Griffin

In June, when Griffin got sick the first time, the vet (a bulldog expert and multiple award winner in his field) warned me that it would be the first of many trips to see him because Grif is a sick dog. I cried and I agonized and I debated my options with every person I know.

Surgery #1 was successful and he got better and I fell a little more madly in love with him every day.

Surgery #2 was a necessary follow up and he did well.

He has been on antibiotics since June, but he still gets sick. We've done hundreds of dollars worth of tests and they all come back clear. He continues to be the sweetest, most lovable puppy around.

After the last vet visit, another huge sum of money, a sick dog and seemingly no end in sight, I emailed the bulldog rescue representative. I didn't want to get rid of him, but I hadn't slept through the night in weeks and I kept bursting into tears whenever I looked at him.

She and I spoke on the phone for a long time. She said he didn't sound adoptable, which meant I could keep him or put him to sleep. She suggested I call the vet again and have him call her to discuss Griffin's health and they could figure out what the best recommendation would be.

Yesterday the vet let me know that Griffin could have palate surgery. 9 times out of 10, dogs with his same issues have this surgery and never get sick again. He's not sick enough to put to sleep but he's got too many issues to be adoptable, so it's either live with a constantly sick dog or surgery. $1300, although the vet offered to do it for $800 (perhaps because I gasped when he said $1300, or maybe because Griffin is particularly adorable and pathetic, I don't know).

I'm not thrilled with writing another huge check, but I don't see another option and I'm hopeful this could be the solution. He's going in on Monday, so I we'll know soon...