Need prayers again

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.