frightening!
I am so glad to hear Leia is going to make it through this and be okay. She IS a firecracker and I know she has the best parents to make this transition for her a smooth one.
Hugs and love. You’ve got the entire Internet behind you, supporting you and loving on little Leia. <3
Joanna says:
This is not a small thing. Dogs are family members. I love mine fiercely and I know how much you adore yours. Little Leia is a blessing and she will be okay because she has an awesome mommy & daddy :).
Beth Anne says:
oh, my heart. I am so thankful that she is doing well & for you & M’s calm in the trauma. Many prayers for a gentle recovery for all three of you.
Becca says:
Oh my goodness. I just saw all of your tweets about this I am so sorry this happened to your poor family, but so glad to hear it looks like she’ll make a recovery. Thinking of you and that resilient little aussie!
Sensibly Sassy says:
I’m keep you guys in my heart. I can’t imagine how traumatic it was for all of you and I am sending so much love to you all for a quick recovery and that new happy memories of her recovery fill your future.
Jenn says:
So sad to hear about her accident but so very thankful you still get to bring your girl home after all this. I know all too well the bond between pup & parent so I can only imagine the pain, confusion and fear you are feeling. Just know that she is going to be fine and that being a tripod just makes her that much more special to you. Enjoy your visit with her this afternoon & give her lots of kisses!!
Jennifer says:
I am so sorry to hear what happened to your dog. I know the feeling of being completely scared of the outcome. I bought a pomeranian and her sugar dropped so low (because she was so small) that she was unresponsive and the vet said that if I would have waited another 5 minutes to bring her in, she would have passed away. I hope your Leia has a fast and good recovery!
Heather says:
Lauren -I’m sitting at my desk bawling for you. Our dogs are our first babies. OMG I’m so sorry. Hugs to you from Chicago. If there is anything I can do let me know OK?
Heather says:
What is going to happen to your neighbors dog? I assume he was the instigator? So sad Lauren!!
Abigail says:
Oh this made my stomach hurt just reading about it. I can’t even imagine how terrifying this was. I’m so glad she’s going to be okay. *hugs*
April says:
So heartbreaking, I’m so very glad she’s going to be okay!
nonsequiturchica says:
Oh my goodness this is awful! We recently had to bring our older dog into the vet for bloat- if she didn’t have the emergency surgery within a couple of hours she would have died.
Sending healing thoughts to Leia!!
sarah marie p says:
Ohmygosh, I’m so sorry you all had to go through that horrible experience. So glad Leia pup is going to be OK! Hope she has the speediest recovery. XOXO
Martha Sutton says:
This is a beautiful piece. We have been praying for Leia.
Brittney says:
It isn’t a little thing – not for a second. That’s your baby, and her life just changed dramatically. She’ll absolutely be a rockstar and you’ll be rockstar parents, but don’t for a second think this is “small” and you shouldn’t POST IT. You are correct: she is a firecracker, and she’s about to become the president of the cool kids tripod club. My heart goes out to you!
Kara says:
I am sending you, Michael, Pancho and Leia soooo much love from our family. I just know she’ll make a speedy recovery and be back to her regular self, regardless of how many legs she has. I can’t imagine how tough that was for Michael to go through! Hugs to you all!
kim says:
So scary! I’m so sorry!! you’re all in my thoughts, and I wish you all the best.
Valerie says:
I can’t even imagine how scared you were yesterday and I am so glad your girl is going to be ok. My childhood dog, ironically named Skippy became a tripod after we had him for 8 years and he lived another 8 after that. He had got out while we were on vacation and we didn’t find him for almost a week and his leg was just shattered from being hit by a car. We were all so devastated but he was just happy to be home. After his surgery we didn’t know what to expect but he just hopped right up, wanted to be petted, and went about living life and causing mischief. He’s been gone for over ten years now and I still have such a place for him in my heart. Good luck to your Leia, If she can get past this she will still be your firecracker and you will love her even more.
Liz says:
Again, I’m SO SORRY you are going through this. I would lose my shit if anything happened to Walter–its something any fur-baby parents can agree on. Leia is SO kick-ass and will be back to her feisty self in no time. Glenn’s parent’s have a dog {Walter’s BFF} with three legs and it doesn’t slow him down in the slightest. He still jumps onto the bed and runs around just like the rest of the dogs; its pretty incredible how animals adapt just like we as humans would. Love you and thinking of you guys!
Chrissy says:
Lauren, I am so sorry for you and Michael and most of all Leia! I have met many three legged dogs and they all seem to adapt perfectly well to their new lifestyle, and I do not doubt that Leia will do the same. That said, I can’t imagine what y’all are going through right now, and I say that as an equally crazy dog lady. I’m thinking of you guys and sending you healing thoughts. <3
Luana says:
This is heartbreaking, and any pet owner out there will agree definitely not a small thing. Pets become part of the family. I know I almost lost it when my puppy for no reason stopped eating/drinking water and the vet called us in to say our goodbyes…that day we showed up, he was up and barking out of nowhere. To this day the vet is not able to say exactly what brought him back to life, literally. He’s 18 now and just like he pulled through Leia will too I’m sure. She miraculously survived and with you guys taking care of her and loving her she is definitely one lucky pup!
Love from Spain x
Molly says:
Love you so much, friend. Leia is so spunky and I just know she will make this work and will be just fine. You guys are such great doggy parents and yes, your tripod is gonna get stopped all the time. If you thought she was the center of attention before… :) love you. Tell me if you need ANYTHING
Julia says:
That is great! I’m so glad she will be OK. I firmly believe attitude is everything and yours is OUTSTANDING. Leia is one lucky gal. I hope Michael finds some peace, I cannot imagine… Same for you!
Amber says:
So sorry to hear this. Scritches to Leia for being brave and strong. Kudos to you and Michael for the same.
Jess M. says:
How crazy…I was so hoping she was ok while reading. My dog hurled himself out of my husband’s truck window while going 40mph. I had just flown out of town for work, land at the airport, and soon after the husband calls to inform me ‘Soooo, Benny is alive, but there was an incident.’ I think my dog has nine lives, I hope Leia does too.
Suburban Sweetheart says:
I panicked for you guys yesterday when I read your Facebook update. What a scary, scary, freak accident. I’m so sorry this happened but so glad Leia pulled through, & I know that, as you said, she’ll adapt & so will you. Sending you lots of love & good vibes as you adjust.
Krys says:
I am so sorry this happened to your beautiful girl. I just wanted to cry reading this, but I’m very glad she’s going to be okay. I have no doubt you will be the most wonderful three-legged-dog parents a dog could ask for.
Summer says:
Oh Lauren! I’m so sorry to hear this. My heart hurts for you – I know she’s one of your babies (my hand actually went to my heart when I started reading!). I’ll be praying for you and Michael (poor guy!) and Leia and thanking God she’s alive. You’re absolutely right, she’ll adapt amazingly – I know several awesome tripods!
Jenn says:
My heart goes out to you. I would be absolutely devastated if something happened to my little girl (a boxer). Will keep all of you in my prayers!
lauryn says:
This post brought tears to my eyes. Thank God for your strong little dog, your brave husband, and the vets who were able to operate on her. I’m so glad your little girl is okay!
Dogs are pretty amazing creatures. She is going to be even more spunky than she was before, just you wait and see :)
Nora says:
This gave me goosebumps and tears. As a fellow dog owner and lover of all dogs, I can only imagine how you are feeling. I am so thankful that she is recovering, healing and doing better. Definitely will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers! Never hesitate to reach out if you need a shoulder or an ear. xoxo
Megan says:
Oh my goodness this made me cry and made me sick for you! I’ve been in your place almost losing my dog becuase of a fence and another MUCH BIGGER dog! I am praying for you all and Leia will strive and be fine with you both taking such great care of her.
Julie H. says:
Oh no!!! What a day in your history. I’m glad the worst of it is over for you guys!!! And I second Heather’s questions; what is going to happen to the neighbors and their dog? Was it the neighbor dog’s fault?
Sarah says:
I’m so sorry!! Praying for your sweet family!
Vanessa says:
My heart goes out to you guys. I am sending positive vibes of a quick recovery for your little, precious furbaby!
Elizabeth says:
This is a really, really big deal, and it’s absolutely something you should post about as much or as little as you please. I’m so glad Michael found her in time, but I just feel so heartsick for all you must be going through right now. These dogs just become such a huge part of us, and I think it’s maybe even scarier when something is wrong because they can’t tell us all about it. I’ll be thinking of you three and hoping for an update.
I don’t know any tripod pups, but I do know of dachshunds with rear wheelchairs and they just always shock me with their joy and strength.
Georgina says:
Lauren, thank you SO much for sharing this with us – I can only imagine how painful it was to recount. Leia is the luckiest little dog to have such wonderful, caring parents and she knows that (that’s probably what kept her fighting to stay alive for you both.)
I am SO glad I read this post, it truly inspired me and put things really into perspective. I want you to know I am keeping the three of you in my prayers but I want to thank you for reminding me what is important and how quickly things can change.
xox
Kourtney says:
As a fellow dog momma, I feel for you. I have experienced the loss of breath after being knocked out with fear due to an accident w/one of our dogs. It’s such a scary experience and so happy your husband was there to help and also to comfort you. Happy that Leia went through surgery ok and is in her recovery process. Hope all continues to go well for all of you!!
Amy says:
Oh, I’m so sorry! I have a dog too and I cannot even imagine how I’d react in this situation. I hope Leia is up and getting around again soon. She is lucky to have such a wonderful family to look after her!
San says:
I am so so sorry about Leia and what a traumatic experience for Michael and you! I hope she’ll be ok!
Ulli says:
What a shock! So happy the little lady pulled through! I am sure she will be a three legged firecracker. But my god, what a shock!
Tabaitha says:
So many people love you and know how much your dogs mean to you. It’s like they are your own children and I’m so glad to hear she is doing better. She is a fighter!
Kaci Johanna says:
Thinking of you guys xoxo
Jessica says:
So sorry to hear about Leia’s accident. I promise you she will adjust very quickly. Dogs do so well with just three legs, especially smaller, agile dogs like Leia. I’ve had a few foster dogs that had recently become tripods for one reason or another and all did wonderfully and were running around so much faster than you’d think. She will face plant a few times while she learns to balance and stop running with just three legs but she will get the hang of it soon.
Nicole says:
I was on the road with work when I read this and had to explain the gasps and tears running down my face to my coworker.
Your little family is so resilient through all of the changes you guys have gone through and I have no doubt you guys will continue push through and come out better on the other side of this.
Praying for you guys!
Hilary says:
Just now seeing this … glad I did not put any mascara on after my shower, my eyes are seriously leaking.
Yes, she will be a fabulous tripod … doggies do adapt so well. I mean, look at those eyes!
I always feel that when our critters pull through what should have been a life-ending event, it’s all due to love. Love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
Lacey Bean says:
OMG the poor thing. I am so, SO glad she is ok! My friend had a cat with three legs, you really wouldn’t have known it without actually seeing it though – animals adapt so well. Poor little thing. :(
lauren says:
thinking of you, your husband, and your sweet girl, leia.
sending my most positive thoughts!
*
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says:
I’ve been thinking of and praying for y’all ever since I heard the news and will continue this. Reading this has brought tears to my eyes because when something happens to your pet — an animal who IS a family member — it’s traumatic and scary and terrifying. I am SO thankful Michael was home to hear Leia’s cries, reacted to quickly, that you were quick on your feet and were able to find them and get them to a vet, that the vet was able to make quick work and save her life, and now that she is home recovering, surrounded by love.
Continuing my thoughts and prayers for y’all and for Leia’s speedy recovery. Animals are so adaptive, and I have no doubt she will be up and moving before you know it.