There’s a special value in rescuing a dog, beyond knowing that you’ve saved someone’s life, or feeling like a good person: a rescue dog is a reminder of the broken things in the world, and of how sacred they are. My rabbi told us that the broken pieces of the first set of tablets of the ten commandments – the ones Moses smashed when he saw his people building the golden calf – were kept in the ark along with the pristine final set of tablets, as a necessary part of the whole.
Butterfly, with her missing teeth and adorable protruding tongue, her heart murmur and lumps and bumps, is an important part of the whole story. Not all dogs are born to happy families, or adopted by happy families, and taken to the vet each time they have the sniffles. Happiness is only part of the story.
Beautiful Butterfly
Butterfly was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She had a urinary tract infection back in the fall, but with antibiotics it went away. We were curious about why she’d gotten it, but assumed it had something to do with how low to the ground she was when she peed, compared to long-legged Cricket, who practically hovers in the air.
Cricket hovering, with help.
As soon as she started to pee in the house again in February, we took her straight to the doctor. The vet on duty did some tests, took an x-ray to rule out kidney stones, and gave us antibiotics for another suspected UTI. We wrapped the pills in chicken and peanut butter and hot dogs and all of her other standbys; we crushed the pills and mixed them with water and then with her food and parmesan cheese. We did everything we could think of just to get the antibiotics into her system, against her will. But not only wasn’t she improving, she looked sicker and sicker every day. She was noticeably lighter when I picked her up, she didn’t do her usual poopie dance, and she stopped waking me up in the morning, waiting instead for me to wake her up and convince her to go outside.
Butterfly, not eating? Cricket is unconcerned.
My concern has always been her heart, because she has a prolapsed mitral valve and is at risk for heart failure. I knew this when I adopted her. But it’s a hard thing to remember when she is running and jumping and smiling at me. I was afraid that after a year of watching her flourish, I was going to lose her.
We collected some of her voluminous pee and brought it to the clinic to be tested, and made an appointment with a different vet. As soon as we met the new doctor he took a blood glucose test, to confirm the results of the urine test, which, he told us, showed very high sugar. In the office that day her sugar was over five hundred. It’s supposed to be under a hundred.
I was relieved. I’d been so scared that this was heart failure, and she was dying, but diabetes is treatable. The doctor showed me how to give her a shot of insulin in the scruff of her neck. He also gave us a liquid antibiotic to try on her, instead of the dreaded pills, because the UTI was clearly being maintained by the diabetes and needed another round of antibiotics to wipe it out.
Every morning, and evening, I give her a dose of the antibiotics which she hates, making angry toddler faces and sticking out her tongue, and I give her a shot of insulin, which she doesn’t seem to mind. Some days I do a better job than others. It still feels strange to stick a needle into her skin, and I can be too tentative, but mostly it gets done, and she’s improving.
The rest of the day, I follow her around with pee test strips to see how the insulin is working.
The first time I saw her run again after her diagnosis and treatment began, I thought my body would crack open from all of that joy.
Hopefully this is what she’ll look like again soon.
There is a sort of halo of white light around Butterfly, that could just be the highlights in her hair, but the light could also be coming through her broken pieces. And I want to keep that light going for as long as I can.
Butterfly , spreading the light
rachelmankowitz 
OM GOSH she is adorable ! What a wonderful MOM you are !
Thank you so much!
So glad your fur-girl is feeling better. xxx
Me too! Thank you!
Yea, Butterfly!
Yea!!!!!!!
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen Glad you’ve got it figured out.
Thank you!
A beautiful post — good luck to you.
Thank you!
How wonderful! It makes us so happy when they are feeling better. I am glad you went to a different vet.
Me too! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re giving her the best care possible, so glad she’s on the mend! Rescuing a dog is such an important thing – you give a dog a second chance at life and they become so important that you can’t believe they were ever unwanted. BlindDog was blind and over 10 years old when we adopted her. Not very ‘adoptable’ but she is perfect for us.
I also meant to say how lovely I think the comment is about her light shining between the broken pieces. And how wonderful that you see her that way.
I just see her the way she is. She’s busting out with light. (Though, at the moment, she is trying to feel all of those spaces with food.).
Loved this story!
Thank you so much!
wonderful story- she will do well with all the love you give her. We had 2 rescues, they are the best. 🙂
Thank you! She makes every day better, even with all of the pee.
Rachel, both your girls are adorable, but Butterfly…..she is too precious. The new vet sounds wonderful. I hope the light continues to shine on and for little Butterfly and she gets better every day.
I feel really good about the new vet, so I’m hopeful. Thank you!
Sweet Butterfly. So sorry she has problems to deal with.
Thank you!
Butterfly and cricket are both such beautiful dogs and I always think the best thing about your posts is the pictures 🙂 I’m so glad she’s feeling better and I hope she keeps improving 🙂
Thank you!
Best of luck with getting Butterfly’s diabetes and UTI under control! Chronic issues are tough, but at least you know that it’s treatable. 🙂
I do feel really lucky about that. Thank you!
I think you are right — there is a little happy dance of joy in the Universe when a homeless dog finds the right forever home! I am glad Butterfly has you and I know she has happy times ahead.
I ‘m looking forward to her version of the happy dance. Thank you!
Thanks for this story. Go Butterfly go!!!
Thank you!
We have adopted 4 dogs together. Each with their own heinous stories. Now however, they are adored, travel with us and sleep in our bed. We finally have our complete family.
I clearly need two more dogs! Butterfly would love a big family.
She’s adorable! I am so glad you took her to a different vet!
Me too!
poor snowy folder…hope she recovers…
marvelous practical nurse…and pet loving mom
Thank you so much!
I’m so glad you were able to get the diagnosis. One of my rescue cats is diabetic. I almost lost him before we were able to discover it and then it was hard finding an insulin that would work (naturally it turned out to be one of the most expensive ones on the market — but he’s worth it!). I know what you mean about being tentative giving the shot. You’ll get used to it. I have to give Nicky his insulin twice a day. Butterfly is so adorable and you are such a dear to take these animals under your protective wing! God Bless! 🙂
Thank you! My next big challenge is learning how to check her blood with the glucometer. that freaks me out!
Butterfly is so sweet. It is good you found out soon enough to treat the diabetes. I had to give subcutaneous shots daily to my Ellie but it was worth it. She had tumors which a special doctor in Conifer, CO, Dr. Harold Guerney, actually has developed a cure for.I hope the insulin makes everything better.
I hope so too! Thank you!
“Happiness is a butterfly.”
Great post, Rachel.
Yes!!!!!! Thank you!
I’m so glad that Butterfly found you.
The rescues are a special bunch, aren’t they? When they find their family, it is magic.
Yes. It is all magic. Thank you!
I’m so glad the vet figures it out! Happy healing Butterfly!
Me too. Thank you!
She’s beautiful! Hope her health continues to improve.
Thank you! I have all my fingers crossed, except when I give her the shots, of course.
Butterfly is lucky to have someone who cares so much for her.
Thank you so much!
What a lucky puppy Butterfly is to have you looking out for her 🙂
Thank you!
I get a shot every 25 days for my Addison’s disease. Because Butterfly is Jewish, we don’t have to worry about her getting into the chocolate Easter eggs.
That’s right! Matzoh is nice and bland for her belly. just as long as she doesn’t get into the wine…
This touched my heart.
I’m so glad you are able to bring your baby back to health and happiness. Having two, four-legged children of my own I know the anxiety and heartache of worrying over them.
I so enjoy your writing and the little peak you allow us strangers to have into the warmth and love of your life.
Best wishes to all of you for a full recovery!
Thank you so much. I feel so lucky that I’ve found a community out in the world who feels the same way I do about my fur babies. It makes everything easier, and better.
Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that Butterfly continues to improve. She is very lucky that you chose her! 🙂
I’m lucky she chose me! She’s the one in control, always.
Oh bless her. So glad you’ve got the correct diagnosis and she can be treated for it. Our pets are so precious.
Very precious. Thank you!
This was a great post and everything you said was so very true. The Man was broken, sad and neglected. He has been with us 11 years now and he is getting very old and slow. He still gets excited when we go for walks – well, at least, he starts off that way, then I have to carry him for a little while. I wrap his medication in a half slice of roast beef and I don’t have a problem. Still he has had a good 11 years and I will make the time from now on count and if I have to get a set of wheels for him, or even an old baby stroller to take him out in, that;s what I’ll do.
I bet he would love the wheels! I knew a dog who had a stroller for the last years of his life, and he loved it. He sat in his chariot and barked at various squirrels and cats along the way. If he could have kept his balance he would have lifted a paw and done a little royal wave as he passed by.
So glad you’ve got a proper diagnosis for Butterfly. Diabetes is treatable. I helped care for a diabetic dog for two days a week when his mum was at work—very rewarding.
There’s something very powerful about being able to keep someone alive. A little godlike. I guess I like that sort of thing.
It sounds like you’re giving her the best care possible, so glad she’s on the mend! Rescuing a dog is such an important thing – you give a dog a second chance at life and they become so important that you can’t believe they were ever unwanted. BlindDog was blind and over 10 years old when we adopted her. Not very ‘adoptable’ but she is perfect for us
I felt so lucky when I found Butterfly at the shelter. They told me I could go home and think about it before adopting her, but I was afraid someone else would come in and take her from me. Then they wanted to take her to the grooming room, and I said no, give me my baby now! She’s perfect!
Good job you snapped her up! She’s so sweet, not sure she would have stayed there long!
I really hope she’s going to be well again soon. Best wishes
Me too. Thank you!
I am insulin dependent and I know very well how tedious it can get taking care of me. Butterfly is very lucky to have a mom like you. 🙂
Thank you so much!
this would be so hard for momwithoutpaws to do. For one she could not afford it, the other would so stressful. Bless you .. I am wrapping my paws around you to give you a hug.
The clinic we go to is attached to the shelter where we adopted Butterfly, and they do a lot to make her care affordable. I feel really lucky about that. Hugs to you!
Best wishes to Butterfly! Practice the injections on a apple, of course without the insulin 🙂
Pretty soon it will become second nature to you and Butterfly.
She IS sweet and juicy like an apple, how appropriate!
I hope Butterfly will continue to fly with you for a long time.
Me too. Thank you!
Keep getting better, Butterfly!
She’s hopping and skipping and doing her best! Than you for your good wishes!
Butterfly has such a sweet face, so glad she’s feeling better!
She is the sweetest baby! Thank you!
Poor Butterfly! She’s been dealt a hard hand in life. Thankfully she has you (and sometimes Cricket) to help her through. I love the photo of her running, she definitely looks happy 🙂
She is the happiest dog, I’ve ever had, despite everything. I don’t know how I got so lucky.
One of the hardest days of last year was when we had to put Lobo down. I can’t explain just what that dog meant to me (though you might understand like few can). I still have his ashes and I’ll bury them under a tree in the backyard this spring.
Dogs touch our hearts in a very special way. I’m so glad you and Butterfly found each other. What a lovely post!
I can still feel every moment of the day we put down Dina, our sixteen year old lab mix, and that’s eight years ago now. The pain is awful, but it’s still worth it. I don’t know how it’s possible, but it is.
I hear you. We have two dogs now…and love them to bits.
We are just so sorry that sweet little Butterfly has diabetes but thankful it can be treated. We are keeping her in thoughts and prayers that the medication will work for her and she will be doing wonderfully well very soon. You are taking great care of her an seeing she has ll she needs so her chances are great. Butterfly could not have a sweeter, better mama than you. Hugs and nose kisses
Thank you so much! Hugs!
What a face. Such a cutie and what a wonderful mum
Thank you so much!
Thank you for your poignant description of rescue dogs. I get so mad when anyone tells me they went to a breeder for a dog when there are so many beautiful canines and felines in cages due to no fault of their own. God bless you and Butterfly, and oh yes – Cricket and Grandma
I love both of my babies, and all of their weird and wacky brokenness. Thank you!
hello rachel its dennis the vizsla dog hay butterfly is lukky to hav a dog mama like yoo!!! and so is cricket of korse!!! ok bye
Thank you so much!
I’m so glad Butterfly is on the mend. This made me tear up and I am sending lots of positive vibes your way. Bailey, too, because he came over and demanded I hold him as I was reading your post. Lots of hugs and kisses to the girls from us! 🙂
Hugs for you and Bailey too! Bailey and Butterfly have a cuteness connection that covers the whole country!
I think so, Rachel! He wanted me to make sure Butterfly feels his comfort!
I think she does feel it. She is very happy this morning!
Aww so glad to hear! ♡♡♡
Very sweet story, Rachel. I’m sure that she’ll do well under your loving and solicitous care.
Can be annoying and uncomfortable–hope that infection clears up soon.
XOXOXO to Ms Butterfly!
HNPS
Thank you!
A shame the first vet didn’t catch the signs but well done you for seeking a second opinion. Butterfly must be feeling so much better now! As must you even though you have to give her injections. Diabetes is luckily very treatable indeed.
This morning, Butterfly is hopping and skipping and smiling. I feel very lucky!
The world needs more dog rescuers. You are an angel.
I am inches away from giving in and becoming a hoarder!
beautifully written………. there is something very special in being able to protect an animal…. it feels like a thank you to God for all our blessings……. I know blokes aren’t supposed to say stuff like that but I know you won’t tell anyone I said it.
Terry
That’s beautiful! I do feel good when I take care of her, and I feel like saying thank you every time I see her smiling face.