ATB: MAGNUM the Miracle Brittany Update

'The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love
and be loved in return.'
*An update on J&A's Magnum The Prince of Maxfield.





April 23, 2012 was a day of celebration for the owners of Molly and Scooby's pups as they turned a year old. It was also, unfortunately, a day of devastation for the owners of Magnum, the beautiful male pup from Pippin and Chevy's litter, a boy John and I came very close to keeping.  My awareness began when I learned there had been a tragic and awful accident in which the then 11 month old Magnum was struck by a large pick up truck earlier that morning. Right in front of one of his loving owners. Quickly, I contacted the family who was in shock after rushing Magnum to the vets to hear a less than positive report. At first it seemed all was lost, with little hope to believe Magnum would survive the accident, let alone any extensive surgery which would be necessary for his survival. And even then, no guarantee that he would full recover, walk again, or enjoy life as only a Brittany can.  All I could do was offer my prayer support and reach out to so many people across the country to request they too join in an intensive effort to pray for a miracle with this Brittany pups life.  It was amazing to see so many people turn to God on Magnums behalf.  His owners and I remained close in touch, wanting so much to hope beyond hope, and believe beyond belief that this special little guy would come through.  And as all of us know, animal medical emergencies come at a very high cost, financially as well as emotionally.



More pictures of Magnum on a camping trip, swimming, mudding,
chasing ducks, and being loved.  Click to enlarge thumbnail.

God's hand began to move quickly as evidenced with a post at the bottom of the blog.  "Nancy", a vet tech friend who also is a huge fan of Pippin (Magnums mother) notified me that of all hospitals he could be transferred to for special care, Magnum was right there where she worked.  I know she is of like minded faith and would be there praying, encouraging, helping and indeed that is what happened.  And she was a blessing to Magnums owners, especially his human 'mom' but that is the way Nancy is.  Magnum just happened to show up there.  The diagnosis was complicated but did indicate that Magnums spine and pelvis had been fractured in several places. It was not known if the 'plate' could easily be repaired or how much nerve damage he had already sustained.  Quality of his life was of the utmost importance.  I consulted with a couple of our vet friends, one who happened to stop by that morning.  He assured me that the likelihood of a positive prognosis was very possible and greatly encouraged me with his knowledge of similar situations he had encountered.  I shared all of that with Magnums family, a very special and caring family where Magnum is loved by 3 girls and their parents.

Magnum had his surgery and went home to recover.  We were updated throughout the days and weeks that followed on a regular basis.  His family truly went the extra mile for Magnum, providing all the specialized care and attention, administering to all of his needs, which I know was not easy. I'm aware of how much of their time and resources were dedicated and sacrifices for Magnum. But I also know they wouldn't have it any other way.

I can't remember how many stitches it took to sew the incredibly handsome Magnum back together. I remember looking at the photos though of his shaved backside which clearly showed the skill of the animal surgeon in an incision that extended from one side to the other. The kind of incision that makes you shudder. Magnum eventually began to walk again, slowly and with difficulty. But he walked. And eventually he also began to run again - whether he was 'supposed' to be running or not, he did! 

One day I was reading an especially uplifting update about Magnum which blessed me tremendously.  Karen shared that there had been an anonymous 'donation' to help defer some of the veterinary expenses incurred for Magnums emergency surgery and aftercare.  Who ever that was, I thank you too and am so appreciative of your help.   Thank you for caring so much to help out in such a way.  God will bless you for this!

Well, I was so happy today to be 'tagged' on Facebook in a group of recent photos of Magnum enjoying some summer fun with his very active and wonderful family.  I thought it might be nice to share them, especially for those who followed Magnums progress since the first update on April 24. 

I believe and am convinced that God is faithful to watch over and protect ALL that concerns us, those who love Him.  I believe and am convinced He hears and answers the prayers of those who turn to Him in times of trouble, who put their trust in Him alone.  How else can one explain the chain of events, the people involved, and the final outcome of this one little Brittany puppy, named Magnum?  A puppy from the litter so aptly nicknamed "The Magnificent Obsession" litter.  Thank you to all who have prayed and continue to do so.  Take care and God bless,  John,  Ann, and ATB

*Sire: GCH Tonan-Hopes R-U Kiddin' Me (Chevy)

Dam: CH J & A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton (Pippin)

DOB: 5.10.11 Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owners: Jaime & Karen Carson and Family