So upset- Thora has a heart murmur

[Tuff Love]

I dreaded the walk into the vet's office yesterday afternoon for Thora's first check up. Something kept picking at me and I just had a horrible feeling we were going to get bad news. To be honest, I was uncomfortable the second I found out the breeder's beloved champion sire (born in 1978) had no medical screening available because those tests weren't available back then.... The temptation was just so great and I hushed the little voice in my head. Now, instead of making my first new puppy post a happy brag, I come with awful news- Thora has a grade 4 heart murmur on both sides. The breeder said the puppies saw the cardiologist 3 weeks ago and there were no murmurs present, but my vet and 3 others at the practice all found the murmur and agreed about it's seriousness. My heart just shattered when I got the news. I already love her so much. Still, I can't handle the idea of another heartache so soon after losing Tuff. We shelled out a ton of money in hopes of getting the best start possible for this new puppy and we just can't do it. Baby Thora is going back tonight I spent the entire day and night bawling my eyes out over it... all the horrible aches that I had when I found out Tuff was ill came back- the nausea, the tightness in my chest, the anxiety... I can't do it again so soon.

Guys.. my heart is breaking all over again.

[Sansal]

Oh noooo I am soooo sorry for you. I can understand your heart ache. Your post made me cry a little..... so sad for you and so sad for Thora.

Hugs

[chrystel]

Oh I am so sorry for you and Thora
keep looking up

[Cami]

I know the exact feeling you are experiencing.
Bringing Raine home late last August and taking her in for her first check up with our vet...only to have that appointment end up at the cardiologists office the same day was beyond devastating after losing Cami to heart issues just a little more than 6 months prior.

I am so sorry your heart is breaking.

[rayandsarah]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you and Thora.

[Gatorblu]

I am so sorry. I wish there was something I could say or do for you.

[Tuff Love]

Originally Posted by Cami

I know the exact feeling you are experiencing.
Bringing Raine home late last August and taking her in for her first check up with our vet...only to have that appointment end up at the cardiologists office the same day was beyond devastating after losing Cami to heart issues just a little more than 6 months prior.

I am so sorry your heart is breaking.

You were the first person I thought of when my mind cleared of the shock. I remember all too clearly your post about Raine's murmur and I just couldn't believe that here I was going through the same thing. There are no words. You're brave beyond words for being able to continue caring for Raine knowing the rocky path that could be ahead. With Tuff's passing still so fresh, I don't have the strength to keep her... I'm already sick with grief. The breeder is going to take her to his cardiologist on Monday, but my dear Thora will be staying with them.

[BostonGeorge]

I'm so sorry to hear about Thora! You can only do and handle so much. Know that she will find a wonderful loving home and that the right HEALTHY puppy will find its way to you!! Are you going to continue the search?...or give it some time?

Keep us posted on Thora if you get any information. I can't imagine how hard this must be! My thoughts are with you!

[Cami]

You're brave beyond words for being able to continue caring for Raine knowing the rocky path that could be ahead.

You are sweet to say that however....I wouldn't say our decision was the right one. Not that I regret for one second that we kept her.... I mean I love her with all my heart but every single time I hear her cough for whatever reason or she pants more than I think she should I get a sick feeling.
I had promised myself that I would just love her and enjoy her and not worry until I had reason to but that is proving to be a difficult task. We drive ourselves crazy with worry most of the time. I think maybe, just maybe God gave her so much "ornery" so that we had something else to think about for the majority of the time! I could have certainly done without such a naughty puppy and she hasn't even destroyed anything yet!

[EAO76]

I'm so sorry. I agree you can only do and handle so much. Have you considered looking at Adopt A Boxer Rescue in PA? They have so many wonderful Boxers looking for a second chance. I can tell you from experience there is nothing like the love of a rescue dog!

[Tuff Love]

@BostonGeorge:

i have no idea at this point. dh and i are both so upset. the breeder is supposed to update us when they take her to the cardiologist. my mind is just racing right now. i've been reading up on murmurs all morning instead of doing my work. we get our money back when we return her and have the option to get a puppy from another litter when one becomes available if we so decide. at the same time, by bringing her back we are completely forfeiting her if the cardiologist finds no heart defect as the breeder feels it is a bad start for the puppy. in my mind if i have to let her go i want it to be asap, before i get any more attached to her. i'm a wreck. my husband is angry at the situation and not making this any easier. he was against getting another boxer from the beginning so this is just not helping matters on his end.

@Susi:
thora doesn't have a cough (that i noticed), but she hiccups a lot and pants sometimes when she's not doing anything at all and i'm just holding her (and it's not hot). she was the smallest in her litter, sleeps a lot, and is less active than i remember tuff being as a puppy. these little red flags just keep going through my mind. i absolutely hate the idea of letting her go. when i think of your situation and how both cami and tuff went through so much trauma and somehow you still came through willing to accept any emotional and financial difficulties that could come... i just don't know how you do it. god bless you for doing so. raine is a gorgeous little girl and i can see from her photos how easy it was for you to make your decision. me, i'm already so sick with upset, i know in my heart i couldn't handle it. i feel guilty- like i'm giving up on her. at the same time, i specifically sought out this breeder in hopes of getting a puppy with a good start in life... i spent $2000 on her that i really don't have to throw around, thinking of the old "you get what you pay for."
i'm sorry, i know my thoughts must sound so scatter-brained. i'm just devastated.

[Stub]

My heart breaks for you. I gave back a puppy once after a few days of owning her and it is the hardest thing to do. But only you know how much you can stand (as I did then) and I feel sure you will do what is best for you and Thora.