TARA RECOVERING

I am glad to tell all of you that thanks to the wonderful doctors and technicians at the California Veterinary Specialist in Ontario, Tara is now on the road to recovery from her nearly fatal bout with pancreatitis.  It is with a grateful prayer to the Almighty that I thank Him for interceding on her behalf, and letting her live, though for awhile I doubted both His benevolence and her desire to live.

About two weeks ago I was agonizing over the decision on whether to let Tara continue with her treatment for the extremely painful condition, or let her humanely slip into doggie heaven.  It was a decision that was painful for me because I had previously promised her I would never let her suffer like I had done with her earlier companion, Katie.

But, Tara's heart was strong, and the doctors kind.  They kept telling me that the inflammation was receding, and her intake of fluids was good.  All she needed was rest, access to water, and the belief she would get better.

My strength was tested when Tara did not eat anything for eight days.  She would sniff at cookie treats then turn her head away.  This was not my dog!  No, my dog always ate everything offered to her--after all, she is a Rottweiler, and Rottweilers work for food, no, they LIVE for food.  But, for eight solid days my precious dog turned away from food.  She was shrinking in size before my very eyes.  My precious, strong, brave dog was passing, maybe even dying.

It may have been all of your prayers that lifted her up, but on the eighth day, she ate a spoonful of canned food.  Then she ate another spoonful of food.  Soon the can was half empty and she lay down, slept, then when she awoke, she ate the other half of the can.  As quickly as it all came on--it was over. My dog was eating, sleeping and drinking.

My dog lived.  Tara LIVED!  She once again is climbing the hill behind our house.  She once again is teasing our cat Boo Bear, herding him all over the backyard.  Tara is guarding the front door, just like before, and Tara again is sharing Prince Charming's and my bed at night.

Thank all of you for your prayers.

Mary de la Pena

author of Scruggs and Samantha, How a Shelter Dog and Kitten Saved Cinderella's Marriage.  

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