Brodie's Testimony

Furry Ministries

P.O. Box 901 Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Brodie is a living, breathing testament to the power and mercy of Jesus
Christ. Brodie had a horrifying brush with death. But Christ answered the
prayers of those who prayed for Brodie, and God spared this special dog’s life
On a warm August evening in 2008, everything was status quo in Brodie’s life.
He had lazed around the house all day to beat the heat; he had been on his
evening walk that he always looked forward to; and he had eaten his yummy
supper. Feeling satisfied and content, Brodie bounded up the stairs to spend
the rest of the evening with his folks. But in just a blink of an eye, Brodie’s
peaceful day turned into the most terrifying and painful day in his 5 years of
living. Brodie’s stomach literally turned upside down and bloated.

Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) has been referred to as the “mother
of all emergencies.” It occurs when a dog’s stomach fills up with fluid or air,
and the stomach flips over preventing the fluid or gases from escaping. It's a
condition that occurs for seemingly no reason, and big dogs with deep chests,
like Brodie, are highly susceptible to it. When bloat occurs, dogs can die
within an hour, and it is an agonizing way to go. There was no doubt, Brodie
was in big trouble.

Because of the unpredictability and life-threatening circumstances bloat
presents, Brodie’s folks were very familiar with its symptoms and dreaded that
such a day would occur in Brodie’s life as are many parents of big dogs. They
recognized the signs right away and immediately loaded Brodie into their car
and rushed toward the emergency vet.

In the car, Brodie was already in significant pain and could not contain his
pitiful howls as he struggled to endure it. Brodie’s folks knew time was critical
in saving his life and were unsure which route to take to the vet. In order to
get to the emergency vet, they had to travel through Harpers Ferry, a route
often congested with tourist traffic in the summer months. They knew that if
traffic was heavy, it could mean they would fail to get Brodie help in time to
save his life. Prayers were streaming up from their car for safe and quick
passage. God heard their prayers and did not fail them. Miraculously, the
entire way was clear! It was like God provided an escort all the way to the vet
and enabled Brodie’s Dad to make the drive in record time.

Without any delay, the ER staff at the animal hospital rushed Brodie in for
examination. As their first course of action, an x-ray of Brodie’s tummy was
taken. Brodie’s parents could hear Brodie’s cries growing louder and more
panicked from back within the vet’s office. Brodie was in anguish, and the vet
did not bring good news.

The x-ray showed that Brodie’s spleen and intestines had turned with his
stomach. They recommended immediate surgery, however because of the
complications, the prognosis was bad. The vet prepared Brodie’s folks that
once they opened him up for surgery, they may find that it was too late and
there may not be anything they could do to save Brodie. Brodie’s folks were
faced with the possibility that they were going to lose the dog they considered
to be their son – there was nothing worse in the entire world that they could
have faced. They did the only thing they knew to do.

Brodie’s folks sent up continuous, desperate prayers asking God to spare
Brodie. However, they vowed to remain faithful no matter what the outcome.
They trusted in God’s goodness even if they didn’t understand it. They called
friends and family and asked them to join in with them in their prayers. Then
they waited. It was strange but they had peace. Only time would tell – would
Brodie live or would they have to face life without their precious boy?

What were actually several hours of waiting seemed much shorter as God’s
peace rested on Brodie’s parents. The vet’s expression was unreadable as
she approached them in the waiting room. She calmly said, “Everything looks
good.”

What?! Brodie’s folks couldn’t believe their ears! They could hardly take it in.
Did they dare believe it? Brodie was going to be okay?! God had heard their
prayers and had compassion on them. God was giving them more precious
time with Brodie. Although it had looked like Brodie’s chances were not good,
this was no challenge to God, and by His grace, Brodie pulled through the
surgery. Although Brodie would need to spend some more time at the vet
until he was healthy enough to go home, the most important thing to his folks
was that he would be coming home again! It was the outcome they had hoped
and prayed for with all their hearts.

Brodie’s folks brought him home from the vet a few days later. Recovery was
tough for Brodie. The pain was very intense the first several days at home.
Brodie had a long incision running the length of his belly about a foot long
with about 25 stitches. The vet had tacked Brodie’s stomach firmly in place to
the inside of his body cavity – a painful but necessary procedure to prevent
any recurrence. Each day Brodie felt a little better and got stronger. It was
such a blessing to see him back at home curled up on his favorite pillow. His
folks couldn’t help but imagine what it would have been like if things had gone
differently – they thanked God that it had gone well!

During Brodie’s recovery, the support he and his family received as just
amazing! Well wishes for his recovery and praises to God came pouring in. So
many were concerned about Brodie. Brodie and his parent’s received
numerous emails, phone calls, and cards providing invaluable love and
support. So many witnessed how incredible God moved in the life of Brodie
and his parents. How exciting it was for Brodie’s parents to tell everyone what
God had done for their family. What a thrill to tell that Brodie was going to be
okay instead of having to deliver devastating news!

Brodie now continues to make a difference in this world. Everyone who is
fortunate to know Brodie has instantly fallen in love with his sweet spirit and
beauty both inside and out. As a therapy dog, Brodie continues to bring
smiles and happiness to so many who are lonely or facing terminal illness.
And now Brodie has a testimony to the life-saving power and goodness of
Jesus Christ. It is such an exciting testimony that his parents just can’t keep it
to themselves. Had they not seen bloat developing in Brodie right before
their eyes; had the roadway to the vet not been clear during a typically busy
time; had Brodie’s body not responded so strongly when it didn’t look good –
any one of these factors not in Brodie’s favor could have lead to his untimely
death. But Brodie’s folks are fully convinced that the turn of events were all
blessings from God. They give all the glory to their savior Jesus Christ for
allowing them and the many people Brodie serves as a therapy dog more time
with this extra special creation of God. Praise be to God!

Brodie's incision several days
after surgery.

Psalms 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and
he delivers them.

2 Corinthians 1:11
Then many will give thanks on our
behalf for the gracious favor
granted us in answers to the
prayers of many.

understanding;
straight.