[LylasMommoy]

I've only had my fur baby Lyla for a few days, but she has already worked herself deep into my heart....I'm madly in love!

When I picked her up from the breeder she mentioned that the puppies had had some diarrhea. I didn't think much of it, I know puppies can get loose stools from any number of causes and it usually resolves quickly. Lyla didn't eat much after I brought her home. I thought she was just adjusting to her new home, and as long as she is drinking, her eating will follow.

Last night she had some watery diarrhea and she was vomiting and seemed listless this morning. Her vomiting and diarrhea continued, and since she is so tiny (1 pound at 9 weeks old) I called the vet. The woman on the phone told me that it sounds like she has Parvo, and she went on to tell me the potential costs of her being seen, and how all the money is due up front, etc. She showed no concern whatsoever for my baby, none.

I was absolutely stricken at the word "Parvo" and started crying, I knew such a disease in my tiny baby was likely fatal. I hung up the phone, not knowing what to say. My fiance came in the room and saw me crying, and urged me to call the breeder, who told me to bring Lyla over right away.

I did, and she looked Lyla over, gave her a few drops of corn syrup and a few bites of puppy food. Lyla perked up a bit after that, but didn't want to play with the other dogs, she seemed very tired. The breeder told me not to worry, Lyla doesn't have Parvo. She probably had low blood sugar from not eating much, and exhaustion from the vomiting/diarrhea. The other puppies did fine, but Lyla's siblings are nearly twice her size and have more reserve. (Incidentally, the breeder believes it was a bad batch of puppy food that started this whole thing...she took it back to the pet store and they refunded her money.)

I brought Lyla home, gave her a little moist puppy food and water, and she took a nice, long, two and a half hour nap in a quiet room. When she woke up, she was ravenous and ate more, drank some water, and then wanted to play....she's been spunky ever since, hopping around like a bunny and playing with her toys!

I am grateful beyond words. I've never had a dog so tiny and delicate and even though I am a nurse and should have been able to figure it out, when your baby is sick you can't think straight. She is the most precious thing ever and I would have been absolutely devastated to lose her.

I just had to share my story. I know some of you out there have been through this. Thanks for listening!

Diann