This morning, Dr. Kowaleski took a phone call from a deeply distraught client. Her beautiful, young male puppy had just been euthanized after he suffered a tragic accident.

To make a long story short, Dr. Kowaleski suggested to her that we could potentially harvest semen and freeze it if she felt like she could brave the thought and transport the patient to make it happen. She said she would speak to her co-owner and make a fast decision. She was able to rally the strength to load her beloved, promising puppy and bring him to us.

We indeed were able to harvest semen – enough to do 2 breedings. Late last fall, we had a similar incident – another young male dog lost much too young in a tragic, unforeseeable accident. Both owners are kind, responsible, experienced, smart, careful breeders. But sadly, despite the care these breeders provided their dogs, accidents happen. She was also blessed to have 2 breeding units collected and frozen. Of course, we still don’t know if we can produce a litter with the semen, but it gives this heart-broken owner a glimmer of hope.

It is not an easy procedure to offer – both emotionally and technically. As unlucky as these breeders were, they were lucky enough to think and act fast, pulling themselves together to make the best of a painful heart-wrenching situation.

My team pulled together to make this all happen with artful scheduling changes, the ability to think outside the box, and the flexibility to fit a highly time-sensitive procedure into an already busy day. Kudos to them for being big-hearted and dedicated to helping clients in deep pain.

So remember, if this happens to you or one of your friends, sometimes the stars align and all the right people are in the right places to make this happen. Do your best to remain composed so you can salvage a terrible tragedy.

Please contact us if you need help.

Posted in Breeding