queenwinniesmom

That was a really beautiful tribute. It made me smile even while I had tears in my eyes. She sounds like such a unique and joyful soul, and I'm so sorry you didn't get to have her with you for a much longer time.

Our first Greyhound, Lacey had several bouts with vestibular disease, when she was about the same age. The symptoms were just as you described. The first time, it freaked us out because we'd just put our little pit bull to sleep because of an apparent stroke, and we thought maybe they had gotten into something. But our vet knew what it was. I know the episodes vary in length and severity, with some dogs having related problems because of their inability to eat or to keep food down because of the vertigo. Then support fluids would be recommended. But Lacey's never progressed that far, only lasting a few hours at a time. When we put her to sleep several years later, it was due to osteo, not anything related to the vestibular disease. It is called ideopathic because they are not sure exactly what causes it (or specific treatment), only that dogs of a certain age are more prone to it. I would try not to worry too much unless she develops other symptoms, because it may not progress, as you are afraid of.

Winnie just gets 1 pill a day, and she weighs about 65 pounds. I have heard different things about when to give it, with food and without. I kinda split the difference and give it to her about an hour after dinner. I friend read that you should do 5 days on and 2 days off, and I started doing that. She's been on it 3 years now, so I guess I'm doing something right! We use the glucosamine chondroitan MSM. I also give her pycnogenol, another immune system booster, that I get at Vitamin World, in the morning. And I'm a firm believer in fish oil. She gets it, DH and I take it too. Keep up your good work---you've been doing great.

Sending prayers out to your sweet Deuce. I'm glad you are keeping up with the artemisinin. And he is at the best place possible at OSU. Hugs from me, and nose kisses from Queen Winnie

Hi Winslow, this is Queen Winnie's Mom. I just wanted to share with your many fans, the sweetest note I got from your Mom. When I posted on Circle of Grey a few weeks ago that Winnie just celebrated the 3 year anniversary of her amputation, your Mom told me that Winnie had been an inspiration after your diagnosis, and throughout your treatment. I can't tell you how great that made me feel to know that Winnie's grace and courage had brought hope and comfort to another family when they were dealing with the Monster. Yes, Winnie has made it 3 years after her osteo diagnosis, and we just came back from Grapehounds, where we had a wonderful time. I had bid on your Mom's exquisite painting Oatlands, but while we were away, the auction closed. I know Hope For Hounds is going to be sending a lot of money to Dr. Couto. At Grapehounds, Winnie got to meet Janet, who does all that wonderful work. She made Winnie a beautiful necklace of pearls and pink stones, and took her picture. What an honor it was to meet her, and Winnie will wear her necklace proudly. We hope someday to meet you and your Mom and Miss Diane, to thank them for being an inspiration to so many others. Nancy P.S. Winnie does paintings too! But she does them with her front paw. She used to paint more, but since the amputation, she's decided she's not so enamoured of the creative process! But she will paint little paintings for a good cause. Like Winslow, she'd like to help raise money so other Greyhounds can live longer, healthier lives.

What a lucky kitty she was to have a Mom who loved her so much. I know you have many precious memories. I needed to see this today. It's coming on a year that I lost my Nick, my heart dog, and that sadness keeps washing over me. But a smile is more like Nick than tears, and I need to remember that.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry you've lost your precious boy.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this prognosis. But I agree, it seems that Link is getting excellent care. These dogs surprise us sometimes, though. When I read that his heart was so big, it brought back memories of this time last year when my Angel Nick was diagnosed with Addison's disease. There were no symptoms other than the lethargy and not eating, and even though we took him to the vets right away, it was misdiagnosed at first, and 2 days later, came the "crash". But along with the Addison's, we didn't know that Nick also had cardiomyopathy. His heart was grossly enlarged, and the 2 treatments were at odds with each other. Addison's affects the adrenal gland and the body's ability to fight stress, and together, it was just too much for our precious boy. Please don't blame yourself for not knowing sooner---if they don't have symptoms, there's just no way you can tell. We'd just come back from Grapehounds, where Nick had a wonderful time, so happy, and seemingly healthy. I guess in retrospect, though his loss was shattering, I would rather have not known. We got to have that time together, which I cherish. I know you will cherish your time with Link, and that is the best thing you can do. He's happy to be with you today, with no thoughts about what could happen in the future. You love him very much, and he knows that.

I'm so sorry. Sending prayers and white light to you and Rusty.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy.

I'm so sorry that you and Bullett are at this stage of dealing with the Monster. Bullett does sound very brave. Our vet recommended Piroxicam (sp.?) after Winnie's amputation 3 years ago. It worked well for her for the pain, and our vet thinks it may even have some tumor fighting properties. Sending good thoughts and white light to you both.

And she can even encourage all of us to do more---that is so true that each act of kindness can make a difference. And the biskies---my dogs react differently to them as well. They will accept almost any treat, but when they seem to know it's Burpdog, I think they salivate! We've received the treats and cakes as gifts, and I always say, "Someone cared enough to send Burpdog!"

You do sound very compassionate, and attuned to your dog, so it is likely that you will know when it is time. I know there will be times that we have to make that most difficult of decisions because they don't always give us a clear sign for various reasons---sometimes that they want nothing more than to just be with us. Sometimes (often, it seems, with Greys) they are so stoic that we can only guess at the pain that they are enduring. If you realize even now that it can be selfish to keep them with us longer than we should, I think you will be very aware of that when the time comes. We need to do what we feel in our hearts is right, and then be at peace with our decision. Remember that they live in the moment, and don't agonize over the future like we humans do. They only know that they are safe and very much loved TODAY. We need to be present for them always, and not let thoughts of the future steal the precious days together away from us.

We'll be sending lots of good thoughts to Deuce. And Queen Winnie will be communicating telepathically, "be well, be safe" thoughts. I'm so glad Deuce and Winnie got to meet in canine at GIG. He looked great physically, and was so obviously happy and secure. You and your husband are taking excellent care of him, and it shows. Continued prayers for a positive recovery.

Hi Jill, how old is Mabel? How long have you had her? My Winnie has been a tripod (same leg) for 3 years, due to osteo. But we've never had any of the problems you have. Have you contacted the girl with Therapaws? She's very knowledgeable. I'm thinking the hair loss may not have anything to do with the amp. Winnie's fur on that side is thick, but she's on lots of supplements because of the osteo. Has Mabel been checked for low thyroid? That often causes hair loss. Good luck with your girl, and paws up from one tripod to another.

Sending prayers for Foxy, and hoping she is home soon.

Oh, jeez, Liz, I hope she's going to be alright. I know it freaks you out when something sudden and unexplained like that happens. I was thinking maybe vestibular disease, but the stiff leg sounds a little different. We'll send lots of white light and get well thoughts to Nimby, and nose kisses from the Queen, who is looking forward to seeing you all at Grapehounds! Nancy

Pat, what a lovely tribute to a brave and beautiful Grey. I saw a post about her on GRTB, and I thought Babe knew more love in her last months with Marilyn and Bob than she might have in her whole life. Though it seems so unfair that she couldn't have stayed longer, at least she had that time with them, and so many others who loved her. And bless you for being with her at the end.

Oh, that's heartbreaking. The poor baby. Run free, sweet Laura.

I'm so sorry you've lost your sweet girl. But you did know when it was time, and it was so important to you that she not suffer. I clicked on her web page---what a beautiful lady! That picture of her on her back with her paws bent---how precious. It brought tears to my eyes, but made me smile as well. How you loved her!

I'm so sorry you lost your sweet girl. Your love for her shines through in every word of your lovely tribute.

I'm so glad that she's doing better, and seeeming more like her old self. I know I said the recovery process would probably get worse before it got better, but saying that is one thing, listening to your sweet girl screaming in pain while you're feeling so hopeless, is another thing. But you're right, I think she's turned a corner. And you have loved her and helped her at every step. You're both doing a great job. And you're still in our prayers!

Oh, I'm SO sorry you've gone through all this only to lose your sweet boy. It's so obvious how much you loved him, and how hard you tried to do what was best for him. To be honest, I didn't have a good feeling when I read your first post because it reminded me so much of when we lost our Buster (at the same age). The decline was so fast. But everyone's hopes were up, just like yours. You've been stressed in every way---physically, mentally, and emotionally. Take the time you need to grieve for Beck, but remember to take care of yourself too. Thinking of you with sympathy.

Oh, she was lovely! I'm so sorry you lost your sweet girl.

I'm so sorry you've lost your sweet little lady. I lost my Patsy to lymphoma too, and the time was way too short. Your grieving is doubly hard because of the suddenness. How blessed she was to have such a wonderful Mom for all those years. Thinking of you with sympathy.