Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi me123!

Georgia and I were in Avalon & Stone Harbor. I walked her onto the beach right in front of the beach patrol but they must have been feeling generous that day. She can't be there until after 7:00 pm....but I can't get good pictures in the dark! I noticed several people walking their dogs on leashes....so I brought her out. I'm so thrilled that I found a place to have Georgia stay with me! Such a relief! The water was WAY too cold. Plus nasty rip tides. I stayed on my chair with my Kindle.

Deb, she has been doing really well. A friend the other day referred to Georgia as being heaven sent to me. I agree. My goal is to give her the happiest and most comfortable life possible. She makes every day better....except when she is barking at the cat non-stop....but that means she feels good! When the cat is nice to the dog....I know we need to go to the Veterinarian! That cat is spooky! I'm uploading a pic from a year ago. When this happened I thought you know where had frozen over! Georgia was so sick (before the diagnosis) and Lola never left her side. A healthy dog and I have a mean Lola! They are fighting as I type. Time to break it up! Poor Lola. She preferred being an only child

[virgilsmama]

Happy to hear you got a great vacation with Georgia, right near our former home! Your Lola has a special ability, animals are a wonderful gift!

[Deerie me]

Love the picture of Georgia the beach babe. She looks really well.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I love that photo of Georgia and the kitty!

It's funny to think of Georgia being bossy now that she is feeling better. That is good news.

Oliver was being ever so funny and silly late this afternoon. He kept coming to me, making his low growly whining sound as if he wished me to pick him up. Every single time I went to pick him up, he ran off. After an hour of this, I had enough and decided to ignore him. The moment I stood up to go to the bathroom, he jumped up and did a huge play bow in front of me. I haven't seen him do that in ages, and ages. He just wanted me to get off of my big fat behind and play with him! He wanted Mummy to chase him and be silly. Oliver made me laugh so much today. Of course I gave in, after I did my intended business.

It fills my heart with such joy to see them being how they should be....happy and care free, and dare I say, a little annoying. It's a wonderful kind of annoying. Oliver has this "dumb determination" about him. I call it that as he looks rather "simple" sometimes, and yet he knows his own mind and he won't settle until he achieves what it is he wishes to achieve. Stubborn is another good word for it.

With that in mind, I hope Georgia continues to annoy lovely Lola...to a point, of course. It is just so much better than the alternative. She is so beautiful as it is, it would be virtually impossible to ever be truly annoyed with her. ♥ She is heaven sent indeed.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Hi all!

I had to try a new pharmacy to get a yucky medication for my rheumatoid arthritis. While waiting for it to be filled, I noticed cards placed on the counter. This pharmacy is offering discounted drugs for pets. Apparently, pharmacies are trying to compete with veterinarian's offices. They only carry people drugs (gabapentin and lyrica would be available). Georgia also takes Tramadol. I'm hoping this might be a way to save. I'm spending a lot on Georgia's drugs now. Hoping to save some money while still taking good care of her. Is anyone else familiar with this process?

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

So far, I haven't found a Pharmacy here that offers that. My Vet's don't distribute those drugs, so even they would prescribe them for Oliver at a "human" drug store. I just refilled Oliver's Lyrica to the tune of $187.00. That prescription should last approximately 2 months though.

Kelly you'll have to look into that as it sounds like an excellent way to save. I'd be all over that. Any drugs that I do obtain from my Vet do not include a dispensing fee, which every drug store attaches. I have heard that there will soon be a generic form of Lyrica available. Actually, I should have asked about that, and I forgot. Next time!

I do hope this works out for you and that the savings are worth it. It's a great idea as you are more likely to move your meds to that pharmacy so you are only dealing with one place, at least that's how I do it.

[Georgia's Mommy]

I received another swab from that Cavalier research study. I guess I didn't swab correctly (even though I followed the directions). Going to send again. Is this common? I think I'll have my holistic vet do it for me so I don't mess it up again.

I hope all is well! Georgia continues to be well

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, I think Irene said she received two as well. Meanwhile, those of us outside of the US didn't receive even one, which is a shame. I'm sure you did it properly, unless they sent you a letter to the contrary.

I hope Georgia continues to be well, and you also.

Other than extremely gassy of late, Oliver is just fine. I think his meds might upset his tummy from time to time, and today was epic, but that's enough about that.

[Georgia's Mommy]

Here is a little laugh for all of you. Halloween is a big deal in my neighborhood. Decorations, candy, kids. It's all in good fun. I get about 100 trick or treaters each year. Georgia also dresses up and kids get their photo taken with her. This will be her costume this year. Everyone says, "I can't believe she lets you dress her"....honestly, I do it for Halloween and random pictures. She doesn't mind it at all....otherwise, I'd never do it. She loves the attention she gets from all the kids. Enjoy my Wonder Woman CKCS.

[virgilsmama]

Adorable, absolutely adorable!!!!!

[Tobysmom3]

OMG Georgia, you are just too darn cute. Gave me my laugh for today already this morning. Lovin' the hair sticking up too. Perfect costume.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Hahahaha!!!! Georgia is just beautiful as Wonder Woman!!!

I literally squealed and laughed out loud when I saw that sweet face, especially with the head band! Oh, Kelly...that is fantastic!

She is so precious! I can't stop giggling as she is just SO CUTE!!!! The entire "ensemble" is a riot, but it's the headband, with her glorious hair, that just put me over the top. Georgia deserves a prize, and so do you Kelly. That is brilliant. ♥

[Georgia's Mommy]

Thanks everyone! I just love this costume! I'm attaching a cartoon that I made of Georgia to represent me in a charity fundraising activity. I have rheumatoid arthritis and a few other autoimmune diseases. I think it is what tunes me in so much to Georgia's pain....and why I'm so neurotic about her health! I thought I would share it b/c all of you understand how precious these Cavaliers are to their owners. When I was asked to make a card to represent me, I had to draw Georgia. She makes my bad days a bit better. Thanks for tolerating all of my photos. Not posting for donations. Just sharing. This is the bio that I included on her photo:


"Life is a roller coaster when you live with autommune arthritis. Through it all, I’ve had the support from my friends and family. Three years ago, I decided to add a dog to my family (along with two cats). I chose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and named her Georgia Grace. Georgia brings so much joy into my life. She helps keep me active with her walks and playing ball. Her warm personality and sweet face just warm the hearts of all who meet her. A year ago, I noticed my sweet dog was not acting like herself. She was diagnosed with a non-curable neurological disease that requires a lot of medication to manage the pain and symptoms. She takes 19 pills a day,
receives acupuncture and physical therapy. Living with RA, I understand pain and my heart broke knowing that this sweet little dog was going to live life like I do with medication, doctor visits, and flare-ups. Her medical bills have cost me a fortune but I don’t regret one moment with Georgia. She helps me find strength in dealing with my own illnesses and my goal is to give her the most comfortable life possible even if it is short. We are in it together. This is why I’ve chosen Georgia to represent me in the IAAM/ACE project. She inspires me to never give up and to spread awareness to help others who may be living with illnesses and feel alone. She is the most loving and sweet dog who brings joy to all who meet her. I’m blessed to have her in my life. I’m also blessed to have found IAAM. I’m proud to help IAAM/ACE’s spread awareness and help others living with various types of autoimmune arthritis diseases come together globally for the greater good."

[RayC]

Hi Kelly, What an uplifting bio. I am happily free of any serious and debilitating conditions as is little Charlie. However I wholeheartedly agree with your statements as to how our furry friends help us through life's ups and downs. I just know that if I'm feeling at all 'down' for whatever reason all I have to do is look at sweet Charlie and watch her ever-wagging tail. I must get a dozen smiles a day from watching her (sometimes) silly antics.

I love your cartoon of Georgia - you've remembered to include her delicious tuft! And as for Wonder Woman... I can almost hear her saying 'What's my mum doing to me now?'

Bless you both and best wishes to all my other frinds in DP

Ray

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kelly, your Bio brought tears to my eyes, and a smile to my heart as I know the Cavalier Love and how powerful it is. I absolutely love that cartoon you did of Geogia. I had no idea you were such an incredible artist! My goodness, you have so many hidden talents young lady. That is a perfect cartoon of Georgia, right down to the tufts of hair on the top of her head, as well as her lovely ears.

You know I'm sending you both all of my love. ♥

Ray, I am SO delighted to hear from you. I was getting ready to gather up the Posse and come looking for you! It's been entirely too long sweet friend. I hope you are well, and Charlie too. It is amazing how much our wee Cavaliers bring to our lives. Who knew that one little dog could bring so much love, and so much joy. I feel mightily blessed to have two, as they are totally unique, but share the same endearing qualities that make Cavaliers oh so special.

Oliver has been extremely silly lately, which lightens my heart tremendously. He's even been play bowing, which I've haven't seen him do, on a regular basis, in years! He is talking a lot, and being ever so playful, even wanting me to chase him. I laughed so hard at him the other night. Oliver would not stop clawing the cupboard that holds the biscuits. Although he could not see me, he could certainly hear me telling him to "Stop It Oliver". (He does know what that means.)

When he did it for the last time, I jumped up and came flying around the corner. The look on his sweet face was like that of a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I could not stop laughing as he was wide eyed, trying to look completely innocent, and it just wasn't working. He actually stopped after that.

Oliver has also been initiating more hugs lately, not because he's hurting, but because he's feeling well enough to be loving and silly. I had a particularly difficult day recently, and was feeling rather sorry for myself at bedtime. My old Oliver was back...he climbed into my lap, and with his gentle licks and leans, and cuddles and groans, he loved me right out of my mood and made me grateful for all the blessings I do have.

Kelly, I must ask if you are willing to be commissioned to do cartoons of some of our dogs, obviously for a fee that can either go to the charity, or to yourself, or to both, as Georgia's medication and treatments are not inexpensive? You are not soliciting anything...I am soliciting you! If not, I understand, but my goodness, that is just such a lovely cartoon of Georgia. You've captured her spirit perfectly!

Autoimmune diseases are debilitating. I had an Aunt who suffered from Rheumatoid Athritis, as well as knew a little girl (her Mother was my son's Grade 2 teacher) who succumbed to the disease before her 3rd birthday. I believe Lupus is another autoimmune disease that, while different, is also quite debilitating. I would be interested in helping. Perhaps you can PM some information to me, please.