Yesterday, I went to Buena Vet in Ventura on Main Street, where I brought Cordelia, our 15-year-old corgi, with a clear expectation that the vet would tell me that she needed to be put down. Ray, who is in Texas, and I have been in constant communication about sweet Cordie, whose health has been spiraling over the past two weeks. Ray took her for an emergency vet visit when we were in Covina for Milo’s birth, and since then, despite our doing everything the vet recommended, she has been suffering from multiple ailments. So, yesterday, when I brought her in since she has been too weak to walk, Ray and I both agreed we’d just let the vet tell us the best approach.

The vet, whom I’ve seen once before and who proved himself to be a good, empathic listener, said that, given that her blood work is so good, it might make sense to give old Cordie one more chance. So, she headed to the treatment room for a “radical haircut” to treat a pesky skin condition, received a strong antibiotic and steroids, and is now home with two bottles of medication and a spray for her skin. The vet made no promises, but said it was worth making a “good ole college try.”

Ray and I are both relieved. If Cordie doesn’t bounce back from here, so be it, but hopefully we’ll have her at least until Ray returns next week. If she does bounce back, then hallelujah. We’ll take it a day at a time. Whatever the case, today she is out of pain and on a solid treatment program.

For anyone looking for a good vet in Ojai or Ventura, I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Adam Krantz at Buena Vet. He doesn’t rush, lets you know what he’s thinking, and then offers treatment suggestions. I felt seen, listened to, and understood. I could also see that he had Cordie’s best interests in mind, which makes me really trust him.

Right now, Ray and I both are hopeful. That’s good enough for both of us.

Here’s a photo of Cordie when she was feeling a whole lot better: