I received a frantic phone call from the Husband around 6:45. 
James was throwing up blood and had severely bloody stool. I told the Husband to rush James to the Doggie ER, and I meet up with them not 5 minutes later.
James has a bacteria overgrowth in his intestines and is hemorrhaging internally. He’s dehydrated and his red blood count is through the roof. The vet said that we’re lucky we caught it early – too many pet owners would’ve hoped it would improved on its own – and he “should” be OK.
They’re keeping him overnight for observation + IV treatments. I get to pick him up at 6:45 AM and transfer him to our regular vet.
The bill is already $1,000…. but I don’t care. I handed them my credit card and said “Do what you need to do.”
Pray my little man is OK. I’m so worried.
Regular posting will resume tomorrow.
UPDATE at 11:00 PM – Vet called and said James had two more blow outs around 9:45 PM. “Blow outs” are way too descriptive. Running tests now and will be back with a red blood count update.
UPDATE at 11:46 PM – Called back the vet. Blood work indicates he is slightly more dehydrated than before, but is generally stable. No more blow outs. Everyone at the vet loves him. We miss him. Watching The Mummy and trying to stay awake.
UPDATE Tuesday at 6:00 AM – We called the vet at 1:00 AM and was informed he was awake but tired and had not experienced any more blow outs. Through the night, we didn’t get any phone calls, which is good. We’re going to pick him up now and transfer him to our regular vet. Thank you so much for your comments and tweets. Knowing other people were sending out positive vibes for us was so helpful.
Twitter
Operation Beautiful
Oh no! I hope James is okay!!! We have a 9 year old lab “Shiner” he is our family!
I completely understand!!! We would pay anything to make sure he is healthy! We actually have pet insurance for him for these type of situations…
James is in our prayers!
Praying that James will be ok!!!
I’m so glad you guys were able to catch it in time. Praying for that little cutie in BK!
Hoping for the best!
I’m so sorry to hear about James, Caitlin! I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you guys!!
Oh no Caitlin!!! I had a similar situation with my cat a few years ago, it is terrible!
I hope that James is ok and that he will be feeling better soon (and you too!)
Oh my God. I’m so sorry to hear that but glad you guys took such great, immediate action. I’ll be thinking of you all
Prayers will be said. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if my cat started getting sick like that
I am so sorry. Get better James! You can do it!
Oh no! I hope he is ok!
Thinking of you!! I am sure he is in great hands and it is good that y’all caught it early. He’ll be back home in no time!
Oh no! Definitely praying for him!
Good for you guys for being attentive!
you are such a good mommy.
prayers are with you..
Awww praying for you little guy. Trust that they caught it early and he will be back to his spunky self soon.
Oh my gosh… I hope everything will be alright! I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Poor James
I’ll be praying for him. I hope all turns out well.
Aw poor James :0( I will say a little pray for him, keep us posted.
aw, poor James! Definitely thinking about you guys and have him in my prayers tonight.
Oh no! I am thinking about you and I hope that James is ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How stressful… they really are fur-babies!!!
Praying super hard for you, your husband and both pups. Poor little guy.
Poor James! I hope he gets better soon.
I am so sorry to hear about your James! I hope he recovers SOON!!! My thoughts are with you…..=(
P.S. I wanted to tell you for future reference that I know of a great Pet Insurance company called VPI. I just recently helped my friend file a bunch of claims for his dog that has cancer (he is doing great) and they cover quite a bit (with varying types of policies) and are great for situations such as these. Again, thinking of you and James!
Thinking of you and James. Sending lots of good thoughts for a quick, total recovery! Kudos to you and the hubby for being so clued in to him that you knew right away something was wrong!
Oh, Caitlin! That is so scary! I am praying for little James; hope he gets better very soon!
Good luck, James will be in my thoughts! The same thing happened to my dog and we took her to (the crappiest vet ever) who suggested waiting, I will always regret not being more forceful. You are a great owner.
Wow caitlin,
I am praying for you and James. I am so sorry to hear this had to happen to your little guy. Dogs are seriously people and I am the first to understand that. It is crazy how attached we get, huh? I hope he is all better tomorrow!
Caitlin, I’m so sorry this is happening. I hope everything is OK! He seems to be in good hands. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, James and the family!
Oh no! Stuff like that is so scary. Glad you caught it early and hoping for the best. I totally know what you mean about the money, pets are like family-priceless.
-K
Oh no!!! Sick dogs are the worst
I’m thinking about him!
I’ll be keeping James in my thoughts! Dealing with a sick pet is tough so you must be under a lot of stress right now. You’re a great dog owner – James is lucky to have you!
Oh no, I hope all is ok. So scary how you don’t know when animals are sick. I’ll be thinking of you guys.
I am praying for him.
Sorry about your beautiful pup. Just sent some well-wishes out into the universe for the little guy. Keep the faith mama.
I’m praying for him! Poor little guy!
Oh no Caitlin
I will pray for James and keep him and you in my thoughts. I hope he pulls through just fine.
I hope that James make a speedy recovery. I know how scary it is to have your “little one” rushed to the ER. All the best.
*hugs* How scary! I hope James feels better soon!
poor lil guy! Good thing you caught it early
I hope James is okay! I was the same way when my dog had bloody diarrhea… I rushed him to the emergency vet and handed over my credit card (and they promptly took a huge chunk out). But in emergencies you just want them to get better… James is in my thoughts!
Our pitbull terrier had the same thing. she recovered well because as soon as we saw signs we rushed her to the ER. I hope everything turns out okay!!! Our animals are like our children and I’m sure you feel the same way.
Oh Caitlin. I am so sorry to hear about James. I pray for his recovery, and for you and your hubby that you both receive peace and comfort during this horrible time.
James is in my prayers! HE will be just fine! I totally know how this goes… I have a “Million Dollar Dog” myself. How can you put a price on your best friends life?
I’m so sorry to hear about James. I’m praying he will be fine as the vet says and hope he becomes healthy again soon.
Definitely will be thinking of you and your puppy, hoping he’s okay and tomorrow he’s home snuggling with you again!
I will pray away. Both your fur children are so extra special, so cute. I know how much I love “my boys”, and can see how much your dogs mean to you. Sorry for this hard time, and I hope he recovers swiftly and completely.
Aww, I hope he’s all better soon!
hope james will be okay!
jenna
Awww poor little James!!! I’ll pray for him with all my will. Lets hope the little cutie gets better
I really hope he recovers well and gets healthy soon. All my love and best wishes!!
OMG. I will for sure have James in my prayers. poor little guy!
get better soon little james!
I am keeping your family in my thoughts. Hope that James is doing much better in the morning.
praying for james!
I’m so sorry to hear James isn’t doing well. Im sending big prayers and healing energy his way.
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of you and your family.
I’m so sorry Caitlin
This upsets me so much. He is such a sweet dog. You are all in my prayers! xoxo
im glad you got him to the er right away! he will be in my thoughts!
Oh Caitlin!! I am crossing all of my fingers and toes for your fur-baby!! This is so scary.
Oh hon I’m so sorry!!! I’m definitely hoping for the best for you guys.
Oh my goodness! You’re all in my thoughts!
We are sending all our thoughts, prayers, and good vibes James’ way (and yours).
prayers sent
I just went through the same thing with Oscar. Nothing more scary than blood in their vomit and stool. After several trips and says at the vet, Oscar is back to 100%. I am sure the same will go for James.
Thinking of you guys…::hugs::
Saying a prayer that everything works out.
i never post in comments, but i want you to know i am thinking of James tonight and putting him in my prayers!
Best wishes for James. The same thing happened to my brother’s Maggie a few weeks ago, but I hope your Maggie’s situation turns out better.
Hang in there girl! Praying for James and that everything will be fine!
Praying for James! He’s a trooper!
Poor, poor James. I would do anything, pay anything [and have] to save my little doggie’s lives, so I all to well know the feeling of dread.
*hugs*
Best wishes and good vibes being sent your way! I hope everything turns out okay!
My fingers are crossed for a speedy recovery for James!
Poor baby.
Hope he isn’t in pain and recovers soon.
Caitlin- with a caring mom like yourself, I am sure he will get through this. My best wishes.
ohhh…sending doggy getting better wishes your way!!!
aw hun i’m sorry about james. but as someone who has been through many pet emergencies, this one sounds promising, he will be okay! <3
Aww, poor thing! I hope he is okay. I always feel so helpless when my pets get sick. Sending good vibes your way and wishing for a speedy recovery for little James.
James is fortunate to have such loving parents! Prayers and thoughts are with you, and I know he will be okay. xo
I know I just texted you but I’m still thinking about James and I hope he makes a full recovery. Positive thoughts are heading his way!
oh no! I hope he is okay, I am thinking of him!!
Oh, no poor doggy. I pray James will be okay. I love my dog and I know what it’s like with our puppy babies.
I hope that he’s ok! I’m praying for him (and you and your husband, of course) in NJ!!!
Poor James, I really hope he is okay!
James, you can pull through little guy…you can do it!
Keeping the little man in my thoughts and prayers!
Praying for him now!! I love my kitties, I know what emergency room visits are like and you will do and pay almost anything. Hugs!
I am praying for babyboy James!!! My cat is literally from the ghetto of San Fran and got in a fight and they had to have surgery on his ear, so now he really looks like a thug! It’s so scary when animals are hurt/sick… but I have faith in James! He’s gonna be PERFECT!
Good luck James! Rufio and I are praying for him!
Thinking of your pup tonight!
I’m so sorry to hear James is sick. I’ll keep all of you in my thoughts tonight. Sending hugs your way.
Oh no! I’m sending good vibes your way, and I hope James feels better soon!
James is in my prayers! I hope he gets better quickly!
crossing my fingers that your little man returns to normal for you tomorrow!
I sincerely hope James will be alright. I can’t imagine having to deal with this…so sad:( My thoughts are with him.
I hope James is okay! My babygirl Astrid had an emergency last month and I was a wreck waiting to hear she was okay. I’ll be thinking of James.
Praying that your little man is okay! Hope he gets better soon!
I hope James is ok and gets well soon! *hugs* Diana
Oh no….hang in there, I’ve been through something similar with my own dog and I know how hard it is. I’ll be praying for him and you.
I haven’t commented on your blog yet but I wanted to let you know I am thinking about you. I have my own little furry son and would do anything for him. One of my favorite things about your blog is your affection for your dogs
I’m sure he will be fine and back in your arms soon!
I hope James is okay!
We (me and both of my puppies) are thinking “get well” thoughts for your poor pup. Please get better James!!
oh no, so terribly nerve-wracking and scary, I wish him the best
Get better soon, we sure love you!
My heart goes out to James and the rest of your family! I hate to see sick pets. They just don’t understand why they don’t feel well and we have no way of telling them
Thinking good thoughts for James!!!
I am really sorry about this Caitlin, but I am sure he’ll be back home in no time all happy and ready to play!!
Sending good thoughts your way!
Caitlin, I’m so sorry to hear about James! My husband and I lost our pup prematurely a few months ago, and I know how terribly heartbreaking it can be to see your little one sick. I will definitely keep you, James, and your whole family in my thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes James. I would pay anything for my furry baby too. I’m sure he’ll get better because it sounds like he’s getting good care.
many prayers for you, your husband and your fur babies! james, we love you in california!
My thoughts and prayers go to you and James from Spain!
oh, I hope he’ll get better. I’m sure the vest are doing the best they can, and that your little doggie is trying to get better.
btw, I’m studying veterinary medicine, and in my country, veterinarians don’t have many job openings, and they are underpayed. I guess I could move here
James will be in my thoughts
Sorry to hear about your little guy. We lost our family dog this summer (we’d had her since I was in the 3rd grade) and it was one of the hardest things to deal with. Hopefully you won’t have to go through that. My thoughts are with you!
I wish I could have responded sooner but due to the time difference (I’m in the UK) I’m afraid I was sleeping!
I’m keeping everything crossed for James and he’s so amazingly lucky to have a devoted, caring owner such as yourself. You’ve done everything you possibly could for him and I’m sure he’s a fighter and will pull through.
Thinking of you both
xoxoxo
Oh Caitlin, I am thinking of you guys and James. He looks like a little fighter though so I hope he’ll be back on his feet in no time.
Poor James! I’m so sorry Caitlin. I pray he’s better soon.
oh sweetie! My heart is so with you…praying for James
Oh My Gosh! Why didn’t you call me?!? Call me tomorrow. I love you! Maddie and I are sending good thoughts James way.
oh my goodness!!! i fell asleep early last night (some days i think i am actually 90 years old).
hoping everything is ok with your adorable little dog! fingers tightly crossed and rays of sunshine pointing south.
So scary but so relieved somebody was home with James and got him help asap. He is in my thoughts and prayers!
Oh no!!! Poor James. He will be in my thoughts and prayers! I haven’t posted on here before, but have been an avid reader for 2 plus months. I guess this is my introduction! Anything needing dog well wishes!
So sorry James is sick. I am saying a prayer for all of you.
praying!!! hope he’s ok :/
I’m glad he’s getting better
I would totally freak if there was something wrong with my doggie, I have you guys in my thoughts
Aw, I am sorry about James. I am just reading this now but still sending {{{HEALING VIBES}}} to your little man.
So sorry to hear about James. At least it sounds like he’s improving. Dogs become so much a part of the family. It’s terrible when they get sick because they can’t tell us how they’re feeling.
I’ll be sending some prayers your way.
thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now…
Caitlin, my pup was sick two weeks ago with nothing as serious (kennel cough) and I balled having to leave her there for observation. I was a wreck for a week straight. I am definitely praying for James and that you and the husband are doing okay too. (I have no idea how I’ll ever make it through “real” motherhood).
Just adding my own prayers for your little guy. I’m so sorry you are having to go through this. The poor baby!
Thanks for the 6:00 A.M. update. Glad to hear he’s stable and being transferred to his regular vet. I will keep sending up a special prayer for James!
I’m so glad to hear that as far as the 6AM update James is doing better. Thinking of you guys and sending lots of prayers!
Danielle
I will keep sweet little James in my thoughts. I hope that everything turns out okay and he is happy and healthy in no time. Sending over positive vibes!!
I didn’t see this until just now. I’ll keep him in my thoughts, glad to here he’s doing okay.
So glad to hear he’s doing better!!! What a scary experience.
I’m just now catching up on blogs. So glad James is doing better!