"Please just do what has to be done to make her well. I know she wants to live." I said. He explained he had to scrub off the scabs on her skin, she had to have very toxic baths of a chemical called mitaban every week, and it would be costly.
"When do we start?" I asked. He told me she was totally dehydrated and had to be on IV's immediately. I stayed with her till she had them. He then explained, that she had ear infections, tooth infections, etc. etc. We treated those with antibiotics, and I was to cover her with a soothing cream 2x a day. I could do that. After the antibiotics were through he would begin the toxic baths.
I knew she was used to a cage, and I didn't want to shock her totally, so I went to buy her one that I would fill with blankets and her feet wouldn't fall through or be bruised on the metal anymore. The problem was that since she was so small, even the smallest dog cage was too big and would not allow her to feel secure in a strange place, (my apt. her new home). There was a bird store across from the vets office and I brought her there and bought her a pigeon cage. It was perfect.
I took her home to meet her other dad again and he loved her right away. I then was going to take her for her first walk, albeit short because of her being so weak. To me she was so beautiful,that we decided we would call her Lilly, because we had faith she would blossom into a beautiful flower after a while. Sadly anyone with a dog, would pull them away from her for fear of their dog catching what she had. Demodectic is not contagious, as it is from a weakened immune system and stress, both of which she had . Other people, of course didn't know this, and wouldn't allow their dogs near her. I was very sad, but we gave her so much attention inside, that I hoped she wouldn't feel sad also.
She screamed all night the first night, but I held my hand in her cage and she finally fell asleep with her tiny head in my hand through the cage door.
My husband was worried she wouldn't make it, and that I'd be heartbroken, but I just knew she would. She ate a little, began to respond and not hide, and started staring at me all of the time. Anywhere I went she dragged her weakened body to follow me. She was a trooper with the cream, and ultimately the toxic baths and unbearably painful weekly skin scrapings. She would sleep for a day after each time, as the medicine is that toxic. I'd just lay down on the floor with her, and rub her scabbed skin, hoping she might have some hair growth one day. The nurses at the vets all would always shake their head , assuring me that anything is possible.
Eight weeks into the baths and skin scrapings the Dr. came into the office with a huge smile. He said, "Unbelievably, your little dog has some new hair growth. He was so happy, but shocked. I was happy, but knew all along Lilly was going to be with me for a long time. Her hair grew so thick over the months to come, and in the most beautiful dappled colors. She began to make friends at the park, and was getting very strong and becoming very funny.
She learned every trick she ever knew all in one day, as I sat with her and laughed because she kept giving me her paw over and over so I would kiss her again.
Part three tomorrow....when dad's divorce.
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