Jack's Journey

Received  a phone call from Dr. Schultz at work.  Funny that I couldn’t remember where or how I knew Dr. Schultz until I heard his voice.  Pathology reports came back and it was in fact osteosarcoma.  My smallest glimmer of hope that it could be a fungal infection was gone.  I think I took it well, My response was, “so now we cut his leg off?”  He said yes, though he wouldn’t put in the same words.  We ended the conversation that his assistant would be in touch with me with an estimate to perform the amputation.

Hours later, I still hadn’t heard from them.  My type A personality was kicking into overdrive!!  How was I supposed to plan my life over the next couple of months?  Finally, I couldn’t wait any longer; I called them.  I spoke with Alicia and asked her to send me an estimate.  Peak has a policy that they do not give out estimates via email or fax.  Since I was an hour away, this was not an acceptable answer.  Verbally, she quoted me $2800 – $3300 but wouldn’t give me the exact breakdown of individual costs.  My emailed quote from my regular vet was about $1,000.  Big difference!!!  I mentioned this and her reply was that I was comparing amputation at a doctors office vs. a hospital.  I had faith in both, the only must was that he wouldn’t be left alone the night after his surgery.  I wanted someone there to be able to give pain meds if needed, check vitals and just provide human contact.  This was non-negotiable for me.  My local vet could not provide this, while Peak could.  Tears of stress started flowing…while you don’t want finances to be a deciding factor, the reality is they are.  So what did I do?????  Called Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s hard to have a phone conversation when you are crying and can’t talk, but my Mom is so amazing that she just listened to me crying and offered words of encouragment.  She suggested that I contact the emergency vet in Lebanon, New Hampshire (SAVES).  She had taken her golden Harley there for emergency surgery and was very impressed with their vet, Dr. Dan Kelly.  I called them.  They took my information and said they would call me back.  Still stressed!!!! Headed home and as soon as I was with Jack the stress melted away; isn’t it amazing how they can do this for us humans?

Dr. Hess called me that evening, took my information and provided me with a very detailed surgical plan and quote ($1700).  SAVES is a 24/7 emergency vet and staffed with a vet and vet tech overnight.  This met my non-negotiable. We were on the phone for at least 30 minutes.  She did all this without seeing a single xray, lab value or even Jack.  We scheduled the amputation for Friday January 23; 8 days away.  Next step ~ have fun, play ball, visit friends; make the most of each day.

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