Quincy, from Polish straydog to Dutch service dog

A compilation of some of the tasks Quincy does for me... Not even 7 weeks ago, this little thing knew nothing, not even a basic command like "sit"...it's amazing everything she has accomplished in the past 7 weeks. I am sooooo very proud of her, words cannot describe how I feel about her :)

http://youtu.be/68d27T6YXDU

Recently Quincy also started to point out little wounds and/or scratches I have, she will point them out with her nose and then she'll look at me. I think a really, really strong bond and sensitivity towards each other is forming here...it can make me cry at times, so special this is :)

Sas and Quincy :)

awww, I got choked up reading about her pointing out little booboos. What a special friend you have. And very smart to boot!

She is so wonderful and really do think you have a very special bond with each other.

She is just amazing, you both are.

hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

Hi Saskia

You have both accomplished so much since Quincy arrived not so very long ago, watching this video brought tears to my eyes to see they joy you have brought to each others lives. Quincy in the grocery store was so sweet, walking along with her tail wagging and so obviously happy in her work!! Love how she gently picked up the groceries and deposited them in your bag, what a delight she is!! Loved it!! She is so clever and she looks at you like she would walk over 10 mountains if that was what you wanted!

Trish x

Thank you Leslie, thank you Sharlene and thank you Trish :) About Quincy, tail wagging in the grocery store, can you imagine that she peed on my pants (laying on my lap) the first few times we went to visit the grocery store? She was that scared :) Hard to imagine now... :D

Leslie, can I ask you a personal favour? I just returnd from the vet and Quincy now has a bacterial skin infection...meaning more anti biotics :( So we had an earinfection, a bladder infection, skin infection, intestinal infection... In her past she had a very severe demodex infection. The "usual" puppy demodex is not that bad. You treat it and that's it. But the really severe Demodex infections (hard to treat, long period and many many different medications to get rid of it) are usually a sign of an underlying immune system problem. Do you know of any supplements/herbs that could be benificial to strengthen Quincy's immune system? You have so much knowledge in that area, I wouldn't know who else to ask. If it is too much for you, I understand and that's okay :) I love you no matter what... :)

Sas and Quincy :)

Sas, I'll be happy to do a bit of research and let you know what's available that may help. ;) There are many immune-boosting herbs. :)

:) Thanks a bunch!

Oh, Sas :) I hardly ever come on the forum anymore but when I do, the first thing I do is look for your posts. I've just been reading through your thread here, trying to catch up.....and I couldn't be happier for you and Quincy. She looks (from your video) and sounds (from your posts) like the perfect girl for you. And nobody is more deserving of such a wonderful assistant/companion than you are. The video has brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart, for you both. Of course, now I will have to check back more often to see your updates, for sure! I am glad you have gotten past the dental surgeries of last winter and that sweet Quincy has come into your life! Sue

First and foremost of course is nutrition. Take a good hard look at what Quincy is eating now and if needed get her on a higher quality feed, the highest you can manage. Ideally you can get with a canine nutritionist or nutritional consultant and work out the best diet for her.

Carotenoids can increase serum lutein which can boost the immune system. A mixed supplement of beta-carotene, lycopene, and Vit A and E in particular can be helpful. Dose according to Quincy's weight in proportion to the human dose. The minerals zinc and selenium can improve the immune system and help prevent infections. Dr. Susan Wynne recommends and uses a product called Moducare in patients with chronic demodicosis (demodectic mange).

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/produc...ET/110005.aspx

Herbs that can help need to come from three main groups -

Immune-enhancing = Astragalus, Echinacea, Usnea, Ginseng, and mushrooms like Reishi, Maitake, Shitake, and Cordyceps. (astragalus is the one I would start with)

Tonic and adaptogenic = Panax, Eleutherococcus, and Ashwagandha (use these after the acute infection is under control)

Bitters = Oregon grape, Burdock, Wild Yam, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Chamomile, Dandelion, Thyme, Prickly Ash, Ginger, Yellow Dock, Barberry, Bupleurum, Forskohlii, Fringe tree, Fumitory, Picrorrhiza, Biacal skullcap

Hope that's enough to get you started.
Hugs,
Leslie

EDITED TO ADD: This info came from Drs. Susan G. Wynne, Steve Marsden, Barbara J. Fougere

Sas, just wanted to add that Dr. Wynn is the nutritional consultant at the specialty veterinary clinic here in Atlanta where Barkis was treated for his Cushing's. I have never met her, but I am really glad to know that she's locally available to me should I ever seek a referral to her!

http://bluepearlvet.com/georgia/doctors/