Lola and Oscar are Boxers – at ten years old, they have been together for their entire lives, even as littermates. They are so bonded, full of love for each other and for my husband Jeff and me. I wanted to share this story as one of gratitude for the UC Davis veterinary team – and to share a little more about our beloved Boxers.
Four years ago, Jeff and I set out for a big international vacation, flying to Europe and leaving our beloved Boxers in the care of a wonderful dog-sitter at our home.
Unfortunately, Lola and Oscar made an escape out of our home and took off down the street where we lived at the time. We think that they went looking for us, since it was early on in our trip.
Lola was hit by a car, and the driver left her on the side of the road. Our dog sitter had raced after the dogs, and while she missed the accident, she found Lola and carefully took her to the local emergency veterinarian. Oscar was nowhere to be found!
Lola’s spine was luxated, among other things. But she has a strong spirit! The emergency veterinarian referred us to UC Davis’ William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. We were still in Europe, trying to make it back home. The dog sitter helped facilitate several phone calls with the amazing team at UC Davis. The neurology team performed a CT scan of Lola spine to determine the extent of her injury and the best course of action.
Lola stayed at UC Davis for 4 days to monitor her recovery and provide daily wound care, and we were so grateful! I recall crying as the team at UC Davis gave me the good news – we were on our way back to her, and to search for Oscar. Lola returned home a few days later, and we were all full of joy at her return, but bereft that Oscar was still missing. At the time, we lived in an area that was full of wildlife – bobcats, coyotes, and other potentially predatory animals.
And then, on the same day that Lola returned home, Oscar showed up! We took him to our veterinarian, and based on his exam, said Oscar’s scrapes on his feet and belly show that Oscar may have dug under a fence to escape. The reunion of Lola and Oscar was full of love and joy. To have them back after a five-day absence was a day I will never forget.
Now, four years later, Lola has completed her rehabilitation. At 10 years old (old for Boxers) she can still run and play with Oscar.
- Karen Cooley-Lugerner and Jeff Lugerner
***
The team at the neurology specialty practice at UC Davis is grateful for the generous support of donors who have helped the hospital purchase highly specialized equipment to assist the team with any potential neurosurgery. The team reviews each case to make the appropriate management and care. To learn more about how clients can help with the equipment and support needed for every animal to receive the care they need, at the moment they need it, please go to: www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/giving/gratitude.
To support the neurology specialty service at the school, please navigate to: https://give.ucdavis.edu/VMTH/V1TH260