Timber’s Fight Continues
The last three days have been heartbreaking — full of waiting, hoping, and praying for good news about Timber. Everyone, including his entire medical team, has been shocked by the complications he’s faced following his heartworm treatment.
CVRC is so much more than a specialty clinic to our pups — they are family. Every single animal is treated like their own from the moment they are carried into the hospital. Nothing is spared when it comes to their physical and emotional well-being.
I truly couldn’t save the number of dogs that I do without this incredible team behind me — specialists who not only provide expert care but also make sure our dogs feel safe and loved through every procedure. When one of our animals goes under anesthesia, or worse, crashes during surgery, this team is prepared to do whatever it takes to bring them back.
When the phone rings too early, it’s never a good sign. Timber had two terrifying days when we weren’t sure he’d make it. He developed pneumonia, fluid in his lungs, and a septic abdomen producing massive amounts of fluid. No matter what they did, his electrolytes and protein levels were nearly impossible to balance. Every hour felt like we were losing him.
For days, Timber could only be fed through a feeding tube — until one of his loving vet techs decided to try baby food. She brought in small jars of beef baby food, and when Timber finally started to eat — three jars! — everyone cried tears of joy. The next day, the swelling in his abdomen made him too uncomfortable to eat again, and he had to return to IV pain meds.
It’s been a rollercoaster of tiny victories and setbacks. Last night, he finally seemed more comfortable. His pain meds were reduced, he started to eat again, and he even went to the bathroom for the first time since arriving at the hospital — small miracles we are deeply grateful for.
Our biggest challenge now is the sheer amount of fluid coming from his abdominal drain. His body is producing far more than it should, causing him to lose critical protein levels faster than we can replace them. This morning, he’ll receive several more units of plasma to help protect his organs and stabilize those values.
His spirit remains strong, and his will to live is nothing short of inspiring. I never imagined we’d be back in ICU fighting for Timber’s life again — but if he’s not giving up, neither are we.
Whatever it takes, we will do it.
Please, if you can, donate toward Timber’s medical bills — they are astronomical but absolutely necessary to give him the chance he deserves.
Every dollar helps. Every share matters.
Every prayer counts.
