A Story I Never Wanted to Tell — For Jaxx, and for Other Dogs
I thought it would be cathartic to talk about what happened to my girl, Jaxx.
Instead, it’s made me angry and deeply sad.
I know I can’t bring her back by sharing this. But if telling our story helps even one person protect their dog, then maybe that’s a step toward healing — for me, and in Jaxx’s memory.
I did my research. I vaccinated my dogs for leptospirosis.
Jaxx was six months old and Jema was a year and a half the first time we took them to the USA.
Before heading to South Padre, we found an outdoor vet clinic in Fort Worth, Texas. We drove into an unfamiliar neighborhood to make sure our dogs were vaccinated before we arrived. Two weeks later, once in South Padre, we returned for their booster shots.
We were always careful.
We even built a dog gear business around keeping dogs safe. We fed the best food, researched everything, and loved our dogs more than anything.
For the next three years, every winter in South Padre, we continued vaccinating for leptospirosis.
In winter 2025, Jaxx was exposed.
At the time, I didn’t realize it. Friends we met there had sick dogs. I didn’t think they could be carrying leptospirosis — but looking back, after countless hours of research and conversations with vets, I now know that’s exactly what happened.
Their dogs were from northern states, where leptospirosis is much more prevalent. They unknowingly carried it with them. I even suggested they vaccinate their dogs, because lepto exists in South Padre too.
Despite being vaccinated, Jaxx was exposed to a strain stronger than her vaccine could protect against.
Those dogs urinated repeatedly at our RV site. I remember someone asking if it was okay if their dogs peed there. I didn’t object — but my gut told me something wasn’t right.
Not long after, Jaxx developed urinary incontinence. The vet reassured us it can happen in spayed females. I trusted this was nothing to worry about. I am mad at myself everyday for not questioning it.
I have racked my brain every single day, going over and over all the possibilities for her to had been exposed to leptospirosis in our travels, we did our diligence and vaccinated. We thought our dogs were safe.
Then spring came.
Jaxx was thriving in agility training. After class one evening, she started limping. We assumed it was an injury and took her to our vet in Moose Jaw. She was put on pain medication.
Around the same time, she stopped eating — completely unlike her. Jaxx loved food.
She also had tartar buildup, so we thought maybe dental pain was the cause. Bloodwork done before her dental procedure showed acute kidney failure.
That moment shattered me.
Before the test results even came back, I knew in my gut it was leptospirosis. I insisted we start doxycycline immediately.
For three months, we did everything we could to save her.
Daily IV fluids.
Supplements.
The best food.
Endless love.
It was awful.
I didn’t leave her side. I barely left my house.
I can’t bear to write the rest.
Every day my mind still goes over it — again and again.
All the moments. All the decisions. All the what ifs.
What if I had known sooner?
What if I had started doxycycline earlier, just in case? What if we didn’t give her a pain med prescribed for the limping?
What if I had recognized the signs before her kidneys were already failing?
That loop is the hardest part of grief — searching for a different ending that no longer exists.
The truth is, I did everything I knew how to do.
We fought for Jaxx for three months.
I barely left the house. I didn’t want her to feel alone for a second.
Losing her broke something in me.
Jaxx wasn’t just a dog. She was part of the heart behind everything we built.
The reason we cared so deeply about making safe, strong gear for other dogs.
The reason we researched, learned, and tried to do everything right.
And that’s why I’m sharing this now.
Not to place blame.
Not to live in regret.
But because leptospirosis is complicated. Vaccines don’t always cover every strain. Dogs can carry it without symptoms. And sometimes exposure happens in ways we never expect.
If sharing Jaxx’s story helps even one dog get diagnosed earlier,
or helps one owner ask their vet about vaccination, testing or treatment sooner…
Then her story might still protect someone else’s dog.
And that matters.
I will always miss my girl. Always.
But Jaxx changed my life.
And I will keep honoring her the best way I know how — by loving dogs fiercely, learning everything I can, and sharing what I’ve learned with others.
Forever Jaxx
If you are traveling in Canada or the USA please vaccinate your pets for leptospirosis. Contact your local vet for information. Our vet @peakveterinary now has the vaccination on hand.
Do your research. Don’t take any chances with your precious pets.