Almost a Full Day Old
Friday, February 1, 2019 at 1:07AM 
Saffron is home. One always worries after a c-section (only had 1 previous to this years ago) that the moms won't bond with their pups, their milk may not come in and they are in a lot of pain. It is tricky giving pain pills to moms as it will get to the pups via mother's milk.
Saffron was so excited to see her pups despite being in pain. She is feeding them. They are gaining well now as they are not sharing Cinnamon and Ella's milk. Saffron is so attentive.
They gave us a pain pill for her called Gabapentin and told us that it wouldn't transfer to the pups. I sent a note to my support system with other breeders and they said it not only transfers to pups but can create seizures in the pups. So, poor Saffron will have to cope with the pain for a few days. So far she is doing well. Mothers in real serious pain will not eat. She is eating and drinking well.
I got Saffron back with mats despite she went without. They shaved her back about a 4 inch by 4 inch block and I am not sure why. I have brushed out most of her. If she was there another day I would have had to shave her down.
I slept a few hours and I am on night shift. At 730am I will crawl into bed again and crash. I will probably do a few nights of night shift. It will interfere with grooming but I felt Saffron needed my care at night.
Ella and Cinnamon was miffed at Saffron taking care of her pups. It seems they had a strong instinct to mother them. Now after 1am, they seem to have calmed down.
I have uploaded the videos of Saffron's birth experience. Plus a few videos now that she is back home. You will also see videos of Cinnamon and Ella taking care of Saffron pups. I appreciate them. Six more hours before sleep.
Let me end this that I will never go to vet emerg again. They take you at your most vulnerable point and say care, deposit first and no you can't be with your dog. Go home and bring back cash or you can't get your dog. They don't care how you get it. They just want it. The fees cost us literally 5 times what a vet would have cost us. Our local vet was not available. Northumberland was too far away. I can't afford this. No one can - to be hit with this astronomical bill. Beyond that they don't tell me the gender of the pup nor the colour - nor allow us to say goodbye. They dispose of it. I am so unimpressed. But Saffron is alive and I am thankful for that. To say I haven't cried off and on today would be a lie. What a ride that I am glad gave me Saffron doing well and the end of it. Oh, and we test all our dogs but they insisted for a minor cost they had to do a blood panel and calcium check on her. That minor cost was 550. Of course all tests they did came back that she is a healthy gal.
Oh and they told us we should have been supplementing her with calcium the last month. That is a big no no as it can create intertia and eclampsia. I shut my mouth. It was obvious they are not reproduction vets. No one is in the city so why would they know. Instead I get meds that could affect the pups and bad advice.
Enough ranting. This anger will pass. I am happy that we have 4 gorgeous pups and most of all Saffron is doing well. I suspect that in a few days she will be pain free. She's an amazing mom as when she saw them she was so excited. I am blessed to have great moms.
Reader Comments (25)
So sorry to hear about the loss of Saffron’s puppy and the horrible way the vet emerg treated you. Glad she is okay and home with you.
We are so sorry for all the trauma but so happy to see Saffron with her pups. Yes, she is a wonderful mom and her puppies are so great. Our own Beau is from her last litter and she is one of our most precious possessions (I can't say the most as my kids would be offended!)! So happy to see the pups and her reunited. Hope things settle down on your end. All three new moms seem to share a special bond and those puppies are going to have a blast together. Take care and may the weekend bring you rest, you deserve it. Those of us lucky enough to be part of the Talemaker family thank you for your devotion to these wonderful dogs.
So sorry to hear of the horrendous experience you had at the vet emergency. It seems so unethical to take advantage of people when they are at their most difficult moments, but I know that it happens. However, it is wonderful to see the joy in Saffron with her pups and to know that she is lovingly looked after. I hope you get some rest and recovery time. Thanks for all you do for our Talemakers crew. Moxie means to world to us, but she is who she is because of what you did for her (and for us). Take care.
Darlah, I know you are exhausted, but when you can, you should file a complaint here: https://cvo.org/About-CVO/About-the-CVO.aspx. As well as writing a Google review. The College is responsible for regulating vet care in Ontario, so you would be doing a real public service by reporting them, and by writing a review. As a former nurse and UofT’s Ombudsperson, I know the importance of formal complaints.
I agree with Ellen. You should be reporting this.
Rebekka has been on Gabapentin for a shoulder injury, as well as my Sheltie was on it after major dental surgery. It practically lays them flat !! I had to carry her in and out. That's what they wanted for Rebekka so she wouldn't move around and re-injure her shoulder but I doubt Saffie would have been able to care for her pups, as well as the fact it would have affected her milk. She's probably so excited about her pups she's blocking out the pain !
These unexpected vet bills are reasons we have Pet Health Insurance. We got back 75% of the $1500 we spent when Patches' had her recent and only Pancreatitis bout. I know it would be infeasible for you though because the premiums are not cheap.
I am sorry you had a bad experience at a Vet Emergency Clinic. For others who may not have used an Emergency Clinic, these Clinics generally have Specialists on staff and trauma specialists in case of emergencies like you had, Darlah. We always pay more for the advice of Specialists. I don't know if Saffron was seen by a Specialist or not. My most memorable need for an Emergency Clinic was when my dog, most recent to Patches and Radar, named Rudy got run over by a bicycle. My own Vet tried to help him to no avail but he did keep him alive overnight. He sent me in the morning to the Emerg at Yonge and Davenport. Rudy was seen immediately by a Neurologist who had the equipment and knowledge to help him. He had an MRI and found to have a hemorrhage and swelling in his spinal cord. Rudy was only 3 at the time. They kept Rudy on site and helped keep him alive and well for 9 days until we were able to bring him home. We were allowed to visit him whenever we wanted. It was touch and go for the first week but he pulled through with some neurological damage. He was tetraplegic at first but with help from us and rehabilitation sessions, he lived very happily until he was 12. For that alone, I am very glad Vet Emergency Clinics exist.
I was worried about Saffron from the time I did not see a fifth pup. I am so sorry it was such a traumatic event and expensive too. I am glad to see Saffron looking proud and happy with her pups and hope the pain is not too hard on her. My heart bleeds for the loss of the puppy. You put your heart and soul into caring for the dogs and the vet just did not understand your knowledge or feelings. I would definite complain with the hope they receive some education. So glad Saffron is going to be okay. I hope the humans are also getting some rest and recovery. Can you phone your own vet about pain meds?
It is just such a shame you were forced to use such a horrible clinic. I know there are reputable and compassionate clinics who treat the animals the way Angela experienced. I'm told that the Huronia Emerg Clinic doesn't charge "emerg type" rates. They run 24/7 but run it like a normal clinic with normal fees. You would pay a higher rate for a specialist but no different than if you went to that Dr.'s office. I still say - report them ! I'm sure you will be telling your local vet who suggested you go there in the first place. They need to know too.
Angela: It was obvious that I knew more about whelping and nutrition than this vet knew. I am not inflating my expertise but the things she told me as fact was completely wrong. I would never, ever use this service again. She needed an xray and a c-section - nothing that a regular vet couldn't do but we were there and time was critical. They added on all sorts of tests to check her health that they could have acquired from Northumberland that was just done. But I give them that. Best to be safe.
Northumberland, if it was local is perfect. They do not charge extra and they do all their own surgeries without extra costs for specialists. You have the experience you have as services are astronomical in the city and it is acceptable as that is all there is.
If my local vet was available it would have cost me 1500 for c-section 75. for the xray. At northumberland it would have been 750 and they do more c-sections and surgeries than any city vet.
You can't justify 4 grand more as you are a 'specialist;. Those costs are taking advantage. But with insurance, I guess the hit wouldn't be so great. That is not doable for me as you realize.
I am glad the emerg works for you. You do not feel the weight of the costs as much and as you say they are specialists. Northumberland has that all built in at no extra charge and if anything cheaper. They care when you walk through the door. They allow you to watch the surgery, be there with your dog throughout. They understand that dogs have less anxiety when they are surrounded by love.
To not even give me the option to bring the puppy home to bury - offer services for disposing, know what gender or colour is tells me it was clinical. I will forever more feel that lack of connection and not knowing.Trying to add in a spaying without us noticing for an additional 750 was ridiculous. If they had spayed her and we hadn't noticed, her milk would have dried up leaving her pups without their mom. If they didn't know that - I am not sure what they knew, it would have been a tragedy. I point blank said she will not have milk for the pups if you spay so no we do not agree with it.
The entire experience was a cluster f^%$. No other way to put it.
That is not to say that it is wonderful that it worked for you. I am glad it does but in a situation like this, I want someone to care not be a number and not put value about money above all else.
We didn't pay our mortgage - still figuring that out and our bank account is empty but yes it was worth it for Saffron. But when you have a lack of sleep, you are worried and forced to be disconnected from your dog, it is not an experience I will ever repeat. I have to find a different solution. This was not it. To say before you pick up your dog you need to pay all outstanding fees or your dog will not be going home with you is amazing.
Add to the fact that they gave us pain meds that can cause seizures in pups and does transfer through the milk - well how would you not know that when I can find that out. I am not impressed. Sorry... but still I am glad it works for you.
This is not an attack but a purging of how this doesn't work for me emotionally and financially.
She is starting to feel the pain. She needs help getting in and out of the whelping area but she stops, stands and lets me help her.
My retired vet said what we went through was a crime. She also said it is best not to give any pain meds. In 3 days time she will not be in pain. She is not stopping her from feeding or eating. Saffron is actually pretty spectacular. She had much anxiety coming home crying and confused. Part was anesthesia. Part was being frantic about her pups. When she saw them, she kissed them all up and fed them immediately. She calmed down and it was as if her worries departed. It is a testament to what type of mom she is. It makes me love her more if that is possible.
She is a pretty spectacular dog.
Maureen: Sigh yes it is a strong narcotic... used for pain in certain situations, it is viable. You are right. Saffron would not have been able to feed. Plus the high chance that the pups could have had seizures from it is disturbing. At this stage of their development, it is not something one would want to take a chance with.
I think you are right. Saffron is on such a high that the pain is less until she goes to use the stomach muscles. I can take care of that till she is better.
Darlah - I hope you will put in a formal complaint so no one else experiences such a negative situation. If I can help in any way just let me know! I really do feel for you - I am behind you in every way!
I just love Saffron and her four pups! Can't wait to see more photos in the future! 😍
Darlah: I am sorry, I didn’t mean to diminish or make your experience any less tragic. I just don’t want those who may be in real need of Emergency care for their dog to avoid all Emergency Clinics based on your horrible experience. I was just trying to say some experiences, when warranted, can be successful. I am deeply sorry for what you experienced and the price you had to pay, honestly. 😥
Angela, thanks for sharing your experience. I can say, without a doubt, that if something warranted taking one of our dogs to an Emergency clinic, we would not hesitate in the least. We would then take it from there. I know of many many successful stories at our West Island Emergency clinic. Very sad that Saffie’s experience was so horrible but in the end all is good so that’s what matters. She is home with her beautiful puppies.
So sorry to hear of your horrible experience and the loss of Saffron’s pup. How terribly sad that a puppy passed.
You should never have been treated so unbelievably
badly and disrespectfully. I am happy to hear that Saffron is ok and that the other pups are healthy and beautiful.
Thinking of you all. Take care.
I will avoid it like the plague. You see I can't afford it and I gather unless you have a high income and/or insurance, its not feasible. Couple that with their lack of knowledge, their clinical attitude not allowing you to be with your dog, hiding charges on services you never asked for - not good.
With insurance it would be more feasible but to say they lacked heart and was clinical and gave me bad info, plus didn't even have the decency to tell me the gender of the pup or allow me to see it is mind boggling so I can't refer them to anyone.
Each person has their own experiences and their own ability to pay. 6 grand is not something most people have hanging around. If it was service with heart, good solid valuable info, I would be saying something different but this vet emerg - it was about the money.
This was 5 to 6 times the amount of any other vet but we paid as if we started finding another vet, we may have lost Saffron. So worth it, yes but I will never ever repeat or use the Vet Emerg. Even if I won the lottery, the service was clinical and lacked caring.
If they had spayed her I would have had to be feeding pups every 2 hours if I didn't have other moms. I would have had a distraught mom. Giving pain meds that could have harmed the pups is not valuable info. I am glad I check into everything.
This could have been a tragedy. I need a real alternative like a Northumberland. A staff that cares instead of someone at a desk saying to someone else, sorry you have to take your dog elsewhere unless you have sufficient funds. Oh yeah that happened as well. The dog was really sick. They walked away. I hope they are okay. We should have walked away too but I was very afraid that we would lose Safi if too much time occurred.
Sorry to do this again. I can't in my right mind refer this vet emerg.
Anne: You didn't for a second think we did anything less?
If you don’t mind me asking, what is the name of this energy vet you went to?
Sylvia:
http://www.tveh.ca/
Gillick was the surgeon. You don't get to talk to the surgeon. There is a go between.
We had a vet in Brampton that was very much like your negative experience. They didn’t start off that way, but more and more staff kept leaving and the bills kept edging upward. I delayed finding a new vet because it can be challenging to find someone good who cares and doesn’t overcharge/overtreat. Last straw: I took Trigger in with an upset tummy and somehow walked away with a $500+ bill. It was criminal. Found a new vet located in a small town and the cost is a fraction of what we were payingand care is excellent. Vets who pray on people’s emotional connection to their animals are disgusting and withholding treatment or not giving someone’s pet back until they’ve paid an astronomical bill should be grounds for losing their license.
Shannon: I agree. When did it stop being about the animals vs the almighty buck? I do not begrudge vets from making money. when we had a c-section for Spicy it was middle of the night. The vets 2 sons came to help rub pups down. There was no extra charge for the sons. It cost us 750. Their price remains at that. I called and asked. But they no longer do middle of the night emergencies. <sigh>I appreciate the service they gave us and they allowed us to be in with her and help rub down the pups. We bought 200 dollars each for the son gift certificates to say thank you. We brought her home hours later as they knew I could deal with her, removing the saline bag etc. I didn't expect this service from this vet emerg but what they gave us was uncaring clinical service and they couldn't even let me see the pup (still wonder why) nor even tell me what the gender was. That's not service no matter what some think. It's callous and uncaring. I asked over and over. No, we do not allow you to see the puppy. I will ask what the gender is. Oh it was disposed of. We do not know. All I want to do is scream what the f^&% and that this is okay for some. No, I wouldn't bring any dog here. There are vets that care and if you haven't had that experience, you think this is normal. It is NOT. This is beyond. the highway robbery of the cost.
I just didn't think Saffron would make it to Whitby nor us as we had not slept for 2 days. It is what it is but treasure the ones that care and don't charge you 2-3 months mortgage or more. This vet emerg DID NOT care.
Anyone who doubts I care about my dogs and would do anything for them has lost their mind or doesn't know me well enough. Heck, I love every single dog that comes here and those are not words. Dogs are better than people in so many ways. I applaud the neurotic dogs that come to us as we make a difference in their lives. We applaud the non playing dog that plays. We applaud the dog that hates grooming and gives me kisses. I could go on and on. I love the dogs and would go hungry for them. Everything I give them I get back ten fold.
This was a fiasco of an experience. Those that written here and in private about their own experience with Vet emerg who is owned by big corporations, I appreciate you sharing. You have to find alternative services that care and don't put you in a difficult position financially. There is better service out there. We will be checking out a repro vet an hour away. It's obvious we were complacent that nothing would happen. You never know, unfortunately.
I can't imagine anyone doubts your love of these dogs. It's why we come to you and why we bring them to stay while we're away. Before when I would travel, I could never relax and enjoy myself. Now I know that when they're with you and Nathan, they are loved and cared for by people who love them every bit as much as we do.
Shannon: I totally agree with you. We would never go anywhere ever, if it weren't for knowing our two are so looked after with Darlah and Nathan.
Darlah, maybe it’s worth bringing the story to CBC marketplace tv show https://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/m/contactus/
I’m wondering if other people have similar experience.
According to my mail many have.