Need prayers again

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 04, 2011, 10:43:58 PM

We need more prayers and rays

Going to Oregon tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 pm for tests. She needs big prayers this time, they have always worked before so I am asking again. Breaks my

they are so innocent and wonderful hard to understand.

DeeanDave · April 04, 2011, 10:59:27 PM

Oh DeeDee......we are sending mega rays from the east side of the state to Hallie and you!! You will both be in our prayers! Keep us posted. Dee and da boys

DeeanDave · April 04, 2011, 11:31:22 PM

DeeDee, is it her tummy, back or something else? We are going to keep the positive thoughts flowing for you and Hallie. Dee

David C. · April 05, 2011, 12:52:25 AM

Huge prayers and rays coming from Maryland!

Spanish Teckels · April 05, 2011, 03:14:41 AM

We are so very sorry to hear Hallie isn´t well. Our best and sunniest rays and prayers are winging their way to you both. Please let us know how you are doing and how the visit to Oregon goes. We are praying it isn´t too serious and that your little Princess bounces back again quickly.

Teresa · April 05, 2011, 05:08:53 AM

Prayers on the way for both of you. Keep us posted, and take care of yourself, too.

Barb · April 05, 2011, 07:38:50 AM

Oh DeeDee

Truckloads of rays and prayers headed your way...... Hugs to both of you.... please keep us posted.

cheryl186 · April 05, 2011, 08:02:59 AM

MEGA RAYS AND PRAYERS ON THEIR WAY FROM CINTI TO DEE DEE AND MISS HALLIE!!!! SO SORRY TO HEAR SHE IS NOT FEELING WELL AGAIN!!!

doxielady5569128 · April 05, 2011, 09:26:28 AM

We already sent our prayers to you on facebook, but we figured double can't hurt a thing!!

Hope Miss Hallie is much better soon.

MyLittleBoo · April 05, 2011, 10:54:42 AM

Rays and Prayers headed out to you both.... EmmyLou sends smoochies also.... *HUGS*

Kari · April 05, 2011, 11:22:33 AM

Mega rays headed out from San Diego!

laura*romeos*mommy · April 05, 2011, 03:03:54 PM

So sorry to hear Hallie is not well, what is wrong with her....and what part of Oregon are you coming to. I live in Oregon Central Point Rogue Valley area, but we are leaving for our Austin Texas visit tomorrow morning. Hope she is ok and you travel safe. Please keep us updated she is such a sweetie pie. Love the pictures of her you always post. Prayers and good thoughts from me and Romeo DeeDee take care.
hugs and love laura and romeo

Roberta · April 05, 2011, 03:38:11 PM

Rays to who ever is sick, keep us informed and mega rays from us down under.

AND KEEP CALM
Roberta ane the monsters

Ruth in MT · April 05, 2011, 07:16:11 PM

Prayers from Montana.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 05, 2011, 10:42:16 PM

Thank you so much each one of your posts really mean a lot (and are helping me keep sane!)

What happened is she has quite quickly gone almost completely blind. I didn't really see it coming at all. She has little to no vision in her right eye and very little in her left. It breaks my heart to see her bump into things and stumble over things, she can't find food I throw on the floor, can't see me if I'm standing still, etc. It has changed her demeaner quite drastically she seems to want to just lay there I'm sure it's very stressful to get from point A to point B. She also isnt' eating well I have to hand feed her most of the time and even then she doesn't eat it all. So not sure if that is related or not. It can be a lot of things causing it but I'm praying hard it is cataracts because they can do surgery for that (if she's a good candidate). So anyone who would like to send prayers up that that is what it is, I'd be very grateful. I'll be sure to update when we get home tomorrow.

papbouv · April 05, 2011, 11:16:00 PM

Very sorry to hear of Miss Hallie's vision problems Mega Rays & Hugs hope it is something that can be fixed. Blind dogs do get along well she just may need time to adjust people have more problems dealing with problems of their pets more so than the pet in most cases.Of course some eye problems can cause pain if the pressure gets too high may be why she is laying around. They have drops that will relieve the pressure in the eye she just may need some drops.Please give us an update our Rays & Hugs are speeding your way Lov Patches ,Buddy & Papbouv

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 05, 2011, 11:29:29 PM

Thanks so much Papbouv. I hope she is not in pain but I do worry about that. I called the nearest (40 min away) opthmologist Monday morning for an appointment but she is on vacation and couldn't see us until the 18th. So I took her to our regular vet that afternoon I knew she couldn't tell me much but was hoping she could tell me if it was safe to wait that long. She couldn't be sure so we called the specialty hospital and got the appointment for today. It can be a lot of things of course, but she feels it's not galucoma or detached retina. Thanks for the rays, I will for sure post tomorrow after we get home.

Rich · April 06, 2011, 03:01:59 PM

Really sorry to hear this DeeDee. As you know we have been aware that Sophie has cataracts for some time. But it did not come on suddenly and she does have some vision. She seems to see better at distances than up close and in good light rather than dim. She gets around pretty well but will bump into something from time to time. We have not looked into surgery but have not ruled out taking her to Iowa State for evaluation. Having had a blind dog before, I know that they can get around very well on nose power, but it does certainly slow them down and even though they tend to take it in stride, it makes their owners feel very bad for them. We are hoping for a good reports and any possible help for Hallie. Prayers coming your way.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 06, 2011, 06:23:57 PM

Thanks Rich I'm so sorry Sophie is having vision problems too. So sad.

We just got home, with worse news than I expected. It's something called SARDs, she is almost blind and will go completely blind. Since it comes on so quickly, those dogs with it don't adjust as well as dogs who go blind gradually. I have some decisions to make. I have turned off my phones for a while I just need to check out for a bit.

David C. · April 06, 2011, 07:01:01 PM

Give Hallie some time to adjust. Dachshunds are amazingly resilient and tend to be scent-oriented. Hallie has bounced back before. Sending mega rays and prayers your way.

sollysmom · April 06, 2011, 07:21:21 PM

Oh Dee Dee I am so sorry to hear this about our Hallie. Please know I am praying for you and Hallie. Please know we love you both and want only the best. Keeping all fingers and paws crossed for you and am sending mega rays, too.

Darcel

BonniesMom · April 06, 2011, 07:30:43 PM

Oh DD, so sorry to read this. Remember though, if this is a case of permanent blindness, animals live in the moment and will adapt. She won't sit there lamenting..."if only I had my sight." She will learn quickly to acclimate herself and it will be easy at your house with no steps. Learn from her. She's going to be relaxed about the whole thing. On the other hand, it would be WONDERFUL if it was just cataracts and is fixable.

Hugs and prayers your way from Mark and Sandi and Miss Waggy Tail Bonnie.

DeeanDave · April 06, 2011, 07:59:16 PM

I'm sorry to hear this news but as David said give Hallie some time to adjust and also time for you. These little critters are resilient and have the ability to adjust far more better than humans. I read the following and wanted to share this with you........"True vision is in the heart and soul.......and not the eyes." And, I know, that Hallie and you are meshed into one in your hearts and souls. We love you, DeeDee and Hallie. Know we are here for you always. Hugs.......Dee, Dave, Sarge and Duggie

Rich · April 06, 2011, 08:27:16 PM

Listen to Bonniesmom and Dave. Hallie is going to adapt and she will find a way. She couldn't have a better mom to help her through this transition. Now she is confused because this came on suddenly but her spirit will win. She is just going to need a seeing eye human now. She can learn to enjoy her travels and activities with you again, they will just be different. Remember that a dog's nose tells them far more about the world than we imagine. I'd be willing to bet that she senses your stress and distress which upsets her nearly as much as her new world.

You sure don't seem to be able to catch a break but maybe, just maybe you wound up with Hallie because you are the best person she could possibly be with at this time of crisis. Be strong - we are all pulling for both of you.

Roberta · April 06, 2011, 08:53:53 PM

Dee Dee, Ditto all the rests comments. Emma was blind totally for approx 8 years they do adapt and Ms H has a few more brain cells than Emma had.
We will all be there when you need us, please remember that.
It is SARDS, but at least its not a tumour ( which I was praying it was'nt all to-day) , you will work your way through it

Love and HUgs
Roberta

Guinness · April 06, 2011, 09:26:00 PM

I posted this on Facebook for you, but here is my

worth again:

This is a genuine shock to you and coming on so suddenly means Hallie will need some help adjusting. But look at Pongo and Peri on Barb Gibke Ivey - they are both deaf and blind from birth. They love life, they are happy, well-cared-for and just such lucky pups to have found Barb. And Hallie is one lucky pup, because she found YOU!

And Hallie will adjust because she doesn't understand self-pity. So she won't feel anything but the love you communicate to her every day in every way.

love from The Herd and CoCo the Guinness biter!

(Bad Bunny! Bad, bad Bunny!!)

Merion · April 06, 2011, 10:12:34 PM

So sorry to hear about the Sards. But we know Hallie will handle this like a trouper. She has such a wonderful caring mom who will help her any way she can.
I know Zack is doing well even though he doesn't see hardly at all. But with his nose he can find any treats.

Keep the faith in yourself and in Hallie's ability to handle any thing!!!!

Merion & the ZZ's

papbouv · April 06, 2011, 10:25:09 PM

Rays & Hugs to you both just give Miss Hallie some tome to adjust and she will only different thing I would do is keep a long line on her when you go to the beach the long line would give her comfort in knowing you are on the other end of the line.Of course would not hurt to get a second opinion just do not jump into anything too quickly.Rays & Hugs again to you both Patches,Buddy & Papbouv

Brekkesmom · April 06, 2011, 11:51:09 PM

Yes, Hallie will learn to adjust, and she has the best mom in the world to help her do that. She definitely will be living in the moment, as others have said, and will adjust = think of little Miss Gretl and the "hitch" she had in her get-along after surgery.

Barb · April 07, 2011, 07:48:22 AM

DeeDee....I am so sorry, we all were hoping for better news. I so agree with the others.....Hallie could not have ANYONE better to help her through this. Do the research and talk to the drs so that you fully understand, and give yourselves both time to adjust. Once Hallie is able to navigate and with your help she can become confident again, sometimes you won't even realize that she can't see.

We are here for you ALWAYS.......

(Keren - thank you for the plug ! But I can take no credit at all.... Pongo and Peri live with Andrea and are members of Jethro's Anipal Sanctuary. They absolutely amaze me everyday with what they are able to do, with being blind and deaf! BUT they have been that way since they were born, so they know no different. I can totally understand how hard it would be for something like this to happen overnight.)

Kathleen · April 07, 2011, 12:14:07 PM

Dee Dee, I'm sorry I missed this, and for Hallie's diagnoses. Everyone is right though-it's disorienting for her right now, but as long as you keep the furniture placement stable, and you help her out with some new verbal signals, she will adjust and learn to use her nose to get herself around. She's a smart cookie and she trusts you absolutely-that has to help.

doxielady5569128 · April 08, 2011, 11:02:26 AM

We haven't been able to stop thinking of you and Miss Hallie!! She is a strong pupper and has a special bond with you. Your love can help her adapt and feel safe. There is a SARDs support board for owners whose dogs have been diagnosed with it. Many of them have very uplifting and helpful information on there. I found it by googling "canine SARDs." Praying for you, I know you will choose the right thing for your baby. We support you, no matter what you decide.

Porky sends more slurpy kisses to you both.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 08, 2011, 11:22:22 AM

I appreciate you guys so much I am not taking this very well. I haven't eaten or hardly slept since we got the diagnosis. I've been trying to get help with her but it's been frustratingly slow going, everyone on spring break, not getting back to me, etc. There is a controversial treatment being done at Iowa State by a researcher there that have given some SARDs dogs partial vision back. They can only have one treatment during their life since it's pretty risky and it may not help or it may help some or may help a lot. But they don't know how long it would last if it does help. With people, some do well for years to a lifetime after one treatment. And some need more treatments every 4-6 weeks. Some it doesn't help. So they figure dogs are the same although they can't have multiple treatments. She would also need to have a lot of testing to be sure she is a candidate. Every minute counts as they only have a window of time before it wouldn't help due to the damage that happens so fast. So I am going insane here trying to get some plan going. It is beyond heartbreaking to see the change in my happy little girl just over a week ago we were running and playing and chasing toys and having a ball. This is just crazy.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 08, 2011, 03:49:07 PM

We have an appointment the 18th locally to have an opthmologist do a bunch of tests on her then we are to be at Iowa State U on the 25th for treatment if she is a candidate. That will be a 3-4 day drive. I'm really afraid of her eyes being damaged a lot more between now and then, the sooner they can have treatment the better it will work, but nothing I can do about it.

Just thankful we have something to try. Meantime right now I'm taking her out in the sun and going for a walk (in her stroller) with some friends and let her sniff some scents and feel the breeze in her sweet little face!

David C. · April 08, 2011, 06:53:33 PM

Hallie probably hasn't figured out her situation yet. Right now, her mindset it likely "Ok, how come no one has turned the lights back on yet?" At some point, she will adjust. When I adopted Max-angel and Zora, both seemed to think their stay with us was only temporary, as they had both been visitors with me before. Again, somewhere along the line both realized they were now in a forever home. Both exhibited signs of "doggy depression" when the reality hit. Once they got past it, they assumed their roles as members of the Cohen "pack" as if they had been there for their entire lives.

Sending rays and prayers that the treatments for Hallie will be successful. You can't keep a good dachsie down, and Hallie is not just a good dachsie, she is a GREAT dachsie.

papbouv · April 08, 2011, 08:43:54 PM

Try not to let your self get too stressed but Hallie is very a tuned to you and picks up on how you are feeling all the time besides if you make your self sick who will care for Miss Hallie. You need to give Miss Hallie time to adjust also as long as you do not move furniture around she will be fine you can also put a drop of cologne on stuff Miss Hallie may run into just as long as it is a small amount.Dogs are very intelligent they do not let stuff bother them like humans do the worst thing you can do for a dog or a kid is feel sorry for them and baby them too much. Know you may get mad at me for saying that but they do so much better if you treat them normal as possible. I do not mean walk her with out a leash or just turn her loose where she is use to being loose just put a light line on her so she will be safe.More Rays & Hugs to you both if Miss Hallie is use to riding loose in the car think I would crate her on the long trips to the doctors if in a accident she would be safer.Hope you can come up with a solution for you both,good luck and more Rays.Lov Patches ,Buddy, papbouv

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 08, 2011, 11:09:54 PM

That's a good analogy David, realization and adjustment. I think she is doing much better than I am at this point but I'm getting a bit better too. Today was great for us both. It was sunny so I ventured out with her and took her on a 3 mile walk with some friends. We do this walk often and she always rides in her stroller for the majority of the time, I would take her out of the stroller now and then to let her walk some more and when she was ready to ride again she would stop. Today she was so happy when we got out of the car and our friends came up, I waited until the paved trail was cleared of people both ways and put her down and off she went at a full trot and even ran a little. She stumbled a little here and there at first but then did really well. She would stop and snoop on the rocky sides of the trail and I would hold the leash tight to guide her to not step on something too sharp. But I was really amazed at how much walking, trotting and running she wanted to do. And when I did put her in the stroller instead of laying her head over the pillow as usual, she lay with both paws on top of the pillow and enjoyed the smells and wind in her face. That did me a lot of good too. Of course she does still have a little sight in her left eye, enough that she can usually see something big she'd like to investigate. That will go before long too so I am praying praying it will still be working by her treatment time. It would be great if she never lost 100% of her sight.

When we got home she wanted dinner and then she did our usual routine of running into her soft sided dog house, digging a nest furiously and then staring out my direction to make sure I was watching her. Then she'd run out to me. More careful and slower but she did it! I pray there is a miracle ahead for her and she can get and retain enough sight to keep doing these things she loves.

Thanks Papbouv I agree and I am trying to not act stressed around her. Good idea about the drop of cologne. You are right about the babying too I am trying to help her just enough but have her do as much on her own as I can. I am being sure to not talk to her like she has anything wrong I keep raspberrying her belly, and talk to her in the upbeat silly voice I always do. We have a game where I will yell "Oh no!! She's gonna get the mama!!" then I run backwards in the living room and she runs at me like she's going to get me, so today I did that but I stayed closer to her and had an arm on either side of her and kept talking so she knew just where to run.

I am also going to wear white sweat pants since that will show up better since she can still see some. Today I had a white plastic cover for a cardboard mailing tube and I held it about 2 feet from her "good" eye, left eye, and moved it around and she tracked it very well. I just really wish we were going this Monday and not in 2 more weeks.

She always has ridden in a crate in the car for safety but I will be renting a subaru to go to Iowa to do better on the passes. So I don't know if the crate will fit with all the stuff we take. I plan now to have her lay on the seat between the driver and passenger on a blanket and be hooked to the seat belt. But may do a crate if we can. My wonderful step mother is going with us! Great ideas Papbouv thanks!

Just got reservations there in Iowa near the university for 9 days to start with, that sure makes it more real! Yikes! But also...yeay!

Roberta · April 09, 2011, 12:02:18 AM

It will take time BUT YOU WILL GET THERE...........remeber they pick up when we are tense and uptight. Emma used to make it from the backbedroom to the front gate (out bedroom door belt down the hall turn right then left then right down three steps and across garden beds) and the people coming into the yard would never pick up she was blind.
Yes the perfume or eucalyptus oil and we used to put emma's din on a mat. Also one word commands, Emma in the end recognised when we said step, right left. As DAchies are routine driven keep hers the same, when I leave any of them in a un-normal place I leave something of my clothing.

Did you use a clicker to train that might help for her to locate by sound. We play hide and seek and none have realy found us using sight its sound and smell.

Take your time on the road, better it take a few hours longer than you end up in a smash, and they would put you in seperate hospitals , just wish I was nearer to help.
LOve and hugs to you both and please eat

Roberta and Nick

Spanish Teckels · April 09, 2011, 04:56:26 AM

We just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you both and keeping those rays and prayers coming. You sound like you are coping well really and Hallie obviously did well on her walk and excursion. It is a lot of adjusting for both of you, obviously, but the more positive your attitude the easier it will be for Hallie too.

The Iowa treatment sounds interesting - we have been reading up on it on their website - it would be wonderful if Hallie were a candidate and responded perfectly to the treatment, we will certainly all be rooting for you.

In the meantime, we can only agree with the wise words of so many already written here and hope you will find the strength and support to accept the situation and find the brightest way to live with your new circumstances. I have been thinking of my Grandfather who dies at 97 over 20 years ago and whose favourite border collie was blinded in an accident on the farm at 4 years old and still continued to herd for him perfectly till she died at 12 years of age. She never a sheep strayed nor a whistle disobeyed. Dogs are so very much more adaptable than we are and able to use their senses to compensate far quicker than we are. It sounds like Hallie is already doing well at that and given more time will surely astound you and she is, after all, already brilliantly well trained and very, very intelligent .

It must be particularly hard for you as you are an exceptionally talented human with an incredible eye for detail and the loss of sight would be such a tragedy for you. Although it is going to be tricky for Hallie for a while she will surely still appreciate and enjoy her surroundings and all you do with her and, most of all, enjoy sharing your love of each other.

Chin up, DeeDee, you are the perfect Mother and Hallie knows she is safe with you, drive carefully to your check-ups this week and keep in touch.

Warmest Spanish rays heading your way.
Red & Islay, Andrea & Miguel.

Teresa · April 09, 2011, 06:02:33 AM

There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said on here. I'm definitely adding my prayers to those of the others. Hallie does have the perfect person taking care of her and to guide her through this. Not many owners would do the research or be willing to make the drive to get the care that may save some of her vision.
I was just thinking earlier, that if she were to end up losing more of her sight, she is getting somewhat of a chance to adjust. She is getting used to this level of vision that she has now, and doing so quite quickly. If it slowly begins to fade, she will adjust with it. My prayer is that it will stay the same until you get to Iowa.
I looked on the map and saw you are going to only be about 35 miles from Rich and Deb. Hopefully, you will get to see them while you are there! Wouldn't it be awesome for Hallie and Sophie to be together again!

Barb · April 09, 2011, 07:11:43 AM

DeeDee.... I was just coming in to ask how you were doing. Sound like you and Hallie had a wonderful day.....and THAT warms my heart !!! Another situation, where one day at a time HAS to be your mantra. Sure wish the appointments were sooner, but they will be here before you know it. Take care of yourself woman......Please. Sending Hallie BB tonz and tonz of rays and prayers....as she embarks on this latest "adventure"....... side by side with nothing less than the most awesome mommy.

We all love you both !

papbouv · April 09, 2011, 10:59:50 AM

More Rays and Hugs from us I forgot about teaching right,left, stop would all be good commands for Miss Hallie to learn might take both of your minds off the long wait until you get to go see the doctors.Of course you could also teach her up, down for steps too I'm pretty sure she already knows the word wait that might come in handy too.Good Luck thinking of you both glad you both had fun on your walk with friends something you both needed. When out on the scooter walking Patches & Buddy they learned right,left,wait & stop helps us out allot. papbouv

vferraro99 · April 09, 2011, 12:57:53 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Hallie! This hits me really hard, as my mother lost her sight (completely) to glaucoma late in life, and I also have glaucoma. I hope it is cataracts also, they can do surgery and she'll recover sight quickly. There isn't such a thing as having to wait for cataracts to "mature" as some doctors used to allege before. It can be done at any time.

Keep us posted. Sending tons of

to both of you

BonniesMom · April 09, 2011, 02:13:25 PM

My heart was warmed that you two had a lovely day. I agree with what others have said. Hallie can feel your vibes so even though it's hard, remember to stay strong....for her and it will do you a world of good too to stay positive. Remember, unlike humans, doggies live in the moment. No matter the outcome, Hallie has a happy personality and a fantastic Mom. She'll be wiggly and happy, no matter what. Wishing you both well for a positive week.

cheryl186 · April 13, 2011, 12:21:57 PM

Dee Dee, so sorry to hear about Hallie's diagnosis....God Bless you both and stay strong....Keep us posted....hugs and kisses to you both!

Leslie · April 14, 2011, 06:50:09 AM

Awwwwwwww, I just read all the updates on Ms. Hallie Bear this morning and I am sending warm, loving rays to you both.

She WILL adjust, they are resilient and she is really well trained and well cared for. "Changing needs and abilities" is the key phrase for senior dogs (and humans). Keep her little mind active with re-training. Remember they don't have the kind of memory we do. She's not saying to herself. "Oh my God, I'm BLIND!!!" She is only confused at the re-learning to navigate her world. RE-LEARNING. It's a curve, and like all rehabilitation, will not be a straight trajectory.

I can't add anything to what others have said, other than: B-R-E-A-T-H-E.

If there is an upside to all this she is not in pain.

Wow, though, what a kick in the teeth. You have all of our love and support.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 15, 2011, 02:11:55 PM

Thanks for the encouragement at this point I'm so pooped I can't see how either of us will handle this. I just wish we were going to Iowa right now! Like someone said it's like being in a burning building and the firemen telling you they'll get back to you with an appointment in a week.

On top of things my Aunt passed away last night. Hallie and I have been visiting her regularly, even after Hallie lost her sight she would love to be petted by my Aunt and my Aunt would calm right down and smile. She has a black and tan longhaired doxie, about 3 or 4 at the most now, who is so sweet, I just got the heads up that the family is expecting me to take Schatzi. There is no way I can and it breaks my heart because he is so lost and they are also separating him from their other dog who is going to a different home. I am desperately looking for someone local here who would be willing to give him the wonderful forever home he deserves. He is house broken and so sweet. I can't even take him for a day or two with all that is going on here and with Hallie not able to see. Everything is going to heck in a handbasket here lately!

Teresa · April 15, 2011, 06:45:56 PM

Dee Dee, I am so sorry about your aunt. I understand that you can't possibly take on another dog right now. I hope you can find someone to take him that you feel comfortable with. the first thing that went through my mind was, "Wonder if Sarge and Doogie are in need of a new brother yet?". Of course, there is the transportation issue of getting him there...and Dee is going to have her hands full with a new granddaughter soon. Will be sending even more prayers up for you and Hallie.

papbouv · April 15, 2011, 10:06:49 PM

You might want to re-think that if Hallie and the other Dachshund get along and know each other well could be a great allot of dogs have their own seeing eye dogs. There was a program on Animal planet about Mastiffs one was blind another kept track of her made sure she did not get hurt,would go get her when it was time to go in they even got a third Mastiff that one was not into being a seeing eye dog.
Very sorry about your Aunt passing on know you do not have allot of family did your Aunt expect you to take her buddy ? Might be a good thing just think about it. More Rays & Hugs to you both.

JetEd73 · April 16, 2011, 07:55:22 AM

I wish I had some sage advice to give you but I don't. I do remember coming across an article in The Whole Dog Journal about blind dogs. I would suggest every dog owner to get a subscription and at $20 for the year it's a great bargain.

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_4/features/Blind-Dogs_5622-1.html

As others have said there is a period of adjustment and many dogs do very well after a period of time. You'll probably have to move some things around the house to make it easier for her to get from point A to point B. She may even need her own seeing eye dog. Some dogs in her position become really close to other dogs in the pack and follow them around for guidance. Seek advice from others with blind dogs. I do know of one DRNA member that has a deaf and mostly blind double dapple dachshund, that dog seems to be very sassy and quite happy.

Obviously I cant say for sure how things will turn out for you but I'm certain that you'll do your best for her.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 16, 2011, 11:05:51 AM

Hallie has only met Schatzie a few times, we would get together at my aunts once a month to play cards and that was one of the few times I've ever left Hallie at home since I don't let her down with most dogs I'm afraid they will try to play with her and hurt her. She didn't appreciate baby Schatzie jumping all over her. He is past that stage now but I still have always been afraid of a dog bumping into her and hurting her back or something. She visits lots of dogs just not off leash. I really think a new dog for her now would be very hard on her, and me both, I don't want her to have any competition for any of her beds or her mom or not knowing where this dog is. It might be different if she had grown up with the dog. I am doing pretty good at being her seeing eye dog I am with her every minute and watching out for her. I am very blessed to be able to work from home. Also I don't ever want another dog, this is going to be my last and biggest heartbreak, I honestly don't see how I will be able to survive losing Hallie and the only thing worse than losing your child would be to leave them behind. I do have it in my will and it would be a great home but they would still miss me and their routine. I have had the worst luck with my dogs health and it's so hard when these things happen over and over to them.

Thanks for all of the blind dog advice I will definitely look into this if we come home and she's still blind. Right now I can't admit that this is happening and can't bear to read all of the adjustments we'll need to make. But of course I will if that is our fate and will do everything and then some to make my little girls life as full and happy and safe as I possibly can. We really appreicate the prayers, I'd say she has lost 100% of her eyesight now which isn't good for her chances of being helped and we still have over a week to go. I will never forgive this Dr for being gone for so long when his patients need immediate attention. I've called every university around but no one else does this.

Spanish Teckels · April 16, 2011, 01:35:42 PM

Poor Schatzie, he must be feeling terrible and it´s understandable your family would think you would be the best person to adopt him knowing how absolutely wonderful you and Hallie are together, I really hope and pray someone else in your family will take the little fellow in so he´ll be loved, safe and nearby. If things go really well he should get to play with Hallie gently in the future assuming she can be successfully treated and you two get back on an even keel again.

You must be exhausted and at your wits end getting ready to go to Iowa. Perhaps it´s best the Doctor is not available right now and that he will be rested and refreshed when you and Hallie meet him - better a fresh pair of hands and mind than worn out and distracted ones. You are being so brave and hanging on in there better than I think I ever could. Try not to get too negative and keep your hopes up for Hallie and for yourself, excruciatingly hard as that must be. You so deserve to get a break and some good news once you see the gentleman. We will keep the prayers coming and think of you often in the meantime. Just remember Hallie knows she is with the best possible Mummy she could ever have and that you are doing all you can for her. Bless you both.

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 19, 2011, 12:32:26 PM

Thank you I hang on every word to get through this wait! Reading these really does help a lot.

We finally got a bit of great news this morning, she had her tests done yesterday and were going to email them to me today but the clinic called first and I thought oh no this can't be good but they were just excited to tell me. This is from the vet...YES!!!!!!!!

Surprisingly/fortunately all of Hallie's blood/urine tests were normal.
Many dogs with SARDS have blood/urine results suggestive of Cushings Syndrome (elevated liver ALT/ALP enzymes, dilute urine, etc.). All of Hallie's results are normal. Nothing wrong with that.
Hallie's heart worm test was negative. The intestinal worm check was negative.
I've attached copies of the blood tests and urinalysis results.

Mainly what this means is her body should be able to withstand the treatment if her eyes are still healthy enough to get it once we get to Iowa.

Kari · April 19, 2011, 03:27:38 PM

Yeah on the good news on the blood tests!

Roberta · April 19, 2011, 03:28:09 PM

Great n ews Dee Dee, hold it together girls..............
Roberta

Dee Dee and Hallie · April 19, 2011, 08:34:05 PM

Yes! And from our local vet...

That is VERY good news! Actually most dogs her age even without SARDS have some liver enzyme elevation so she is even better than average! Good job Hallie, you passed your tests.

Now to get to Iowa!

PattyInAK · April 30, 2011, 11:52:16 AM

I have not been on the board for a while, been in AZ for the past 5 weeks and now I am in CO. I am SO sorry to hear that Hallie is losing her sight. But like the others said, she will adapt. Animals do a much better job of adapting than we humans do, mainly because they don't see it as a handicap. Just like dogs with carts, they don't know they are disabled.
Prayers will be sent up for Hallie.