The $1000 Corn Cob
- Deb from Busy Pawz
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Saturday night was meant to be uneventful. Dinner was done, everyone was relaxed, and dogs were chilling while we cleaned up.
And then my husband had what I can only describe as a complete brain fart and handed Kip a corn cob.
If you know anything about dogs and corn cobs, you’re probably already wincing. They’re not just a choking hazard — they can’t be broken down properly in the stomach, which means they can easily lodge in the intestines and cause a blockage. And if that happens, you’re looking at surgery at best and something far more serious at worst.
So we didn’t wait.
The “Oh No” Moment
I jumped on a call with the online vet service that comes with our pet insurance and explained what had happened. Her advice was clear: get him to the vet as soon as possible so they could induce vomiting before the corn had a chance to move further through his system.
Of course it was after hours. Of course it was a Saturday night. And of course it was Kip — my sensitive, people-wary, easily overwhelmed boy.
So while we were dealing with the practical side of the emergency, I was also thinking about management. How were we going to help him cope with this?
We called ahead to let the clinic know about Kip’s temperament so they could be prepared. He went into his usual setup — harness on, double clipped lead attached to both his harness and flat collar. It’s a system he knows well and feels safe in.
Off we went, husband in tow, while Kip bounced along thinking he was off on an exciting late-night adventure.
I, on the other hand, was very aware that my own nervous system needed to stay steady. If I tipped into panic, he would feel it instantly.
The Injection, The Bucket, The X-Rays
When we arrived at the clinic there was already another couple there with their dachshund who had eaten a chocolate muffin and chewing gum. It was one of those nights.
Kip stayed glued to me, but he walked past the other dog and the humans without reacting. That alone was a small but meaningful win.
When the vet approached with the injection to induce vomiting, I could see Kip’s worry building. His body stiffened and his breathing changed. I held him calmly and let him know he was okay while the vet administered the injection.
I have to give a huge shoutout to Dr Mori from Camden Veterinary Hospital. His calm, steady manner made such a difference. He gave us space, moved gently, and respected Kip’s need for reassurance. That kind of energy matters more than people realise.
After the injection we had to wait, encouraging Kip to vomit into a bucket lined with a plastic bag — not exactly a familiar experience for him. He flinched when I brought the bucket close, but with a bit of reassurance he settled and did what he needed to do. Thankfully, everything came back up.
The next step was x-rays, just to be sure nothing had been missed. I had fully prepared myself for the possibility that Kip might need sedation. Holding a worried dog on their side, on a table, in a strange environment is no small thing for any dog but especially Kip.
But he trusted me.
He was worried, yes, but he lay still while I held him. There was a brief moment where he tried to lift his head in panic, and then he settled again. The x-rays were clear, and we were given the all-clear to head home.
What This Actually Showed Me
There are time where it feels like progress with a sensitive dog is slow, or even stagnant. You spend so much time managing, adjusting, supporting and trying to stay one step ahead that it can feel like you’re just treading water.
That night reminded me that not all progress is loud or obvious.
The biggest win wasn’t that he “obeyed.” It wasn’t perfect training. It was trust.
Kip was uncomfortable and unsure, but he allowed himself to be held because over time we have built safety together. When he panicked, I stayed steady, and he followed that lead.
That kind of progress doesn’t always show up in flashy ways, but it’s real. And I was incredibly proud of him — and quietly proud of myself too.
Let’s Talk About The $1000 Part
That unexpected Saturday night trip came in just under $1000 once you factor in the after-hours consult, injection, x-rays and medication.
Our insurance covered 80%, which meant we paid about $170 out of pocket. Being able to walk into a clinic and say, “Do whatever you need to do,” without hesitation is something I don’t take for granted.
If we didn’t have insurance, would we have opted for the x-rays straight away? Would we have waited to see if he seemed okay? Those are uncomfortable questions to sit with.
For us, pet insurance has been worth it. We’ve been with Bow Wow Meow for years and they’ve been excellent. A vet once suggested we consider accident cover only which has saved us a significant amount in premiums over time. That approach won’t suit everyone, especially if you have a breed prone to specific health conditions, but it’s worth researching your options carefully and reading the fine print. For us, having cover for snake bites was a priority, but if you live in areas where paralysis ticks are common, that’s another thing to check your policy covers. Our Bow Wow Meow accident-only plan includes both (at least at the time of writing).
Emergencies don’t wait until it’s convenient.
Final Thoughts
Even in dog-savvy homes, mistakes happen. Accidents happen. Sometimes they come down to a split-second decision and a corn cob.
This experience could have ended very differently, and I’m grateful it didn’t.
More than anything, it reminded me that the real work we do with our dogs isn’t just about training exercises. It’s about building a relationship strong enough to carry us through the hard moments.
Give your dog an extra cuddle tonight. And maybe keep the corn cobs well out of reach.
💚 If you’ve ever had your own “oh no” dog moment, you’re in good company. I’d love to hear it - comment below.
Thanks for reading!
And as always, throw your dog a treat from us!
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew xo
P.S. If you’re living with a sensitive or reactive dog like Kip and navigating moments that feel overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. My one-on-one training consults (in-home or Zoom) are designed to help you understand what’s really going on for your dog and give you practical ways to support them. You can learn more or book a session here
Comments