Scuttlebutt (Pudgy) Wickel

Update:  On January 25, 2004, after many tears from her mom and dad,  Pudgy was put to sleep.  

She had suddenly developed a tumor that caused rapid fluid build-up in her lungs.  We were able to drain the fluid from her lungs on 1/22/04, but by 1/24/04, most of the fluid had returned despite proper medications.  On 1/24/04, we drained almost as much fluid off of her lungs for a 2nd time.

Pudgy's mom and dad decided against a very invasive, risky surgery that likely wouldn't have been successful in that the tumor had already spread to Pudgy's lymph nodes.  We couldn't stand the thought of our little girl living in the pain that surely would have resulted from that invasive of a surgery on a 12-year old.

We had three extra nights with Pudgy after the tumor was discovered and Pudgy gave and received so much love during that time.  She will be missed by our entire staff and the many clients who met her over the years at the hospital.

You know those sayings about what would you give to receive another day/week/month/year with that special someone?   I can honestly say, that as her dad, I would rather it have been me who received the tumor and the consequences of that tumor.  I am heart-broken and will miss my little girl more than you can possibly imagine.  

May my little angel rest in peace and find nothing but joy and happiness along with her new, healthy body in Heaven.  I look forward to the day when I will see my little Pudgy again......William Wickel

Originally Featured Article Follows:

With it being the Christmas time of year (2003), I can't help but be thankful that we were blessed with this wonderful pet.    

Pudgy is a very sweet 11-12 year old Lhasapoo.  She might not seem sweet at first with her loud bark, but she is very sweet once she gets to know you. 

She was found in the middle of the road on Labor Day weekend in 1994 by two school teachers in the Alief area where Dr. Wickel worked at the time.  Pudgy had been hit by a car and she was in critical condition.

She had suffered a spinal trauma and was unable to urinate, defecate or support herself on all four legs.  She still could move all of her legs, but could not bear any weight on her back legs.  After several days of hospitalization, she remains paralyzed from about the middle of her back on down.  So, she uses her two front legs and drags herself around (pretty quickly too, especially on carpet!).  She has a doggy wheelchair, but she prefers to "walk" without it.  She still cannot urinate on her own and we have to express her bladder for her three times per day.

As the years went by, she began to gain weight from her serious appetite and thus received her nickname of Pudgy.  A routine blood screen before one of her teeth cleanings revealed the problem, Pudgy was hypothyroid.  This routine blood screen helped add years to her life that could have been lost to obesity.  With the proper medication, she is again at a healthy weight.  As Pudgy has aged, Dr. Wickel has put her on additional medications for joint maintenance (Glycoflex) and arthritis (Rimadyl).

At home, Pudgy is the leader of the fun patrol.  She likes to bark at her brother, Pete, and especially at her sister Wilma Wayne when they are playing.  She spends a lot of quality time in mom & dad's chairs with each of her parents.

Don't feel sorry for Pudgy, she is living a great life.  She gives and receives so much love every day.  Just one look into her soulful eyes and you will understand what a special child she is.  Pudgy is an outstanding example that pets who survive from being hit by cars can and do live happy, healthy lives.

Next time you stop by, come say hello to Pudgy.  If Pudgy is here at the hospital, chances are good that she will some say hello to you first!