Yesterday morning, Tessie started vomiting.

At first, I did what I knew to do. I checked her and adjusted her twice, hoping her body simply needed a little support. But she wasn’t improving, and something in me knew this was more than an ordinary upset stomach.

So we took her to the veterinarian.

The diagnosis was an intestinal obstruction, and Tessie needed surgery.

When the veterinarian operated, he found the culprit: a yak chew in her belly.

We had no idea she had swallowed it. Something that seemed like a normal dog chew had become a medical emergency.

As an animal chiropractor—and as Tessie’s mama—this experience was an important reminder: chiropractic care has a valuable place, but it cannot remove a physical obstruction. When an animal continues vomiting, appears painful, becomes unusually quiet, or simply isn’t acting like herself, we have to recognize when she needs veterinary care—and act quickly.

I adjusted Tessie before surgery to help support her nervous system going into the procedure, and again afterward as she began her recovery. But the veterinarian and his surgical team did what only they could do: they found the obstruction and removed it.

I am incredibly thankful to the veterinarian who accommodated us so quickly, listened to our concerns, and made sure Tessie received the care she needed. His willingness to help us that day may very well have saved her life.

Tessie’s story could have ended very differently.

Instead, she is home, recovering, surrounded by love—and probably wondering why yak chews have permanently disappeared from our house.

This experience reminded me that the best care doesn’t have to be either-or. There is a time for chiropractic support, and there is a time for emergency veterinary medicine. Loving our animals well means knowing the difference.

Please keep our sweet Tessie in your prayers as she heals.