🐾When Floyd Suddenly Collapsed: How My Training Made a Difference

Last week, my elderly dog Floyd suddenly became unwell. Though he didn't survive, CPR wasn't necessary.

Even the vets were initially uncertain, suggesting two possible diagnoses.

Thanks to my Dog First Aid training, I remained calm, reassured Floyd, and assessed his condition clearly.

I checked for visible signs, monitored his deterioration, and decisively took him to the emergency vet, notifying them in advance to ensure readiness.

During the journey, I kept Floyd stable and soothed. The vet noted how remarkable his heart rate was, given the circumstances.

I provided his complete medical history, which was crucial in guiding the diagnostic

process.

Understanding the vet's explanations allowed me to approve only the necessary and least distressing tests.

The results ruled out one possibility but uncovered a new, more likely cause, which I recognized from Floyd's history.

Surgery was an option, but I declined. From past experience, I knew that if he survived the surgery, it would only prolong his suffering for a short time.

The vet concurred, telling me that they are obliged to give you all the options.

They are obliged to present all options but not necessarily give you the odds.

The other possibility had no cure. Further testing would only confirm what we already knew—that nothing could be done, and this would be at the expense of Floyd's comfort.

My training didn't change the outcome or save Floyd, but it enabled me to make informed, compassionate decisions.

It empowered me to advocate for Floyd with clarity and love. And that, I believe, is what he needed most.

May he RIP.