the jacques chronicles

I had to put Jacques down on January 4th. I'm just now getting around to posting this because the heartbreak is still as fresh as the day it happened, my bottom lip is already quivering. He was taken to four different doctors in three different states and was ultimately taken to Auburn where he was diagnosed with severe bilateral hydrocephalus. I refused to allow invasive brain surgery on a dog who had barely had time to experience life yet and we put him on an intense drug plan to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid in his brain. In the span of half a month, he couldn't see, walk or hear, and couldn't eat without assistance, his food having to be liquidated. I've dreamed of owning this dog for four years, I researched and saved for two. In the end, I could have bought 4 cavaliers for the money I spent trying to keep my precious puppy alive, and the emotional toll, I think you can imagine. It's only our nature to want to blame someone. I don't want to blame the breeder and have made a conscious decision to believe her when she says she has had no prior experience with the condition, but these tragedies are a result of bad breeding, fair and simple. Altering nature's course for 'covetable traits' such as small ornate skulls, abbreviated muzzles and mapped-out coat patters is only going to result in the case I present to you today, and it adversely affects everyone. I'm keeping the blog up in hopes that someone someday might be educated and warned, whether it be a dog owner, someone looking to adopt or purchase, or someone in a similar situation. I'm far from swearing off dogs but I can't say when I'll be ready to unpack Jacques' things and decide what will be handed down to the next puppy. Please please please please be careful in your choices, do your homework and exhaust all resources before making any decisions. Grill your breeders, make them uncomfortable if you have to. I wish no one had to experience what I have, but I know its inevitable so I pray for those who do and who have. Feel free to email or comment.

All warmth,

Katy