Jewel came into my life last spring. I loved her before I had even met her. I had awaited for her delivery since she was conceived. I counted the days til she would arrive. She was born March 31st, 1999. I was told I would have pick of the litter. The anticipation was exciting.
     As the time grew nearer, I was told she could go home the 8th of May. I questioned why so early, but was told that she was already weaned from mom and that she was ready to go home.
     I arrived on the 8th to find her outside with her siblings. Mom was kept away in a fenced area and her father was tethered. I was told that the sire needed to be kept away from the other female Goldens and that was why he was tied up.
     I spent a lot of time choosing my girl. I looked for temperament and she passed with flying colors. She was a little chubby and I was worried she had worms. She did, but I got her medication that rid of them quickly.
     Jewel was precious indeed. By 8 weeks of age she demonstrated her willingness to please. She was learning to sit, lay and roll over. She quickly learned to play find it and hide and go seek.
     Jewel went every where I went. All that met her, loved her too. She brightened smiles on so many children. She went to all the sporting events my son and daughter participated in.
     For Halloween last year she was dressed as a ballerina with her tutu and tiara. She rode in a hay wagon where all could adore her. She was definitely the center of attention.
     Jewel has helped me to heal from a serious injury, I had several years prior to having her. I had been feeling down for so long and she helped me to heal. She became my focus and I soon forgot the ordeal I had been through. Her warmth and her love has given me a different perspective on life. There is so much out there for us and dwelling in the past only takes away from our future.
     When Jewel first came into my life I was hit pretty bad with some awful news. I had learned that both my father and mother had cancer literally with in weeks of each other. There is nothing as difficult, as to learn your about to lose both parents. My dad passed away this last June. Holding on to Jewel got me through his death. My mother continues to live and enjoys having me bring Jewel over to see her. She always asks, "How is the ballerina?"
     No sooner than losing my father, I was immediately hit hard again. Only this time it was Jewel. Jewel was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. I was beside myself. How could this puppy that every one loves be going through this. How could I possibly deal with this. I asked myself how much can one person withstand? Will I be strong enough to go through this with Jewel.
     Jewel's condition in many ways helped me to deal with my dad's death. She has kept me preoccupied learning all about her condition and what I can do for her.
     As you may have already suspected, Jewel is from a puppy mill. I didn't know back then about puppy mills. I had checked out so many books from the library before bringing her home, but none of those books talked about puppy mills. I didn't have much experience back then on the internet, which has now become a wonderful resource.
     I can't believe how I didn't walk away back then. There were signs all around me, but I just thought it was just one of those mishaps that happens in life. When I had gone to pick out Jewel, I was told that another litter that was whelped had all died, but one to the cold. They were in a shed and the heating lamp was not enough to keep them warm. I was even told the year before that a litter had
died drowning to a flood. They had tried to rescue the puppies, but it was too late for most of them.
     The Goldens were not allowed inside, all were kept outside. Why was the sire really tied up? I can imagine that is probably how he spends all his life; except, when it is time to mate. An other indication was that the dam had delivered a litter 3 months before conceiving Jewel.
     I was referred to this breeder from a friend who had gotten their Golden the litter before Jewel's. My friend had Goldens before and I thought she would know where a good place to go for a puppy would be. She found her in the paper. I realize now, that was another red flag. The breeder also told me back then that is was too late to have the dam OFA certified, but assured me that she came from a healthy line. Foolishly I believed her. As it turns out none of the dogs of the dam's pedigree is OFA certified and the Sire's pedigree is weak.
     Jewel's life didn't have to be this way!! Had the breeder done her part to have her dogs OFA certified they could be producing sound dogs. Unfortunately, no clearances of any kind are being done with the exception of the sire having OFA good certificate. As it turns out, the sires OFA certificate is not properly identified, I have doubts that it may not have been his x-ray.
     I sent Jewel's x-rays to various doctors and all have concluded she has severe hip dysplasia. Her hips are also dislocated which adds to the severity of her condition.
     It's so disheartening to have to go through this. I just wanted a healthy family pet to love for the next 10-15 years. I wish I had been better educated in regards to Goldens and puppy mills.
     I think now that Jewel was given to me for a reason, in that I am strong enough to get her through this.
     Jewel went for an evaluation last week regarding her hips. As severe as her hip are, it would not be long before she would become completely lame. I couldn't let Jewel live her life that way. I decided to have her right hip replaced. Jewel immediately underwent surgery. Her left hip is nearly as bad as the right, but only one hip can be done at a time.
     It is so difficult to go through the recovery period. It is the most demanding thing I could ever imagine. She needs to be in my constant care. Assisting her to walk, making sure she doesn't slip or fall. This has also been extremely hard on her. She doesn't understand all the restrictions to ensure her a successful recovery. To think she will need go through this again for her left hip, is difficult to imagine.
     When all is said and done, G-d willing she will have a normal doggy life. I love her very much and only ask that she can completely enjoy her life.
     Jewel is a precious Golden deserving of a pain free life. I will be there for her, as she has been there for me. With much love Jewel, your mommy is here for you.

NOTE: Kelly sent in a note to let us know how Jewel is doing. They made it to their first four weeks post op, but have four more weeks to go before she can begin to think of having a normal life. The vet examined Jewel when staples were removed and was impressed to see how mobile her hip was, indicating that she was longer in pain in that leg. After Thanksgiving new x-rays will be taken. Kelly is certainly hoping it goes well.