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SYDNEY
Rescued from death...hours before her time.
A story of a dog saved from Death Row
Terrified and had given up...she was saved right before her time to die at a local shelter.
For you folks that do not know what a dog goes through when being saved from a shelter or the streets or any sort of bad situation..this is for you. A prime example of all the love, patience, and medical care that goes into rehabbing a dog to become adoptable and placed into a loving home. So please..consider adopting from a local rescue so they can make space for a new dog to go through this adjustment as well for the people that are experienced in rehabbing abused animals. And just because a dog was saved from a shelter and is in a boarding facility, does not mean it is always ready to adjust into a home. This is why fosters are very important in a dogs new life.
When you bring a dog into your life, you begin a journey...a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving a mark.
Author Unknown
SYDNEY’S STORY
She is a blue brindle pit bull/Am bulldog that was used for breeding purposes. She has had no socialization or any sort of a life. She went to boarding for a couple days to be observed. I spent about 3 hours with her when she was there. It took her over an hour to come up to me and take a treat from me. She ran like a wild dog..low to the ground and fast and watching all sides of her surroundings. By the time I was leaving, she did start to lean on my leg some.
******************************************
She has been in my home now for 5 days and after two days of basically hiding in the deepest darkest corner she could find and looking completely terrified and hopeless, she is starting to show some improvement. She has already ate like a pig and gained a few lbs (which is badly needed). She is being treated for Heartworms as well. This will be her continuing progress as it unfolds.
******************************************
Day one:
Jumped on Diamond (my other pit) the first hour she was here for Diamond sniffing her butt. She was stopped instantly with a grab of the scruff and a hard NO! She has to know she cannot do that and cannot get away with it. But with that said, she is so unsure and scared, that was her fear reaction. I fed her and she ate 3 cans of dog food, 2 pkges of weenies, and 3 large snausage twists. Afterwards we both hopped in the tub together for a bath. She seemed to do well with it and I am sure she felt good once dry. She wouldn't go to sleep because of being so scared and stressed.
******************************************
Day two:
She has periods of coming out of hiding to see me. Gives me a soft kiss as well. Let's me rub her all over and wants to be petted. Will not go outside with any noises or alone. I have to go out with her or put her on a leash to walk her. Seems more eager to roam when outdoors though. Sniffing every nook and cranny. She keeps looking up and down at the fence..from corner to corner..as if looking for a way to escape. She has also found her way to the couch. A lot of panting going on since she got here from being so stressed. She is still hiding in a corner most of the time though except on the couch. So I left her there for awhile to rest with a fan on her. With all the panting/stress..she was probably hot anyway. It seemed to help her.
******************************************
Day Three:
Came out of her crate by herself without me dragging her out. Went outside on her own to potty with my backdoor standing open. But while out there, heard the neighbors kids and FLEW thru the door. Later we went out and she heard both a big dog and a small dog bark, and again..she ran for the house. Still having periods of hiding in dark corners but spending less time hiding now. She let me clip her toenails without any issues at all. Starting to try to kiss Diamond now. It's overwhelming Diamond a little since she doesn’t like a dog in her face…but she seems to be tolerating it well. Sydney is also sleeping now on a pallet right here next to me at the computer. Odd noises startle her but she hasn’t ran away. Mirrors are kind of messing with her head. She spends a lot of time looking at me in the mirror. When we were all outside, she laid on the grass next to me and Diamond and started rolling on her back in the grass. An awesome sign of feeling more relaxed and safe.
****************************************
Day Four:
Excited to see everyone when she woke. Giving all the dogs kisses as well as me. Again an extremely healthy appetite. Went outside, did her business and back in for some R & R. Stormy (my little doxie and dog whisperer) has found her way to Sydney’s pallet. Both fall asleep together. She spent about an hour in hiding today but we have made great progress. Doesn’t want to go in her crate now at night when before was eager to go in. She is crated at night so her and Diamond don't get into it while I am sleeping. I need to be on watch at all times..and every moment for any indication of issues between them. (Panting has finally stopped)
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Day Five: Again..another day outside. First time to hear her even bark. Normally when she hears a noise..she runs back inside. Today she did both. Heard the noise..ran to the fence to see…then ran back indoors. After a minute or two, she would come back out. Still trying to lick Diamond in the face a lot. I am having to back her off and teach her not to get in a dog's face like that. Could turn out nasty if she doesn’t respect another dog's space. While I was in the shower, I left the bathroom door open…both my two doxies were in there like always, Sydney came in and laid down while I showered.
She is still afraid to go outside alone so I leave the backdoor open so she can hear all those strange noises and still be indoors to feel safe. Her time in hiding has been down to less than an hour all day. I always go say hi to her and give her hugs and kisses while she is hiding and let her come out on her own. I feel this is helping her to cope without being completely overwhelmed. She seems to be sleeping well and looking relaxed laying here by me. And she snores..really loud. LOL Everyone has gotten along really well today. Diamond even wants to play with Sydney. Not sure Sydney knows how to play yet.
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Day Six:
Doesn't seem to care about being in her crate anymore at night. (I don't blame her-I hate crates too).
Went out this morning for her usual pee and poop. Trying to teach her how to use the doggie door. She did a quick roll in the grass also. Good sign of relaxation. I was swatting flies and it scared her and she ran to a corner again. Stayed there for an hour or so till I finally helped her out and brought her to living room with me. Now she is sleeping. Well today was a step backwards. She had hid most of the day. She had a fun romp with a frog. I think she bit it or something. She had the taste in her mouth and kept shaking her head..or maybe it peed on her. Otherwise she is back in hiding. Tomorrow is a new day.
*************************************
Day Seven:
Had a good day. Swatted flies and she hid in corner for awhile and took a nap but when she woke up, she was good. We had alot of good food today. Three square meals. LOL Eggs and bacon, hamburger, and chicken. Spent alot of time cooking.
Has learned how to come in the doggie door but still won't go outside alone. We went out in the front yard tonight and she seemed at ease. She walks great on a leash till she see's or smells something she's interested in..then she's ready to drag you with all her strength. So we are working on that. Her outside visits were short since the grass was wet today. She's still staying very close to me and on her pallet next to my chair. This girl can snore. LOL
Overall, it was a good day. Got lots of kisses from her.
*************************************
Day Eight -- 11-8-11:
Having a pretty good day. She had her first pibble zoomie and got so excited. This was her first true sign of excitement. Starting to get use to the kids out back. Helicopter flew over and started her. She is going through the doggie door and I THINK she came out it today. I didn't see but only heard it..so not sure. Trying to get her use to going out the door to potty. Later~had another pibble zoomie. She runs in a circle then darts. Its funny..boy is she fast. Spent a lot of time also sleeping in her crate but is out and hanging out with me. Tonight I pushed her through the doggie door to go outside and she didn't fight me like she normally does. She also went and pottied by herself which is something she has refused to do from day one. Then got her to come back through the doggie door. I call that a success.
************************************
Day Nine:
Another good day. Although scared of the kids playing outside, she seemed to be settled down more today. But she heard me and Diamond outside playing and she was inside and I had the back door open. Well she came running so fast I didn't even see her till she was in the middle of the yard..as low as you can get to the ground and going in a circle then darted out of that right past me and Diamond, side swiping Diamond. She was having a pibble zoomie. The downside with this was..she was running at mach speed and will hit anything in her path. I had to stop her and get her to settle down. She was so excited and trying to play but she could really hurt the other dogs or me running that fast. Although it was GREAT to see her get excited...I loved it!!
She let me know when she was hungry today too. She still wants to go hide but I am not letting her now. She needs to be exposed to noises..not hiding from them. She is walking pretty good on a leash although when she sees something she's interested in... she starts pulling like she's trying to win a pulling contest. I am stopping her from that real quick. She has to learn to walk next to me..not in front of me and pulling. She seems to be picking things up pretty quick on what I am asking from her. We are starting to get a little bit of a routine with going to potty. Her system is adjusting and getting on a schedule. She is doing well. Oh she is scared of cars too. I think she's scared of anything she isn't familiar with..which seems to be pretty much everything.
*************************************
Day Ten:
Had a good day overall. Had a really terrible moment with the neighbors kids outside playing. She wanted to run back in the house. Well I had her on a leash so held her back. She fought me hard..by pulling with all her strength. I just held on. It was a stressful moment for her but it didn't last long till they went back in..then we went in. She seems to be doing better though with the distant noises.
Tonight after already having hamburger, canned dog food, and dry mix for supper..she decided a taste of my dinner was good too. Mashed potatoes..yumm!
This evening, this girl went into a pibble zoomie again. Man she's fast. Afterwards when we came in..she decided to play with a toy...first time but only for a few seconds.. since I am sure she doesn't know what toys are. I call that another progressive day.
Night update: Oh lord, I was trimming my little dog's nails and then using one of those pedi-paws on them to knock off the sharp points..and Sydney went ballistic. She started trying to bite it and barking. I laid it on the floor for her to sniff it cause in my hand, she wanted to bite it. (easier to grab it). It was scary but funny too. Then she started barking at the glass in the window..seeing me moving in the reflection. I finally had to startle her to get her to leave the room. She was hating that thing. Poor girl..I went and got her out of the corner when I finished. She is fine now. Boy oh boy...
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Day Eleven:
Had a different day today. Kids were out playing all day. When the neighbors kids came out..she wanted to run back in the house. I had to really pull back on her leash to not let her go run and hide. I took some pics while she was really stressed. Finally once she calmed down..which took a while..she WALKED back into the house slowly. I wasn't going to let her run from fear. So we took a step forward in that direction. She went into her running (pibble zoomie) again today. She was running way too hard and really scared Diamond and Diamond went back in the house. I was trying to get Sydney to slow it down just a little cause she isn't thinking about where she's running. She is just running. I was playing with Diamond with her stuffed toy and Sydney wanted to play too..but again..was running/playing too hard. Poor girl..she will get it. I am just happy she is wanting to play. I had her chasing me too. I got her to run around playing with me once the yard had cleared out with dogs. Inside the house she tried really hard to stay in a dark corner..but I have blocked off everything, so now she HAS to stay right out here with me. I took a lot of video today. I need to sort thru them. OH-she finally used the doggie door going out..all on her own. Big step for her once again.
***********************************
Day Twelve:
Not much to report today since I was gone alot of the day. Had a normal overall day. Nothing gained overall. Going to let her sleep in my bedroom. We shall see how that goes tonight.
**********************************
Day Thirteen:
She did wonderful sleeping on a bed I made for her next to my bed last night. She never moved.
Had company today all day and she totally shut down again. Wouldn't eat or anything. They were not gone 5 minutes and she was eating and a pee'ing and everything. Good for her to not let that set her back to the start..oh well..maybe good for me. :)
*********************************
Day Fourteen:
Had a pretty good day. She hid from me a couple of times but her tail was wagging more today and we even went outside and she actually played with me with a soft toy. I run,...they chase and attack the object in my hand. It's so fun. She was doing this with me for about 10 minutes or so. First time for her to really play with me at all. We were out front and just cars and dogs in the distance scared her and she wanted to run back in. She has alot to learn about the real life outside of a box. EVERYTHING is new to her. She doesn't know what anything is. She was even getting a little brave and coming into the bathroom and looking around and checking out me in the tub. LOL Normally she runs to her safe spot and stays there but today she ventured out a little more. We have a long way to go but little by little we are progressing.
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Day Fifteen:
She is sleeping next to my bed on her bed very well. Never leaves the bed. Got up today with kids outside playing and she went out without an issue. I didn't even have to have a leash on her. Hope this continues. Her tail is starting to wag a lot more and gets excited to see Diamond too. Still wants to hide but I wont let her. So she lays here next to me at the computer.
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UPDATE:
Sydney is doing a lot better. She is now using the doggie door. I don't have to go out with her now. She is wagging her tail much more. She's eating good, loves her massages and begs for more quite often. LOL She is still learning sounds in the front yard and is pretty much scared. We sat outside at the garage door for about 45 minutes while the neighbors visited. She was scared of them as well as the cars going by. But she watched and I hope she saw that it was ok. But the backyard she is doing sooo much better. She still wants to go into hiding at times but I won't let her. She isn't looking so depressed anymore. Only when she get scared. These last few days she has really come out of her shell. Her and Diamond are having small bouts of playing also. She's really coming along now..
Another Update:
It's been a month now and the last two days her and Diamond are really playing now. Her tail is wagging alot and she is coming to the kitchen now for a treat. First time ever. I always have to take them to her. She is scared of thunderstorms but not the rain itself. When it's JUST raining, she doesn't mind going out in it to pee, eat grass, or whatever she wants. When she comes back in the door, I stop her there and dry her off. She stands there waiting till I am finished. Her snoring is alot better. Not sure why but not so loud now. In fact, now that I think of it, I never hear her at night or it would wake me. She also laid down at the entry to the kitchen today. That's a first. She seemed relaxed and at ease being in the doorway sitting at the edge of the carpet just watching me. I started trying her out on teaching her to sit. Some dogs that are scared will shut down if they think they are being made to do something. I tried it..and she got it...so I gave her ALOT of loud VERY GOOD, VERY GOOD and rubs and I got kisses in return. After a few times of it, she seemed to catch on. So I tried the lay down thing. Again she seemed to know what I wanted from her. So she is a very smart girl. She also got repeated praises of VERY GOOD and rubs. Tried cutting her toenails, no longer wants me to cut her nails. UGH! Gotta try something different.
She has bouts of just staring at me. I think she is wanting more of my attention. LOL She is a wonderful girl. Since it's so cold, we haven't gone out front. Maybe in a day or so we can try to. She needs to go out front for more exposure.
**Added note: I bought a new stuffed squeaky toy for the dogs. She was scared of the other squeaky things before. But she took this toy, ripped out the squeaker and was beginning to rip it apart also till I took it from her. She didn't need to swallow it.. (Kids-LOL) While she was continuously biting, it was continuously squeaking. Her ears would go up but even though she was somewhat fearful of it, her desire to chew the hell out of it were greater. So no more fears on squeaky toys. Woohoo!
A story of a dog saved from Death Row
Terrified and had given up...she was saved right before her time to die at a local shelter.
For you folks that do not know what a dog goes through when being saved from a shelter or the streets or any sort of bad situation..this is for you. A prime example of all the love, patience, and medical care that goes into rehabbing a dog to become adoptable and placed into a loving home. So please..consider adopting from a local rescue so they can make space for a new dog to go through this adjustment as well for the people that are experienced in rehabbing abused animals. And just because a dog was saved from a shelter and is in a boarding facility, does not mean it is always ready to adjust into a home. This is why fosters are very important in a dogs new life.
When you bring a dog into your life, you begin a journey...a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving a mark.
Author Unknown
SYDNEY’S STORY
She is a blue brindle pit bull/Am bulldog that was used for breeding purposes. She has had no socialization or any sort of a life. She went to boarding for a couple days to be observed. I spent about 3 hours with her when she was there. It took her over an hour to come up to me and take a treat from me. She ran like a wild dog..low to the ground and fast and watching all sides of her surroundings. By the time I was leaving, she did start to lean on my leg some.
******************************************
She has been in my home now for 5 days and after two days of basically hiding in the deepest darkest corner she could find and looking completely terrified and hopeless, she is starting to show some improvement. She has already ate like a pig and gained a few lbs (which is badly needed). She is being treated for Heartworms as well. This will be her continuing progress as it unfolds.
******************************************
Day one:
Jumped on Diamond (my other pit) the first hour she was here for Diamond sniffing her butt. She was stopped instantly with a grab of the scruff and a hard NO! She has to know she cannot do that and cannot get away with it. But with that said, she is so unsure and scared, that was her fear reaction. I fed her and she ate 3 cans of dog food, 2 pkges of weenies, and 3 large snausage twists. Afterwards we both hopped in the tub together for a bath. She seemed to do well with it and I am sure she felt good once dry. She wouldn't go to sleep because of being so scared and stressed.
******************************************
Day two:
She has periods of coming out of hiding to see me. Gives me a soft kiss as well. Let's me rub her all over and wants to be petted. Will not go outside with any noises or alone. I have to go out with her or put her on a leash to walk her. Seems more eager to roam when outdoors though. Sniffing every nook and cranny. She keeps looking up and down at the fence..from corner to corner..as if looking for a way to escape. She has also found her way to the couch. A lot of panting going on since she got here from being so stressed. She is still hiding in a corner most of the time though except on the couch. So I left her there for awhile to rest with a fan on her. With all the panting/stress..she was probably hot anyway. It seemed to help her.
******************************************
Day Three:
Came out of her crate by herself without me dragging her out. Went outside on her own to potty with my backdoor standing open. But while out there, heard the neighbors kids and FLEW thru the door. Later we went out and she heard both a big dog and a small dog bark, and again..she ran for the house. Still having periods of hiding in dark corners but spending less time hiding now. She let me clip her toenails without any issues at all. Starting to try to kiss Diamond now. It's overwhelming Diamond a little since she doesn’t like a dog in her face…but she seems to be tolerating it well. Sydney is also sleeping now on a pallet right here next to me at the computer. Odd noises startle her but she hasn’t ran away. Mirrors are kind of messing with her head. She spends a lot of time looking at me in the mirror. When we were all outside, she laid on the grass next to me and Diamond and started rolling on her back in the grass. An awesome sign of feeling more relaxed and safe.
****************************************
Day Four:
Excited to see everyone when she woke. Giving all the dogs kisses as well as me. Again an extremely healthy appetite. Went outside, did her business and back in for some R & R. Stormy (my little doxie and dog whisperer) has found her way to Sydney’s pallet. Both fall asleep together. She spent about an hour in hiding today but we have made great progress. Doesn’t want to go in her crate now at night when before was eager to go in. She is crated at night so her and Diamond don't get into it while I am sleeping. I need to be on watch at all times..and every moment for any indication of issues between them. (Panting has finally stopped)
**************************************
Day Five: Again..another day outside. First time to hear her even bark. Normally when she hears a noise..she runs back inside. Today she did both. Heard the noise..ran to the fence to see…then ran back indoors. After a minute or two, she would come back out. Still trying to lick Diamond in the face a lot. I am having to back her off and teach her not to get in a dog's face like that. Could turn out nasty if she doesn’t respect another dog's space. While I was in the shower, I left the bathroom door open…both my two doxies were in there like always, Sydney came in and laid down while I showered.
She is still afraid to go outside alone so I leave the backdoor open so she can hear all those strange noises and still be indoors to feel safe. Her time in hiding has been down to less than an hour all day. I always go say hi to her and give her hugs and kisses while she is hiding and let her come out on her own. I feel this is helping her to cope without being completely overwhelmed. She seems to be sleeping well and looking relaxed laying here by me. And she snores..really loud. LOL Everyone has gotten along really well today. Diamond even wants to play with Sydney. Not sure Sydney knows how to play yet.
**************************************
Day Six:
Doesn't seem to care about being in her crate anymore at night. (I don't blame her-I hate crates too).
Went out this morning for her usual pee and poop. Trying to teach her how to use the doggie door. She did a quick roll in the grass also. Good sign of relaxation. I was swatting flies and it scared her and she ran to a corner again. Stayed there for an hour or so till I finally helped her out and brought her to living room with me. Now she is sleeping. Well today was a step backwards. She had hid most of the day. She had a fun romp with a frog. I think she bit it or something. She had the taste in her mouth and kept shaking her head..or maybe it peed on her. Otherwise she is back in hiding. Tomorrow is a new day.
*************************************
Day Seven:
Had a good day. Swatted flies and she hid in corner for awhile and took a nap but when she woke up, she was good. We had alot of good food today. Three square meals. LOL Eggs and bacon, hamburger, and chicken. Spent alot of time cooking.
Has learned how to come in the doggie door but still won't go outside alone. We went out in the front yard tonight and she seemed at ease. She walks great on a leash till she see's or smells something she's interested in..then she's ready to drag you with all her strength. So we are working on that. Her outside visits were short since the grass was wet today. She's still staying very close to me and on her pallet next to my chair. This girl can snore. LOL
Overall, it was a good day. Got lots of kisses from her.
*************************************
Day Eight -- 11-8-11:
Having a pretty good day. She had her first pibble zoomie and got so excited. This was her first true sign of excitement. Starting to get use to the kids out back. Helicopter flew over and started her. She is going through the doggie door and I THINK she came out it today. I didn't see but only heard it..so not sure. Trying to get her use to going out the door to potty. Later~had another pibble zoomie. She runs in a circle then darts. Its funny..boy is she fast. Spent a lot of time also sleeping in her crate but is out and hanging out with me. Tonight I pushed her through the doggie door to go outside and she didn't fight me like she normally does. She also went and pottied by herself which is something she has refused to do from day one. Then got her to come back through the doggie door. I call that a success.
************************************
Day Nine:
Another good day. Although scared of the kids playing outside, she seemed to be settled down more today. But she heard me and Diamond outside playing and she was inside and I had the back door open. Well she came running so fast I didn't even see her till she was in the middle of the yard..as low as you can get to the ground and going in a circle then darted out of that right past me and Diamond, side swiping Diamond. She was having a pibble zoomie. The downside with this was..she was running at mach speed and will hit anything in her path. I had to stop her and get her to settle down. She was so excited and trying to play but she could really hurt the other dogs or me running that fast. Although it was GREAT to see her get excited...I loved it!!
She let me know when she was hungry today too. She still wants to go hide but I am not letting her now. She needs to be exposed to noises..not hiding from them. She is walking pretty good on a leash although when she sees something she's interested in... she starts pulling like she's trying to win a pulling contest. I am stopping her from that real quick. She has to learn to walk next to me..not in front of me and pulling. She seems to be picking things up pretty quick on what I am asking from her. We are starting to get a little bit of a routine with going to potty. Her system is adjusting and getting on a schedule. She is doing well. Oh she is scared of cars too. I think she's scared of anything she isn't familiar with..which seems to be pretty much everything.
*************************************
Day Ten:
Had a good day overall. Had a really terrible moment with the neighbors kids outside playing. She wanted to run back in the house. Well I had her on a leash so held her back. She fought me hard..by pulling with all her strength. I just held on. It was a stressful moment for her but it didn't last long till they went back in..then we went in. She seems to be doing better though with the distant noises.
Tonight after already having hamburger, canned dog food, and dry mix for supper..she decided a taste of my dinner was good too. Mashed potatoes..yumm!
This evening, this girl went into a pibble zoomie again. Man she's fast. Afterwards when we came in..she decided to play with a toy...first time but only for a few seconds.. since I am sure she doesn't know what toys are. I call that another progressive day.
Night update: Oh lord, I was trimming my little dog's nails and then using one of those pedi-paws on them to knock off the sharp points..and Sydney went ballistic. She started trying to bite it and barking. I laid it on the floor for her to sniff it cause in my hand, she wanted to bite it. (easier to grab it). It was scary but funny too. Then she started barking at the glass in the window..seeing me moving in the reflection. I finally had to startle her to get her to leave the room. She was hating that thing. Poor girl..I went and got her out of the corner when I finished. She is fine now. Boy oh boy...
************************************
Day Eleven:
Had a different day today. Kids were out playing all day. When the neighbors kids came out..she wanted to run back in the house. I had to really pull back on her leash to not let her go run and hide. I took some pics while she was really stressed. Finally once she calmed down..which took a while..she WALKED back into the house slowly. I wasn't going to let her run from fear. So we took a step forward in that direction. She went into her running (pibble zoomie) again today. She was running way too hard and really scared Diamond and Diamond went back in the house. I was trying to get Sydney to slow it down just a little cause she isn't thinking about where she's running. She is just running. I was playing with Diamond with her stuffed toy and Sydney wanted to play too..but again..was running/playing too hard. Poor girl..she will get it. I am just happy she is wanting to play. I had her chasing me too. I got her to run around playing with me once the yard had cleared out with dogs. Inside the house she tried really hard to stay in a dark corner..but I have blocked off everything, so now she HAS to stay right out here with me. I took a lot of video today. I need to sort thru them. OH-she finally used the doggie door going out..all on her own. Big step for her once again.
***********************************
Day Twelve:
Not much to report today since I was gone alot of the day. Had a normal overall day. Nothing gained overall. Going to let her sleep in my bedroom. We shall see how that goes tonight.
**********************************
Day Thirteen:
She did wonderful sleeping on a bed I made for her next to my bed last night. She never moved.
Had company today all day and she totally shut down again. Wouldn't eat or anything. They were not gone 5 minutes and she was eating and a pee'ing and everything. Good for her to not let that set her back to the start..oh well..maybe good for me. :)
*********************************
Day Fourteen:
Had a pretty good day. She hid from me a couple of times but her tail was wagging more today and we even went outside and she actually played with me with a soft toy. I run,...they chase and attack the object in my hand. It's so fun. She was doing this with me for about 10 minutes or so. First time for her to really play with me at all. We were out front and just cars and dogs in the distance scared her and she wanted to run back in. She has alot to learn about the real life outside of a box. EVERYTHING is new to her. She doesn't know what anything is. She was even getting a little brave and coming into the bathroom and looking around and checking out me in the tub. LOL Normally she runs to her safe spot and stays there but today she ventured out a little more. We have a long way to go but little by little we are progressing.
********************************
Day Fifteen:
She is sleeping next to my bed on her bed very well. Never leaves the bed. Got up today with kids outside playing and she went out without an issue. I didn't even have to have a leash on her. Hope this continues. Her tail is starting to wag a lot more and gets excited to see Diamond too. Still wants to hide but I wont let her. So she lays here next to me at the computer.
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UPDATE:
Sydney is doing a lot better. She is now using the doggie door. I don't have to go out with her now. She is wagging her tail much more. She's eating good, loves her massages and begs for more quite often. LOL She is still learning sounds in the front yard and is pretty much scared. We sat outside at the garage door for about 45 minutes while the neighbors visited. She was scared of them as well as the cars going by. But she watched and I hope she saw that it was ok. But the backyard she is doing sooo much better. She still wants to go into hiding at times but I won't let her. She isn't looking so depressed anymore. Only when she get scared. These last few days she has really come out of her shell. Her and Diamond are having small bouts of playing also. She's really coming along now..
Another Update:
It's been a month now and the last two days her and Diamond are really playing now. Her tail is wagging alot and she is coming to the kitchen now for a treat. First time ever. I always have to take them to her. She is scared of thunderstorms but not the rain itself. When it's JUST raining, she doesn't mind going out in it to pee, eat grass, or whatever she wants. When she comes back in the door, I stop her there and dry her off. She stands there waiting till I am finished. Her snoring is alot better. Not sure why but not so loud now. In fact, now that I think of it, I never hear her at night or it would wake me. She also laid down at the entry to the kitchen today. That's a first. She seemed relaxed and at ease being in the doorway sitting at the edge of the carpet just watching me. I started trying her out on teaching her to sit. Some dogs that are scared will shut down if they think they are being made to do something. I tried it..and she got it...so I gave her ALOT of loud VERY GOOD, VERY GOOD and rubs and I got kisses in return. After a few times of it, she seemed to catch on. So I tried the lay down thing. Again she seemed to know what I wanted from her. So she is a very smart girl. She also got repeated praises of VERY GOOD and rubs. Tried cutting her toenails, no longer wants me to cut her nails. UGH! Gotta try something different.
She has bouts of just staring at me. I think she is wanting more of my attention. LOL She is a wonderful girl. Since it's so cold, we haven't gone out front. Maybe in a day or so we can try to. She needs to go out front for more exposure.
**Added note: I bought a new stuffed squeaky toy for the dogs. She was scared of the other squeaky things before. But she took this toy, ripped out the squeaker and was beginning to rip it apart also till I took it from her. She didn't need to swallow it.. (Kids-LOL) While she was continuously biting, it was continuously squeaking. Her ears would go up but even though she was somewhat fearful of it, her desire to chew the hell out of it were greater. So no more fears on squeaky toys. Woohoo!
Sydney with her ball
Sydney got a new tennis ball today. She chewed on it for a little while and seemed happy for a new toy. But playing with it quickly diminished. I think she got bored with it and went back to chewing on her bully sticks.
12-15-11
We went to see the vet today. She's about 2 yrs old if that and she weighs in at 71 lbs. A Big Girl now. She was terrified of everyone. Had to pull her out from under some chairs. But overall, I didn't know what to expect and this was her first outing..so I honestly think she did pretty well considering how she was when I first got her. She still has a lot to get past in her fears but in time I hope with trust & security that she will began to blossom. She is such an awesome girl and everyone there loved pit bulls and thought she was so pretty.
We took a walk when we returned and the first half of the walk, she didn't do so well. The second half after me trying to teach her how to walk with me, she started to get it. There were no distractions other than a car or two driving by. When we got to the driveway, she knew which house to go to and headed up the drive..amazing how they know this stuff.
We took a walk when we returned and the first half of the walk, she didn't do so well. The second half after me trying to teach her how to walk with me, she started to get it. There were no distractions other than a car or two driving by. When we got to the driveway, she knew which house to go to and headed up the drive..amazing how they know this stuff.
12-30-11
Sydney had her spay done and she was in heat. She was pretty scared of everyone but did ok. She looks so sad but I am sure its because she is on pain meds. Vet called her overweight! For once, words I loved hearing considering she was bones when I got her. She also was microchipped today as well. Such a trooper!!
1-5-12
Update: Sydney is back to her old self
again. She's such a sweetheart and a very calm and quiet girl.
again. She's such a sweetheart and a very calm and quiet girl.
1-7-12
Sydney had a good day today. She was very relaxed outside and even decided to lay in the grass. This is the first time in two months she has been relaxed outside. I know she likes being outside but is scared of what's out there. She seemed really happy today. I call it a good day today.
1-15-12
Sydney had a really good weekend and day today. We spent a long time outside today just playing, chewing on chew sticks, and barking at the neighbors. Sounds didn't bother her as much. Normally neighbors would scare her back into the house but today she worked through it and stayed out there. I was really proud of her. She also was around someone that is a stranger to her and she actually allowed them to pet her. In fact she was very curious..although she barked and growled..she still was ok. Normally she would have ran and hid. So that was a big step for her as well. So a good weekend for her. I am proud of her!
1-20-12
Nothing really new today. Sydney is being about the same. Seems a little more comfortable going out back when there are noises..some noises run her back in the house but she comes right back out. She seems to be more about protecting her domain now. That means she's feeling more confident. The toilet flushing no longer scares her. The bath water running no longer scares her. She's still working on looking out the front door. She seems to be getting a little more curious about looking out. She is still struggling with walking outside in the front. She really wants too but is afraid. Some days she will go and other days she just isn't up for it.
1-22-12
Sydney had a good day today. She did alot of playing with Diamond and alot of running around. It was a really good day for her.
2-17-12
Nothing largely new to tell. She's doing about the same. Our walks are still difficult..trying to deal with her fears of people...
2-26-12
Sydney was definitely in protect mode today. Neighbor was about to mow my yard when Sydney started barking and running to the fence. Today outside it was quiet out..so she relaxed quite a bit, rolling around in the grass, just sitting out there enjoying the sun. Then when we came in..after all that barking..she looked like this...(photo below)
2-28-12
Sydney enjoyed her day. It was quiet out and she was very relaxed. We had a good time outdoors. She is slightly better on her walks in the front but still fighting with her demons. I think in time she will be alot better. Probably will never be 100% but I feel certain she will progress. She already has in certain areas. This photo was hilarious. I was playing with one of the other dogs and when I looked up, I seen this. She doesn't sit very lady like but both her legs are straight out from her here. She is literally sitting on her butt. How cute is that?
3-5-12
Sydney has now made this her morning thing. A roll in the grass..wet or dry. She's definitely gained some confidence now. Still has a long way to go to not be afraid of people though.
3-12-12
Sydney now barks at all the neighbors when before she ran away. She also is sitting right up against the front storm door looking out when before she stayed 10 ft back. Thought she was going to eat the UPS man. LOL He walked up while she was sitting there. Scared the UPS man. She's doing SO good. Gaining confidence every day.
3-13-12
Today Sydney was exposed to all sorts of noises in the backyard. From hammering, to saws, to kids screaming at the neighbor's. She was a little anxious but stayed outside the whole time. She did exceptionally well today. Very proud of her.
3-21-12
We have been taking short walks to the mailbox late at night when no one is out and no cars going by. She has seemed to be getting comfortable on these walks. Yesterday for the first time, she wanted to walk out on the front porch. That was a first. So today I decided to take her on a real walk. Still nervous & anxious, but she did sooo much better. She walked with me with only a few small scared episodes. But overall, I was VERY happy with her walk. We are definitely making progress. She seems slightly less scared when I am outside and talking to someone and she is on a leash with me. She isn't watching them. She is too busy looking around. So small steps each day but she is doing so much better. VERY proud of her. This photo is her de-stressing and being hot from the walk..although it was chilly outside.
3-23-12
Sydney had another good day today. She really had fun outside. She also was barking at a guy mowing behind us. Before she would have ran in the house.
Sydney had another good day today. She really had fun outside. She also was barking at a guy mowing behind us. Before she would have ran in the house.
3-26-12
Well I need to give a detailed update for Sydney now since it has been 5 months since she was saved from death row and came into my home. She was so terrified of people, that she couldn't find the deepest, darkest hole to hide in. She stayed hidden for weeks. Anytime she could escape to a dark spot and her back up against the wall..she did. Closets etc.
Now 5 months later, she has really grown. She is no longer running into the house afraid of every outside noise..from kids playing, to planes, and dogs barking. Now when she hears anything, she barks at it. (Even barked at the UPS man walking up to the door. Scared him I know.) She runs up to the fence and barks. She no longer runs away. After being terrified of just the front yard..even when opening the front door with the storm door closed, she would sit 10 ft back from it..and sometimes just escape completely away from it all together because it was more than she could handle. Now she goes right up to the door, and sits for hours just staring out and watching everything and everyone. At night, we walk to the mailbox. It's our nightly walk when no one is outside and she doesn't have to be so afraid. Before, she ran from me and the leash when we were going outside. As of this week, she is running up to the door, waiting for me to put the leash on her so she CAN go outside. Once outside she is so busy sniffing the ground like a dog should. She has made remarkable progress in the last few weeks especially. Now our next thing is to get her use to people and not be so afraid. Remember, this dog lived in a cage all two years of her life as a breeding dog. So she has never seen the outside world. She weighed about 55 lbs when I got her. Now she's about 80 lbs. And strong as an ox. She is a very loving girl that love loves loves to give kisses. She licks the other dogs; she licks me, my feet, my legs, my pants, my face. She loves everyone and everything that she is familiar with. She has had to learn that there is a world outside around her and it is ok to be a dog in it. And I must say, having other dogs have helped her feel more secure. And I am glad I have been able to be here with her 24/7 to help her progress quicker. She loves to sleep in my bed..although she takes up alot of space, and she snores. She has learned to sit, lay down, and working on shake..although the shake thing has turned into.."Lets get mom's attention by pawing at her". Such a wonderful soul. Can't wait to see her no longer afraid of humans. If we can conquer that, she will be complete. A new dog!!!!!
Now 5 months later, she has really grown. She is no longer running into the house afraid of every outside noise..from kids playing, to planes, and dogs barking. Now when she hears anything, she barks at it. (Even barked at the UPS man walking up to the door. Scared him I know.) She runs up to the fence and barks. She no longer runs away. After being terrified of just the front yard..even when opening the front door with the storm door closed, she would sit 10 ft back from it..and sometimes just escape completely away from it all together because it was more than she could handle. Now she goes right up to the door, and sits for hours just staring out and watching everything and everyone. At night, we walk to the mailbox. It's our nightly walk when no one is outside and she doesn't have to be so afraid. Before, she ran from me and the leash when we were going outside. As of this week, she is running up to the door, waiting for me to put the leash on her so she CAN go outside. Once outside she is so busy sniffing the ground like a dog should. She has made remarkable progress in the last few weeks especially. Now our next thing is to get her use to people and not be so afraid. Remember, this dog lived in a cage all two years of her life as a breeding dog. So she has never seen the outside world. She weighed about 55 lbs when I got her. Now she's about 80 lbs. And strong as an ox. She is a very loving girl that love loves loves to give kisses. She licks the other dogs; she licks me, my feet, my legs, my pants, my face. She loves everyone and everything that she is familiar with. She has had to learn that there is a world outside around her and it is ok to be a dog in it. And I must say, having other dogs have helped her feel more secure. And I am glad I have been able to be here with her 24/7 to help her progress quicker. She loves to sleep in my bed..although she takes up alot of space, and she snores. She has learned to sit, lay down, and working on shake..although the shake thing has turned into.."Lets get mom's attention by pawing at her". Such a wonderful soul. Can't wait to see her no longer afraid of humans. If we can conquer that, she will be complete. A new dog!!!!!
3-28-12
Today was a ground breaking day. Doors have opened for Sydney. I had three female visitors today all at separate times and Sydney did wonderful with them. Scared the first five minutes then she got curious and came up to the first person and sniffed her pants leg, then just stood there. The next two visitors squatted or sat on the floor and after being scared for a few minutes at first, she came up to them and let them pet her and she even gave kisses. And she stayed there the entire time..which was up to two hours, and stayed close to them wanting more petting. It was an amazing day for her. I DO think she may be more afraid of men though. We will test that soon. She now wants to go outside in the front yard. She seems pretty comfortable out there now. Still leery of cars driving by but is dealing with it well. She has progressed further than I ever expected from her. This is an amazing day and I have cried happy tears for her. :)
3-31-12
Sydney was plum silly today. She was chasing me and rolling in the grass..and just being extremely playful. It was pretty awesome to watch her being that way. We still have a ways to go but we are progressing quickly now!!
4-2-12
Today Sydney was really playful. I wasn't paying much attention to her and when I turned around..she was hiding in the grass like this..ready to pounce on me. And she jumped up and ran at me..playing. So we did that for a few minutes. It was another great day for her.
4-6-12
Sydney had a really great day. She was funny, wanted to play..and played rough too. Well she's a big girl and doesn't know it, but she wants to play with me. So today I let her play. She was so happy. Her tail was wagging all day, she was running through the house and flying out the back door just being silly. She will walk on the little dogs and not think twice. She gets so excited. This is a one in a million picture!!
4-10-12
Look at this girl. She is just wanting to play with me all the time. What a silly girl. Hiding in the grass.
4-11-12
Being a lady and crossing her legs. Such a beautiful girl. Being so relaxed.
4-16-12
Look who's being silly again.
First Trip to Petsmart and out in public today. Sydney was scared to death. She was shaking so hard I thought her teeth were going to fall out. But she handled it and walked around with me. We stopped for a few minutes and squatted down to chat with an employee. She also tried to climb into a bottom shelf that was empty. But overall, I honestly think she did ok. It was tough for her and we only stayed about 30 minutes then I brought her right back home. After getting home I thought she would want to run out back and just chill out. I had to go do something in the front yard and she wanted to come too. So off we went. We will do it again soon. Hopefully we can conquer this fear she has of people.
Paws Crossed!!!!
First Trip to Petsmart and out in public today. Sydney was scared to death. She was shaking so hard I thought her teeth were going to fall out. But she handled it and walked around with me. We stopped for a few minutes and squatted down to chat with an employee. She also tried to climb into a bottom shelf that was empty. But overall, I honestly think she did ok. It was tough for her and we only stayed about 30 minutes then I brought her right back home. After getting home I thought she would want to run out back and just chill out. I had to go do something in the front yard and she wanted to come too. So off we went. We will do it again soon. Hopefully we can conquer this fear she has of people.
Paws Crossed!!!!
4-23-12
Well I think Sydney has mastered walking in the neighborhood now. She does pretty well. Even runs to the door to go out. Still anxious but works through it alot easier. She walks really good on a leash now. We have started our visits to Petsmart now. For her to deal directly with people.
Time and Patience. That's what it takes. Here we are into 6 months and she still has yet to deal directly with people without being freaked out. But she is doing well on everything else. She's such a sweet dog.
Time and Patience. That's what it takes. Here we are into 6 months and she still has yet to deal directly with people without being freaked out. But she is doing well on everything else. She's such a sweet dog.
4-29-12
Sydney now loves to pose for the camera. She will stay like this for several minutes while I walk around her taking pics. She loves the attention.
5-5-12
Took a trip to Petsmart today. She shook so hard on the way there and when we first got there. But after a little bit..she was leading me around. Put her on the scales.. She's 80 lbs. A little pudgy I might say.
Two small children walked right up to her face but I blocked them and told them not to get in her face. So they petted her on her back. This is something parents need to teach their children..every dog may not be friendly. I feel certain Sydney wouldn't hurt a flea..but when any dog is in a state of panic or fearful, it can turn into a bad situation very quickly even though the dog is gentle. When stressed out, you cannot always tell what a dog may or may not do. I would rather be safe than sorry. Anyway, about 20-30 minutes into our walk in the store..she eye balled the front door..and that's where she was headed. So I gathered some items and we checked out and loaded up. After getting home she was pretty stressed out but after about 45 minutes she finally settled down. I just leave her alone when she's like that & let her work through it. I can tell you that Sydney is trying SO hard to get past her fears. She wants so badly to be ok. I mean..as scared as she was..she was still walking slowly with me and also leading me around. It didn't seem to be the people she was so much afraid of as it was just in unfamiliar surroundings. In the parking lot and in the store, she wasnt just looking at people, she was looking all the way around her. So I think she's getting use to people more. It is just her entire surrounding's she is learning how to adjust to. I think she will progress quickly now. It seems we have conquered another hurdle. VERY proud of her.
Two small children walked right up to her face but I blocked them and told them not to get in her face. So they petted her on her back. This is something parents need to teach their children..every dog may not be friendly. I feel certain Sydney wouldn't hurt a flea..but when any dog is in a state of panic or fearful, it can turn into a bad situation very quickly even though the dog is gentle. When stressed out, you cannot always tell what a dog may or may not do. I would rather be safe than sorry. Anyway, about 20-30 minutes into our walk in the store..she eye balled the front door..and that's where she was headed. So I gathered some items and we checked out and loaded up. After getting home she was pretty stressed out but after about 45 minutes she finally settled down. I just leave her alone when she's like that & let her work through it. I can tell you that Sydney is trying SO hard to get past her fears. She wants so badly to be ok. I mean..as scared as she was..she was still walking slowly with me and also leading me around. It didn't seem to be the people she was so much afraid of as it was just in unfamiliar surroundings. In the parking lot and in the store, she wasnt just looking at people, she was looking all the way around her. So I think she's getting use to people more. It is just her entire surrounding's she is learning how to adjust to. I think she will progress quickly now. It seems we have conquered another hurdle. VERY proud of her.
5-18-12
Took a quick trip to Petsmart. She was shaking on the ride there...but sitting up and looking around. Usually she is laying down. We also took Diamond with us. At Petsmart she got lots of attention from the employee's. She was scared but as long as she had something or someone at her back..she was ok. If we conquer this, she will be as good as gold...on conquering alot of her worst fears. She wants this..and she wants it bad. Such a brave girl.
And Every day when we get up, she goes outside and lays in the sun for awhile. It's amazing she can do that now. For awhile she would not go outside without me much less relax and enjoy the outdoors. Now she loves to go out. She's even tanned on her belly now.
And Every day when we get up, she goes outside and lays in the sun for awhile. It's amazing she can do that now. For awhile she would not go outside without me much less relax and enjoy the outdoors. Now she loves to go out. She's even tanned on her belly now.
6-1-12
Took a trip to Petsmart again. Diamond went too. Sydney sat up looking out the truck window on the drive there. Still shaking but seemed excited about going, We stayed there about an hour and a half. The store was VERY crowded and she got alot of attention. It was good for her. She is progressing slowly with this but this is a big hurdle for her to get over...so in time..I know she will conquer it. She has done extremely well already. Again..Very proud of her!!!!!
6-24-12
Sydney is doing wonderful. We were out front around the neighbors and she was very comfortable. When she is scared, she backs up to a wall or my legs or something. She was not paying any attention at all to this person and even had her back to them. I find that amazing. She's doing so good. We are still working on our trips to Petsmart. She deals with it but is still scared. She really hates when I am using my oven. It beeps and it scares her. That seems to be her biggest issue inside the house.
Tan time -------------------------------------->
Tan time -------------------------------------->
7-5-12
Sydney looking adorable sitting outside.
6-9-12
Sydney took a trip to Home Depot. Pretty scared but she handled it like always. When I asked her if she wanted to go..she ran to the truck and crawled into the backseat as fast as she could. She shook all the way but was so excited and looking around at everything. It is great to see her so excited and happy. But of course she was ready to leave the store also so she knew what the truck looked like and headed right for it. Smart girl. When we got home..she got lots of kisses from the other dogs.
7-14-12
Today we went to Petsmart. Same results. But she get's really excited about going for rides. She can't get in the truck fast enough. She is loving her freedom in her new life now. She's really enjoying being outside with Mom. Maybe she will get over being so scared of strange places.. time will tell. It seems this will take awhile.
Silly girl
7-20-12
Another trip to Petsmart. A slight noticeable thing she did. While she's always trying to get away from everything...a man happened to have been standing there looking at the collars. We were standing behind him. Sydney walked over a few steps and sniffed his shoes. First time for her to do something like that. I felt that was subtle but definitely something different. It DID however start storming while we were there so it made both her and Diamond uncomfortable so we didn't stay long. I tell ya, the battle to get in the truck to go on a trip..shes the first one in. She is getting pretty comfy riding. She sits there and looks around. Still shakes but that's ok. I can tell she is happy and liking it. This time she was sitting on her butt with both back legs straight out in front of her on the ride home. She's a quirky girl.
7-27-12
Took a trip to the bank. It was dark outside. Her and Diamond went. Sydney jumped in the front seat this time. She shook on the way there. I stopped and talked to someone for a little while. She relaxed while sitting there and the ride home..she NEVER shook. Just as calm as she could be.
9-1-12
Took Sydney to Petsmart today just like I do every week..she got her toenails trimmed. Several employee's made a comment that Sydney seemed to be getting better. Several months ago..she was afraid of someone to pet her..now she stands there but drops her head. VERY submissive. She LOVESSSSSS going for rides. She is usually in the truck waiting on me before I can get in. Today, when we got back home..she went and sat at the truck..staring at it. She wanted to get back in and go. I had a repairman over the other day and she actually went up and sniffed his shoes. then when he was in the kitchen..She sat right there not 3 ft from him..just watching. It was amazing to see her doing all of this. It's been a long 10 months for her. I been also trying to get her to play. she always liked to bite kinda hard when I was trying to get her to play and even one time broke the skin. But now she knows not to play so hard now. She's been a lot more gentle the last couple of times. We run through the house and she runs with me. It's so funny. I try to get her to play with the stuffless squirrel and she will grab and we play tug a war with it. She has started switching places throughout the day of sleeping on the couch. Both can't fit because Bella is on one end and that's her spot. It's been pretty amazing to see her finally know its ok to jump on the couch or the bed. She's starting to really open up. She is a VERY happy girl now and I am so happy for her. It's amazing to see a dog..that's been through what she has..to finally become a dog she should be.
Sydney being silly
Her new daily resting spot.. If only she would use it. And Mom too. LOL
9-10-12
We went to Petsmart today. For the first time, Sydney didn't shake. Amazing. But that didn't stop her from trying to get out that front door. LOL I had a friend stop by my house before we went and she went right up to him. Amazing progress. Finally..after 10 months, she's turned that final page. Now if she will continue moving forward with her progress, she will be a perfectly happy and stress free girl..well except when it is thundering out. Poor thang!
9-15-12
Holding her cookie in her paws
We took a trip to Petsmart today. She was about the same. But man she loves riding in the truck. She shakes so hard but she loves it. Must be excitement. Today I told her NO when she was trying to go out the front door at home and I didn't let her. She barked at me. LOL Then she got down like being playful. I said nooo don't talk back to me. It was funny. Every time we all go to Petsmart, we are there only about 30-45 minutes. After they get home, both her and Diamond are wore out and take a long nap.
9-24-12
Sydney is doing good. Still nervous around people but she sure tries hard not to be. We have began working on off leash tasks. In the front yard we have removed her leash. She now can walk around on her own. So far..so good. Didn't think that would ever happen. She is growing up to be such a wonderful and good girl. She loves her mommy too.
10-9-12
Enjoying the nice weather today.
Sydney is doing very well off leash. I have to watch her. She will stray a few feet further than she should. She knows shes doing it too. When I holler at her, she cuts her eyes at me and ignores me like she didn't hear me. Sneaky girl! But she knows shes off leash and loves it of course. one night she wouldn't listen to me at all so I put the leash on her. She walked right next to me perfectly. Such an awesome girl. We will take a trip to Petsmart again this weekend.
10-15-12
Sydney enjoying the nice weather and tanning her tummy. Today she talked to me. She got excited about going out front and started yodeling at me..with some low barks. It was so cute. She has really come a long way in a year that she has been here. Her tail is finally up completely when it wags. It use to be a low wag..not anymore. She loves going for rides. She will fight you on who gets in the truck first. She has even got in the truck while it was sitting in the drive. She's such a wonderful girl.
10-19-12
Sydney is still doing great. She loves riding. She's doing well off leash although is testing me to see how far I will let her go. She's a smart girl. We went to visit family the other evening and she was of course terrified at first. After we ignored her and was talking..she seemed to settle down and be alot better. I think she will always be afraid of people..although she has come a long way since day one. She is alot happier now, her tail is wagging alot, shes playful, and loves people watching. She is still very submissive and ducks her head down at times and wants my attention alot..but I am hoping she will get out of that as time goes on. Such a big girl!!!
10-27-12
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY she was pulled from the shelter.
RESCUED! At 3 yrs old, today is her 1 yr rebirth date. She finally got to become a dog..and act like one. She has been a tough but amazing journey for me. I have never seen one so afraid of noises and people so badly than her. I knew it was going to be a long road trying to help her get to a better place. What made this so magnificent was, she was so depressed, so beat down, so withdrawn when she came out of the shelter. She was actually turned in by her owners that said she was anti-social and didn't interact with the family. Well let me tell you what love can do. It took about 6 months before she would finally hold her head up and wag her tail. Since then you can see her want. She wants so badly to trust humans. She really does like people and wants to be with them. Even though she is fearful of people still, she doesn't run away from them. In fact she will even follow them around from behind. She sniffs them and waits to be petted although a little scared of being touched. Her want is much stronger than her fears...which has helped her to overcome her fears. Everyday she becomes more confident and eager. She is a very happy girl now and a wonderful addition to this family. She's NOT anti-social. She was just afraid of a human's hand and was probably treated badly. With time, patience, exposure and alot of love..she has really blossomed. I am extremely happy with her progress and I know everyday she will only become a more confident little lady. She really is a lady. She crosses her paws, is polite about not jumping on furniture unless told that it's ok. She loves being outdoors now and taking rides in the truck. All this girl needed was someone to help guide her and take care of her. I betcha her previous owners was just backyard breeders and had thrown her into a crate alone without any human contact..possibly beaten by the hands of the human. So once she was turned into the the shelter by them..it was only a matter of time to be put to death. I found her within 6 hours of being euthanized. I saved her that day from death. That was the day her whole world changed. She had a warm bed, full tummy, and a clean body. She got to sleep in a soft bed also. She got alot of hugs and kisses and was taught to sit, lay down and shake..well not so much shake. She does that when she wants my attention now. LOL. She is a perfect girl and all she needed was to be loved. And that she got..for the rest of her life..she will remain here. It's the only thing she deserves..is a true life of just being able to be a dog. A true companion!
11-6-12
Nothing really new to tell. Sydney is just enjoying life. She is still doing well off leash. Doesn't always want to come in when called but after coaxing her, she finally comes. From day one this girl has always moved slow, likes to lay around and have a quiet area to rest. so When I see her run...by just playing around..it's so great to watch that. It just tells me she really is happy and feeling really great. Such a wonderful girl. I will say is that she has started talking to me now. When she gets excited and wants to go out in the front, she starts barking at me and growling/groaning. It is soooo adorable to see her do that.
11-30-12
Took Sydney in for a dental and she did really well. She was nervous like always but she went walking off with the vet tech to go to the back. I was sooo proud of her. She's such a wonderful girl. Oh, the good news..she is officially heartworm negative. Woohoo! Took one yr to get rid of them doing the slow kill.
12-7-12
Had Sydney DNA tested. Here are her results:
Border Terrier / American Bulldog Cross & American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
I definitely see the Bulldog in her.
Border Terrier / American Bulldog Cross & American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
I definitely see the Bulldog in her.
1-22-13
Sydney has begun to get brave. Now she's running up to people and sniffing their feet from behind..when they are looking at her, she barks. Her way of saying....I want to check you out but don't come too close.
In this pic she is saying..but M-o-o-o-o-o-m...play with me.
In this pic she is saying..but M-o-o-o-o-o-m...play with me.
4-3-13
Sydney doing good. Still afraid of strange places. And still afraid of people but doing so much better. Now she runs up to people...looks at them..barks and backs off...then repeats. LOL But she is allowing some touching by people/strangers. She is trying so hard to trust people. Not sure she ever will but she tries. I gotta give her credit for that.
9-15-13
Sydney enjoying the outdoors.
12-25-2013
Sydney enjoying the sun that's making her so sleepy.
Sydney enjoying the sun that's making her so sleepy.
2-15-2014
Sydney loves riding and she rides very well..but she sure doesn't like to get out. Actually this pic was taken at the elementary school behind us and we have been here many times. And she still insists on getting back in the truck after a few minutes.
Sydney loves riding and she rides very well..but she sure doesn't like to get out. Actually this pic was taken at the elementary school behind us and we have been here many times. And she still insists on getting back in the truck after a few minutes.
2-4-15
Well it's been nearly a year since I have written. That's because not much has changed really. As of last Thursday, everything changed. Sydney started staggering/limping from her front legs. Hard to tell which one so then I thought maybe her shoulders. This went on for about 2 days. Then on Saturday, it was her back right leg and very obvious. I tried to keep her comfortable until Monday when I could get her in to see the vet. We spent 3 hours there with numerous tests including x-rays, extensive blood work etc. Nothing showed up anywhere. So we were sent home with pain meds. If not better in a week, to return. Well the pain med I was giving her made her loony. As in hearing/seeing things. Being fearful, not wanting to go out and pee or even eat or drink. SO today I only gave her other meds I have. One for mild pain, one a muscle relaxer, and one that's for nerve pain. These don't seem to bother her like that other one did. So I am waiting on a return call from her vet just to talk to him about how she isn't doing too well. In watching her, it appears to be her knee. It is bowing outward when she tries to walk. Nothing showed on x-rays but that doesn't mean much if it is a muscles or soft tissue. She's having an extremely hard time walking. I am having to stay right by her when she goes out to pee. She will only walk a short distance then sit down and start panting. It's either wearing her out and/or she's in pain. She hasn't shown any pain at all throughout this as far as I can see. Not even for the Dr. Anyway, this has been very tough on me and I am stressed about her diagnosis and the outcome on this. I don't want her to continue like this. I hope we start seeing improvement very soon. This is very discouraging seeing her hurt and can barely walk like she is. I am exhausted. She is 80 lbs so I cant lift her but I have tried. My arms are sore. Anyway I hope for something good very soon. Prayers for Sydney.
2-5-15
UPDATE: Spoke with my vet today since there has been no improvement. He is thinking this could be some sort of an infection or possibly a disease or something and not particularly a joint issue. We had a new symptom show up today or maybe it has been there the whole time and I just noticed it. She is walking on her left FRONT paw but..when she stops..she lifts the weight off of it. Not lifting the paw but takes her weight off of it and putting her weight all on the other side. she is curling it up under her at times..more than usual. There is no swelling anywhere to indicate this is a joint issue. I gave her those nasty Rimadyl pills Monday and Tuesday and she wigged out on me. Hearing noises and stuff. She quit eating, drinking and walking. SO I stopped that immediately. The vet said she probably won't get better without those so we have to change our plan up. In a lot of cases when you have an unknown problem, vets resort to Prednisone. It doesn't fix the problem. It only masks the symptoms but it WILL reduce inflammation. So starting Saturday morning we will start the steroids since we can't give them right after or during the NSAIDs. We must wait at least 72 hours. I can tell you right now, I KNOW the steroids will wig her out too. But we must try. Believe it or not, my vet doesn't like giving steroids either so he doesn't want her to be on them any longer than needed. He said we should see a change fairly quick once we start them. If not better by Tuesday or Wednesday, then I will either take her back in or call him. This also could be a disease that has hit her as well. It is NOT Degenerative Myelopathy because DM comes on slowly and this came on fast. We also started back on antibiotics although the WBC did not show an infection. So right now we are just trying to find out what's going on. We are unsure at this time.
Update 2-13-15
We went back to vet and he found nothing wrong to indicate a leg problem. It seems this is still unknown but he felt 80% sure that it was a nerve issue in the spine...effecting the limbs. He isn't sure why the leg is turning outward like it is. That part is strange.
We actually are upping the dosage on the prednisone since we started out on a lower dose to start with. We will do prednisone for 10 more days and that includes the weaning off part. Also we are adding in Gabapentin (600mg a day for atleast one week). We will continue the Adequan injections as well. This appears to be a long term healing process. Hopefully the spine will help heal itself.
Worse case scenerio: A myelogram that costs around $1,000 would be the next thing. If she DOES happen to have this issue that wont heal in time, then surgery may be in order. So that would include an MRI and surgery ranging in the ballpark around $5,000-$6,000 dollars. I pray that this doesn't get to that point and that we can manage this with time, medication, and chiropractic and acupuncture treatments.
We actually are upping the dosage on the prednisone since we started out on a lower dose to start with. We will do prednisone for 10 more days and that includes the weaning off part. Also we are adding in Gabapentin (600mg a day for atleast one week). We will continue the Adequan injections as well. This appears to be a long term healing process. Hopefully the spine will help heal itself.
Worse case scenerio: A myelogram that costs around $1,000 would be the next thing. If she DOES happen to have this issue that wont heal in time, then surgery may be in order. So that would include an MRI and surgery ranging in the ballpark around $5,000-$6,000 dollars. I pray that this doesn't get to that point and that we can manage this with time, medication, and chiropractic and acupuncture treatments.
Update 2-24-15
Went to see neurologist today. We need to do the Myelogram to find out if this is neurological or joint/muscle related. Neither show up on a plain x-ray. They think possibly two things may be going on..coincidental ..maybe but..the front paw thing that went on for 2 days in the beginning points to nerves. The back leg thing could have happened right after the front paw thing trying to cope with the front issue and tore something in the back leg. So the only way to know is to do the Myelogram from head to toe including legs. Initial thought was torn ligament or cruciate..but the front leg thing threw him off. He spoke with my vet that did the x-rays as well. Bloodwork is normal..xrays didn't show any tears from what could be seen..so again..why a Myelogram is highly recommended. Now with all of that said at a cost of $2,550, that doesn't include the fix of what is actually going on..which could run into another $2500 dollars or so. SO with all of that said, the ONLY hope here is donations. Yes there are programs out there to help with fees..if you know one that would help in THIS SPECIFIC case, let me know. PLEASE email or call them first before telling me. I CANNOT spend 40 hours of phone calls and online research to find one...by myself. Thanks for the help on what you recommend but I need HELP..not just telling me where I MIGHT can get help. I cant do all of that. I have two many other family irons in the fire so I do not have the time. If you would like to be apart of the research, please do..and I would deeply appreciate it in any research you come up with. Now with all of that said, We were given an NSAID to take for one week. If no change..then we are still needing the myelogram.. ok..bottom line...I cant pay that. The only answer to this god awful situation is to send her to the bridge. I been crying over this all night cause at this point, I see no answer to this. I cannot come up with 5000 or 6,000 dollars. I barely can put food on my table as it is. So...don't ask me to call this number or that number..please do it for me. Help me help her! I cannot possibly spread myself that thin. I am already out of my mind with all I am having to deal with..much less the thought of having to put down a perfectly young awesome dog that's been apart of my life the last 3 years..
UPDATE 3-4-15
Took Sydney this morning for her experimental procedure involving her knee joint. She was sedated and lidocaine was injected into her knee. Sydney showed no change in her walk. While sedated, my vet took 3 more xrays to check her hip(s) and the knee also. It was a very clear x ray. There was absolutely no issue with her cruciate. The knee joint looked great as well. The hips as was previously diagnosed a month ago, she has Stage 3 hip dysplasia in her right hip and Stage 5 in her left hip. Which is opposite of her problem. He could not find anything causing this. I asked about his opinion on a Myelogram. He said it is 50-50 that they see or find anything, but that is another option that could be done to eliminate any problems in the spine area. She has lost a significant amount of muscle mass in her right leg. So since I am not even close to having $2500 in her funds, we are out of options. All I can do from this point is try Hydrotherapy. I am at a loss as to where to go from here. SIGH!
Things are MUCH more complicated now since we have tried everything that we know of that isn't extremely expensive. I am out of options.
Things are MUCH more complicated now since we have tried everything that we know of that isn't extremely expensive. I am out of options.
UPDATE: 3-6-15
We made it to our first Hydrotherapy session. We were going to see if she could make it 7-8 minutes but instead, ms Sydney is a tough ole bird. She went the full 15 minutes today. She did great. I did take video and I will upload them later this evening. But we have standing appointments for Tuesdays and Fridays.
3-10-15
Sydney's therapy went well. He sped up the treadmill the last minute and she stayed up with it. Which was actually normal speed. She doesn't appear to be in pain. She lays on that side all the time..and he said if it hurt her, she wouldn't be laying on it. He thinks it's in her hip area because of the way she's rotating it..but yet nothing showed on x-ray and that's her good hip. Anyway, she knew exactly what to do today. She sure won't let me out of her site. Nor did she let Stephen the therapist out of her site either. Next time he is going to try a special kind of bandage. It will force her to use her leg more. In other words work the muscles more. I got some more video of her and a couple of pics of her. The therapist tried to find some info on what's going on with her and found nothing related. But he does think its orthopedic related. So somehow she has hurt herself somewhere on her body and it isn't showing up on xray. We may NEVER know what has caused this. I pray to God her leg gets back to working right. Its horrible the way it bows out and it wears her out just to walk. FYI everyone, I want to get a little more aggressive next week. I would like to take her 3 times next week.
BTW it is a 40 minute drive one way to take her...so a lot of traveling back and forth for her 15 minute sessions.
BTW it is a 40 minute drive one way to take her...so a lot of traveling back and forth for her 15 minute sessions.
3-24-15
Sydney had a bad day. We started therapy and a few minutes into it, her other leg (left) she started limping. So now her other hip has been effected. Probably from using it so much and putting all the weight on it for so long. So she is back on pain meds and bed rest. We are skipping our second treatment session this week also. We will try to resume next week.
3-31-15
We reverted back to day one therapy since we had a setback last week. So slower treadmill and more water. She is still limping from her left hind leg. (Her right leg is the one we have been dealing with all along)
4-3-15
Sydney is doing better. She is walking better. She still has her limp but she is walking better all together and getting around better. We still have a long road to recovery but now..she can atleast walk without falling over. So after a month of rehab, we are starting to see the beginnings of progress.
4-14-15
Sydney did well today. We sped up her treadmill the last 2 minutes to 1.5 mph.
May 2015
We decided to do therapy at home now. So we installed a 30 inch deep pool to do therapy. She doesn't care for the water especially in her face but she will swim for me. We got her a Life Vest as well. She doesn't swim well either. LOL Gotta teach her. I built a ramp for her to walk up with rubber matting. Works well.
Sydney is walking well. She has a slight limp that's almost unnoticeable. But when she gets tired, her knee will bow outward more.
June 2015-Sydney's portraiture on side of pool deck
7-26-15
Sydney is walking very well. She doesn't have a bowed knee that I have seen in awhile. She is walking good. She will still have a bunny hop upon turning or running but that is her hip dysplasia bothering her and she will probably always have that. But overall she's doing really really well. We took a walk several nights in a row and not once did she limp from the walk or show any signs of pain. She has made a very good recovery from all of this. In the beginning things looked so grim but now, she can be a normal dog again.
9-2015
Sydney had a slight set back. We went for a walk one night and she wanted to trot/run. Well the next day she was limping some but her knee had bowed out again. Since then she's been off and on limping. Her knee isn't bowing out much at all now so I think it is her hip dysplasia bothering her a lot. An Adequan injection and a pain pill seems to do the trick.
Sydney all tucked in for bed
10-2015
Sydney is doing good. We have been taking walks now and she is doing good.
2-1-2016
We haven't been able to walk much lately. Sydney has had some hip issues going on. Some limping and hard to get up at times. Adding a new supplement today to see if it helps her.
2-16-2016
Sydney has been doing wonderful. We added another supplement called CanineActiv. On top of her Adequan injections and a high dose (horse) of joint supplement. We added in the CanineActiv and it has done the trick. We had some bunny hopping going on at times. Even some light limping at times and also hard for her to rise. Now she is moving great. We have been taking longer walks and there have been zero issues at all. In fact 3 nights in a row we walked further than normal and there has been zero limping from it at all. Very Happy. We seem to have found the perfect combo for her. Above this is her in her back corner of the truck watching out the window. She has a choice of front seat or back and she picks the back most of the time. She loves to ride.
4-7-16 |
Sydney is doing well and looking beautiful. Here she posed nicely for a photo...
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9-2016
Sydney enjoying the outdoors
February 2017 - Sydney is doing really well and without issues. We take one mile walks couple times a week or when weather permits. I have slightly increased her Actiflex 4000 and she hasn't had to have any CanineActiv in awhile. She does get the Adequan injections every 3 weeks. That seems to help her quite a bit as well. Very happy with our results. We survived winter!
July 14, 2107- Went to vet today. She tore her ACL. It's in the same leg as her bad hip so that's a plus..but more wear on other leg having to do more work.
July 19th, 2017- Vet called to say her blood work showed pancreatitis. She has ZERO symptoms of that. I put in a call to vet to call me back. Doesn't make sense. Her only symptom of anything is a big weight loss of 10-13 lbs. I need more answers. But he wants to recheck in 2-3 weeks. As for her leg, I have ordered a soft brace for her. We won't get it for another week or so. I am concerned on her weight loss.
7-27-17 We received her leg brace today and she wasn't sure about it at first. Neither was I..but it seems she walks slightly better with it. Not a drastic difference but it is holding it. She is tiring fast though so very short walks. Sydney was depressed for about 4-5 days and was being a little picky on her food. She wanted to eat but wanted her favorite things. She finally came out of it and is feeling much better now. Poor baby. As for blood work, I went digging into her old blood work from Dec just 7 months before. Her SPEC cPL test that shows the inflammation of the pancreas was normal. But another dog in my household was also tested and she showed higher pancreatic numbers, but vet never alerted me to this. She has been perfectly fine without any issues at all for 7 months. So I am going off on a limb here saying..the raw diet is being fed and it included pork which is a fatty food. Fatty foods can cause inflammation in the pancreas if there is already an organ or the pancreas inflamed. BUT I am not convinced at this time that there is pancreatitis and it may just have something to do with the raw diet. I have ONE article from a holistic vet saying he had seen higher numbers in raw fed dogs for this test. It didn't sound common but has happened. Its no coincidence that two dogs in one household have the same test showing higher numbers (300's) and neither are sick. To be safe, we have stopped the fatty foods now. We will retest in a couple of weeks. But for now we have added lots of anti inflammatory herbs and homeopathic remedies along with chiropractic adjustments, sound wave therapy and a low level cold laser which will not penetrate very deep but may help reduce surface inflammation. Now I still haven't found a sensible answer for the weight loss.
8-10-17 Can you say EARS? Syd waiting for treadmill to fill up. Today we started Hydrotherapy for Sydney. She was such a trooper..like she knew what we were doing. Sydney did awesome. She never gives up at all. She succeeds in everything she is asked to do. I have video and she went the full 15 minutes. As you can see in the video (below) the therapist put the water way up high so she wouldn't bear any weight on her body. They will lower that as we go. Syd should sleep great tonight. Isn't she cute?
Tonight: Sydney had some pain tonight after her big workout..so I gave her something and it knocked her out so she's sleeping peacefully. We will be doing the therapy twice a week for about 6 weeks.
Tonight: Sydney had some pain tonight after her big workout..so I gave her something and it knocked her out so she's sleeping peacefully. We will be doing the therapy twice a week for about 6 weeks.
8-28-17
Today wasn't a good day for therapy. Before we ever got there she was panting and freaking out. This wasn't normal. Maybe she sensed rain or something. Who knows..but she didn't want to walk and she was just all over the place. Therapist turned on the jets and it hit her right at her butt...that got her going. I think that had to feel good on her hips since he has hip dysplasia. She was just having a bad day for some reason. We also got her second leg brace and it seems to be working well.
8-31-17
Therapy today went really well. I think we found the right height for water and the right speed. She walked very well was calm and was focused on what she was to do. It was a good day! Also her right knee wasn't bowing out either.
9-20-17
Sydney wearing both leg braces. She walks so much better with these on. We were able to walk a 1/2 mile. Our Hydrotherapy is over and we are still working on her. Still limping but this takes time. ugh!
11-16-17
Sydney is doing about the same. It's been 4 months now since her ACL tear. We are managing by daily short walks and a lot of supplements and at home therapies.
1-11-18
Sydney seems to be doing somewhat better. She isn't limping as hard. I started her on a new supplement (TRF 150) and I am not sure but it may be helping her some. She is walking slightly better. She still struggles to get up and when first starting to walk..but once she gets going, she walks pretty well. We are still using her leg braces part of the time and that helps a lot as well.
enjoying the sun
4-23-18
Sydney is doing ok. The new supplement has helped her. She seems to be having issues with her other leg again. Her bowing knee. I will take her in soon to see the ortho vet to just have a look. Overall she is doing fine. I can say its been 9 months since her ACL tear and I feel she is doing pretty well considering everything wrong with her and her age (9 Years). She will be wearing her leg braces on both legs probably for the rest of her life. Not all the time but when I know she will want to run or may overuse her legs. That's to help support her weak knees. She also has been getting CBD oil to help with her fears and joints.
4-28-18
Sydney is now walking without a limp most of the time. Her ACL appears to have healed.
7-16-18
Sydney asleep and snoring...she is so funny (below)
9-20-18
Sydney was outside maybe 30 minutes and when we were coming in, she didn't care to get up. I hollered at her to come on and she stood up but wouldn't move. Then she took a step or two..had a hard limp. So I grabbed her and picked her up and carried her into the house. I wanted to see if she would walk so then..I stood her up again and she was all curved different directions and a hard limp. I thought she tore her other ACL. I was so upset. I gave her a pain pill and CanineActiv and started doing therapy on her using ice, laser light and sound wave therapy. We did go for a walk to pee later and I put her leg braces on and tight. She baby stepped but was able to walk. Again I did therapy on her and let her rest. By morning..she was able to walk fine. So, what I think may have happened: About a week earlier, I ran out of TRF150 for her. I didn't have the funds to buy more as it is expensive. This is the same product that I started giving her 6 months after she tore her ACL over a year ago and the only thing I found that helped her walk much better. I think this is what happened. I ran out, the TRF got out of her system and she felt the weakness in her legs. She couldn't walk. So, I have since ordered more and started her back on it. She is doing fine again. I am 100% sure this is the only thing keeping her going and she will be on it for the rest of her life. It is expensive. For the TRF 150..it is $50-$55. The TRF350 is $110 for 30 days. I buy the TRF350 and give to both Sydney and Diamond.
1-14-2019
Sydney re-injured her ACL in her left leg. This one is pretty bad. Worse than the first time. We won't be doing Hydrotherapy because I don't have the money period. SO we will try to manage this from home doing things here. It takes at least 6 months to recover so we have a very long way to go. It seems like eternity. I am stressed over this and do not know the outcome. I am trying to get a better brace for her like in the picture below. If you would like to make a small donation, I would appreciate it. This girl has had a really rough time but she keeps fighting. Help her to keep fighting and not give up.
1-17-19 with braces on
2-2-2019
Below comparing these photos, you can see the deterioration of her hips by her back legs more bowing out. This is her stance now. She does walk harder but she seems to be ok otherwise. The only way to fix this is hip surgery. She is also 9 years old and it would need to be done now..or soon if it was to be done. Time is running out on going under anesthesia.
3-21-2019
Went for a check up today. First time for x rays on hips since 2017. Her left hip looks bad. She really needs surgery or her days are numbered. She's starting to show signs of struggling to walk and it is affecting all of her other limbs. The surgery is only $1,100.
Blood Work looks pretty good with a few things to watch. Her Spec CpL test (pancreatitis) came back down to normal-137. Remember she is on a raw diet and although uncommon has been seen in raw fed dogs-higher numbers. She is one of my two dogs with higher numbers and ZERO issues in the past 3 yrs. Oh she also has lost another 8 lbs since 2 yrs ago. So a total of 18 lbs in 3 yrs. hhhmm.....
We titered for core vaccines and rabies and all came out showing immunity. Woohoo!
We titered for core vaccines and rabies and all came out showing immunity. Woohoo!
July 4th, 2019
Bee Sting 9-3-2019
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9-3-2019/9-4-2019
Sydney appears to have been stung by a bee. As the evening progressed, her entire face/muzzle swelled up and was beet red. It was around her eyes, her ears and her tummy was broke out in hives. I gave her Benadryl. As the night went on, she began vomiting and wheezing and having a hard time breathing out her nose. She did a lot of crying and moaning. It was sad. She didn't have any diarrhea but did have a little mucous in her poop and an awful foul smell. So I gave her a dose of Pro-Pectalin. She also started peeing alot and drinking a lot of water. This went on all night long. The next day I took her to the vet. She saw a NEW inexperienced vet. UGH! We did bloodwork and x-ray. X-ray was in case of an obstruction. Vet noticed GI tract had a thicker wall..meaning inflammation in the gut. DUH! Anyway, she sent me home with a medication that coats the lining of the GI tract. I did not give it to her. Instead I used Slippery Elm. I did give her a pill earlier called Cerenia (rx) for vomiting. It has a lot of bad side effects but, I needed to get Sydney to stop vomiting. She actually only vomited 3 times. Twice the first night and once the next morning. That's when I gave her the medicine. She has not thrown up since. Her appetite is not good. She seems nauseated. She is exhausted. I am exhausted for following her everywhere. Her redness and facial swelling went away the next day. So she looks better. I decided to go ahead and give her a third dose of Benadryl. It APPEARS that she had a pretty serious reaction to the bee sting and it has caused all of this. We wont know whats going on further until bloodwork returns. Will update then. I may enquire next time with vet on getting an epi-pen for her in case this happens again.
Sydney's labored breathing and cries
9-5-19
Bloodwork on Sydney was all normal..including Pancreas and kidneys. Sydney was stung again the next day on top of her head and her inner eyelid swelled and turned red. I gave her more Benadryl and she slept for a couple hours. When she woke, she looked good and she ate all of her food for the first time since this began. She seemed tired the rest of the evening but overall is doing well. Benadryl will be on hand from now on due to her severe reaction. I have yet to see the wasps/bees and no other dog has been stung. I was actually surprised all of this could happen just from a bee sting.
11-1-2019
12-2019
Syd had a lump pop up overnight on her lip. It's gone down as for the swelling but its hard as a rock.
Syd had a lump pop up overnight on her lip. It's gone down as for the swelling but its hard as a rock.
Update: After two months it finally went away.
2-18-2020
Sydney is NOT doing well. She is blowing blood clots out her nose. Waiting on vet to get bloodwork results and call me. This is not looking good. Prayers for Sydney please!
UPDATE: I got a copy of bloodwork...and upon my search..discovered the diagnosis. still have not heard from vet. he was in surgery sooo it may be tomorrow..but I found the diagnosis...Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT). and yes this is critical..sooo probably back to vet tomorrow. possible transfusion..and alot of nasty medications....such as steroids.
Sydney is NOT doing well. She is blowing blood clots out her nose. Waiting on vet to get bloodwork results and call me. This is not looking good. Prayers for Sydney please!
UPDATE: I got a copy of bloodwork...and upon my search..discovered the diagnosis. still have not heard from vet. he was in surgery sooo it may be tomorrow..but I found the diagnosis...Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT). and yes this is critical..sooo probably back to vet tomorrow. possible transfusion..and alot of nasty medications....such as steroids.
2-19-2020
THIS IS LONG but it explains everything---(Pic is Sydney's bruised belly) On Friday of last week, I took Sydney in to vet for a nose bleed. We assumed possibly a busted blood vessel. We had blood work done and the results would most likely be back Tuesday (yesterday). We came home and she got worse. I discovered bruising in her mouth and gums and on her belly. She has also had bouts of panting. She has still been eating good though.
Yesterday I had the receptionist email me over a copy of blood work. Vet was in surgery all day. He did not call me back. He didn't check his email where they are sent to as well. He said if he had of seen that he would have called right away. Anyway upon my search, I narrowed it down to cancer or most likely Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT). Also called ITP. With this comes bruising on the body and gums, bruising in the eyes, panting, bloody nose and low platelets. Yesterdays bloodwork (from Friday) showed the number at 12,000. Normal is above 150,000. Normally when this disease occurs many times anemia goes along with it..which is called Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). Luckily she doesn't have that or it could be much more life threatening. Her bloodwork also showed blood in urine which is common in these cases as well as a little higher protein levels.
Today we went back to vet. Bloodwork was rechecked for platelets. She is at ZERO..she has NONE. They cannot replace platelets. No such thing. If she was anemic then they would do a blood transfusion. Today she has bruising in the iris of her eyes, she still has some bruising on her belly and gums slightly. She is panting periodically and the nose continues to bleed. The blood is apparently draining down her throat and into her mouth cause her breathe smells like old rotted blood if thats even possible. She's very weak and struggling to walk. She's downright miserable. She is doing these weird stretches when moving. Vet thinks due to weakness, I was thinking dehydrated but he says she isnt..sooo not sure on that and what's causing it. We also did 4 sets of xrays. In her torso area, there is no sign of cancer. So if she has cancer, it's in her head or limbs. Her spleen was slightly enlarged but that's probably from it fighting this disease...and being overworked. We also discovered she has TWO microchips. I never knew this. I am VERY curious if the other one registers a name. hhmmm...may get him to scan it next time. Vet had to go so ran out of time.
The BAD PART: She must be on steroids for months..and most likely off and on for the rest of her life. With those comes side effects such as panting, thirst, huge appetite and higher liver numbers on blood work to name a few. They basically destroy the immune system. Her rotted tooth extraction that was scheduled for next Wednesday has been put off due to blood not able to clot. Would be deadly.
As for me, I have been awake now for over 24 hours straight. In just a few moments I will take me a warm bath and go to bed. I HOPE Sydney let's me sleep. She kept me awake all night last night...lots of hacking and sneezing up blood clots. It is all over my walls, carpet, blankets, and towels. The house is a disaster zone. Until her platelets come up, her nose will continue to bleed. As for anything extra, I have ordered a Chinese supplement that specifically is used for helping blood to clot. It has been used for thousands of years and this has been used in dogs with cancer as well. So let's hope this helps and possibly get her off of these horrible meds sooner. With that said she will need close monitoring on a regular basis and that means lots of vet visits. So this dog just went way up in price for me for my budget. Now I am not sure where this will lead us..so any donations are gladly accepted so I can continue to pay for her care. My budget is very limited so I am doing the best I can...I have already spent over $600 for the two visits. With that said..also please say some prayers of healing......This is going to be a long journey.
Yesterday I had the receptionist email me over a copy of blood work. Vet was in surgery all day. He did not call me back. He didn't check his email where they are sent to as well. He said if he had of seen that he would have called right away. Anyway upon my search, I narrowed it down to cancer or most likely Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT). Also called ITP. With this comes bruising on the body and gums, bruising in the eyes, panting, bloody nose and low platelets. Yesterdays bloodwork (from Friday) showed the number at 12,000. Normal is above 150,000. Normally when this disease occurs many times anemia goes along with it..which is called Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). Luckily she doesn't have that or it could be much more life threatening. Her bloodwork also showed blood in urine which is common in these cases as well as a little higher protein levels.
Today we went back to vet. Bloodwork was rechecked for platelets. She is at ZERO..she has NONE. They cannot replace platelets. No such thing. If she was anemic then they would do a blood transfusion. Today she has bruising in the iris of her eyes, she still has some bruising on her belly and gums slightly. She is panting periodically and the nose continues to bleed. The blood is apparently draining down her throat and into her mouth cause her breathe smells like old rotted blood if thats even possible. She's very weak and struggling to walk. She's downright miserable. She is doing these weird stretches when moving. Vet thinks due to weakness, I was thinking dehydrated but he says she isnt..sooo not sure on that and what's causing it. We also did 4 sets of xrays. In her torso area, there is no sign of cancer. So if she has cancer, it's in her head or limbs. Her spleen was slightly enlarged but that's probably from it fighting this disease...and being overworked. We also discovered she has TWO microchips. I never knew this. I am VERY curious if the other one registers a name. hhmmm...may get him to scan it next time. Vet had to go so ran out of time.
The BAD PART: She must be on steroids for months..and most likely off and on for the rest of her life. With those comes side effects such as panting, thirst, huge appetite and higher liver numbers on blood work to name a few. They basically destroy the immune system. Her rotted tooth extraction that was scheduled for next Wednesday has been put off due to blood not able to clot. Would be deadly.
As for me, I have been awake now for over 24 hours straight. In just a few moments I will take me a warm bath and go to bed. I HOPE Sydney let's me sleep. She kept me awake all night last night...lots of hacking and sneezing up blood clots. It is all over my walls, carpet, blankets, and towels. The house is a disaster zone. Until her platelets come up, her nose will continue to bleed. As for anything extra, I have ordered a Chinese supplement that specifically is used for helping blood to clot. It has been used for thousands of years and this has been used in dogs with cancer as well. So let's hope this helps and possibly get her off of these horrible meds sooner. With that said she will need close monitoring on a regular basis and that means lots of vet visits. So this dog just went way up in price for me for my budget. Now I am not sure where this will lead us..so any donations are gladly accepted so I can continue to pay for her care. My budget is very limited so I am doing the best I can...I have already spent over $600 for the two visits. With that said..also please say some prayers of healing......This is going to be a long journey.
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2-20-20
Update on Sydney. Sydney slept fairly well overnight. She has a tiny bit of blood from her nose but that's it. Her front leg..I call arm..LOL...is still swollen looking from them trying to draw blood from her vein yesterday. She is bruised now all the way to her armpit. This is caused by lack of platelets. I started her on homeopathic remedy Phosphorus for bleeding and will give continuously all day. Her Chinese Herb (TCM) will be here by tomorrow afternoon and will start it when it arrives. Both of these are for bleeding and will help form clots. I hope the TCM will increase her platelets also. We retest next Wednesday so I have 5-6 days to help bring them up. That's my main goal. Overall, the nasty steroids seem to be working rather quickly. She is already feeling better today. She's running around barking at UPS man and stuff. First time for her to feel this good in a week. She still seems slightly weak in the legs but overall good. Her poop was half black on one end and brown on the other...meaning the black is blood. That's the first part of the poop so I assume the brown means it's clearing up and no more blood. She will be on the steroids for several months. There is a chance once off steroids for it to rear its ugly head again so she will have to be watched closely from now on for the rest of her life. Not sure when we can get her rotted tooth extracted but not in the near future at all due to not able to clot. I am anxious about the new TCM and hope it helps her. It is also used in cancer patients. If Sydney has cancer...it's in her nose..but there are zero signs of swelling anywhere so no evidence of that. We have not ruled out cancer completely by any means but so far she's looking good on that. This will be a long journey of healing. Lots of prayers please.
Update on Sydney. Sydney slept fairly well overnight. She has a tiny bit of blood from her nose but that's it. Her front leg..I call arm..LOL...is still swollen looking from them trying to draw blood from her vein yesterday. She is bruised now all the way to her armpit. This is caused by lack of platelets. I started her on homeopathic remedy Phosphorus for bleeding and will give continuously all day. Her Chinese Herb (TCM) will be here by tomorrow afternoon and will start it when it arrives. Both of these are for bleeding and will help form clots. I hope the TCM will increase her platelets also. We retest next Wednesday so I have 5-6 days to help bring them up. That's my main goal. Overall, the nasty steroids seem to be working rather quickly. She is already feeling better today. She's running around barking at UPS man and stuff. First time for her to feel this good in a week. She still seems slightly weak in the legs but overall good. Her poop was half black on one end and brown on the other...meaning the black is blood. That's the first part of the poop so I assume the brown means it's clearing up and no more blood. She will be on the steroids for several months. There is a chance once off steroids for it to rear its ugly head again so she will have to be watched closely from now on for the rest of her life. Not sure when we can get her rotted tooth extracted but not in the near future at all due to not able to clot. I am anxious about the new TCM and hope it helps her. It is also used in cancer patients. If Sydney has cancer...it's in her nose..but there are zero signs of swelling anywhere so no evidence of that. We have not ruled out cancer completely by any means but so far she's looking good on that. This will be a long journey of healing. Lots of prayers please.
2-21-2020
Sydney is feeling better each day. Say prayers for her fast recovery from the Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia. This is a lifelong disease. I hope we can make miracles happen for her. She will need ongoing vet checks on her recovery. If you would like to help Syd get through this, a small donation can go a long way. Help us to be able to financially care for her throughout these next few months of medical care.
Sydney is feeling better each day. Say prayers for her fast recovery from the Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia. This is a lifelong disease. I hope we can make miracles happen for her. She will need ongoing vet checks on her recovery. If you would like to help Syd get through this, a small donation can go a long way. Help us to be able to financially care for her throughout these next few months of medical care.
2-26-2020
Well we went in for our one week recheck and we got some really good news today. Sydney's platelets went from ZERO to 78,000 in 7 days. That was a fast response so she has responded well to the Meds. No chemo drugs needed which I couldn't afford anyway. Vet was very pleased. He would like to see the numbers rise to about 150,000-200,000 so we return in 2 weeks for a recheck... Such hopeful news. I told him we are shooting for a miracle now. He said normally in dogs with ITP/IMT that it's hard to get the numbers above 150,000 and that 150,000 was good for dogs with this diagnosis. Normal platelet counts are 175,000-500,000. So we shall see what happens in 2 weeks. Keep the prayers coming.....OH I forgot to add, her spec CPL numbers were good too. If they had of been high, he said then possibly pancreatic cancer....
Well we went in for our one week recheck and we got some really good news today. Sydney's platelets went from ZERO to 78,000 in 7 days. That was a fast response so she has responded well to the Meds. No chemo drugs needed which I couldn't afford anyway. Vet was very pleased. He would like to see the numbers rise to about 150,000-200,000 so we return in 2 weeks for a recheck... Such hopeful news. I told him we are shooting for a miracle now. He said normally in dogs with ITP/IMT that it's hard to get the numbers above 150,000 and that 150,000 was good for dogs with this diagnosis. Normal platelet counts are 175,000-500,000. So we shall see what happens in 2 weeks. Keep the prayers coming.....OH I forgot to add, her spec CPL numbers were good too. If they had of been high, he said then possibly pancreatic cancer....
March 10th, 2020
Syd goes in Thursday morning for a recheck. Prayers for higher numbers. She had a bad day last Sunday (sleeping almost all day and bruising on inside thigh) but since has done much better. I changed up her TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) schedule. Seems to work better for her. Syd has alot going against her and depending on how well she progresses from this disease, will also plan her future. Right now we have alot of unknowns without being able to come up with answers at this time. The best I can do is just help her move forward. I MUST purchase her a small pool for this summer because she has lost alot of muscle mass in her front legs, more on her left side than right. All I can do is help her try to rebuild her muscle. The prednisone she's on will make this worse..so it is imperative I rehab her this summer. I also will be getting more answers on two other dogs. I have to get another one a check up. She has an enlarged heart and spleen and we have been monitoring it. Another dog with possible liver issues. So vet bills, meds and supplement costs are piling up. With 5 dogs and all are considered seniors..alot is starting to happen. Sigh. Please help support us on this mission of these seniors......I will update you Thursday afternoon on Syd and how things are going. Will be another critical test for her.
Syd goes in Thursday morning for a recheck. Prayers for higher numbers. She had a bad day last Sunday (sleeping almost all day and bruising on inside thigh) but since has done much better. I changed up her TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) schedule. Seems to work better for her. Syd has alot going against her and depending on how well she progresses from this disease, will also plan her future. Right now we have alot of unknowns without being able to come up with answers at this time. The best I can do is just help her move forward. I MUST purchase her a small pool for this summer because she has lost alot of muscle mass in her front legs, more on her left side than right. All I can do is help her try to rebuild her muscle. The prednisone she's on will make this worse..so it is imperative I rehab her this summer. I also will be getting more answers on two other dogs. I have to get another one a check up. She has an enlarged heart and spleen and we have been monitoring it. Another dog with possible liver issues. So vet bills, meds and supplement costs are piling up. With 5 dogs and all are considered seniors..alot is starting to happen. Sigh. Please help support us on this mission of these seniors......I will update you Thursday afternoon on Syd and how things are going. Will be another critical test for her.
March 12, 2020
I have some FANTASTIC NEWS!! In three weeks Sydney's platelet numbers went from ZERO (day 1), week later 78,000 and now today 2 weeks after that it is up to 342,000. Normal is within 175,000-500,000. He said last time that he had seen where a lot of dogs with this disease were lucky to get to 150,000. Well we have certainly surpassed that. I told you I was shooting for a miracle. I strongly feel the use of the Chinese herb along with the meds has made it go up so fast. I think he might be a little more convinced to. He asked what it was I was giving. He said an intern there is experimenting with that. Anyway, now he is coming up with a new plan on how to wean her off and when. We must do this slow so she doesn't have a set back. But I am sure he will lower the dosage anyway. Sydney has NOT gained any weight at all. 😞 She really could stand to gain a couple lbs.
He has cut her dosage of steroids in half now for the next month. We shall see what her numbers are then. But he wants her back in in two weeks for recheck.
I have some FANTASTIC NEWS!! In three weeks Sydney's platelet numbers went from ZERO (day 1), week later 78,000 and now today 2 weeks after that it is up to 342,000. Normal is within 175,000-500,000. He said last time that he had seen where a lot of dogs with this disease were lucky to get to 150,000. Well we have certainly surpassed that. I told you I was shooting for a miracle. I strongly feel the use of the Chinese herb along with the meds has made it go up so fast. I think he might be a little more convinced to. He asked what it was I was giving. He said an intern there is experimenting with that. Anyway, now he is coming up with a new plan on how to wean her off and when. We must do this slow so she doesn't have a set back. But I am sure he will lower the dosage anyway. Sydney has NOT gained any weight at all. 😞 She really could stand to gain a couple lbs.
He has cut her dosage of steroids in half now for the next month. We shall see what her numbers are then. But he wants her back in in two weeks for recheck.
3-18-2020
I just spoke to vet about all her muscle wasting going on. She lost all muscle in her face and her back legs are going. He said some dogs do more than others, so what we are gonna do is...next week I will take her in for a recheck..and if her numbers are good still...with the reduced dose we have been using this past week on the steroids... we will reduce it more if the numbers look good.... I told him we could experiment and see just how much the Chinese herb is helping by doing this. But I was certain she wouldn't make it 6 months on the steroids due to the amount of muscle wasting going on. He still sounded very pleased with her numbers from last visit. We go next week for recheck and depending on her numbers, he will reduce dose of steroids due to her severe muscle wasting. Prayers for good numbers cause these steroids are wasting her away.
I just spoke to vet about all her muscle wasting going on. She lost all muscle in her face and her back legs are going. He said some dogs do more than others, so what we are gonna do is...next week I will take her in for a recheck..and if her numbers are good still...with the reduced dose we have been using this past week on the steroids... we will reduce it more if the numbers look good.... I told him we could experiment and see just how much the Chinese herb is helping by doing this. But I was certain she wouldn't make it 6 months on the steroids due to the amount of muscle wasting going on. He still sounded very pleased with her numbers from last visit. We go next week for recheck and depending on her numbers, he will reduce dose of steroids due to her severe muscle wasting. Prayers for good numbers cause these steroids are wasting her away.
3-27-2020
We went to today for our two week recheck. Sydney's numbers are 239,000 today down from 342,000, 2 weeks ago. That's ok and numbers fluctuate from day to day anyway and she also is still in the normal range. So she's doing good. We did NOT reduce her dose at this time. We will do that next visit in 2 weeks to every other day most likely. She has NOT gained any weight despite eating almost double amount of food. sigh. But overall...she is stable and holding her own.
We went to today for our two week recheck. Sydney's numbers are 239,000 today down from 342,000, 2 weeks ago. That's ok and numbers fluctuate from day to day anyway and she also is still in the normal range. So she's doing good. We did NOT reduce her dose at this time. We will do that next visit in 2 weeks to every other day most likely. She has NOT gained any weight despite eating almost double amount of food. sigh. But overall...she is stable and holding her own.
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4-16-20
I took Sydney to the vet for a recheck today. Had a long discussion with the vet. Oh and she finally gained 3 lbs. woohoo. Anyway her last Platelet numbers on March 27th were 239,000. Today they was at 214,000. So they dropped again some but still within normal range...but vet said she's doing really well overall with this and responding to the meds (and the Chinese herb-wink). After discussing, I pushed to try to get her off of these asap. It has taken a toll on her badly. Lots of muscle wasting and she's struggling to walk. He took her outside and walked with her to watch her walk. I discussed with him about doing the FHO (hip surgery) soon. She is struggling more to walk. The middle of the road is, she has alot of muscle wasting and it will be harder on her to recover. With that said, IF I START NOW doing therapy....her odds are much greater. Therapy will consist of NEEDING a pool ASAP to get set up and get her in it. I have a list for her on Amazon although at this pandemic time, alot of things are unavailable so I am looking for in stock items. I have a Class 3b laser, A TENS/EMS machine, and a chiropractor tool. I told him all of this and he said she has a much greater chance of recovery and do well if doing all of these after surgery. I also spoke with him about using other braces on all of her other legs to help her thru this as well for support. He also agreed. TODAY, we reduced her prednisone down to half of what she was taking. We are now at 12.5mg per day. This will be a very low dose for her and we need to see her numbers again in 2 weeks. That will tell us if we can move forward with surgery. He really didn't want her to be on prednisone and then go under anesthesia at all. It just depends on how well she is doing. SO, our goal, do a recheck in 2 weeks, and see where to go from there. BUT if all goes well, we are planning surgery the end of May. That gives me time to get my stuff done, get pool set up and do some therapy BEFORE surgery. Also when she has the FHO surgery, he will also remove the bad tooth she has so that will save some money doing it all at once. SO the plan is end of May. I will then have my hands completely full with rehabbing her. It will take alot of very hard work and constant monitoring her for a couple months. I am NOT looking forward to that at all. I just pray she does well and can began to walk more normal and without pain on that left hip. Her other problem is the right leg has that bowed knee. We dont know why and the more she uses it and gets tired, the more it bows. She walks now more like a low ended German shepherd than standing upright. She is struggling alot and almost cannot rise from lying down. I help her most of the time. The bowed knee will be the leg that gets the HINGED brace. It is $200. This will be a MUST that she has this. So with all of this said, time is closing in and we still need some funds to put towards all of this. Please help me to help her. I know for a fact she will NOT make it another year like she is....if even that long so we MUST have this surgery. It's her only hope then we pray for a full recovery and hope she will walk much better and without pain. Keep the prayers coming and alot more needed for the near future.
I took Sydney to the vet for a recheck today. Had a long discussion with the vet. Oh and she finally gained 3 lbs. woohoo. Anyway her last Platelet numbers on March 27th were 239,000. Today they was at 214,000. So they dropped again some but still within normal range...but vet said she's doing really well overall with this and responding to the meds (and the Chinese herb-wink). After discussing, I pushed to try to get her off of these asap. It has taken a toll on her badly. Lots of muscle wasting and she's struggling to walk. He took her outside and walked with her to watch her walk. I discussed with him about doing the FHO (hip surgery) soon. She is struggling more to walk. The middle of the road is, she has alot of muscle wasting and it will be harder on her to recover. With that said, IF I START NOW doing therapy....her odds are much greater. Therapy will consist of NEEDING a pool ASAP to get set up and get her in it. I have a list for her on Amazon although at this pandemic time, alot of things are unavailable so I am looking for in stock items. I have a Class 3b laser, A TENS/EMS machine, and a chiropractor tool. I told him all of this and he said she has a much greater chance of recovery and do well if doing all of these after surgery. I also spoke with him about using other braces on all of her other legs to help her thru this as well for support. He also agreed. TODAY, we reduced her prednisone down to half of what she was taking. We are now at 12.5mg per day. This will be a very low dose for her and we need to see her numbers again in 2 weeks. That will tell us if we can move forward with surgery. He really didn't want her to be on prednisone and then go under anesthesia at all. It just depends on how well she is doing. SO, our goal, do a recheck in 2 weeks, and see where to go from there. BUT if all goes well, we are planning surgery the end of May. That gives me time to get my stuff done, get pool set up and do some therapy BEFORE surgery. Also when she has the FHO surgery, he will also remove the bad tooth she has so that will save some money doing it all at once. SO the plan is end of May. I will then have my hands completely full with rehabbing her. It will take alot of very hard work and constant monitoring her for a couple months. I am NOT looking forward to that at all. I just pray she does well and can began to walk more normal and without pain on that left hip. Her other problem is the right leg has that bowed knee. We dont know why and the more she uses it and gets tired, the more it bows. She walks now more like a low ended German shepherd than standing upright. She is struggling alot and almost cannot rise from lying down. I help her most of the time. The bowed knee will be the leg that gets the HINGED brace. It is $200. This will be a MUST that she has this. So with all of this said, time is closing in and we still need some funds to put towards all of this. Please help me to help her. I know for a fact she will NOT make it another year like she is....if even that long so we MUST have this surgery. It's her only hope then we pray for a full recovery and hope she will walk much better and without pain. Keep the prayers coming and alot more needed for the near future.
5 years ago, Sydney with her physical therapist Steven. This was the day her whole life changed when she had an unknown back right leg bowing knee diagnosis. Most likely neurological...and in which has set her on a path of change, weight loss, muscle loss, and her added hip dysplasia. Since then we have battled joint issues in so many ways. At the end of May we are shooting for hip surgery to help the left hip. her right leg will require help using a soft brace with a metal hinge support. Her front legs have lost a tremendous amount of muscle so she falls on her face alot and I have JUST ordered to front leg braces in hopes to help support her better. She's a tough girl so I hope she will get thru this without any problems. Now we need a small pool to set up. I have big pool but it is way too big for my small yard. When I look at this pic, I think of how much we have been through and how far she has come..5 yrs later and still going. She's one tough energizer bunny.
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4-30-2020
Today we went for a follow up vet visit. WOW we have excellent news for Sydney's ITP. Her numbers have steadily dropped each time we have visited vet (still within normal range though) since the beginning of this in February. Two weeks ago we reduced her prednisone down to half the dose we were giving but yet today..her numbers have gone up. 251,000. Two weeks ago it was 214,000. SO that means her body is making its own platelets. I was shocked and so was my vet. I really didn't expect that but this is great news. Today we go to every other day for the steroids, making this a really low dose. He says we will most likely stay at this dose for awhile. I will also be adding in Vitamin K once a week. It helps with platelets. I ran across this info last night and asked vet about it. He said yes give her some once a week. I did happen to give her some last night. Now the bad news: Due to this disease and the high dose of prednisone that was given, her muscles have wasted away. She can no longer handle walks. We did half a mile walks before this happened and now she can't make it 4 houses down and back. She's really struggling to walk and just overall..get around. I am having to do a lot of lifting and stuff with her. sigh. I have a hurt shoulder too that isn't healing and this is making it worse. This weekend I am putting up a kiddie pool to start therapy on her to try to build her muscles up. It's all we have left to get her muscles back. sigh...a lot of work ahead. She is holding her weight at 60 lbs and that's perfect for her right now. Anyway we are still trying to do surgery at end of May/first of June for hip surgery.
Today we went for a follow up vet visit. WOW we have excellent news for Sydney's ITP. Her numbers have steadily dropped each time we have visited vet (still within normal range though) since the beginning of this in February. Two weeks ago we reduced her prednisone down to half the dose we were giving but yet today..her numbers have gone up. 251,000. Two weeks ago it was 214,000. SO that means her body is making its own platelets. I was shocked and so was my vet. I really didn't expect that but this is great news. Today we go to every other day for the steroids, making this a really low dose. He says we will most likely stay at this dose for awhile. I will also be adding in Vitamin K once a week. It helps with platelets. I ran across this info last night and asked vet about it. He said yes give her some once a week. I did happen to give her some last night. Now the bad news: Due to this disease and the high dose of prednisone that was given, her muscles have wasted away. She can no longer handle walks. We did half a mile walks before this happened and now she can't make it 4 houses down and back. She's really struggling to walk and just overall..get around. I am having to do a lot of lifting and stuff with her. sigh. I have a hurt shoulder too that isn't healing and this is making it worse. This weekend I am putting up a kiddie pool to start therapy on her to try to build her muscles up. It's all we have left to get her muscles back. sigh...a lot of work ahead. She is holding her weight at 60 lbs and that's perfect for her right now. Anyway we are still trying to do surgery at end of May/first of June for hip surgery.
5-16-2020
Well another 'fantastic' news report on Sydney. As you all know that have followed her story, she was diagnosed with ITP (low platelets) back in February. Every 2 weeks we have gone in for rechecks since that first time. Normal numbers range from 165,000-500,000. Her last recheck her numbers were 251,000 which is excellent since she was reduced down to 12.5 mg of prednisone every other day. TODAY her numbers reached 309,000. That is excellent. Also during the last two weeks she's gained another 2 lbs. We need to stop there. She's at 62 lbs now. The vet would have liked her on the meds probably another month but... I am pushing for her to have hip surgery and he wants her off the prednisone completely for 2 weeks prior to surgery. SO, in two weeks we stop the meds completely. Since my vets schedule is full most of the time, we went ahead and scheduled the surgery for June 17th. We will recheck her numbers that morning BEFORE doing surgery to make sure she is ok and won't bleed out. She will also have a rotted tooth removed. Since she is older, we hope her recovery goes well as I will be doing rehabilitation here at home. I will have my hands full and will most likely NOT be available much during the first few days (or week) anyway. Thank you all for being with us throughout this journey.
Well another 'fantastic' news report on Sydney. As you all know that have followed her story, she was diagnosed with ITP (low platelets) back in February. Every 2 weeks we have gone in for rechecks since that first time. Normal numbers range from 165,000-500,000. Her last recheck her numbers were 251,000 which is excellent since she was reduced down to 12.5 mg of prednisone every other day. TODAY her numbers reached 309,000. That is excellent. Also during the last two weeks she's gained another 2 lbs. We need to stop there. She's at 62 lbs now. The vet would have liked her on the meds probably another month but... I am pushing for her to have hip surgery and he wants her off the prednisone completely for 2 weeks prior to surgery. SO, in two weeks we stop the meds completely. Since my vets schedule is full most of the time, we went ahead and scheduled the surgery for June 17th. We will recheck her numbers that morning BEFORE doing surgery to make sure she is ok and won't bleed out. She will also have a rotted tooth removed. Since she is older, we hope her recovery goes well as I will be doing rehabilitation here at home. I will have my hands full and will most likely NOT be available much during the first few days (or week) anyway. Thank you all for being with us throughout this journey.
a day or so before surgery
June 17th, 2020
Sydney made it thru surgery with flying colors. Vet just called and said he did not have to cut any muscle at all and that would be helpful towards her recovery. Her hip was also subluxating some...(Subluxation of the hip is a partial dislocation) so it was/is definitely causing her issues.
She has a few numbers a little wacky on her bloodwork but he said not anything of concern at this point. We will watch. Her ALT which is liver was a tiny bit high but her other liver numbers were normal. Most likely from Steroids and Chinese herb. Her platelets were absolutely perfect. The best they have been ever. 340,000. Last time was 309,000.
He removed a bad tooth today also (that we were supposed to do the day we discovered she had ITP and that got postponed) and also she has had a cyst about an inch in diameter just above her hip (same one) right under the skin and I had him remove that. He said it was pretty nasty. Thick gooey stuff in it.
Sydney has NOT gained any weight which is great (62 lbs). She looks better though since off those steroids. As for her recovery, he said since Sydney has these other issues (spondylosis in spine and unknown bowed knee in other leg), just kind of let her determine what she wants to do these next few weeks. He will see how she's walking in the morning. I will pick her up in the morning also. But her other hip looks pretty good. Nothing changed from a yr ago so that was very good news. He was VERY pleased with her surgery. It came out great. Now we will have to see how the recovery goes for her and hopefully it will give her the rest of her years being pain free and able to have an overall normal life. I hope she will be able to run again somewhat and have a nice walk that doesn't bother her. Now recovery starts tomorrow.
I take her back in two weeks for stitch removal. As for any follow ups..it's a watch and see on how she does. I am so happy we did this. The timing on it was perfect. Her platelets were perfect and she was really struggling to walk and having the subluxation going on, no wonder that poor dog was hurting and couldn't hardly walk. I am so glad we didn't wait another day. I will follow this up tomorrow with a report when I get her home and post a pic of her. I will TRY to do a video but doubt that happens. Speaking of, I haven't paid the vet yet. God knows what all that's gonna cost me... but THANK YOU to EVERYONE OF YOU that donated to her care and surgery and for all that said lots of prayers for her. Now some more prayers needed that this helps her to live a much better life for the rest of her years and her recovery goes well.
(This mornings pic before heading for vet and her xray of bad hip)
Sydney made it thru surgery with flying colors. Vet just called and said he did not have to cut any muscle at all and that would be helpful towards her recovery. Her hip was also subluxating some...(Subluxation of the hip is a partial dislocation) so it was/is definitely causing her issues.
She has a few numbers a little wacky on her bloodwork but he said not anything of concern at this point. We will watch. Her ALT which is liver was a tiny bit high but her other liver numbers were normal. Most likely from Steroids and Chinese herb. Her platelets were absolutely perfect. The best they have been ever. 340,000. Last time was 309,000.
He removed a bad tooth today also (that we were supposed to do the day we discovered she had ITP and that got postponed) and also she has had a cyst about an inch in diameter just above her hip (same one) right under the skin and I had him remove that. He said it was pretty nasty. Thick gooey stuff in it.
Sydney has NOT gained any weight which is great (62 lbs). She looks better though since off those steroids. As for her recovery, he said since Sydney has these other issues (spondylosis in spine and unknown bowed knee in other leg), just kind of let her determine what she wants to do these next few weeks. He will see how she's walking in the morning. I will pick her up in the morning also. But her other hip looks pretty good. Nothing changed from a yr ago so that was very good news. He was VERY pleased with her surgery. It came out great. Now we will have to see how the recovery goes for her and hopefully it will give her the rest of her years being pain free and able to have an overall normal life. I hope she will be able to run again somewhat and have a nice walk that doesn't bother her. Now recovery starts tomorrow.
I take her back in two weeks for stitch removal. As for any follow ups..it's a watch and see on how she does. I am so happy we did this. The timing on it was perfect. Her platelets were perfect and she was really struggling to walk and having the subluxation going on, no wonder that poor dog was hurting and couldn't hardly walk. I am so glad we didn't wait another day. I will follow this up tomorrow with a report when I get her home and post a pic of her. I will TRY to do a video but doubt that happens. Speaking of, I haven't paid the vet yet. God knows what all that's gonna cost me... but THANK YOU to EVERYONE OF YOU that donated to her care and surgery and for all that said lots of prayers for her. Now some more prayers needed that this helps her to live a much better life for the rest of her years and her recovery goes well.
(This mornings pic before heading for vet and her xray of bad hip)
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6-18-2020
Sydney is home. Shes alert and eating well. She cant walk at all and has not pee'd. Anddd she wants me to sit with her and hold her hand. Yes hold her hand..she likes when I do that. We went outside for about 5 minutes for her to lay in the sun...then back in. She really isn't walking much at all on front legs either. SIGH! Also here is her POST OP xray. You can see her staples.
Sydney is home. Shes alert and eating well. She cant walk at all and has not pee'd. Anddd she wants me to sit with her and hold her hand. Yes hold her hand..she likes when I do that. We went outside for about 5 minutes for her to lay in the sun...then back in. She really isn't walking much at all on front legs either. SIGH! Also here is her POST OP xray. You can see her staples.
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To explain the surgery and why the new joint xray looks bad or worse AFTER surgery. It is suppose to look that way. The HEAD of the femur that connects to the hip socket has been cut off. This surgery is called an FHO (Femoral Head Osteotomy). Its BARBARIC to say the least but it works. The bone does NOT connect to the hip joint any longer. This removes the bone on bone rubbing that causes the pain. Its a cheaper surgery also called a salvage surgery. When there are no other options and you cant afford a $5000+ total hip replacement by a specialist, this is the only option...and it doesn't work quite as well in larger dogs. Needless to say this works in alot of cases. May have a slight limp because the leg is now shorter. This procedure removes the pain of her walking. Eventually scar tissue and the muscle/ligaments still attached is what will hold it in place. Will she run any marathons? NOPE, none of that but she should be able to live a fairly normal life..whatever normal is for her. She does have some progressive arthritis going on in her lower lumbar/sacral spinal area.That will give her some trouble. She also has a bone spur or a small lip on that same leg on her knee. It is compensating for her gait being off for so long. She also tore that ACL/CCL 3 years ago. I hope this explains the odd look on xray but it actually looks good from others I have seen. She also had the subluxation going on (partial dislocation of hip) with that hip. Her rehabilitation will be critical in her overall recovery. Its a 50-50 chance of this working. BUT you know me, I am determined and love to prove drs wrong. So a long road ahead to get there.
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6-22-2020
Today it's been 5 days since Sydney's surgery. She is still about the same. Although the swelling in her leg has gone down quite a bit. She's had some major bruising inside her thigh but today seems to have started to fade. She pooped really good today and has been eating very well. She has sat up several times so that's a good sign also. Still no weight on the leg as I am not expecting her too at this time. I am sure there is still some pain going on. She's pretty restless though and wants to move around alot. My old body can't handle all of that especially with a torn rotator cuff. The belly sling I bought sucks. It is making her skin raw. So I ordered a more expensive one that's all fluff with good reviews. Will get it on Thursday. She is getting CBD oil in the morning and pain meds at night. Also some other supplements such as Ostinol and Arnica. Here is last night's outing in the front. She's liking this ride.
Today it's been 5 days since Sydney's surgery. She is still about the same. Although the swelling in her leg has gone down quite a bit. She's had some major bruising inside her thigh but today seems to have started to fade. She pooped really good today and has been eating very well. She has sat up several times so that's a good sign also. Still no weight on the leg as I am not expecting her too at this time. I am sure there is still some pain going on. She's pretty restless though and wants to move around alot. My old body can't handle all of that especially with a torn rotator cuff. The belly sling I bought sucks. It is making her skin raw. So I ordered a more expensive one that's all fluff with good reviews. Will get it on Thursday. She is getting CBD oil in the morning and pain meds at night. Also some other supplements such as Ostinol and Arnica. Here is last night's outing in the front. She's liking this ride.
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6-24-2020
Since this is my first experience with this type of surgery, I am learning as I go. Yesterday Ms priss was VERY sneaky. While I was asleep and in shower she decided to remove some staples. Not one single time has she even acknowledged that incision. Had zero interest at all. Then I find staples in the bed. At first I thought they just came out on their own by her scooting around, so I put a bandage over some of it and later she ripped that off. That's when I knew what was going on. So out of 9 staples, she has 3 left. I have cut into strips some large band-aids to cover a 4 inch wound and slightly pulled up on one side onto the other..creating a butterfly. This seems to be working fairly well. I tried some doggie shorts to cover the incision and she worked past that. Sigh. Soooo now..shes sporting the donut pillow around her neck when I am not in the room or asleep etc. We go next week for removal and then we start getting in the pool. I must say, I have this smaller kiddie pool and while I think it will work, I am going to recommend a pool where they CANNOT touch the bottom. But I will see how this one works for me. I am unsure when she will be walking on her own without my help but I hope it is soon. Shes heavy and this is rough carrying most of her weight. she wont even use the front legs without my help. Its too much weight thrown forward I assume. She is actually using the leg a little..enough for balance and using when peeing and pooping although I am holding most of the weight as she goes. I think it's more of not being balanced in weight and I haven't found that sweet spot for it to work better. We stopped pain meds today and finished last of antibiotics. Her incision does look slightly swollen so I will watch that and if gets worse, will take her to vet but I am hoping to hold out until our visit for stitch removal. I did do a little Class 3b laser on it earlier. I also added in along with the Arnica some Staphysagria 30C for surgical wounds. These are homeopathic remedies and I do not use these much but I will certainly add them in for any help that may come from them. They have ZERO harmful side effects. I also stopped giving her the Chinese herb (for her ITP) the day before surgery. I wanted to give her liver a break from all the meds and surgery. So I will start that back up in a couple weeks probably. I will just switch to the 5 on, 5 off dosage. I have been giving every other day. I just don't want her numbers to drop again since shes doing so well.
Since this is my first experience with this type of surgery, I am learning as I go. Yesterday Ms priss was VERY sneaky. While I was asleep and in shower she decided to remove some staples. Not one single time has she even acknowledged that incision. Had zero interest at all. Then I find staples in the bed. At first I thought they just came out on their own by her scooting around, so I put a bandage over some of it and later she ripped that off. That's when I knew what was going on. So out of 9 staples, she has 3 left. I have cut into strips some large band-aids to cover a 4 inch wound and slightly pulled up on one side onto the other..creating a butterfly. This seems to be working fairly well. I tried some doggie shorts to cover the incision and she worked past that. Sigh. Soooo now..shes sporting the donut pillow around her neck when I am not in the room or asleep etc. We go next week for removal and then we start getting in the pool. I must say, I have this smaller kiddie pool and while I think it will work, I am going to recommend a pool where they CANNOT touch the bottom. But I will see how this one works for me. I am unsure when she will be walking on her own without my help but I hope it is soon. Shes heavy and this is rough carrying most of her weight. she wont even use the front legs without my help. Its too much weight thrown forward I assume. She is actually using the leg a little..enough for balance and using when peeing and pooping although I am holding most of the weight as she goes. I think it's more of not being balanced in weight and I haven't found that sweet spot for it to work better. We stopped pain meds today and finished last of antibiotics. Her incision does look slightly swollen so I will watch that and if gets worse, will take her to vet but I am hoping to hold out until our visit for stitch removal. I did do a little Class 3b laser on it earlier. I also added in along with the Arnica some Staphysagria 30C for surgical wounds. These are homeopathic remedies and I do not use these much but I will certainly add them in for any help that may come from them. They have ZERO harmful side effects. I also stopped giving her the Chinese herb (for her ITP) the day before surgery. I wanted to give her liver a break from all the meds and surgery. So I will start that back up in a couple weeks probably. I will just switch to the 5 on, 5 off dosage. I have been giving every other day. I just don't want her numbers to drop again since shes doing so well.
7-17-2020
It's been one month since surgery. Sydney has really had a rough time during this time. We went in for our 2 week check up..and of course she isn't walking, but contracted Kennel Cough. UGH. So this was another week without using the pool. A few days ago, I sat down with her, looked her in the face and just started talking to her. In the past, I have done this when I felt less hopeful and felt she wasn't trying. She's really been fighting me just walking in the house and even walking her to go pee. She just lays down. Doesn't want to walk. We also sat outside for several hours in backyard just enjoying the cloudy day we had. I left her with bowl of water next to her and went doing my things around the yard. AFTER the talk, that night, EVERYTHING changed. When we ventured out front for our nightly stroll.. (on the wagon), I got her off the wagon like always..and for some reason..she took off walking. She walked all the way down the sidewalk in front of the house. I couldn't believe it. It was great. The next night, same thing but she walked even further. She walked down to neighbors house..end of property..which is where we always have walked in the past. She took off up in the yard walking around. Two nights now she has done this. WOW! She still has to have me help her walk..but, her motivation has changed. That's what is so important here. Maybe she isn't having so much pain now, maybe she heard me, maybe it was just time..I don't know..but..it happened overnight. What a difference. Now our future is looking much brighter. My crappy pool sprung leak and isn't working very well now. SO, I had to order another pool. UGH. Will probably be weeks before we get it though due it everything being slow. Anyway, keep up the prayers, we now have hope. I am not expecting her to walk on her own for another month or two..with how things are going though. We shall see.
It's been one month since surgery. Sydney has really had a rough time during this time. We went in for our 2 week check up..and of course she isn't walking, but contracted Kennel Cough. UGH. So this was another week without using the pool. A few days ago, I sat down with her, looked her in the face and just started talking to her. In the past, I have done this when I felt less hopeful and felt she wasn't trying. She's really been fighting me just walking in the house and even walking her to go pee. She just lays down. Doesn't want to walk. We also sat outside for several hours in backyard just enjoying the cloudy day we had. I left her with bowl of water next to her and went doing my things around the yard. AFTER the talk, that night, EVERYTHING changed. When we ventured out front for our nightly stroll.. (on the wagon), I got her off the wagon like always..and for some reason..she took off walking. She walked all the way down the sidewalk in front of the house. I couldn't believe it. It was great. The next night, same thing but she walked even further. She walked down to neighbors house..end of property..which is where we always have walked in the past. She took off up in the yard walking around. Two nights now she has done this. WOW! She still has to have me help her walk..but, her motivation has changed. That's what is so important here. Maybe she isn't having so much pain now, maybe she heard me, maybe it was just time..I don't know..but..it happened overnight. What a difference. Now our future is looking much brighter. My crappy pool sprung leak and isn't working very well now. SO, I had to order another pool. UGH. Will probably be weeks before we get it though due it everything being slow. Anyway, keep up the prayers, we now have hope. I am not expecting her to walk on her own for another month or two..with how things are going though. We shall see.
8-20-2020
I took Sydney in for a recheck at the vets. Well vet was discouraged as am I. Sydney is still not walking. Usually they walk by now..or alteast a good limp going on. Well she isn't. I also told the vet, Sydney is a lazy dog and she does things on HER time..not ours. This has been her plan in the past. SO, I feel she will walk when she's ready to...it's just gonna take much longer. Remember..she's 10 yrs old and has all the other joint issues. We knew there was a 50-50 chance with this. As discouraged as I get on some days, overall I feel she WILL succeed. She hasn't failed me yet. It seems there is a little bit of pain going on or possibly just scar tissue causing a slight pain or restriction. We have been in the pool every other day...she's not a strong swimmer either. ugh. anyway, this past week I do see her putting her foot all the way down..but not really putting much weight on it yet. She does have muscle loss so I think she's just really weak in that leg. We have officially only been at this therapy for 3 weeks. We got a slow start due to so many obstacles going on. The first month she laid around due to pain. But since then, we have tried to do therapy. Like I said we been at it officially for 3 weeks. BUT I have high hopes she will decided one day..it's time. We will keep fighting until we can't fight anymore. Say lots of prayers for her to give her strength and courage to succeed. Thank you!
I took Sydney in for a recheck at the vets. Well vet was discouraged as am I. Sydney is still not walking. Usually they walk by now..or alteast a good limp going on. Well she isn't. I also told the vet, Sydney is a lazy dog and she does things on HER time..not ours. This has been her plan in the past. SO, I feel she will walk when she's ready to...it's just gonna take much longer. Remember..she's 10 yrs old and has all the other joint issues. We knew there was a 50-50 chance with this. As discouraged as I get on some days, overall I feel she WILL succeed. She hasn't failed me yet. It seems there is a little bit of pain going on or possibly just scar tissue causing a slight pain or restriction. We have been in the pool every other day...she's not a strong swimmer either. ugh. anyway, this past week I do see her putting her foot all the way down..but not really putting much weight on it yet. She does have muscle loss so I think she's just really weak in that leg. We have officially only been at this therapy for 3 weeks. We got a slow start due to so many obstacles going on. The first month she laid around due to pain. But since then, we have tried to do therapy. Like I said we been at it officially for 3 weeks. BUT I have high hopes she will decided one day..it's time. We will keep fighting until we can't fight anymore. Say lots of prayers for her to give her strength and courage to succeed. Thank you!
10-17-2020
UPDATE on Sydney:
Well It's been 4 months today and Sydney still isn't walking on her own. This is very depressing. She is just so lazy and would rather lay around. This does not help her at all. We worked in the pool until it started getting cold. She has stood on her own for a few seconds. Her leg is still weak and she acts like she's in pain. It's impossible for her HIP to be in pain. That was the whole reason for the surgery. Scar tissue may have built up and she hasn't worked it loose to move it better and creating an issue although that's questionable if that's any issue. Otherwise her knee may be bothersome, just guessing. When I walk her, with me helping to control her..she does walk ALMOST on her own but these are VERY short walks. I hold her up a tiny bit and help catch her when she starts to fall. She falls often.
On that note, The first of next year I will probably let her go if there is no improvement. Pray for a miracle. Just know, things aren't looking that promising at this point. Seems she's been stagnant at this stage..so not sure she will get better now.
Also her birthday is coming up Nov 1st. She will be 11 years old. She will get a homemade organic cake even though she isn't a fan of cake. LOL! With that said, I lost another dog (Stormy my dachshund-12 yrs old) to extremely high liver numbers (off the charts) possibly due to Cushing's. Without $1000+ dollars for further testing, it was undetermined the exact cause. Possibly cancer, liver failure, and/or cushings. So I had to let her go. She was never sick a day in her entire life.
Thank you to everyone here that has followed Sydney's journey along the way. Sydney has had many medical issues throughout her lifetime but we have gotten through them all together and went against all odds. She has been a lot of work from day one; from severe fear issues to her almost dying on me on several occasions along with allergic to bees to ITP to severe joint issues. Sigh. It's been a long journey but I hope that overall she's had a fairly great life. I have been able to spend every day at home with her and she's never been alone and stuck in a crate all day. I love her very much and the day she leaves me will be devastating for me. I am planning a home euthanasia and cremation for her so I will be saving up some money for the day that's coming. Again pray for a miracle...What a year. Thank you all for everything!!!!
UPDATE on Sydney:
Well It's been 4 months today and Sydney still isn't walking on her own. This is very depressing. She is just so lazy and would rather lay around. This does not help her at all. We worked in the pool until it started getting cold. She has stood on her own for a few seconds. Her leg is still weak and she acts like she's in pain. It's impossible for her HIP to be in pain. That was the whole reason for the surgery. Scar tissue may have built up and she hasn't worked it loose to move it better and creating an issue although that's questionable if that's any issue. Otherwise her knee may be bothersome, just guessing. When I walk her, with me helping to control her..she does walk ALMOST on her own but these are VERY short walks. I hold her up a tiny bit and help catch her when she starts to fall. She falls often.
On that note, The first of next year I will probably let her go if there is no improvement. Pray for a miracle. Just know, things aren't looking that promising at this point. Seems she's been stagnant at this stage..so not sure she will get better now.
Also her birthday is coming up Nov 1st. She will be 11 years old. She will get a homemade organic cake even though she isn't a fan of cake. LOL! With that said, I lost another dog (Stormy my dachshund-12 yrs old) to extremely high liver numbers (off the charts) possibly due to Cushing's. Without $1000+ dollars for further testing, it was undetermined the exact cause. Possibly cancer, liver failure, and/or cushings. So I had to let her go. She was never sick a day in her entire life.
Thank you to everyone here that has followed Sydney's journey along the way. Sydney has had many medical issues throughout her lifetime but we have gotten through them all together and went against all odds. She has been a lot of work from day one; from severe fear issues to her almost dying on me on several occasions along with allergic to bees to ITP to severe joint issues. Sigh. It's been a long journey but I hope that overall she's had a fairly great life. I have been able to spend every day at home with her and she's never been alone and stuck in a crate all day. I love her very much and the day she leaves me will be devastating for me. I am planning a home euthanasia and cremation for her so I will be saving up some money for the day that's coming. Again pray for a miracle...What a year. Thank you all for everything!!!!
Nov 1st, 2020
I am a little late posting this. Had chores to do..but Happy Birthday to my big girl Sydney. She's been with me for 9 yrs. She's been alot of work, had alot of illnesses, alot of joint issues and she's a fearful dog. Although over the yrs she's been better with people but she's still afraid of them. Today she gets a homemade organic cake to celebrate....I love this girl. We been through alot together. Happy Birthday Sydney!!!
I am a little late posting this. Had chores to do..but Happy Birthday to my big girl Sydney. She's been with me for 9 yrs. She's been alot of work, had alot of illnesses, alot of joint issues and she's a fearful dog. Although over the yrs she's been better with people but she's still afraid of them. Today she gets a homemade organic cake to celebrate....I love this girl. We been through alot together. Happy Birthday Sydney!!!
Nov 13th, 2020
I have to say, today is a very very hard day for me and my heart is hurting so much. The pain I feel is so deep. Sydney gained her wings today. Now, she can run and play and feel no pain or fear anymore. It was a very hard decision to make but after 5 months after surgery and still not walking, I felt it was time. The past week she seemed to be really depressed and some days didn't care to eat much. I really think not being able to walk on her own was making her unhappy. She also seemed to be really stiff and in pain when she first got up. She walked so slow. We tried. I really feel if I had of had access to an underwater treadmill, I may have had her walking again. Maybe not great but at least on her own. The place we use to go to, closed down the beginning of the year and there wasn't another place to go. This has worked for us twice in the past and I felt it would have again.
This past week or so, I have been opening the garage door half way up to top of a baby gate that stretches across the garage and the dogs can watch out front hoping to cheer her up. She loved being out front. She would lay there for hours in the garage with me checking on her often. The front yard, the place she feared the most when she came to live with me, became her favorite place of all. Every single day, rain, sleet, or cold, we always went out front at night to walk and sit for a little bit. Even these past 5 months I wheeled her out on her wagon every night and would lay a blanket on the ground, put her on the blanket and we sat together. We have been doing this for at least 7 yrs and it was always her favorite place to go. In the beginning, she was so frightened of people but in the end she learned to let them come close to her and pet her. They say dogs forget their past and what they have been through, but I can tell you, Sydney didn't forget anything. I could see it in her actions over the years and in her eyes and into her soul. Someone really broke her inside. I tried so hard to give her the comfort of a place with me and show her love just trying to make up for what she lost in her past. I could write a book on her life here with me as we have been through so much together. She was a tough dog and tough for me to care for her. The most challenging one of all. I am sure anyone else wouldn't have given her all the chances for life like I did with her. Everyone recommended I put her down back in 2015 when our first incident with her lameness occurred. I said, no way in hell. I will fight as long and as hard as I can until we can't fight anymore. Sure I probably could have kept her alive longer now, but what would that do to her soul? Would she become broken and depressed again? All she did now was lay around. She didn't even try very hard. I can't make her. How long would my body last lifting 60 something pounds every day? Sydney would never get better and I feel like she had some pain somewhere because she walked so slow when first getting up. She had the spondylosis in her back and that was the biggest concern before we considered the surgery. It appears that that may have been the culprit of her slow walk. I just don't know. If only dogs could talk. It will take me a long time to get over this as we were so close. I want to say to everyone that has hung in there and stuck with us and stayed on this journey of Sydney's life, it's been a roller coaster of a ride and I want to say thank you for everything. For supporting her and being there for her. I hope she knew how much she was loved even by you that she never had met or knew loved her.
She beat the odds many times with all she's been through and to have made it this long was a miracle in itself. She had her 11th birthday with cake on the first of November.
I had her put to sleep here at home with her head in my lap as she left this Earth. I had to battle to get my vet to come out as they don't normally do in home euthanasia's so that saved me a couple hundred dollars. A crematory group took her away to have her cremated and she will return in a few days. I will post some pics. It was very expensive to have that done but I didn't want her to feel any fear by leaving the house. Plus I would be a mess crying so hard. I loved her so much and I will miss her presence for a very long time. Run free my big girl..I will miss you so damn much! My heart hurts so bad! All I could say to her is "Im sorry, I am so sorry". I feel like I failed her....
I have to say, today is a very very hard day for me and my heart is hurting so much. The pain I feel is so deep. Sydney gained her wings today. Now, she can run and play and feel no pain or fear anymore. It was a very hard decision to make but after 5 months after surgery and still not walking, I felt it was time. The past week she seemed to be really depressed and some days didn't care to eat much. I really think not being able to walk on her own was making her unhappy. She also seemed to be really stiff and in pain when she first got up. She walked so slow. We tried. I really feel if I had of had access to an underwater treadmill, I may have had her walking again. Maybe not great but at least on her own. The place we use to go to, closed down the beginning of the year and there wasn't another place to go. This has worked for us twice in the past and I felt it would have again.
This past week or so, I have been opening the garage door half way up to top of a baby gate that stretches across the garage and the dogs can watch out front hoping to cheer her up. She loved being out front. She would lay there for hours in the garage with me checking on her often. The front yard, the place she feared the most when she came to live with me, became her favorite place of all. Every single day, rain, sleet, or cold, we always went out front at night to walk and sit for a little bit. Even these past 5 months I wheeled her out on her wagon every night and would lay a blanket on the ground, put her on the blanket and we sat together. We have been doing this for at least 7 yrs and it was always her favorite place to go. In the beginning, she was so frightened of people but in the end she learned to let them come close to her and pet her. They say dogs forget their past and what they have been through, but I can tell you, Sydney didn't forget anything. I could see it in her actions over the years and in her eyes and into her soul. Someone really broke her inside. I tried so hard to give her the comfort of a place with me and show her love just trying to make up for what she lost in her past. I could write a book on her life here with me as we have been through so much together. She was a tough dog and tough for me to care for her. The most challenging one of all. I am sure anyone else wouldn't have given her all the chances for life like I did with her. Everyone recommended I put her down back in 2015 when our first incident with her lameness occurred. I said, no way in hell. I will fight as long and as hard as I can until we can't fight anymore. Sure I probably could have kept her alive longer now, but what would that do to her soul? Would she become broken and depressed again? All she did now was lay around. She didn't even try very hard. I can't make her. How long would my body last lifting 60 something pounds every day? Sydney would never get better and I feel like she had some pain somewhere because she walked so slow when first getting up. She had the spondylosis in her back and that was the biggest concern before we considered the surgery. It appears that that may have been the culprit of her slow walk. I just don't know. If only dogs could talk. It will take me a long time to get over this as we were so close. I want to say to everyone that has hung in there and stuck with us and stayed on this journey of Sydney's life, it's been a roller coaster of a ride and I want to say thank you for everything. For supporting her and being there for her. I hope she knew how much she was loved even by you that she never had met or knew loved her.
She beat the odds many times with all she's been through and to have made it this long was a miracle in itself. She had her 11th birthday with cake on the first of November.
I had her put to sleep here at home with her head in my lap as she left this Earth. I had to battle to get my vet to come out as they don't normally do in home euthanasia's so that saved me a couple hundred dollars. A crematory group took her away to have her cremated and she will return in a few days. I will post some pics. It was very expensive to have that done but I didn't want her to feel any fear by leaving the house. Plus I would be a mess crying so hard. I loved her so much and I will miss her presence for a very long time. Run free my big girl..I will miss you so damn much! My heart hurts so bad! All I could say to her is "Im sorry, I am so sorry". I feel like I failed her....
Sydney's last two days
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Dec 14, 2020
Me playing around....OK I painted her silhouette on side of pool deck when we swam..a few yrs back. Once I took down pool deck, I screwed it onto storage building door cause I really didn't have a place to put it and didn't want to throw it away. I cut it down to size to frame out her ....then I sanded off alot of the weathered wood, wood burned it, then stained it. It ain't the best job but hey...it's her. And now I will find a wall to hang it on. Miss my girl still so much. It still hurts.
Me playing around....OK I painted her silhouette on side of pool deck when we swam..a few yrs back. Once I took down pool deck, I screwed it onto storage building door cause I really didn't have a place to put it and didn't want to throw it away. I cut it down to size to frame out her ....then I sanded off alot of the weathered wood, wood burned it, then stained it. It ain't the best job but hey...it's her. And now I will find a wall to hang it on. Miss my girl still so much. It still hurts.
A clay model I had made of my Sydney
Sydney - A Broken Shelter Dog Reborn and Fighting For Life
hardcover with color photos included
This is her life story in a book with color photos on premium coated paper. 122 pages
Video snippets - Sydney's life
Nov 1, 2021
Today would have been Sydney's 12th birthday. It seems like yesterday. She's been in my thoughts every single day. Hard to believe its already been nearly a yr since she left this Earth. The 13th in fact. Here is a short video of her life and celebration of her birthday. I hope I get to see her again. I miss those big sloppy kisses she always gave me.
Today would have been Sydney's 12th birthday. It seems like yesterday. She's been in my thoughts every single day. Hard to believe its already been nearly a yr since she left this Earth. The 13th in fact. Here is a short video of her life and celebration of her birthday. I hope I get to see her again. I miss those big sloppy kisses she always gave me.
11-13-2021
TODAY it has been one yr since Sydney left Earth. Time really flies by but it seems like yesterday to me. It seems she was just here and I can hear her barking and doing her tap tap with her feet and smacking her lips to get my attention. She was such a loving dog. She blossomed into a wonderful girl. She is truly missed. Again I still think of her every single day. Here is a portrait I did last night of her. Our ride home from her surgery. I love you Syd.
TODAY it has been one yr since Sydney left Earth. Time really flies by but it seems like yesterday to me. It seems she was just here and I can hear her barking and doing her tap tap with her feet and smacking her lips to get my attention. She was such a loving dog. She blossomed into a wonderful girl. She is truly missed. Again I still think of her every single day. Here is a portrait I did last night of her. Our ride home from her surgery. I love you Syd.
2 years gone
