Zelda was bitten by this rattlesnake on our hike today and is in the hospital. She was on leash, but neither of us saw the snake along the side of the trail. She went to sniff at something ... and BAM! She barely reacted, so I was hoping she wasn't actually bitten, but within a few minutes, she wasn't her normal self, so we walked home and I took her to the emergency vet. They couldn't find any bite, and sent me home. At home, she was obviously not doing well and when I checked her over, her neck had swollen up, so I took her back. They are giving her a bottle of antivenin, IV fluids and pain killers, and I am just sitting at home hoping for the best. They say that dogs usually survive, but I am really worried about her.

 

sending good vibes to Zelda!

 

Thinking of you and Zelda and hoping all goes well.

 

Hearing of poor Zelda seems to make this post superfluous

My old pal looking his happy self today

 

Hope Zelda comes out ok. Hate dam rattlesnakes. Our Ridgeback Bear got bit by one. Carried him about a mile. Got the antivenin and he came out ok except for bare spot on him leg. Billy was nose to nose with one but backed out before he got bit.

 

Damn dan scary stuff let’s hope the little fella is tough and the Anti venom does it’s job.

 

And I’m keeping with a positive theme my cat sooper dooper who may now be 22, I know the vet said in her records it was towards the end of this year, but the vet almost put her down twice, in the end she gave me a couple things to try. Sooper came out to check things out while I’m doing some repairs. Never doubt the resiliency of these animals

 

It's good to hear a first-hand survival story. Carrying a Ridgeback a mile would be a tough job. Fortunately Zelda was able to drag her ass home, since we had about 1.5 miles to walk.

 

I hope your precious pet will be OK.

 

my best thoughts for Zelda

 

Dan...hoping for the best mate!!!

 

My best thoughts going your way.

 

All the best Dan, hope it comes out OK for Zelda.

You don’t know how uplifting a Zelda in a beautiful background shot is mate.

 

best thoughts to Zelda and you Dan

 

Good news from the vet clinic, Zelda is on the mend! The swelling apparently got worse all day yesterday, eventually swelling her whole face and neck. But it is going down, and she is feeling better and eating. The vet said she was "bright and alert" this morning. What a relief. They are going to take her off the IV pain meds, and if she is ok on the oral meds, I should be able to pick her up later today.

Thanks to everyone for your kinds words and good thoughts.

 

Great news

 

Great news! Niner has a little brother now. Meet Bronson.

 

Fingers and paws crossed all ends up for the best!!

 

Soooo cute... How did she react to the additional or the family?

Neo doesn't like selfies...