Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi All!

Georgia continues to be stable. We had another acupuncture treatment today. The holistic vet has added more herbs are I'm seeing a lot of good days. Her bad days lately have all been coinciding with inclement weather. I think I wore her out today. She had her vet appointment then we stopped at an organic pet food store and some other errands. I always know I pushed it too far when she is a perfect angel. It does make me sad that she can't go everywhere with me anymore. She gets so tired. After a nap she seemed happy again. The good thing is that I believe she feels comfortable. Her eating habits are getting better (although she's been on a demanding treats kick). I don't know how or why but this holistic approach seems to be the additional step that Georgia needed. In 9 weeks, I've seen remarkable improvement with some flare ups. Nothing like the manic experience during the Christmas holidays. I'm so grateful.

Sadly, our neighbor's 9.5 year-old Boxer was put to sleep 2 days ago. He lived with degenerative myleopathy for a little over a year. Unlike German Shepherds there is nothing you can do for a Boxer apparently. A tragic ending to a beautiful life. Georgia doesn't realize it yet. She hasn't seen him in a while. He wasn't coming outside that often b/c he was having accidents in the house and it was so hard to move him up and down the steps. She'll be sad when we go visit and can't find her best friend Gauge. I've cried over him as if he was my own. He was a lover boy. I'm posting a picture I took when I came back from Penn when Georgia was diagnosed with SM/CM in August. Gauge seemed to sense she wasn't well. He couldn't sit anymore b/c he had no feeling in his back end (He couldn't balance on his own). Gauge pulled his mom over to Georgia and sat on her lap so he could kiss and snuggle with Georgia. Their smiles in the photo just shows how much they loved each other.

Appreciate every moment. Snuggle your babies every day

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, that photo is just beautiful! They look like true friends. I am so sorry to hear of Guage's passing. We've lost so many lately it seems. My heart breaks for each and every one, and especially for their loving Humans, of which you are one. I am truly sorry.

The Holistic Vet seems to be working wonders for Georgia, which is terrific as you are now starting to see a pattern emerge. Things become easier when we know the approximate pattern, and learn how to roll with it, and how to help it to the best of our ability. That is good news.

Give that beautiful girl of yours extra hugs tonight, as I know you will. My two will also have special cuddles as well. Oliver has been downright puppyish for the past day or so. I love it when he is like that and I am so grateful!

[manitwo]

Sending loving prayers to you wonderful owners and your beautiful dogs who have so much to handle and are so brave.
I must admit i feel a bit guilty when i read your posts and then see my two full of beans. love to you all,from Manitwo.

[RayC]

Great news to hear of Georgia's progress. I guess a few blips are inevitable but as long as the net effect is positive it has to be considered a good thing.

I love the photo of Georgia and her friend Gauge. Our furry friends can teach us humans quite a bit when it comes to unconditional love. Rest in peace dear Gauge.

Love and best wishes to you all from Ray and Charlie.

[virgilsmama]

Sending sympathy for the loss of your wonderful friend, Gauge. The example of dogs being friends is a wonderful one to remind us humans just what friendship truly can be. It is always a blessing to know that our departed had the best of lives while here with us. God bless your Georgia, we wish continued improvement to her. Liz, Daisy and little Buddy

[Georgia's Mommy]

Thank you everyone! The neighborhood is missing Gauge. His family is really taking it so very hard. Georgia still doesn't know. I'll take her there next week. I know she's been sitting in front of their steps looking for him

It makes me appreciate every day with Georgia. Even with all the expenses due to CM/SM I don't regret one moment with her. Our furry friends truly make a house a home....and a family complete.

I hope all is well with everyone!

xx
Kelly

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I feel so badly for Guage's family. I hope in time, they find a new one to share all that special loving they have. It will help heal their hearts.

We've had several losses on the DP lately, and each one breaks my heart. As you said, our furry friends make a house a home, and a family complete. I admit to shedding a tear for dogs I've never even met as I know how much their humans suffer when they have to go.

Like you, I find comfort in having Oliver and Henry still here to cuddle. I'm sure Georgia is missing her friend, and I know she won't understand why he isn't there when she can still smell him everywhere. Your loving will help her through this, as she is helping you. ♥

[nezza]

Kelly, my heart goes out to you. I know the pain that is felt when one of our furry friends is taken....

[Georgia's Mommy]

Thanks Everyone! The family was given a new puppy. They were afraid it was too soon, but what better way to honor Gauge than by giving another dog a good home. Now they just have to get through the sadness. Their three boys are smiling again...and that makes us all happy. Their poor cat is still very, very sad

Georgia isn't having the best day with SM. Just seems a little off today. She's not head rubbing but seems tired....could be her brief visit with the puppy. Georgia is now making friends with little Darla. She never seemed to like puppies before, but she seems to really like Darla. Gauge is probably happy about that


The photo is a little blurry b/c it's hard to get these two cute girls to sit still. Darla is a Malti-pom.

[pittdrex]

Your post about honoring our beloved companions by sharing that love and giving a new home to another needy dog reminded of this poem I read recently. I hope the text shows up well enough to read.
Best wishes to Georgia and her new friend.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, what a sweet picture of Georgia and Darla.

I am glad that the family has another dog already. It will help the boys move forward much faster, and as Pittdrex's post indicates, it is a loving way to honour Guage.

Darla is a perfect name for that spirited, little girl. Georgia almost looks big by comparison.

We have weather systems moving through our area, and therefore yours I expect as well. All the time there are major highs and lows, with the drastic changes in Barometric pressure, I have found it affects Oliver tremendously. It is similar to my migraines, and completely out of our control. Knowing that, we plan to be more still at these times, as activity for Oliver will set him off. We have learned the hard way that even though he seems just fine, we have to be careful.

Oliver does well when the temperatures stay above -10C. This winter has been very kind to him.

Pittdrex, as I mentioned, that is a beautiful sentiment that you posted.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Pittdrex,

Thank you for posting that. I shared it with the family. I know the parents are feeling a little guilty getting a new dog so quickly. Gina has been finding things from Gauge all around the house (he hadn't be moving around in quite a while so they think it is a sign that he is happy

Georgia had a rough night yesterday. A little bit better today. It just seems like her head hurts and she wants it to stop. She has been sleeping and eating and seems very happy to spend time with Darla. The weather definitely affects her when the barometric pressure changes. You can see it in her eyes.

I hope everyone is doing well.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, the eyes are another thing I forgot to mention.

Oliver used to have terrible "Cherry Eye" when his symptoms would start to flare. Oliver's Neurologist, at the time (his first one, and very beloved), asked me to try and take a picture and email it to her. This had been going on for a wee bit before I found the words to describe it.

Needless to say, I was never able to capture it again as bad as it had been, or as long, so I was never able to send a photo. In the early days, that was a sign with him as well, but as he's progressed, that has lessened.

I have noticed that Oliver has had more of an itchy face with this weather system moving through. I hope sweet Georgia is able to find comfort. The early days are all about finding the right balance of everything. It gets better.

Georgia has the cutest little "mop top" in the world. I love that avatar. ♥

I'm glad you shared Pittdrex's post with Guage's family. They shouldn't feel guilty at all, but I understand it. I'm glad Georgia has a new friend.

[Phyrie]

Georgia's Mom,

I don't remember the exact quote, but this sentiment might help your neighbour's with their guilt in getting a new dog so soon after Gauge's death: Dog's lives are short, so that we have room in our lives for many of them.

Or:

I guess you don't really own a dog, you rent them, and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease.
-Joe Garagiola

Please assure your neighbours that, at least in my opinion, there is no better way to honour the memory of their beloved Gauge than to open their broken hearts to another dog.

[jacknyc]

First wanted to say I was sorry to read Georgia's friend Guage passed away. Losing a beloved pet is one of life's most difficult experiences. I am glad they have opened their hearts and home to a new pup, I am sure Guage would approve.

I have been away for a bit dealing with some of my own medical issues and have to get caught up on everyone's posts.

Tonight I have just gotten home from the vet with Jack, as it seems he has fractured his back tooth. I brush his teeth every Sunday or Monday (I know only once a week but it's beter than nothing right?) Anyhow I noticed it yesterday and off to the vet we went. They took bloodwork to check all his major organs (being that he is on so many meds) as well as a regular CBC to check for any infection, then if all is good he will have his tooth extracted on Tuesday. I am so worried, I know it happens all the time but with his CM/SM issue and all his meds etc I am just so concerned about the anesthesia . I know he is in good hands and the vet even suggested Tuesday because that is when all 3 of the vets in the practice will be in the office (which makes me feel better in case...)
Anyway, I guess the old saying is when it rains it pours because this is the last thing I need, BUT Jack is more than worth it as I would have to be on my death bed not to make sure his needs are met!


Oh and I think he fractured his tooth throwing around one of those Nylabones. I also gave him some ice cubes this week so maybe that was it? Don't know, but all the nylabones have been thrown away and no more ice cubes. Perhaps we will switch to crushed ice when everything is healed - oh boy this little fur ball is high maintenance