SKANSEN’S XPERIENCE MADRI GRAS 1999-2004 Mardi Gras or Mardi as we called her was well loved at the kennel by all dogs and all people. Unlike some p/s giants who tend to be shy and often overly sensitive, Mardi was outgoing, confidant, gentle and very loving. When the time came to place Mardi in an adoptive home we wanted to ensure she would be loved and appreciated as much as she was at the ranch. We found a wonderful home for Mardi with a single woman caretaker. We will call her Lisa. Lisa had never owned a giant schnauzer before but had always wanted to. She could not afford to purchase a puppy so Sylvia decided to allow her to adopt Mardi Gras. Lisa filled out the application and awaited the day we would ship Mardi to her. In March 2004, Mardi was shipped to Lisa and arrived in good spirits. Lisa was thrilled with her new friend and Mardi was thrilled to have a person of her own. Mardi bonded to Lisa quickly and for the next six months they were inseparable. Mardi was the most wonderful dog Lisa had ever known and felt that she was one of a kind. Finally, the day came for Mardi to be spayed and Lisa arranged for the surgery to be done. The veterinarian Lisa chose to do the surgery had been practicing medicine for 35 years. He had never used a hood or barrier device after surgery (to prevent the animal from pulling out the sutures). He did not use one with Mardi either. Unfortunately, some time after the surgery was performed and Mardi was resting in a crate at the vets, she pulled out the sutures with her teeth and bled to death. Lisa was devastated. She was so distraught that she couldn’t bring herself to inform the kennel for a month after the fact. How do you console some one who has suffered a unnecessary tragedy? Sadly, words do not offer much comfort when something like this happens. It is equally sad that it often takes a tragedy for us to learn from our mistakes. It was a shame that this vet had to learn how essential the use of a hood is after a female is spayed, from the death of an irreplaceable animal. If we can, we would like to make sure that this never happens again. When you are dealing with sutures, it is essential you keep the area clean to prevent infection. Mostly for us the issue is one of trust. You really have to trust the vet you use to care for your animals. We are partial to holistic vets who are more open to our diet and supplement program. You can search for one online at www.ahvma.org Most importantly, tell your vet about what happened to Mardi and that you want a hood used on your female post-surgery. This simple tool could literally save the life of an animal you love. It could’ve saved Mardi’s life. Or wrapping the belly with bandages will also keep her from biting at the stitches. Most dogs do leave the stitches alone but it is best to be prepared. Watch your spayed female carefully, the first few days after the surgery. Giving pain killers can also cut down on the biting on the stitches. Bringing them home as soon as possible is best so you can supervise her yourself.
Receiving an Adopted Schnauzer
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Sylvia
Hammarstrom
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