My Husky, Helena

[starrburry]

My husband and I adopted our Husky, Helena, June 6, 2005. She had been returned 3 times before. My husband told Helena when we got her, "Don't worry we won't take you back." The shelter said she had a bladder infection that would soon clear up, but after it didn't, we took her to a vet. The vet told us she had no bladder and we should put her to sleep. :confused: We were heartbroken! However, I researched as much as I could, and could not find anything like that, but I did find info on ectopic ureter. Now, over a year later, she has been conclusively diagnosed with bilateral ectopic ureter. It's where the ureters that carry her urine bypass the bladder completely and empty out into her urethra which = constant dripping, chronic UTI's, kidney damage, and skin lesions. It has been the worst rollercoaster. My husband and I were clueless about huskies, he said he had wanted one all his life so I figured he knew about them. Since she tore up my husbands shoes back in august of last yr, he has wanted nothing to do with her. So I have been her mother, and she has been my rock through my husbands deployment to iraq and many other marital problems. I love her. The surgery will cost $1800-2500. I will hopefully get this done for her sometime this month. I actually, haven't told my husband about the surgery though. I won't be spending his money. He has repeatedly said he does not want her at all. I am currently in TX and he in WA. Knowing that my husband does not want her ever, and does not want her back in WA, should I go through with this?? He has said recently that if she didn't have her condition he would want her, but when I had some ultrasound done on her recently he freaked over the $$ and said how he'd never want her back. I know I should discuss this with him, it's just that he and I are so back and forth now. (one min we're about to get a divorce and the next he says he wants me). I'm not too sure what to do. Any opinions?? Thanks everyone!

[Tori's mom]

I would do whatever it took to provide my pup with the best life I could and to hell with the man! He,he,he. Honestly though, at this point in your life you need to weigh the cost (to your relationship) with the alternative- your pets life. Only you can make that decision. If the marriage works Helena will most likely continue to be a point of contention, but if it dosn't at least you will have the unconditional love you your pup. I wish I could help more. Good luck, and keep us updated.

[SmoothCollieluver]

If you can afford it do it. She is there for you.

[Lolakitty]

I'm sorry to hear about Helena's health problems and all the subsequent problems that have developed. My sister adopted a husky(she was also convinced a husky was the dog for her) from a rescue league several years back; she loves him to death, but he has been a Nightmare with health and behavioral issues. Helena sounds like a lovely dog, though.

When I adopted one of my little dogs a couple of years ago, she suddenly and mysteriously became very sick, and I suddenly became very poor as vet bills piled up. (Since I was single, I didn't have the additional worry of a spouse getting peeved over the situation-- that's gotta suck.) Of the money I've regretted spending in my life (You know-- what was I thinking when I bought that dress?????), I have Never Ever placed the $$ spent on my little furball in that category-- not even close.
(Except for that ugly dog sweater I got once-- that was definitely a mistake :D )
<Hugs> to you and Helena, and good luck with your choices!

[Sibe]

"...So I have been her mother, and she has been my rock through my husbands deployment to iraq and many other marital problems. I love her. The surgery will cost $1800-2500. I will hopefully get this done for her sometime this month. I actually, haven't told my husband about the surgery though.."

I guess the decision is really your own. You have a tough situation and it sounds like you could use marriage support/ counselor to help your little family there. You love the dog, you have the money...but the husband is not on board with you in this. I would take care of my dog, esp if her outcome will be much better.

As far as behavioral issues, chewing up shoes happens. I lost a sandal just this am. The pups loved it, oh well! I ought to know better than to leave them in their area, which is blocked off from the rest of the house.

Good luck and tell us how things work out for you.

[Sibe]

Starrburry, How are things? I hope that you are doing ok....Hope you respond.:)