Saving My Best Friend, Layla

On Friday night, March 21st, 2014 our whole world stopped in the matter of minutes. Our best friend, our everything, and the absolute light of our lives was very sick. Our 6 year old beautiful English Bulldog, Layla-  was having severe complications. Layla's stomach was suddenly the size of a basketball, and she was struggling for every breath. We immediately put her in the car and rushed her to the vet on call who was Court St in Keene, NH.

In the matter of a 1/2 hour she was diagnosed with bloat which is the #2 cause of death in dogs next to Cancer. Her stomach had flipped upside down, We had to make the choice of trying to save her life or to put her down. That as you know wasn't an option for us, so we choose to have the emergency surgery knowing there was a good chance she wouldn't make it.  We would do absolutely anything to keep Layla alive because there isn't one thing in this world that means more to us than her.

We had to kiss her good bye not knowing if it would be the last time we ever got to see her. (I have never had such a broken heart.) The doctor told us he would call us immediately after surgery to let us know how she did. We rec'd the phone call at 11:30pm(longest two hours of my entire life) that she had made it through surgery and her vital signs were great. This was the first step to an extremely long recovery but it was the best news I have ever heard in my entire life. Dr. Franson has given her a chance to live and for that I am greatful.

As of right now she has a 50/50 chance at life. We have to make sure that her stomach tissue can recover from being without oxygen and that is all part of a waiting game. We have to make sure that an infection doesn't occur and that her vital signs stay normal.  

We were able to go and visit her today. The most emotional ride into Keene that we have ever had. The fact that we weren't sure last night if we were ever going to be able to see here again constantly crossed our minds. Last night I even slept with her favorite toy because it smelled like her. 

We chose to have her given Morphine so she wouldn't be in any pain so we knew she was going to be extremely groggy when we arrived. When we walked in they had her on the most comfortable rugs in front of a big window(exactly what she would want).. She was sitting up but completely drugged. Seeing her was the best feeling in the world. I immediately laid on the floor with her and she instantly collapsed into my arms and went straight to sleep. We laid with her on the floor for close to an hour. She was comfortable, sleeping, and all of her vitals were good.


We will get to go back and see her tomorrow. Until then we just continue to pray that our baby girl can pull through this because this Mommy & Daddy have a serious broken heart.  

As of right now her vet bills are a little over $2500 with it constantly increasing.

We are looking for the help of our family and friends to get us through this obstacle.

If you have had the honor of meeting Layla you will know what a special, loving, funny dog she is and most of all how much she means to John and I.

Every dollar will help us, and if you can't donate.. That is absolutely fine, all I ask is that you say a prayer in return.

To my best friends & family, I'm sorry you had to find out this way but it is just to much to have to talk about and repeat. John and I are staying strong for Layla and trying to stay as positive as possible.

Thank you all!
Love, Sara, John and most of all the best dog in the world Layla!