I started on the Golden Retriever Forum when we first brought Summer home at 8 weeks (2006-07). I began to journal my experience as a 'first time' dog owner. Up until Summer was 8 months old, I would ask about training and what type of leash was good and everyone on this forum seemed to know just the right advice to give me the strength to go back and try again with my rambunctious puppy. At eight months, Summer had become completely lame and was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. We were faced with immediate surgery and she had a double triple pelvic osteotomy. During the surgery, the doc accidently hit her sciatic nerve and she came out paralyzed on the back left leg. The recovery was very painful and long for us. The doctor kept her at the hospital longer than usual and I would come in twice a day to visit. Summer eventually recovered from her surgery and the paralyzed leg came back a millimeter per day. She went through intense physical therapy and by then she and I had bonded so closely she would not leave my side. The surgery and recovery ended up costing $12,000.00. In the meantime, an animal law attorney recommended I sue the breeder. We couldn't afford the attorney so went through small claims court and lost. When we filed our suit the breeder decided to counter sue for defamation of business. I had been keeping a rather lengthy journal of what was going on with Summer and she was going to use that against me in court. I deleted all of my posts, after copying them, and basically left the forum so she couldn't try to sue again. It was a nightmare but the people on this forum got me through it all! I don't know how I would have made it if it weren't for them. If any of you are still here, I thank you over and over.
Summer has been good for the last five years. She now has severe allergies but she takes a squirt of allergy medicine every morning and has not shown a hot spot or itching for almost a year now! Unfortunately, she has come down lame on her front legs again. Her regular doctor says it is elbow dysplasia and now the ortho doc is going to see her. We are so devastated! She is now six and is showing lots of arthritis in both elbows so the picture is not so bright for her. I know this is really long but I wanted to share our journey. I would not trade our life with Summer for anything. We are not sure we can afford the cost of the surgery so we are agonizing over that. If you look at some of my pictures, you will see my sweet, sweet girl. Please think of us as we begin another painful journey with our Summer Lynn. I will be back on the forum a lot more so I hope to get to know some of you. Please think of us in the next few weeks! Nancylu

Hi Nancy Lu, I'm glad you've come back. Lots of prayers for Summer. Sure hope she can get some relief without surg.

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

So sorry to hear of all you & Summer have been through. Life is not fair sometimes. I have only recently joined this forum, & my boy is just 5.5 months old. I cannot imagine all you guys have gone through & truly my heart goes out to you. I am so glad you have wonderful memories to look back on, to balance out all the not so great memories. I sincerely hope for a good outcome. You all deserve that.

Sorry for your heartbreaking story, you've been through alot with Summer, but that just proves your unconditional love for your dog. Many would've surely given up by now and would've put her up for adoption or worse. Can't imagine what you went through and are going through right now, but I do hope everything works out and she can have a happier life down the road.

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Thanks so much for all the supportive words for us. As I said before, the people on this forum are what kept me going because I know all GR owners know how special these dogs are to human beings on this earth. My family is committed to doing everything we can to keep her around as long as possible. She deserves it!

Hi NancyLu and Summer,

Welcome back. I think I joined the forum right about when Summer had her surgery. I do remember reading about her, then not knowing what happpened.

Wow, Summer has been very fortunate that she was chosen by you. Hope things are not as grim as you think they will be. We are here for you.

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Wow! I'm sorry for what you and your family have been through. I wish you the very best and it is nice to meet you and Summer.