White Shepherd mom

I am so very sorry for your loss Sheridan. You don't realise how big a hole they leave behind until they are gone. Everywhere you look around the house, there is something that reminds you of them. I am glad Mini is stepping up, I hope she copes with Grumpy's loss. Rest in peace Grumpy, say hello to my girl for me as you walk over the Bridge together.

I am so sorry for your loss chicken and Sheridan. I lost my beautiful Bella on Saturday. Hubby and I drove her to the cremation offices yesterday from where she would be taken to the actual crematorium. I believe she was cremated last night. We have ordered a wooden box with her name and years on a brass plaque. They will put her ashes in a velvet bag inside the box where we will also place her collar and a photo. The box will not be sealed. We have not decided where to put the box when we get it back, it will probably be in a non-obvious place initially as hubby can't face it yet. He cannot talk about her or look at her photos yet but I get some comfort looking at and talking to her photos. My heart goes out to all of you as only now do I realise exactly what you have all gone through. eta, the good thing about having her ashes in a bag within the box is that if in future I find a vessel I like more, I can move her over.

Thank you for your sweet messages of sympathy and support, it means a lot coming from people who understand. I am struggling to keep it together. My OH and I were talking about her cremation when he said that she is still our responsibilty so he didn't want strangers taking her from the vet to the crematorium. So we are picking her up from the vet, where she is in the freezer in the garage, and taking her to the crematorium. He is such a sweetie and also misses his girl terribly. They say they will probably cremate her tonight. I really thought we'd have more time with her but I'm glad we were all with her and were able to send her on her way peacefully. edited to add a photo:

thank you all. She's gone. I have written an update in the "what's wrong with my girl" topic.

thank you all for the advice, wishes and hugs. Unfortunately my girl is with the angels tonight. It all got too much for her. The lovely vet and equally lovely vet nurse came to the house, they reckon she didn't appear to have much time left in her anyway. We are devastated and the tears are flowing. The house is just so empty without her. Thanks again, DOL is a great support. Rest in Peace my beautiful princess.

you guys are quick, awesome! tdierikx: I cannot put a second leash on her as I need the other hand to hold Casper's leash! SecretKei: thank you for the link but I don't think the collar is going to help, it looks like the harness is the way to go BlackJaq: thank you for posting the link to the other discussion...I have opened all the links and am about to read them all!

well that vet visit was a waste of time. I have been emailing the oncologists that I was concerned about Bella's eyes and balance and they basically brushed it off until they saw her on Tuesday. That's when they realised I wasn't just a panicky, over-sensitive owner. So it could either be the aftermath of the infection she had or the cancer has spread to her brain. Apparently the chemo drugs she is on do not cross over to the brain so if it is cancer, chemo won't help. The only way to know what this is for certain is to put her through an MRI which includes having her anaesthetised for over an hour or letting them do a series of neurological tests on her which would take half a day of pestering and prodding her. I think she's had enough. If this is from the infection, it might improve on its own. If it's the cancer, it will kill her, haemangiosarcoma is a painless cancer, I've been told. I see no point in putting her through senseless tests. I will make her life as good as I can, I will work with her to see if we can improve her cognition. Hopefully she will regain the missing part of her vision, otherwise we will all learn to live with it as it is. For all I know, she picked something up from the emergency vet when her immune system was so suppressed. I guess I'll never know. I have been feeling really cross today, after all the surgeries and tests and chemo she's endured these past 8 months, now she has to deal with this. I'm rambling. I'm sorry. I just wish I knew how to help her. At least she still loves her food...that's my girl!

can someone from all-knowing DOL please recommend the best collar or harness for a dog with slightly impaired vision. This is a recent development so she's a bit apprehensive, especially when the day's light fades. She tends to stumble and slip off pavements a bit. I want her to feel safe and to be able to "steer" her without stressing her. I also need to be able to support her weight if she tries to climb up or down things (like the steps in the back yard) Much appreciated.

hi sl, Bella's oncologist also phones a couple of days after treatment to check up on her. Her turn for the worse came a week after treatment. I got home at 5:15pm from work and by 5:45pm I had her at my local vet. She saw Bella's temperature (41.5 instead of the normal 39) and sent me to the Emergency vet (which is also where the oncology dept is). They suspected pneumonia because she was struggling to breath but x-rays showed her lungs were clear so they did heaps of other tests. I don't have the onco's mob number (he's smarter than that :) ) but the emergency vet would be able to get hold of him if necessary. I have made an appointment to take her in tomorrow evening. Time to look up some holistic vets too. I'll post an update when I have it.

Hi Staffyluv, you and Ollie certainly did have a tough time of it. Yes, they test the white blood cell count before each treatment and it was perfect last time. I asked them about supplements and I was told that nothing has been proven to help. I do have her on a multi-vitamin, liver detox tablets, and fish oil capsules. I have also upped the amount of tuna and sardines she gets and she has yoghurt to help her stomach. Hi pers, her cancer is wherever there is a blood supply. The last ultrasound found lesions in her lungs and kidneys which is why we started the chemo. I mentioned the eye thing to the oncologist and he basically told me to bring her in if she doesn't improve. The other symptoms have become more noticeable as she has gained strength and is trying to do more. I will make an appointment for tomorrow. I appreciate your input.

A week after Bella's second chemo treatment, she was at the Emergency vet with a high fever. Apparently her white blood count dropped dramatically and some infection took hold of her. After 36 hours in hospital and countless different tests, they still don't know what the infection was. She was treated with a broad spectrum anti-biotic and after a day and a half her fever was back to normal and I took her home with more anti-biotics. This was last week Saturday. She has slowly regained some strength and most of her appetite but there is something wrong and I was wondering whether any of you had any ideas. Her right eye is not normal, she holds it wide open when trying to focus, especially when someone's moving towards her. It's also quite light sensitive. She cocks her head to the left, again when trying to focus on something. When taking a treat out of my hand, she's off centre, ie she tries to take it a little to the left of where it actually is. She doesn't walk totally straight and when she gets excited she's clumsy, tripping over things or slipping to the floor. She has also not wagged her tail since she fell ill. It's almost as though something happened in her brain or is affecting her equilibrium. It's very hard to describe but this is not my girl. Does anyone have experience with this? She is due back to the oncology dept for follow up tests which I'm dreading as I don't want to put her through more discomfort. It's so hard seeing a bouncy, full of life dog like this. It breaks my heart. Thanks guys!

So does the bed actually feel wet to the touch? Also, is it fairly firm when the dog walks or lies on it? Do you have a price list Dyzney? Thanks!!

I am sorry about the diagnosis Dxenion. At least you still have her and you have some time to say your goodbyes. Did the vet give you an indication of how long you might have with your special girl? My girl was diagnosed with cancer 5 months ago and today I found out that it is spreading. As you say though, "So now we know what we're faced with. It's all about making this time she has left the best we can" Big hugs to Java. The old girl is still fighting!

thank you for all the replies! I'd forgotten I'd posted the question Can I ask, the ones with the crystals, how often do you have to soak them? If I used a bed with these and left it outside in the shade (Casper's favourite spot) would they stay cool during a very hot day? I believe the memory foam one that you fill with water does not have to be emptied again (probably because it's too heavy to move!). Has anyone put these outside in the shade on a hot day?

With summer approaching and having 2 seniors who are already feeling the heat, I was thinking about getting them a couple of cool beds - the types you fill with water and they help draw the heat away from the dog's body. Has anyone tried them for their pooches? I'm looking for any feedback please. I'm looking at this one specifically: Cool Bed (please don't all buy them up at once :D )

Hi guys, I don't know whether this is mentioned elsewhere but there is a doggy day out at Whiteman Park on September 16th. This is from the Whiteman Park website: Whiteman Park "This one is a celebration especially for the Park's pooches! Pick up tips and hints, loads of great pet products and more at Whiteman Park’s Doggies Day Out! There will also be hydrobaths and grooming available for your four-legged friends. Proudly supporting: RSPCA Location: Mussel Pool East, opposite the Dog Park (car park 23) Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm Cost: FREE! Please note: Dogs are permitted and encouraged to attend the event, but must be on a lead at all times (unless inside the Dog Park). Dogs requiring muzzles by law must have one on at all times. Event Registration If you would like to be involved by taking a stall at Doggies Day Out, please do contact the Marketing and Events Officer on (08) 9209 6000. Registration closes on Friday August 31, 2012." Sounds like a great day out, especially if the weather holds out!!

Sorry about the delay in answering kayla, I don't spend much time on DOL. I've basically taken two planks of wood, drilled 5 holes of about 15cm diameter along the tops of each one and glued bits of wood on the bottoms (for feet). I place the two planks parralel to each other, far enough so that I can place 5 broom sticks in the holes. I have made the one plank taller than the other so as to provide more of a challenge! I'm terrible at explaining things so I don't know if it makes sense! I had some photos but can't find them so will have to take more and show you. We also do excercises that stretch his spine. I spend about 15 minutes every morning doing exercises and every evening we go for a 40-60 minute walk. vicdrg, I am glad you have not given up on your dog. When Casper was diagnosed with DM, I joined a Yahoo Group for Degenerative Myelopathy. There was some useful information there and a lot of owners have purchased wheel chairs for their dogs to get around. A few of them also express their dogs bladders so that they are in control of when the dog goes to toilet. Perhaps this would help as your dog wouldn't need to go out in the night as often. There was one story that sticks in my mind a lot. One of the women on the list had her GSD in a wheelchair as the dog couldn't get around on his/her own. They then bought a huge property which had unever terrain, ie rocks, logs, etc. Over time the dog got so good at running around the property that he/she was able to do it without the wheels.

Has it spread MsDani? At least he sounds fairly happy at the moment - must be all the extra cuddles!!

I'm so sorry about what you and your beloved dog are going through Ms Dani. I have no advice to give you as this decision is yours alone to make. I can only tell you that my beautiful girl, Bella, was diagnosed with subcutaneous haemangiosarcoma 4 months ago. She had two tumours removed from her back and the oncologist was certain he would find more on her organs. All it took was an ultrasound to tell us her organs were all clear. This was the information I needed to make a decision on how to proceed. Had the tumours been in her organs, the oncologist told me we would lose her within 6 months without chemo. I decided before doing the ultrasound that I would not put her through that and would let her live her days on her terms until she was ready to go. Now, she is on a home chemo drug, cyclophosphamide, which is meant to stop new tumours from appearing and she is doing great. All I'm saying is, I would not be able to make a decision without the facts. An ultrasound will tell you what you are dealing with. If the tumours are only on his liver your decision might be different to if they have grown elsewhere. I have not read your other posts so don't know how old your dog is or what else he has gone through. My thoughts are with you, whatever you decide.

It sounds like your dog's been through the wars. I'm sorry to hear he has had so many battles. My Shepherd has had Degenerative Myelopathy for almost two years now. I take him to an excellent rehabilitation therapist in WA and she has given me specific exercises for his condition. I have found that underwater treadmill sessions help him greatly. He has not tolerated acupuncture well and seemed worse after those two sessions so I've given up on those. When he was first diagnosed, I was told that most dogs are unable to walk or stand on their own within 18 months, we're approaching two years and he still walks 5km unaided (he gets very wobbly afterwards though). His vet and therapist say he still has good muscle tone and has not degenerated much in the last 12 months. We have been lucky in that he doesn't have other joint issues like arthritis. We have a little obstacle course in the back yard which we go through every morning for 10 mins. It forces him to lift his legs in order to clear it. As Mim said, lots of walks on sand, also grass. Walking in the shallows at the beach is excellent but don't push him too much too soon. Walking uphill is great for building up the right muscles in his back legs. Excuse all the waffling! My first bit of advice, is find a therapist. Ask your vet or put the question to the forums for a recommendation.

That's great, thanks a stack amypie - I'm checking out their website now and they look great. I love the big grassy runs. Will definitely go and check them out.

Hi Perthites. I know the "please recommend kennels" topics have been done a few times but I'm specifically looking for a super-duper kennel that will accept titre testing without insisting on vaccinations. NOR would be preferable but not essential. Much appreciated.

My dogs will be turning 11 next month (God willing). I think of them, and especially my GSD, as old and with the health concerns they both have I am eternally grateful for every day that I still have them with me. To answer your question, when I read your opening post, I too thought you were being too sensitive. By the time I got to page 5 I thought that maybe you have a point. I know my dogs are old but I don't think they look it. I still believe they look sprightly and healthy so if someone told me they look old, I 'might' find it upsetting (though not offensive) that others don't see them the same way. I don't think I would appreciate total strangers reminding me that my dogs may not be around for much longer. That said, it is probably a comment I might make to someone with a golden oldie without thinking twice. Big hugs to all the oldies out there.

from one oldie to another, I second the suggestion of installing a doggy door. Although he has access to the house, Casper prefers to sleep outside and he usually puts himself out to bed around 10. In the morning he's already inside and waiting for us to get up and get their breakfast. Bella prefers to sleep inside (they have a bed each in the lounge and one each outside) and will use the doggy door to go out for her business. As for the walks, mine still love their walks and although we complete the whole walk, I am now more relaxed about them stopping often to sniff and wee. I figure, only God knows how many walks they have left, they might as well enjoy them while they can. I'm not even as strict about having them heel and especially on the way home they are allowed to lead the way. I would also suggest a vet check if you haven't already done one. I take mine twice a year since they're older.

I'm sorry about your dog's diagnosis Kaffy, I hope the prognosis is good. Bella was diagnosed with subcutaneous haemangiosarcoma in May and Pet Insurance Australia have covered everything less my excess. This includes surgery and specialist care. They won't cover "alternative" therapy though if that's the route I choose. I wish you and your dog lots of luck.