For pet owners, there are few experiences more heart-wrenching than seeing a beloved animal suffer, especially when the cause of their illness remains unknown. For Fox & Friends co-host Anna Kooiman, this terrifying reality became all too real when her yellow lab, Baxter, suddenly fell ill. The rollercoaster journey of trying to figure out what was wrong with him and the incredible relief that followed will resonate with anyone who has ever faced uncertainty about a pet’s health.

Baxter, Kooiman’s loyal companion for over a decade, had always been her pride and joy. From family road trips across the country to his role as a groomsman at Kooiman’s wedding in Central Park, Baxter was no ordinary dog. He was part of the family—someone Kooiman cherished deeply. But when he suddenly became sick, the devastation that followed was unimaginable.

A Terrifying Start: Baxter’s Mysterious Illness

The trouble began when Baxter fell ill, unable to keep food or water down for two days straight. Kooiman, already in her eighth month of pregnancy, was frantic. They rushed Baxter to a nearby vet when their usual clinic was closed. Although the vet gave him a shot to stop the vomiting, they couldn’t administer an IV for hydration due to the clinic’s limited hours. They were reassured that the medication would work, but as the night went on, Baxter grew weaker, unable to even stand on his own.

“We opened his mouth and his gums were sticky to the touch. He was so dehydrated,” Kooiman explained. Concerned, she and her husband rushed Baxter to an emergency veterinary hospital, where he was placed on fluids. But despite all the efforts, Baxter didn’t improve, and the doctors feared the worst.

Baxter’s behavior didn’t point to a typical digestive issue, and after multiple tests, including X-rays, it became clear that there was no obstruction in his stomach, and pancreatitis was ruled out. The doctors suspected something much more serious—perhaps cancer. “Putting all these factors together, the conclusion from several of the doctors was that the problem was likely something that couldn’t be easily cured. Something like cancer,” Kooiman recalled.

The word “cancer” was a punch to the gut. The uncertainty of what was happening to her beloved dog, combined with the impending arrival of her child, made the situation even more emotionally taxing for Kooiman. “He was so happy a few days ago. He HAS to meet my baby boy!” she kept telling herself, desperately clinging to hope. The thought of losing Baxter while preparing for the birth of her child was a devastating blow.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Breakthrough

After hours of worry and hopelessness, Kooiman and her husband decided to seek further tests. A second ultrasound was recommended, but the results were inconclusive. It was a tough decision, but they opted for a higher-tech ultrasound performed by a specialist. Finally, the breakthrough came: “We think there is a foreign body in Baxter’s intestine,” the vet informed them. While they couldn’t rule out the possibility of a tumor, the object appeared to be mechanical.

Without hesitation, Kooiman and her husband gave their approval for surgery. A couple of hours later, the phone call they had been waiting for arrived: “Surgery is going well. The surgeon has just discovered the obstruction. It looks to be a corn cob. They should wrap up the procedure soon. We think Baxter will be fine.”

A corn cob. A simple, small corn cob. It was the last thing Kooiman had expected to hear. “We don’t even eat corn on the cob!” she laughed, overwhelmed with relief. The mystery behind Baxter’s ailment was finally solved, and it wasn’t cancer after all.

The Healing Process: A Long Road Ahead

After the surgery, Kooiman and her husband eagerly awaited Baxter’s recovery. Picking him up from the hospital felt like a Christmas morning reunion, but they were still taken aback by how much weight he had lost during his ordeal. “Baxter’s usual nearly 100-pound frame had been whittled down to a shadow of his former self,” Kooiman noted. Despite his weakened state, Baxter’s tail wagged when he saw them, his classic “Baxter smile” returning. They knew their dog was on the mend.

Baxter was sent home with a blue, bell-shaped collar to prevent him from disturbing his stitches. The incision, nearly a foot long, was a reminder of the ordeal they had been through. The corn cob, now a bizarre symbol of their anxiety, was kept as a memento. But most importantly, Baxter was on the road to recovery.

Kooiman took to social media to share the story of her dog’s illness and recovery, thanking her fans for their support and sharing her joy at having Baxter back home. “It’s still so bizarre,” she said of the corn cob. “I wonder how long it was knocking around in his belly. The mystery will remain. We’re just happy it’s out.”

The Unlikely Hero: Baxter’s Remarkable Recovery

Baxter’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. While he was still recovering physically, his presence was enough to bring joy back into the Kooiman household. The family had weathered an emotional storm, and their dog’s resilience became a testament to the bond they shared. For Kooiman, Baxter wasn’t just a pet; he was family, and the thought of losing him had been nearly unbearable.

As a new mother preparing for the arrival of her son, Kooiman reflected on the support her family had given her during the toughest moments. She expressed immense gratitude for the love they had received, especially in a time that was supposed to be filled with joy but had been clouded by uncertainty.

“Thank you for your prayers and support through this ordeal,” Kooiman wrote in an Instagram post, alongside a photo of a much-improved Baxter. “It’s been a long and emotional road, but we’re over the moon that he’s home.”

The Unbreakable Bond: Baxter’s Role as a Big Brother

As Kooiman’s pregnancy continues, she can now look forward to Baxter’s role as a big brother to her child. “I just know Baxter will be a great big brother,” she shared with her followers. The idea of her dog and her son growing up together is a heartwarming thought, and Kooiman looks forward to seeing their bond develop in the years to come.

This experience has not only brought Kooiman closer to her beloved Baxter but has also deepened her appreciation for the unpredictable nature of life. The challenges of balancing motherhood and a pet’s health have shown her how resilient both she and her family can be. Baxter’s recovery is a reminder of the strength that animals possess and the unbreakable bond they share with their humans.

For now, Baxter is back to his tail-wagging, couch-snuggling self, and Kooiman is grateful for every moment with him. The corn cob, the mystery, and the anxiety are all behind them—but the love and joy Baxter brings to their lives remain front and center. What a journey it’s been!