One of the most terrifying feelings is realizing something very bad has happened to a loved one and feeling your heart beat out of your chest while you try to make fast decisions to save a life.

I was home with my five dogs and heard the sound of a dog throwing up. I quickly looked around to find out who it was and saw my chihuahua mix named Bambi throwing up a white substance. I looked in the kitchen to see if she got into a yogurt or anything white that matched the substance.

It only took a few seconds to notice the chewed up prescription bottle on the floor – empty.

Our older and much bigger dog Emmy is on arthritis medication (Carprofen 100 mg) for her hips. Bambi jumped up onto the bar stool, got the medicine off of the counter, chewed open the lid, and ate 10 of the liver flavored chewable tablets. 1000 mg of this medication at once is lethal for a large dog – Bambi is 12 lbs soaking wet.

My heart sank. I knew this was an emergency. I immediately swooped Bambi up with one arm, slid flip flops on, grabbed my keys, and sprinted out of the house!

I kept Bambi on my lap while I drove in disbelief of the nightmare that was happening.

Our vet is really close to our house so it gave me hope that she would get help fast.

Unfortunately, Bambi’s situation was too serious to handle at their office. They told us to go to the nearest animal emergency room (Blue Pearl) and they would contact them to give a heads up we were coming. Blue Pearl is 25-30 minutes from our house. At this point I am freaking out thinking she is going to die in the car with me!

When we arrived at Blue Pearl I ran inside with Bambi holding back my tears. They asked me basic questions like the name of the prescription and how much she ingested. They tried to hide their emotions and be professional, but I could tell they were very concerned for Bambi and had a sense of urgency. They took her back within a minute.

They started an IV, induced vomiting, gave several medications including activated charcoal, and ran blood tests. Soon a doctor came out and explained that she ingested a deadly dose and the prognosis was up in the air. They said she needed to be hospitalized for a few days and could possibly need to be transported to a facility for dialysis. Her kidneys, pancreas, liver and entire GI tract was all in jeopardy of failing.

I think I went into a state of shock or delirium because when the vet was telling us our dog had a high chance of dying all I heard was there is a chance she won’t die. We were determined to do anything it took to make sure the odds were in Bambi’s favor. Losing her was not an option!

We signed the treatment plan and had to say goodbye to Bambi while she went back to get more medicine and rest. The staff at Blue Pearl were amazing and so sensitive to what we were going through.

We received an update by phone from Bambi’s night nurse and she was stable. It was just a waiting game to see how her organs would respond.

You know that feeling of helplessness you get when you are worried about someone, but there’s really nothing you can do because their health is in God’s hands? That’s how I felt, so I went shopping for Bambi! It made me feel like I was doing something for her.

I bought her all of her favs— a new squirrel, treats, and rotisserie chicken!

The people at the Publix deli were so sweet when they found out about Bambi’s situation (because I talk to everyone)! They gave me a deli bag with utensils and let me shred that chicken for Bambi right there in the store! I didn’t want to waste a minute by going home first.

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When I arrived at Blue Pearl with goodies in hand for my first visit, I was super nervous to see how Bambi’s condition would be.

She looked a lot worse than I expected. Her medications made her drowsy so she acted very lethargic. She had black charcoal all over her face. I don’t think she was the best patient with taking oral meds, bless her little chihuahua feistiness even when facing death!

I brought Evan’s pillowcase so Bambi could smell Evan’s scent. I wrapped it around her and left it at the hospital so she had something from home.

I even wore my personalized dog shirt for good luck to Bambi- (missing Phoebe)!

Side note: Poor Phoebe. I feel like I’m always noting she isn’t in something because she was the 5th. I need to order more stuff with her on it!!

I feed Bambi rotisserie chicken! Don’t judge 😆!

I met with the doctor and told her how much chicken Bambi ate. She was very pleased and told me Bambi refused food from them. She told me it would benefit her recovery process if I continue to help with her feedings and visit everyday. SAY NO MORE!

I visited Bambi at Blue Pearl everyday and hand fed her meals. I took her outside in a nice shaded sitting area and spent time with her. I know this sounds so stupid, but I even sang little songs in her ear and just wanted to really make sure her spirits were high so she would fight.

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Vet approved – I brought her Panera because she absolutely is obsessed with their bread, chicken noodle soup, and grilled cheese sandwich (Pick 2!). She ate SO much and the vet was really impressed because they couldn’t get her to eat one bite while in their care. Should have used Uber Eats and got Panera for my princess, duh!!

Blood Work is Stable! She Can Go Home!

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I was so happy to continue her care at home so she could be with us. I firmly believe her mental state needs to be positive so her body can repair.

Apparently she was “alligator rolling” in her cage at the hospital trying to get her cone off according to the nurse. I can’t imagine that’s conducive to a proper healing process. See below if you don’t know what alligator rolling is.

We don’t kennel her at home and she’s never been in a cone so I’m sure it was a rough few days for her.

Bambi’s First Visit to Walgreens!

I had to pick up Prilosec for her in addition to the prescriptions. I wasn’t going to leave her at home alone, so the only option was to bring her with me! She was an angel, of course.

When we got home Bambi did a lot of sleeping. For several days she was very very tired. We repeated bloodwork and it suggested she had pancreatitis. I immediately changed her food and continued with her daily medications.

The doctor said it was important for her to be hydrated. She wasn’t drinking a lot of water on her own, so I made sure fresh water was always within reach of wherever she was. That was usually by her shaded patio chair that she loves.

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Any time I left the house, I brought Bambi along if it was possible. I tried to not let her out of my sight.

After several check ups and repeated labs, Bambi’s bloodwork was in normal range! She regained her activity level and was eating/drinking normal again. We were beyond thrilled and feeling so so blessed. She beat the odds!

The doctor and nurses shared with me at our final check up that Bambi really was a miracle. They said they have seen much bigger dogs ingest less medication than Bambi and not make it.

The key to her survival was acting fast and having high quality care. I’m thankful I was home and right there when it happened because she had limited time. The staff at Blue Pearl were so knowledgeable and observed Bambi around the clock. I could call at 2:30am and speak to a nurse who was with Bambi if I was worried.

Accidents happen and I learned to keep all medication – even ones with childproof lids like this one – up high in our pantry and out of reach. I had this prescription bottle on the kitchen counter. Bambi is an athlete and can jump like a cat. Just keeping it on the counter was not good enough.

Cheers to many more years with Bambi!

Thanks for reading!