Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Yup, I would do and have done almost the same thing:o:o:o

Mary Beth, I am going to give Julie a link to your thread. She is trying to get Hannah out of her cone, I think Hannah is about the same age as Alivia.

I am thrillled little Ali has no sore butt any more and I am hoping Julie will have success as well.

HAPPY FOURTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Mary Beth,

I'm so glad to hear Alivia is doing so well! Such great news! It's always such a wonderful feeling to see them feeling good again after long bouts of problems.

Julie & Hannah

I may have to start building an Ark soon. We have had thunderstorms every day for weeks, but today was the worst. We had a lot of flash flooding all around Pittsburgh and my area got hit pretty hard this morning and then again a little while ago. There were even a few nearby tornados that touched down - fortunately that part missed me! Other than a little water in my basement and Maxwell refusing to go outside (he's gonna burst, soon!), we're okay! I may have spoken too soon...the thunder has started again! :eek:

I saw a huge mass of storms heading for Pittsburgh this afternoon. Stay safe!! We had a flood here in Toronto on Monday. Awful. We're still recovering and one of my friends only got power back today. Some lights and subway stations still out though. High ground is to be coveted!

hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

Sorry to hear that MB, it must be the same weather system that hit Sharlene in Toronto.:(:(:(

It has been a crazy summer so far with all the storms, we finally are to get a break from them for a week, I think. Maybe you will as well.:)

How are Ali and Maxwell doing? Are they afraid of the storms? Maxwell is like Koko, "you want me to do what and get wet?":D:
Koko is turning into a prima donna drama queen for sure. I know it is my own dang fault for spoiling him so.;););)

Stay dry

Please send some of that rain out to Southern California! We desperately need it! Considering all the rain you have had, an ark wouldn't be a bad idea.;) Poor Maxwell, I would not want to go outside either! Big hugs to you both!

Sharlene, I am actually at the top of a hill, so that has helped me a lot! Others have it much worse, so I am feeling pretty fortunate.

Kathy, I would LOVE to send some of this rain out to you...but it comes with THICK humidity, too! :eek: I hope you guys get a reasonable amount of rain soon!

Addy, Alivia is completely unfazed by the storms. They've never bothered her but it probably doesn't hurt that she is almost deaf now, either! :rolleyes: Max, is another story. He trembles uncontrollably, refuses to eat anything (he would turn done filet mignon and has!) and won't go outside for anything. Thank goodness for pee pads. That's my loveable Maxwell who acts like a tough guy until a thunderstorm! He is going to be next at the vet's, too. He is having a greenish discharge from his eyes. He was there a couple months ago for it and they gave him drops. He hated the drops and acted like they burned but it helped a little. It's back and seems a little worse now. And, he is sleeping more than usual. Always something...

Oh poor Maxwell. What was causing the discharge? Sounds like an infection if it's greenish doesn't it.

Storm split my house today and we didn't get the rain. It went on both sides of us just by a few miles though. I'll take it!

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I thought an infection because of it being thick and green. My vet, who has never been wrong, suspected a seasonal allergy type thing. I'm thinking he might be wrong this one time and maybe Max needs a course of antibiotics. :rolleyes: Other than sleeping a bit more, he doesn't seem bothered by it, though. But, I certainly don't want it to effect his vision.

Glad the storm missed you, Sharlene!! It's nice to have some good luck anywhere we can get it!

yea, even if it was caused by allergies, since it's green, it does seem to have turned into an infection. So, could be you are both right in this case. But I'd want antibiotics for it too. Gosh knows you don't need any long term problems.

Stay dry!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Mary Beth:
Sorry to hear Max is having a time with these storms. I saw on the computer what all flooded in my beloved town of Pgh. Glad to hear you are on high ground. The humidity is a bear, and really bad for Tipper with her heart. Glad Alivia is not bothered by all this. Tipper trembles, pants big wet spots on the floor, won't drink, eat, or pee. I have tried everything and nothing helps her. I think we have a clear forecast for a few days and hope you have the same. Blessings
Patti

Happy Birthday, Mary Beth!

Happy Birthday!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Happy Birthday, Mary Beth!!

Mary Beth; I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, and hope Alivia is still doing well and loving the car seat. Steelers training camp opened so I am excited about that. God Bless
Patti

Mary Beth, I hope your birthday was perfect in every way!!!!!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

I haven't been here in quite awhile! Sometimes (a lot of times) it is easier to forget about the dreaded cushing's.

I am happy to report that Alivia is doing VERY well. She is 15 years and 9 months old. She is almost deaf and has a bit of arthritis. But, her eyesight is perfect and she is really not exhibiting any signs of cushing's. Well, she does drink a little more than Maxwell and she pees a little more, too. That's all, though, so I have no complaints. Her blood tests have been great and she continues to amaze her vets. In fact, she only goes to the vet's for her routine 6 month check ups!! I remember over a year ago thinking that last Christmas would probably be her last. Now, I am happily looking forward to another Christmas with my sweet girl! In fact, I have some of her Christmas gifts in bags on the dining room floor and she has been "snooping" in them! I COULD move them but she is enjoying peeking and it makes me smile to watch her! :D I know that I am very fortunate and I am enjoying every day with her.

Maxwell is 13 years and 3 months and still runs around like a puppy. :cool: He did have to go to the vet for an eye issue - his eyes weren't tearing sufficiently, so he was prescribed generic Restasis. That didn't seem to help. His eyes were really red and he hated when I put it in. I think it must have burned. Now I am just putting artificial tears (human type) in his eyes a couple times a day and he is fine with that and his eyes are no longer red. I've been putting them in Ali's big, beautiful eyes, too...just because she seems to like it!

With Thanksgiving coming up, I am very much reminded to count my blessings. I do continue to think about all of you and hope you and your babies are well.

Hello Mary Beth and a huge Happy Thanksgiving to you, Alivia and our Maxwell too.:):):):):)

MB, I remember your journey with Ali very well so I could not be happier to read the latest great update.

I am so glad you let us know as we wonder what happens to members and it so good to read positive news. Just the tonic we need.:D:D:D:D

I hope you have great plans for Thanksgiving though I just saw a teaser on the morning national news we may be in for bad weather.
Hopefully that will change.

We are good, Zoe is growing hair and her caramel colored spots are back. We are having a few issues but I think we need to lower her Vetoryl dose, LOWER it, can you imagine, rolleyes::rolleyes: Anyway that is what I have done and she already seems better.

Have the happiest of holidays Mary beth and dont stay away too long, we love hearing from you.

Mary Beth:
Glad to hear Alivia is doing so well. I have had many bumps in the road with Tipper. I am taking her tomorrow to the hospital in Pittsburgh PVSEC. Blessings
Patti

Mary Beth so good to hear from you. I'm thrilled to hear that Alivia is doing so well and Maxwell too.
We do need to hear these positive journeys sometimes too. :) So a huge, thank you! Not to mention, just great to hear from you too. :)
The holidays are such fun to look forward to when our babies are doing well. :)
Take care and don't be a stranger! :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Just Checking in to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2014 brings good things.

I also wanted to give you an update on my precious Alivia. Although she is not having any Cushing’s symptoms, I am sad to say that in my heart I sense that she is dying of natural causes. I know her so well and although I don't think it is eminent, she is exhibiting all the signs of a dog dying of old age. She sleeps a lot - most of the time, in fact. Her appetite has decreased. Sometimes she has no interest in food at all. Other times she will eat most, but never all, of her dish. She wants to be near me (the closer the better) at ALL times. She WILL be 16 in February. At times she seems confused. She scared me to death about a week ago. She got off of the couch where she had been sleeping and went under the end table and was trying to get behind the couch – a space of about 2 inches. I didn’t see her get there but I heard her toe nails scraping and slipping on the hardwood floor – like she was walking in place, head butting into the wall. She had never gone under there EVER. I had to pull her out. That was a REALLY bad night. She fell out of my bed twice, one time peeing on the floor where she landed and once she peed in the bed. She was disoriented and a bit agitated all night. It seemed like she had a mild stroke and I really thought that was the end. Thankfully, my little trooper rallied again and by the next day she was greatly improved!

She’s been having a hard time going up and down steps because of arthritis in her back, but she would never let me carry her. We have now reached an agreement. She comes down on her own, but waits for me to carry her up. ;) She no longer attempts to go down the deck steps when it is snowy and does her business on the deck, which is fine by me! Most importantly, she does not seem to be suffering or in any discomfort. She still will bark at every dog or animal she sees on television! Since her episode, I give her a tiny bit of Tramadol before bed each night. It seems to help her rest more soundly. She has her 6 month appointment with her specialist in 2 weeks. I almost hate to take her, but have to in order to get refills on her 2 routine meds (Amlodopine and compounded aspirin). I’m still debating whether I will even allow blood work. I just feel in my heart that it is best to not to stress her in anyway and to just love her and enjoy as much time with her as I can. I had knee surgery on December 2nd and have been off work since then. As hard as that was on me, it almost seems like a blessing in disguise as it has given me lots of snuggle time with my sweet Ali. Best medicine for both of us!! :D

Alivia's mother and sister both passed away at the age of 13, so I feel fortunate to have had her for this amount of time. I hope that when her time comes it will be on her own terms, hopefully while sleeping at my side. But, Ali has defied the odds MANY times, so who knows?! (Aren't you glad I only check in once in awhile since this post is so long???)

Happy 2014, all!

Hi Mary Beth:
Too bad about our Steelers losing out in such a bad way. I was glad to see your post, but sorry to hear Alivia is failing. There has been so much bad news on here lately it has become very hard to deal with. Every time someone elses baby succumbs to this dreadful disease it brings the mortality of your baby to the surface. Tipper has had many troubles lately and I am worried it will get to the point where I can no longer pull the rabbit out of the hat. I wish for this New Year that someone somewhere would find a cure for this dreadful disease that had torn apart so many lives. I hope Alivia rallies and goes on for both your sakes. I know how dear she is to you. I think it has been a blessing that you were able to stay home and spend time with her. God Bless you Both
Patti

Happy New Year Mary Beth and Alivia

It is good to hear from you but I'm sorry to hear that Alivia is having some old age problems. :( It is never easy to see them age so much faster than we do.
I'm glad that she has been with you for this long, 16 years is good and I hope that you will have much more time with her. I know that every moment will be a precious one.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti,
"Failing" is a good way to put it. Alivia is failing. At this point, I really don't think it is Cushing's related. Which is good because I am not going crazy trying to fix her. But, it is bad because there is no fix for old age. Thanks for the kind words. Please give an extra hug to Tipper, our fellow JRT!!

Sharlene,
Thank you, too, for the kind words. So unfair that their lives are so short. I think it is because they come to us with perfectly pure souls and that NEVER changes. They don't need as much time on earth as we do to learn. They love us unconditionally. I love the saying that "I wish I was half the person my dog thinks I am". I will just continue to appreciate and enjoy my time with Ali and hope that the good days far outnumber the bad ones! :)

Dear Mary Beth,

It is always so good to hear from you, although this is a bittersweet report on sweet Alivia. You are so right -- we are the lucky ones to be allowed to share the lives of these precious souls.

Please give Alivia a giant hug on behalf of her family here, and you take good care of yourself, as well!

With my best wishes,
Marianne

MB I was so glad to hear from you but sad to read about Ali. It is bittersweet, I know, when we come to realize their light is dimming, especially when they have fought so hard and have been so brave.

I am also sorry to hear you are hurt. we make a fine pair with our i juries:):) I hope Maxwell is ok.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you and Ali are doing.

Hi, Marianne!
Every time I come back here I am reminded of how much I miss you guys! So, why do I stay away? :confused: I think sometimes it's the sadness here and I don't want to dwell on the illness side of things. But, I also learn things here. Glynda mentioned Metacam in a post for Addy. After reading all the good reviews on it and how much it helps with arthritis pain, I am going to ask Ali's specialist about it at her upcoming appointment. My goal for Alivia right now is COMFORT and I think her arthritis is what bothers her the most.

Hi, Addy!
I read about your shoulder...yes, we are quite the pair! I hurt my knee over a year ago when I totaled my car. After nearly a year of PT, cortisone injections, rooster injections, etc. with no relief they finally did an MRI and found a tear (among other things), so I had surgery on 12/2. I will have PT for at least 4-6 weeks. On the plus side, since I have been off work for a month, I have had a lot of extra snuggle time with Ali and I am grateful for that! Give Zoe a hug from us!!

My sweet, precious Alivia is gone. She passed away this morning. My heart is breaking. She would have been 16 years old in just 10 days. She had rallied and amazed her doctors many times, but this time was just too much. She was my sweetheart, so I guess it was appropriate for her to leave this world on Valentine's Day. I miss her so much. Rest in Peace my sweet baby. I will always love you.

Oh my dearest Mary Beth. My heart breaks for you. You and Alivia were an amazing team, going through so much for so long.

Alivia Will live forever, in your heart.

love,
Sharlene

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet girl Alivia.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs

Dearest Mary Beth,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss of sweet Alivia and my heart goes out to you. We are here for, Mary Beth, always.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

Mary Beth,

I am so sorry for your loss of Ali. I pray that her passing was peaceful and pain free. My mother's birthday is today and she passed three years ago this coming October. Look for her Ali! She also loved animals.

Dear Mary Beth,

I am truly sorry to hear of Alivia's passing. My thoughts are with you.

Hugs
Angela

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. Alivia has joined our other fur angels at the rainbow bridge. Run free Alivia, run free. Xxxx

Mary Beth:
You said the last post you knew something was wrong.I am so sorry about Alivia. She is not hurting anymore and running free with the other cush babies. God Bless you and Alivia and we are always here for you.
Patti

Oh MB, how it hurt to read this when I awoke this morning as I know your heart is broken. Precious Alivia with the most beautiful eyes fought every battle handed to her with all her heart and amazed us all. She will live on forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten.

Please take care of yourself and give Maxwell extra hugs from Auntie Addy. We are here whenever you need to talk or want to share memories.

Much love being sent our way, dear friend.

My heart is broken for you, Mary Beth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Thank you, everyone. This is so incredibly hard, but knowing all of you here understand the deep connection I had with Alivia is very comforting. I will try to tell you a little about the circumstances. Maybe it will help someone here...or, maybe it will just help me.

Ali saw her specialist a few weeks ago. Her blood testing showed a decrease in her kidney function, enough that the specialist wanted to see her back in 4 months, instead of her typical 6 months. She had lost weight and her appetite had declined. Overall though, she thought she was doing well for being nearly 16.

Then, about 2 weeks ago, Ali had another stroke. I was home from work with the flu (the real confirmed flu...when it rains, it pours). It was very early in the morning and I heard Ali walking around and around out in the hallway. I got up to check on her and she was walking in circles and falling over and seemed very disoriented. I took her to her regular vet. He said to be patient and she could recover. The next 24 hours was rough. She kept trying to walk into tiny spaces - behind the TV, under the end tables, into the headboard. It was heart wrenching. I had to hug her and hold her and watch her every second, even through the night, to keep her calm. But, like the little fighter she was, she began to rally and I thought we'd get through it again.

A few days ago, she vomited completely undigested food and had no interest in eating. I made her plain rice and she ate that and kept it down, but after that, she refused all food but continued to drink a bit of water. She had all the symptoms of kidney failure. I had to give her pain medication every 2-3 hours just to keep her comfortable. So, she was either sleeping or in pain (or possibly both). I hoped she would let go on her own, but I think she didn't want to be the one to leave me.

I made the hardest decision I have ever made. Of course it was complicated by the fact that her regular vet is never in the office on Fridays (another one is there that I had never met) and her specialist was off until next Tuesday. I could not bear to take her to a stranger. I texted her regular vet and told him I thought it was "time". He offered to meet me at his office. He was kind and gentle and I am eternally grateful. I asked him if there was any chance he could fix Ali one more time, even though I knew the answer. He told Ali what a fighter she was and that she was an amazing little girl. Alivia remained in my arms the entire time, wrapped in a warm soft blanket, completely calm and relaxed. He gave her one injection and left the room. She was sound asleep and we spent some time together like that. He came back in and gave her the second injection...she never even stirred and it was over in seconds.

We wrapped her in her blanket and I took her home. I thought Max deserved to have closure, too. I laid Ali in her bed and Max went to her, gently sniffed at her, and then laid down beside her. Then I took Ali to Perfect Pastures, a pet cemetery and crematory. My daughter and (ex) mother-in-law met me there. They laid Ali out for a short viewing and allowed us to say our good byes. She truly looked relaxed and just like she was sleeping. The tenseness she had from the pain she was in was gone. Unfortunately, the pain in my heart is not.

Dear Mary Beth

I am so sorry to hear this news of Alivia. She has always had one of my favourite avatars, I love how white she is and that cheeky eye looking over her shoulder. We are never ready to say goodbye to our little darlings. How nice your regular vet came in to help you, that is such a good thing for him to do. It sounds like everything just snowballed for her at the end and while it was so hard for you to do, it was the best for her. Big hugs at this sad time xxxxxxx

Oh Mary Beth,
I'm crying right along with you. So glad that Max got closure instead of wondering where Ali went to. It is important too.