I first noticed something was wrong when I let Gage go outside about 3 o’clock on Thursday. All at once he seemed in great pain, unable to poop or vomit, drooling, walking, crawling. I called Michele and Mark to watch him. We had never seen him act this way. We immediately called a veterinarian, describing what we were seeing. We were told to immediately bring him to the hospital.

We rushed him to Cascade Veterinary Clinic. It’s only 3.5 miles, but by the time we got there, he was going into shock. A quick examination revealed a severe life-threatening condition called GVD (Gastric Dilation  Volvulus). This a severe life-threatening condition where a dog‘s stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow, and preventing gas escape. It requires immediate surgery for survival, to untwist stomach and prevent the blocking of trapped gas and the cutting off of major blood vessels, leading to more shock, organ damage, and sepsis.

This was explained to us in a matter of minutes by Dr. Stephanie Allphin. An immediate decision had to be made. Without surgery, GAGE would die. Even with surgery, his chances were 50-50. Michele and I looked at each other and said to the doctor, do the surgery.

For those who may not know, GAGE was born on a ranch in Texas. He became a city dog at 3 months and has been with me for over eight years. At 5 months we began training. He is now a certified medical therapy dog, and works well with children and older adults. And he is my best canine friend. I know that one day, one or the other of us will have to say goodbye. But this should not be the time. He is much too bright and healthy and it was too early to let him go.

Two days later, we are confident we made the right choice. Dr Allphin and her team did a great job. GAGE has survived and is now in ‘recovery mode’ for the next two weeks at home with us. He is part of the family, loved by Mark and Michele. Michele and I are both trained handlers. GAGE has been my personal companion traveling with me for the most part wherever I go.

We shall miss our planned trip to the desert. We were packed and ready to leave today. Now everything is back in its place, including us. We will miss the 70 and 80° weather that is promised for next week. I am missing the wonderful bread that Susie Pearce prepared for me. We shall miss the fellowship of our good desert friends. Blessings to everyone. Who knows, perhaps another time.

—W&Gage, too🙏