Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Hi Sweet Pea!!!

Boy, have I been out of the loop!!! Hulls? I thought you guys were talking about Hockey and I'm in Alabama. :p

I am so glad to hear that Squirt is doing great! I love to read these types of threads! Keep up the great work! With this support behind you, you can't lose!

And if anyone comes up with perfect rice or noodles, please let me know! I can gormet anything else, but fall flat on something as simple as that!

Hugs to you!!!!

Heidi, Marco & Sophie
...and Friskie, Lucky, Cheri & and Snicky from Heaven...and our almost home "Bitty Bichon"

Ok I am caught up now. You're starting the hulls tomorrow? Did your vet say anything about them other than that we know Dr. O endorses them?

Leslie and Squirt -

Good morning! Just checking in to see how you were doing. Is Squirt still showing off her new pedicure? :D I'm glad to hear you got the flax hulls. The order, I found, comes pretty quickly and with no shipping fee either. Wow, I'm liking this company. Anyway, let us know how Squirt does with the hulls this morning. Crash takes his well with a bit of canned food. I take mine pretty good too on my cereal. :D

Have a great Tuesday! :)

Tammy, Crash, & Darby

Hi ya'll,

Squirt didn't even notice the difference this morning with the hulls...not that I really thought she would. I think she would eat kitchen sink if I put it in her bowl! LOL :p

Heidi, Squirt's rice has to be overcooked to the point of mush. I tried a rice cooker a friend has and it was "cooked to perfection" - but not for her. It came out more like Minute Rice and not gooey at all. So I will continue burning pots of rice on occasion. :p Now, pasta? When it starts to look "loose", I pull a piece out and throw it on the fridge. If it falls to the floor, it's not ready; if it sticks, it is ready. I try not to let guests see me throwing pasta around the kitchen, tho. :eek: It might dampen the appetite! :p

Steph, Dr C learns from us about Atypical and the treatments. She is in full support of Dr O, tho. She spoke with him several times when Squirt was first diagnosed, and we bow to his expertise in all matters Atypical. Squirt's IMS also talked with Dr O when he got the results as he was unfamiliar with the hulls and he, too, is in full support of using them. So, I would think there would be no problem for Pallie to try them. And I will get started typing up that info from the booklet on the hulls and kidneys for you asap. QUACK QUACK :D

Tammy, after reading that booklet, I too am thinking of using them myself. I had no idea they had been studied that much or for so many different things! When I got them yesterday, I stuck my finger in and got a taste...not bad at all, very mild and not overly grainy feeling. I may wish I had gotten a larger container! Let me know if you notice any difference in yourself on them. As for Squirt's pedicure, it is embarrassing. :o I got very ill a few years back and couldn't do some things for a long time...one of them was her nails. Her vet would cut them for me when I could get out but that wasn't enough. They got really out of hand and are what the groomer calls "daggers" they are so long. We are trying to get the quicks to recede by working on them every 2 weeks now. I had been trying to keep up with them myself but she fights me too bad and I'm afraid of hurting her back legs (pins and screws from surgery) or quicking her. So off to PetCo we go!

I took Crys there this morning for the same thing and it was a real nightmare! I came home bleeding and she was puking from stress. That was her first time professionally and she was not happy. :( But with continued attention I hope she will get better. If not, I see sedation in her future! :eek:

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Two things.

One, a friend lowered her cholesterol by a number of points with ground flax seed.

Two, Winnie was terrible about nail trims when I first got her. She had to be sedated and then it still took three of us to hold her down. However, she got more and more used to it and started improving gradually. Eventually she got to the point that I could trim her nails at home. One tip, even if she isn't a biter, a muzzle helps calm them some.

Carol, Atty Cat and always Winnie & McGill

Thanks, Carol!

I took Crys' muzzle just in case, tho she has never offered to bite anyone, but I never considered it might calm her. I will try that next time and see how it works for her.

Hugs,
Leslie

Hi ya'll,

Well, I'm just a bit late in posting Squirt's UTK results from June. :o

Here are her first results for comparison:

Squirt’s UT Panel results – 8/27/08

Baselines and normal ranges**

Cortisol ng/ml 41.3 2.1-58.8
Androstenedione ng/ml 5.6 0.1-5.7
Estradiol pg/ml 80.4* 30.8-69.9
Progesterone ng/ml 0.58* 0.03-0.49
17 OH Prog ng/ml 0.33 0.08-0.77
Aldeosterone pg/ml*** <11.0 11-139.9


Post ACTH (30 min and 1 hr) and normal ranges**

Cortisol ng/ml 161.9 327.8* 65.0-174.6
Androstenedione ng/ml 34.0 30.6 2.7-39.7
Estradiol pg/ml 80.3* 89.6* 27.9-69.2
Progesterone ng/ml 2.74* 2.74* 0.10-1.50
17 OH Prog pg/ml 3.08* 3.18* 0.40-1.62
Aldosterone pg/ml*** QNS 399.1* 7.2-398.5

* Above or below reference range
** Mean normal range values for spayed female dogs (N=36). QNS = Insufficient sample.
*** Normal range values for male and female dogs (N = 72 baseline, N = 23 post ACTH)


Results from 6-18-09

Baseline and normal ranges**:

Cortisol ng/ml 78.6* 2.1-58.8
Androstenedione ng/ml 1.5* 0.05-0.57
Estradiol pg/ml 84.0* 30.8-69.9
Progesterone ng/ml 0.83* 0.03-0.49
17 OH Progesterone ng/ml 0.57 0.08-0.77
Aldosterone pg/ml*** QNS 11-139.9

Post ACTH:

Cortisol ng/ml 121.6 65.0-174.6 WOOHOO!!!
Androstenedione ng/ml 2.16 0.27-3.97
Estradiol pg/ml 78.1* 27.9-69.2
Progesterone ng/ml 1.95* 0.10-1.50
17 OH Progesterone ng/ml 2.66* 0.40-1.62
Aldosterone pg/ml*** QNS 72.9-398.5

*above or below reference range
**Mean normal range values for spayed female dogs (N=36). QNS=insufficient sample
***Normal range values for male and female dogs (N= 72 baseline, N=23 post-ACTH)

Comments: Values remain elevated. Consider switching to a flax hull product (item 4 on our treatment option sheet attached. Consider adding item 5 as well. (Item 5=maintenance dose of Lyso)


I just noticed the QNS on the aldosterone and would really like to know where that is now.

Squirt has been on the hulls for a little over a month now and I am seeing more signs than before so I am a bit concerned. Her breathing at nite has been very rapid and heavy at times, sounding almost as if there were some obstruction in her throat. Wheezy and rough sounding. At first I thought it was due to pain in her legs and gave her some Tramadol, but the panting continued even in her sleep. She is asking for water more often but not peeing more. Still sleeping more than I would like but I put that off to the melatonin. No pot belly still, and her long hairs continue to fall out but none of her other coats are. This, I think, is due to aging of the Cairn-type coat.

She got spirochetes again a few weeks ago and we go in tomorrow for a follow-up on that. I have also asked that her breathing, legs and thyroid be looked at. (Thank you, Lousie! ;):D )

If her thyroid is down in the 1.somethings again, I think I will ask to start her on meds for that. If it is ok now, then I am seriously considering starting a LOW maintenance dose of Lyso. OOORRR going back to the purified lignan capsules with a higher dosage given daily. Since all the discussion on the hulls, I am beginning to have some worries with them...naturally :rolleyes: .

I think I need to run down to Tunica and try my luck on the slots or something! My luck...I'd just be that much shorter on what I'd need for Dr C and Tunica that much richer! :rolleyes: Hopefully the plastic won't melt tomorrow. :p

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

PS. Lori, I promise I will get an update on my other girls in the next week or so!

Hi ya Leslie,

I think Squirt's UTK panel results are really good...hey some of them numbers are pretty darn terrific. :D Her Estradiol is just so close to being in the normal range..ugh that darn Estradiol, and her Progesterone not that far behind from being normal either.

I agree with you about Squirt's Aldosterone, I'd want to see what that is too, in hind-sight I wished I'd got that done with Harley along with his estradiol.

I'm still on the fence with the hulls too, I mean I know they are working with Harley, the numbers prove that...but they aren't standardized...so I have no idea what I am going to do. :confused::eek: but what else is new.:)

Let us know how you and Squirt make out with your appt. with the vet tomorrow and best of luck with that. :)

PS Cortisol ng/ml 121.6 65.0-174.6 WOOHOO!!! I agree....WOOHOO TOO!!!


Love and hugs.
Lori

Leslie,

You are on it! You know what you are doing....as you always do! I don't have much to add but I do think before a switch to Lyso (and you know of all things I am not anti-Lyso!), I would think about the capsules again. I am just getting mixed feelings about the hulls now after some of the experiences. Of course, with the vet's say so.

You are such a great mom to your clan!!! You know how to read what is wanted and what to do that is the very best thing....I have faith in you, Leslie!!!!:D

Love ya! Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

Well, we're back and no results....too much fat in her blood!!! again...so she fasts the rest of the day and we go back tomorrow and try again.

I have not been able to cook for her the last week or so and she has been eating canned...EaglePack and CA Natural. They are higher in fat content than what I am cooking, but I didn't think it was that much higher! geez...I hope it's the food anyway. Hyperlipidemia is not something I want to add to the mix! :eek:

Her breathing was checked and Dr C said it sounds ok...no rasping, wheezing etc. She has gained a little over a pound since last visit...a little over a month ago....gulp!...so that could be making her breathing a bit more difficult. Also one of her back legs is really popping out and one of the screws may be working loose so there is a strong source of pain that could be causing the panting and harshness of it. Heart murmur a grade 2 up from grade 1 last year.

So, that's where we are today....hopefully I'll know more about the thyroid tomorrow.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Squirt's Mom

Hyperlipidemia is not something I want to add to the mix! :eek:

---

From one who knows....you can say that again!!!!

Hopefully it was the temporary use of higher fat canned food that caused a problem. After only a little over a week of being on the Rx higher fat dry food last year and Mr. M's triglycerides skyrocketed, but he's a bit of a weird case. Anyway, I'll be peeling those potatoes (arrrrrrrgh) and cooking fish for as long as he's with me. Good luck with the blood draw tomorrow.

Glad that all is ok with the breathing. Gosh, I hope a screw in her leg isn't working its way loose. :( Poor Squirty! If her thyroid results end up low, maybe that's why she gained weight?

I'll be watching and waiting for that update!

Louise

Leslie - if her blood comes up fatty again you might want to ask about getting her amylase and lipase checked out - I believe that fatty blood can be a result of pancreatitis.:eek::eek::eek:

If you still have to feed the canned at the moment you could try adding some rice/potato to cut the total percentage of fat in the meal.

I can relate to the canned thing - I always give Zac raw/homecooked food but I do keep some cans in the cupboard for if I'm just not up to cooking or whatever because of illness or something. Hasn't happened yet but I like to be prepared - especially with this Swine Flu on the rampage.

Alison

Hi Leslie,

I'm going to post here about the hyperlipidemia, I already did in Nathalie and Phillip's, Phillip had the same problem your Squirt did with fatty blood, I found this in the merck vet manual.

"This can be primary or secondary to hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, hepatic disease, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, hyperadrenalism, or high-fat diets. Hyperlipidemia is present when blood lipids are increased with or without gross lipemia and probably results from abnormalities in the synthesis or use of plasma lipoproteins. In primary hyperlipidemia, the abnormalities can be familial and might be genetic, as has been suggested in Miniature Schnauzers. Some dogs with hyperlipidemia are asymptomatic. Clinically affected dogs may have recurrent seizures, depression, recurrent pancreatitis, vomiting, acute blindness, corneal opacity, and xanthogranulomas. The goal of dietary management is to decrease the digestion and absorption of fat by feeding a diet restricted in fat (<10% dry-matter basis). The use of fish oil capsule supplements at a dosage of 1 g/4.5 kg body wt either once a day or in divided doses, depending on the number of capsules needed, help reduce serum triglyceride concentrations. Although fish oil supplements generally do not return serum triglycerides to normal values, partial reduction is believed to mitigate the risk of pancreatitis or other problems related to marked elevations of this lipid."

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/182907.htm

I sure can relate to Squirt and her screws, my right leg from my hip to my ankle is full of plates, screws and my thigh has a rod that goes thru it...bad motorcycle accident :eek:, I know 2 days in advance when it's going to rain.

Best of luck tomorrow with the blood draw at the vets, and I'll be watching for your update too.

Love and hugs.
Lori

Leslie & Squirt -

We wanted to wish you both well today with your visit to the vet. Hoping that there will be only good news to report. :):):):):) (thought you could use a few extra smilies to start your day)
Thinking of you and Squirt and I'll check in when I get home from school this afternoon.

Tammy, Crash, & Darby

Thinking of you
((((lotsahugs))))))

Hi ya'll,

What a great way to start the day!!! :D

Squirt's blood was "beautiful" this morning after a 26 hr fast tho she was rather PO'd. :p Her T4 is 2.8 ug/dl, norms = 1.1-4.0 ug/dl. Right back in the smack dab middle where she was before Dec.! YIPEE!!!! :D:D:D

I was trying to figure out why her values dropped so much in Dec. and I think I know. That was prior to her current diet when she was on the first one that was so bad. It included Brassicas, which are veggies like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli which can cause thyroid levels to drop. Hypothyroid pups should avoid this class of food. Before the bad diet she got from that vet, I was making do on my own (STUPID!!) and it was even worse plus I used some of those same veggies. So that could explain why the drop in Dec. She is no longer eating those types of veggies and her values are normal once again so it makes sense.

So, now I am going to concentrate on her hormone levels and the pain in her legs as the cause for the things I have been seeing that bother me - like the panting. And, no matter what, she will not be eating any more commercial feed as long as I am able to move and cook for her. If I don't have time to cook the whole menu, she will get something fresh and home-made. More convinced than ever that proper feeding is the way to good health! And what's proper for Squirt is her mama's cooking! ;):D

Thanks for the smilies and all the good wishes! Ya'll are the best of the best!:)

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt
She had some diarrhea last nite so the possibility of pancreatitis was really on my mind. Dr C ran full blood work and check her out just in case. Everything is great! No pain in the belly, no swelling noticed, and labs are all normal except for the liver values which is expected in cush pups, and hers aren't too bad - ALP =451 (norm= 20-150 U/L), ALT = 76 (norm= 10-118 U/L). So all in all, I am HAPPY with today's results! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Squirt's Mom

Squirt's blood was "beautiful" this morning after a 26 hr fast tho she was rather PO'd. :p

---

Such wonderful news:D:p:D:p:D! 26hr fast:eek:, Wylie would be PO'd too... I feel bad even doing a 12 hr fast - I try to get him to sleep through most of it by turning off all the lights and pretending to go to sleep myself and then in the morning, wisking him out the door and to the vet before he can think, "hey, what about breakfast":confused:.

I didn't know about the Brassicas family and them lowering T4 levels... for years, I used to regularly give Wylie brussels sprouts & broccoli as treats, but about the end of last year, he seemed to be getting too gassey, so they were stopped.

Her T4 & bloodwork, even with those "great for a cushpup" liver enzymes... I would say that beats Sharon's winnings on the slot machine - CONGRATULATIONS:D:D!!

-Susy

Leslie,

What great news!

Quote:

---

Her T4 is 2.8 ug/dl, norms = 1.1-4.0 ug/dl, and ALT = 76 (norm= 10-118 U/L)

---

YAHOO!! :D

I didn't know about the "Brassicas" family either, and Cheryl and I just went to a farmers market today and I bought a bunch of broccoli for Harley...well it looks like I'm making broccoli for myself tonight! :eek: Thanks for that info bc Harley's T4 was low.

Again, I am so happy for you and Squirt. :D

Love and hugs.
Lori

Leslie,

Congratulations on Squirt's good report! :D :D Hope the pain in her legs will subside soon.

Louise

Hey Leslie,

Very glad the bloodwork came back in normal ranges, I'd be irritated too if I couldn't eat for 26 hours. (why so long?)

I have always believed a properly prepared homemade diet is better but I have never found the time.

Best to you and the girls

Scott

The brassica thing is an issue with birds - my birds only get brassicas (which they love!) on an irregular basis for that reason.

Zac does get his skinkin' brassicas just about every day though - and this reminds me, maybe he shouldn't. He will not be well pleased! Brussels sprouts are one of his favorite foods and he picks them out first - before the meat very often. Weird dog, I know.

Zac is a healthy 3yo with no health issues (touch wood:p).

Alison

Thanks, ya'll!

Scott, she went in at 1 yesterday after breakfast at 8:30 and her doc first said to fast after midnight but since this is the second time there have been high lipids, she changed it to "don't feed until we redo in the morning"...then mom over-slept :o after sitting up and worrying about her pancreas nearly all nite. :rolleyes: twitch twitch Squirt is the only one I cook for on a regular basis...I can't imagine trying to do 3-4 different menus each week! :eek: Ya think she might be a little spoiled? :p

Alison, if Zac has no problems and has been eating that way for some time, he may not have an issue with the brassicas. Each pup is different! Not all humans will have a hard time with thyroid regulation if they include them in their diet. But based on Squirt's readings and her diets at each time, I have to think she is one who cannot handle them - certainly not on a full time basis!

It's nice to have a pup that is healthy, ain't it? Goldie is our healthy one so far, Crys just minor things....but Goldie is psycho! so that takes up a lot of the slack from being healthy. :p

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Well, Leslie, there is mental health and there is physical health....Scoobie had both!:p:p

Sending tons of hugs to cover you and the crew!!!!
Love ya! Me

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Squirt's Mom

Thanks, ya'll!

Scott, she went in at 1 yesterday after breakfast at 8:30 and her doc first said to fast after midnight but since this is the second time there have been high lipids, she changed it to "don't feed until we redo in the morning"...then mom over-slept :o after sitting up and worrying about her pancreas nearly all nite. :rolleyes: twitch twitch

---

Leslie, I am glad all is well. You and I where doing the same thing last night. Worrying about pancreatitis. :o
After I read you post about the fatty blood sample I was sure Phillip was having pancreatitis as well – instead his cortisol was too low - yikes.

Nathalie

Hi Leslie,
Haven't posted much but wanted to let you know I've been thinking about Squirt and am very glad that everything has turned out very well. Keep up the great work.

Quote:

---

Ya think she might be a little spoiled?

---

Yesssss.......but well deserving of it :)

Hi ya'll,

Since we are going to have to find a vet in AR to use for a while, I have been working on a questionnaire to send to the vets in the area. Here are the questions I have come up with so far....any input greatly appreciated.

1.) Do you treat canine Cushing’s? (If yes, please continue; if no, thank you for your time.)
2.) How many Cushing’s patients have you successfully treated?
3.) Which Cushing’s treatment(s) are you most experienced with?
4.) Are you familiar with Atypical Cushing’s, the Uni. of TN Knoxville (UTK) full adrenal panel and Dr. Jack Oliver?
5.) Do you stock the stimulation and suppression agents or do you order them as needed?
6.) Which agents do you use?
7.) Which lab do you use and are you under contract to send all samples through them whether they can do the testing or not?
8.) Do you have an endocrinologist and/or IMS to whom you refer patients? If so, who and where are they located?
9.) Where is the nearest, best high resolution ultrasound and someone qualified to interpret them?
10.) In the event of a crisis/emergency after hours/on weekends, what is protocol for your clients?
11.) Do you communicate with your clients directly or through techs and/or staff?
12.) What is your philosophy on yearly vaccinations?
13.) Are you familiar with other conditions associated with Cushing's such as diabetes, hypothyroidsm, etc.?
14.) Do you regularly attend seminars, conferences, and/or continuing education courses?
15.) What is your philosophy on non-pharmaceutical approaches? Which, if any, do you practice?
16.) How do you feel about home prepared diets?
17.) How do you feel about clients being proactive in their pet's care?

I feel like there are some important things I have missed but my brain refuses to go any further. :rolleyes: So let me know what you think I should ask, or not ask...

Thanks,
Leslie and Squirt

Hi Leslie,

That looks like a really thorough list, I only have a few things that I could think of:

I know you home cook for Squirt and I don't recall (sorry) your philosophy on vaccinations, but if you are like me now, I don't vaccinate Harley anymore bc of his cushings and his GP and I have come to that agreement. You may also ask her/him if your home cooking will be a problem...if it will be, maybe another reason not have this GP.

If s/he keeps abreast with current developments in his/her respective discipline; Does s/he regularly attend conferences and other continuing education programs.

I would also want to know if s/he has experience in treating Cushing's syndrome and associated endocrinopathies (e.g., iatrogenic Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc.).

I know with Harley it seems like now this cushings is causing a cascading of problems, altho I know Harley and Squirt are two completely different dogs, with Squirt being much more controlled than Harley.

Love and hugs.
Lori

Thanks, Lori! Good points and I will add them now! :) Made me think of something else I want to know...their philosophy on non-pharmaceutical approaches, which nutrition would fall under. :rolleyes: duh....

Squirt has been so very lucky with her Cushing's from the beginning. And I am immeasurably grateful for that! Her signs were mild and we "caught in early"; Anipryl worked wonders for her long past the time it was predicted; funds were readily available when she needed them the most; she has the best vet and IMS in the world; removing that tumor sent her cortisol levels back within normal ranges, and her other hormones are coming down. Yes, I am very grateful! We have both been lucky in finding our family here 'cause there's no telling what would have happened if we hadn't. :eek:

Harley will come around, too, I'm sure. He's got a fabulous mom who's working hard to find the solution for him.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Hi ya'll,

Well, I was all set to write a glowing report on my Sweet Bebe and then all the rain set in and we have the blasted spirochetes again! :(:( She started having diarrhea yesterday and this morning it was a tad bit bloody, so she is back on Metrachonazole (sp?) and Clavamox, plus we gave her a wormer this time, too. She is sleeping under my bed at the moment and has had no BM's since morning.

Cushing's-wise, she is great, tho! I ran out of the crushed hulls last week and have put her back on the purified caps. Primarily because I have a lot of them and very little $$ at the moment. But rather than 40mg/day, I am giving her 120mg/day (3 capsules). A friend worked out the math for me and this is the amount that should be equivalent to the hull's percentage of lignans. Don't ask me how...:confused: The increase has had no effect that I can see. She remains on 3mg of melatonin 2X/day. When funds are available, we will have another UTK panel run to see how the estradiol and progesterones are doing now. Squirt still has no signs so I feel she is doing quite well anecdotally, the test will tell us how she is physically.

I am sad to say that her hair is doing funky things, tho. Not in a Cushing's sense, but more of an aging thing. Her long hairs are really coming out on her back and her Elizabethan collar is gone for the most part as are the long tufts on her ears. But her other two coats are thick and no signs of thinning or balding anywhere. In fact, her belly, lower torso and legs are getting hairier and hairier - probably due to the melatonin. It is impossible to see her scar from the surgery now!

Squirt loved her time in the country while we were in ARK! She rolled in the fields, chased cats and butterflies, sun-bathed, and even played with the other dogs. She gave me much reason to smile and laugh during a very tough time. Squirt will be 12 in Feb. and I am so grateful for every day she is with me.

Hugs to all,
Leslie and Squirt

Hi Leslie,

Oh, poor Squirt...Those darn spirochetes...rain, rain go away and take those darn spirochetes with you! I will be hoping and praying her meds kick in and take care of those nasty spirochetes. I'm really elated tho, to hear Cushing's-wise that she's doing great! :D YAAA!!! :D

Oh Leslie, I know just how you feel about the $$...where is our money tree? LOL :p:)

I am so happy Squirt was able to make you smile during your difficult times in Ark, our pups sure are a blessing. And you know what...you are truly a blessing to all of us. :D

Love and hugs.
Lori

OMG I totally spaced out--- email me your address and I'll send you almost a full can of flax hulls and quite a bit of lignan capsules! I hope that at least helps you out for a little bit! I think I still have some melatonin too.

Go away spirochetes!! I hope the meds help! Gotta take care of our little Squirty! ;-)

S-

OK, since I seem to be on a first-time learning curve with the parasite thing I will admit my stupidity.....what the heck is a spirochete and do I really want to know????? :eek: Do they only live in Tennessee??? :eek:

Leslie, I wish you all sunny days filled with chasing butterflies and even belly rubs and rolling in fields! It does the soul good and I hope you can join her for a good roll in the field on a sunny day and just letting all the bad things out! I know I'm crazy but that's how I stay sane! Try it!

You know I love ya!!!! Do I need to sign my name????

I'm assuming that a spirochete is a bad thing so...BEGONE from Squirt's body!! :mad: :mad:
Glad she had such a good time in ARK and gave you reason to smile. Those moments are so precious.
Jo-Ann

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Squirt's Mom

Hi ya'll,
Squirt loved her time in the country while we were in ARK! She rolled in the fields, chased cats and butterflies, sun-bathed, and even played with the other dogs. She gave me much reason to smile and laugh during a very tough time. Squirt will be 12 in Feb. and I am so grateful for every day she is with me.

Hugs to all,
Leslie and Squirt

---

It is amazing what a change of scenery can do for our pups. It's always so nice to see them having fun and enjoying the moment. :)They certainly know how to make us smile. Glad you took the time to enjoy Squirt's happiness and glad it brought a smile to you face during your sad times. They do help us to heal.

Hi ya'll,

Thought it was time for an update on my Squirty. :)

She is still doing very well...no signs at all! The fat pads on her shoulders have disappeared and the ones on her hips are going as well! I haven't felt her shoulder blades in ages! :p Her weight is fairly close to what it has been so I guess the fat has redistributed or been used, as it should be. The little fat pouch under her chest is even gone! She is looking very svelte these days for an old lady! :D

Her energy level has risen and she is much more playful than she has been. She plays piggys several times a day where we kinda dance around with me sliding my feet around and she tries to nab my toes. :p We play cover monsters every nite now, too, a game she has always dearly loved....as do I. She gets much more aggressive with cover monsters than with piggys and her jaws are snapping shut with real "ferocity" as she tries to "kill" the monster. :p

Squirt is enjoying her walks more and is able to go further before tiring that she was last year this time, even this summer - tho the heat does have an effect on her as it does her old mom! ;) We both love the winter months.

She remains on 6mg of melatonin and her lignans, hulls at the moment, every day along with her supplements and herbs. Squirt loves her menu and that makes the weekly work to make it worth every second to me, plus the fact that she is doing so well on it.

For a week or so after Ruby passed, she was really clingy but that has passed and she seems to have accepted the change in the pack quite well.

As always, Squirt continues to bring light, joy and love into my every moment and I am grateful for every day she is with me.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt, still the Queen of Dogdom :p

Oh Leslie, what a wonderful report on our "Queen." :) :D :)

I am so glad that she is doing so well -- thanks to your loving care and devotion...:o

Many (((hugs))) always,
Marianne

I truly agree with Marianne, what a wonderful update on our beautiful and svelte Squirt! Oh Leslie, Squirts continuing health improvements are because of your dedication and deep love for which everyone can see that you have for all your furbabies.

Dang, wish I could lose some of my fat pads...Leslie could you cook for me too? :p:)

Love and hugs,
Lori

Hi Leslie,
I too, am very happy to learn your Squirt is doing well and keeping your joy and spirit alive after Ruby's passing. Although I am sure it continues to be extremely hard to still endure your pain of not having her, I think you probably have a lot of satisfaction knowing your little Squirt was and continues to be by your side to ease your pain. I'm sending you lots of tight hugs and wet licks from Princess...xo Luv, Jeanette

He Leslie,

It's so wonderful to hear that Squirt is doing so good. You are such a very caring person. Squirt is very lucky to have you for a mom.

Wonderful news Leslie, enjoy all of your butterflies!

Love and hugs,