By Candi Amundson, CVT
Veterinary Information Specialist

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, something was stirring but it wasn’t a mouse. The presents were placed all under the tree and the salt-dough ornaments, looked like biscuits you see.

The small humans were having a sleepover in the den, so I thought “I’ll eat all the ornaments as fast as I can!” The cat was watching because he is such a schmooze, with a full belly I decided to take a nice winter snooze.

When all of the sudden my belly went click clatter, I sprung up from my bed but that did not matter. Away to the rug I flew like a flash, and then it came out, with a big splash!

The little humans came 1, 2, and 10 tip-toeing in the kitchen to see the show. To my surprise those ornaments were not biscuits, but salty gross things as I saw below. When what to my boxer eyes should appear, my mom, and rolling down her face was a tear.

With a click on the website she called Pet Poison Helpline® quick, I knew at that moment she wasn’t calling St Nick. More rapid than ever I was thrown in the car, and we rushed to the ER — thank goodness it wasn’t far.

When we arrived to the ER I felt drunk and dizzy, all the Technicians were running about and it was so busy. I had my exam and the findings were horrifying! My sodium was 400, and I am not lying. Then loudly the Vet read off all the treatments. On catheters! On fluids! On injections! And blood tests. To the top of each hour my vitals and fluids were checked, in hopes my electrolytes were not wrecked.

They said it could get worse; like tremors, seizures, or head bobbing. And that’s when I think my heart started throbbing. After such a long, exhausting, lonely evening, I was feeling more cheerful and grateful for everything.

The very next morning the team let out a big cheer! I hoped, they would tell me the end was near. My best advice, take it from me: Don’t eat things that shine, glisten or really anything hanging from a tree. I want you to know I’m sorry, love Sprite, Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!