Chloe wrote this very sweet letter to thank Labrador Life Line. Please read her story!
October 7, 1999
Hi Everyone!
Boy, do I have a story to tell you. I was born the cutest little puppy you've ever seen on June 18th, 1999. But it didn't take my breeders long to discover that my bottom was always wet. None of my brothers and sisters had that problem so they decided to have me checked out. They took me to a couple of vets who told them that I probably would be okay, just a little control problem. My brothers and sisters were adopted really fast but nobody seemed to want a little drippy dog. Then one day my luck changed. Sally came with her children Chelsea and Craig to visit me. Of course, I turned on all of my puppy charm and guess what? They decided to take me home even after my breeders told them of my problem. Heck, I was a real bargain for $100!
When I got home I was surprised to find a new dad, another sister Lauren, and a dog sister, Panga. (She's one of those small yippy dog types.) They all fell in love with me immediately, which is just what I planned. When I dripped they would clean up after me all the time. Clean towels were no problem so I just kept on dripping and they kept on cleaning.
Pretty soon my new mom decided she better take me to the vet to see what the problem was. Boy, was she surprised to hear that I could have been put together wrong! I was put on a couple of medicines just in case I had an infection or anything like that but nothing worked. Pretty soon I was back at the vet to hear the bad news... possible ectopic ureter that would require surgery. First, I would have to be put out for a bit and have a test done with dye just to make sure that their guess was correct. A couple of days later, I was sawing logs while they were taking pictures of my insides. When I woke up they told my mom that was exactly what was wrong with me and I'd have to go under the knife. I said, "Wait a minute, I'm only 12 weeks old!'' Nobody listened.
My mom was really starting to get depressed, so she thought she'd investigate on the internet just what ectopic ureters were all about. She came across an organization called LabMed that helps rescued Labs, but unfortunately I didn't fall under that category. They were kind enough to tell her about Labrador Life Line, and she began contacting them that day. Let me tell you, that was the best thing she ever did.
I wasn't able to have my surgery in my hometown of Pittsburgh so I had to go all the way to Ohio State University. It was a long drive but I think it was worth it. I have to admit I was really scared when I first got there. I hid under a chair and everything, but they were so nice to me I soon felt right at home. Dr. McGlaughlin, one of the top animal urologists in the country, operated on me -- she really knows her stuff. Here they found out that my bladder wasn't hooked up to anything! No wonder I leaked!! After my bladder was moved to its correct position, both of my ureters had to be hooked to my bladder. While they were in there they even neutered me, whatever that means. Now I'll never have to have another surgery. After three days I got to go home. I was so happy, I had kisses for everyone!
It's been two weeks since my surgery and I feel like a new puppy. I just had all of the staples taken out of belly and can finally get rid of that nasty collar. We had the best news yesterday from Labrador Life Line. They're going to help fund part of my surgery! That's really great news for my parents because they soon found out that I wasn't much of a bargain. In fact, they could have bought four dogs for what I've cost them. But they tell me that it's okay. I'm worth every penny. See, what did I tell you...they LOVE me!
Thanks a lot Labrador Life Line!
Love, Chloe L.