Petunia’s Story

Petunia's journey has been a whirlwind of challenges in her brief existence. Born as the tiniest among her littermates, I welcomed her into my life when she was 10 weeks old, weighing a mere two pounds. She was an instant heart-stealer with her undeniable puppy charm.

Yet, Petunia's health woes surfaced shortly after joining our family, manifesting as mysterious digestive troubles. Despite exhaustive efforts including dietary adjustments, vet consultations, and allergy testing (which unveiled a laundry list of sensitivities), her condition only worsened over time. Weight loss became rapid, and her bouts of vomiting and diarrhea grew distressingly frequent.

Our quest for answers led us from our local vet at Absecon Animal Hospital to the specialized care of Red Bank Animal Hospital in Mount Laurel. After months of bi-weekly visits, a battery of tests, and dietary overhauls, Petunia's progress was nothing short of remarkable.

However, April of 2023 brought a disheartening twist as we received news of the departure of the hospital's internal medicine specialist. Adding to our woes, Petunia endured a deep eye scratch, eventually necessitating its removal due to complications. Despite this setback, Petunia's resilience was a marvel to behold as she bounced back with renewed vigor and vitality.

Yet, just when we dared to hope for smoother seas, Petunia's health took another sharp downturn about a month ago. Weight loss accelerated, appetite waned, and accidents in the house became distressingly common. Back to the vet's office we went, only to be met with the devastating news of her critically low white blood cell count.

As we talked through possible diagnoses and treatment paths, we reached a critical juncture. The thought of costly tests and specialist visits weighed heavily on us. The looming possibility of bone marrow cancer added to our anxiety, forcing us to make a tough choice….

Ultimately, we chose to forgo further testing and focus on managing Petunia's symptoms, particularly her suspected irritable bowel disorder (IBD). Though this condition is incurable and may pose ongoing challenges, our foremost concern is Petunia's comfort and well-being for however long she graces our lives.

Every moment with Petunia is a treasure, reminding us of the boundless love and resilience of our furry companions. Though the road ahead may be uncertain, our devotion to her remains steadfast, and we will continue to shower her with all the care and affection she deserves.

Puppy pics & more!

Petunia loves camping & car rides!