Some days my job is pretty cool

[Kindle 8,667]

Got a call at 4am this morning from a client who's dog was having problems whelping. We kind of expected it as X-rays taken earlier this week showed only 1 pup. ( 1 pup = big pup = c section ). So we went and picked up the dog and took her to surgery. My vet got the pup out and I went to work on him while she proceeded to spay the mother (She's six and owner decided not to breed her anymore)

Unfortunately he wasn't breathing but I found a slow, faint heartbeat. I kept stimulating him, swung him upside down to clear his airway, even did a little mouth to mouth. His muzzle, nose, tongue and pads were totally blue. After a few minutes he finally took a breath. Then nothing. More stimulation, more mouth to mouth. Heartbeat became a little stronger. He'd take one gasping breath about once every 1-2 minutes, his tongue would pink up for a couple seconds then go blue again. Finally, after 20 minutes he started breathing more regularly and his tongue and muzzle and pads slowly turned a nice pink. It was another 20 minutes before he started crying and moving around.

By the time mom was out of surgery and waking up, he was acting like a normal puppy. He nuzzled into her belly, looking for food and as groggy as she was, mom licked and licked and licked him. We were able to take them home by 8am, I ran home to feed my dog and horses and headed back to start our regular appointments. Not a bad way to begin the day.

[fat_free 463]

Beautiful! So awesome for you to be the one that makes a difference to both the baby and the mom! Give them an extra snuggle from Canada. Such a beautiful photo - makes me smile.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Awwwww.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

Wonderful experience and a cute puppy, although I don't know that I would have recognized it as a puppy had you not told the story.

Are you a vet? A vet tech? An animal midwife? May I ask? It's a field I'm not familiar with and I'm curious.

Edited March 12, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Oh, my gosh! Thanks for this story, Kindle.

[Dub 9,922]

That is great.

What an awesome experience.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Wonderful! Made me tear up a little

[DaisyAmy 561]

Awwwww. Sweet little pup!

[butterfly23 423]

@@Kindle, as my husband and I like to say, that is your paycheck! Moments like this sustain us when work is hard (and paycheck too little).

Thank you for the important work you do.

[jj7481 363]

Even in our darkest time these beautiful moments remind us why it's great to be alive.

Edited March 12, 2016 by jj7481

[glitter eyes 1,398]

It's an amazing feeling to save a life!! Great job and perseverance continuing to try and save the puppy when others may have given up. It was a good start to your day.

Love the pic- it's adorable.

[newmebithebypass 713]

that puppy is adorable. so glad you were able to save him.

[borg/assimilated 576]

Fantastic story! Will the pup have cognitive issues due to lack of oxygen at birth?

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

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[Kindle 8,667]

Wonderful experience and a cute puppy, although I don't know that I would have recognized it as a puppy had you not told the story.

Are you a vet? A vet tech? An animal midwife? May I ask? It's a field I'm not familiar with and I'm curious.

I'm a vet tech. Worked in the small animal ICU at the University of Wisconsin vet school for 3 years, and 14 years in private practice. The last 7 as a partner in a mobile mixed animal practice. Just me and one vet....we stay very busy but days like this make it all worth it.