We were out camping for the fourth of July, as I'm sure many people who read this were too. It was the morning of the 4th and our beloved family dog was acting a bit off. It's funny how attached we can get with these slobbery creatures, but they tear on our heart strings. When our sweet Mayzee, full black lab, was in danger it was as if we were about to lose a family member. Before I get into the story itself, let me tell why I am writing this letter, it is a warning, and some advice to take seriously.

Mayzee is a playful lab, full of life. The morning was like any other, wake up, make a great camp breakfast, and so on. After we had finished our breakfast and it was time to feed the dogs, Mayzee had wandered just outside of our ring of camp chairs. She was acting like she was going to throw up, which isn't uncommon, as I'm sure all pet owners are aware. We though nothing of it, but my mother went over to take her further away from camp. She noticed that as much as she tried to vomit, nothing came out. Poor Mayzee then seemed to be in a lot of pain, whimpering and groaning. Most of the camp was gathering around and one family friend pointed out that she was acting like horses do with twisted gut. It was at that moment when someone had noticed the swelling of her belly, and upon feeling, it was as hard as a rock. Luckily the situation was recognized as dire and she was loaded into the truck and my parents headed into town to get help. My parents frantically tried to get in touch with our vet, leaving messages and calling numerous times. They resorted to calling my sister, who wasn't with us who is a Vet tech for the family vet. She informed them the vet was out of town. My sister asked what was going on and upon finding out, she knew how bad things were. Then came a flurry of phone calls and numbers being looked up in phone books. My parents then tried the paging service for Hardaway Vet hospital, and hoped that by the time they reached the hospital the vet would have been there. No such luck, 20 minutes went by with them waiting, with not so much as a phone call. More panic. They were off again, getting in touch with someone at All-West Veterinary Hospital. Thank you to the All West staff, a hospital with living quarters, so someone will always be there ready to help out in an emergency dealing with our furry friends. When they reached the hospital, the vet took one quick look at Mayzee and touched her stomach. Instantly she knew that Mayzee needed emergency surgery. She had twisted her stomach into a knot, and it was filling her spleen with air, and cutting off circulation to many vital organs. A horse surgeon was called in to assist and Mayzee was prepped and in surgery. The Vet gave her a 30% chance of survival. We were devastated and worried that we wouldn't ever see that spark of life in Mayzee's eyes again. Luckily the surgery went better than expected. The professionals as All West had done wonders with Mayzee and she would make it into the night. Mayzee is still in the Vet's care, and they are carefully watching her, as this condition can have terrible complications. It seems like we can breath a little easier and with some TLC Mayzee will be chasing tennis balls around for years to come.

So, if I could offer some advice to petlovers. Twisted Gut, or Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) is more common than you'd think. It is mainly known in horses and cows, but it is also common in large chested dog breeds. Know the signs and be able to recognize the onset. It is crucial that your pet sees a vet immediately as shock will set in fast. Mayzee was classic signs and symptoms. She tried to throw up but was not able to, she was restless, in pain, her stomach was distended and rigid. Luckily we recognized the situation and were able to get Mayzee into surgery without a long delay and she was saved. Which brings me to my next point...

Make sure your vet is available, and if they are going to be out of town, they should have a message on their answering machine to let you know they are gone, and who can be reached in case of emergency. I am not bashing anyone's vet, but there is no pet 911, the least a caregiver can do is refer a colleague when they are unable to help. As far as Hardaway Vet Hospital, I am very dissapointed that no one answered the page, and that valuable time was wasted. I would also like to extend my extreme gratitude to All West, for having services readily available, on a holiday, and saving the life of our dog. We will forever remember this 4th of July and be thankful for every big wet kiss we get from our MayZee. Thank you for taking time and reading.