Despite challenges that should never have been,
HE REALLY DID SURPRISE US ALL

My sincere appreciation to the doctors and staff at Carolina Veterinary Specialists who cared for my dog, Champ, during and following the amputation of his hind leg, due to osteosarcoma. Because of their action – or inaction – I was blessed with nearly two additional years of Champ’s unconditional love and companionship.

Faced with some very difficult decisions, I’ll never forget Dr. Nanfelt’s encouraging words; “Do I think he’s totally gonna rock it? Yep. I do. I think he’s already tripoding himself on that back leg, and so, I think he’s gonna surprise us all.” I can’t thank Dr. Nanfelt enough for misguiding me down the rosy path that ultimate lead to an additional 22 months, 2 weeks, 3 days, 6 hours, 56 minutes, and 56 seconds with my best friend by my side.

Numerous canine studies published within the last year report the immune system’s response to infection inadvertently enhances its ability to recognize cancerous cells as a threat, thereby prolonging survival. Therefore, had Champ received appropriate, effective and timely antibiotics, he probably would not have developed the massive surgical site infection that very possibly contributed to his survival and prolonged his life.

Thank you to Dr. Nanfelt and the numerous board certified veterinarians who decided to administer antibiotics with full knowledge of Champ’s history of resistance to their drug choices. Champ proved to be again resistant, and again and again, when he was sent home with three highly-resistant pathogens, requiring no less than four additional surgeries and a full blood transfusion to control the life-threatening surgical site infection he acquired under their care.

Thank you to Dr. Merlo who did absolutely nothing to accurately diagnose the rapidly declining condition of a diabetic dog following complex surgery and decided that her opinions outweighed the long established measurable physiologic parameters that relate to basic body functions and commonly known as vital signs. Although Champ presented with significantly elevated vital signs, I was informed that everything was normal and likely the result of stress from traveling to the hospital. In fact, nothing was normal and Dr. Merlo’s incompetent opinions and inaccurate diagnosis delayed effective treatment of the infection.

Lastly, a very special thanks to Dr. Bass for sending Champ home “before he was medically ready,” as this put Champ’s care into the dedicated hands of Dr. Marshall, who tirelessly worked morning, noon and night to ensure Champ’s survival.

After everything that Champ endured while entrusting his care to multiple veterinarians at Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Nanfelt was right – he really did surprise us all.