Kelly_Louise

I also hope it's him, and pray that he will be found safely. Any good news would be more than welcome right now I'd say...

Exactly... there is no excuse for that kind of behaviour. I'd like someone to try his 'technique' on him, repeatedly... see if it really does work, and see if it can make him do as he's told. RIP poor dog... watch over the survivors of such torture and ensure they go on to happy, healthy lives.

Oh goodness, what an horrific thing to happen to anyone, let alone one of our own. I pray that Jed, and all the survivors heal quickly - and then start to let the emotional trauma heal too. I can't imagine - and I probably don't ever want to. It is a true nightmare and absolutely heartbreaking. The thought of someone incurring injuries trying desperately to save their furry family... well, there are just no words to describe it. I don't know you personally Jed, but I pray that you make a speedy recovery - and know that we are all here for you in your time of sadness and grief. I don't think you have to know someone well to share their pain when something like this happens. Bless you Pacers, and Steve... a small thing like having the bodies buried will make a mountain of difference. The work you do is absolutely awe inspiring. I will be praying for some good news... RIP all the furries who did not make it.

I think that's absolutely lovely - and so heartwarming that she doesn't have to miss out on what she obviously loves very much. Bugger the neighbours... anyone who doesn't understand that has no heart anyway.

We kind of knew what we wanted, and were looking for an older dog (not puppy stage) - so I looked on petrescue.com.au every night - I read the descriptions in detail to find a dog that might suit us, and I asked lots of questions. I wanted a rescue who would flourish in our home - not just based on looks or a particular breed, but more on the personality/needs of the dog. And then I saw Sasha... oh my... one look at her and I knew. I can't tell you how... I just knew she was the one. And she was. Best thing I ever did. She is the loveliest girl ever. Slightly neurotic sometimes, but totally loveable. Rescue dogs ROCK!

Yes, that's exactly how I feel. And I will always love horses, but none can ever come close to my Stormy. It's funny - but Bega was always my Heaven on Earth - my 'happy' place, I longed to be there all the time. Because that's where he was. But you know, now he's not there - Bega just doesn't have the special meaning it once did. And now I know, all the magic that Bega ever held for me, was all directly tied to my Stormboy. He made it special. But I will live there one day. It won't be the same, but I will go.

Thank you for your kind words - but most of all, thank you for understanding. Many don't, but I can see that others have loved and lost their own heart horses... and it's never quite the same when they leave I'm sorry to anyone who has lost them as well. I lost another beloved back in 2006, who I still miss - but none gave me the happiness that my buddy Stormboy did. I hope he can forgive me for not being able to say goodbye. And thank you to the school kids, who he waited for everyday and who gave him love and their leftover lunches I hope that others can experience the joy of a horse like my Stormy - he was a fine example of the very best horse anyone could hope for, superbly bred, superb confirmation, and a stellar personality. Everyone should know the special bond you have with a horse. Run free baby boy, kick out wildly with abandon, let your beautiful mane (with the cute curls) and long tail flow. Oh to see you in full flight again...

You were a special boy. You were my big, beautiful boy - with a heart as big as any horse could have. Your name is Huntly Stormboy - or Stormboy (your stable name), or Stormy, or Storman Norman. I was only a very little girl when I met your Dad, he was also very special - and had your loving, gentle nature... but he had cancer and you were his last son. The moment you came to Bega, and I laid eyes on you... it was love at first sight. Of course, I loved horses... all horses. But you, my friend, owned my heart right from the start. Not traditionally beautiful, to me, you were THE most gorgeous horse I'd ever laid eyes on. Every happy childhood memory I have, is related to you. You made me happy, taught me responsibility and bravery, and you were my buddy - always. For some reason, you took to me. I taught you a special whistle - and it was to let you know when I was there. Your head would snap up, ears alert, eyes searching. And when you found me, you would have ran through fire to get to me. I remember the peace, I remember the solitude, I remember spending all day, just lying in your paddock while you munched around me. I told you my hopes, my fears, my plans... and you watched me with your big, beautiful brown eyes and listened with your ears flicking my way. You always stayed near, but you were so gentle, so careful, I was never afraid. You could be very highly strung, and sometimes people would worry - but I knew you would never hurt me, and you never did. I loved just spending time with you, learning about you and horses, trying new things, making mistakes, getting it right. I remember coming to see you first thing every morning... sometimes you'd be lying down on the hillside - watching the sunrise... and I'd sit with you... just us - two friends, it was like Heaven. I remember when you had your accident and ran into the barbed wire fence, and tore a hole in your chest... you wouldn't come to anyone else but stuck to me like glue, and I knew you were in trouble - but no one would believe how bad it was... and I cried and made a fuss until someone came to see you... and it was me that saved your life, the vet told me so - I was only young, but I remember. I remember that from that day on, our bond was sealed, we were inseperable. I remember how much you loved peaches, and I wasn't allowed to give them to you - but I used to sneak the very best ones off the tree to you, because you loved them so. Today I found that special photo of us, with you wearing my bright orange sun visor - you loved that too, and it made everyone giggle to see you wearing it I have so many wonderful memories Stormy, that i will never ever forget. You will always live in my heart, in that special place that was always yours. Today, I learnt that like your Dad - cancer took you. I can't tell you how I feel. I feel lost, I feel devastated, I feel heart broken - and I feel a little empty. What makes it worse, is the guilt. The guilt over never making enough time when I got older to see you. I know we lived so far away from each other, but that was no excuse. I'm sorry I never kept my promises that I used to whisper in your ears. By the time I could, you were older and it would have been too cruel to take you away from everything you knew and loved. But most of all, my friend, I'm sorry I never got to say goodbye, and wasn't there with you at the end. If I had known, I'd have moved Heaven and Earth to be with you - to say my last farewell, and hold you as you took your final journey. But it was kept from me - which was what I didn't want. Just know, Stormy, that I loved you very much. I still dream about you sometimes, and I always wake up with such a feeling of peace and love. Even in my dreams you make me happy. I don't think anyone will ever really know or understand our bond, they will never know how much you meant to me - but I pray that you did. I will never forget your softness, I will never forget your smell, I will never forget your breath on my face. I will never forget what you gave me, and how you loved me. I will never forget the countless days we spent together. They were the very best of my life. And one day, Stormboy, I will move to where you now lie. I hope that Danny was waiting for you, to welcome you on the other side. I hope you are happy and didn't suffer. I hope you and Danny have teamed up to create more havoc. I hope, when we meet again, you will be the same sweet, beautiful boy that you always have been. And I will know you anywhere, anytime. I will know you, my lovely Storm. Till we meet again... Goodbye, I love you and I miss you everyday. Rest in peace and happiness forever, sweet Stormboy. This is one of the last pics I have of you, taken late last year. I was surprised at how grey your face was, but always - your inquisitive face, and beautiful eyes. My sister asked if I recognised your face... and when I saw it, I broke down and cried, because I miss you so much. But it's a face that I would never forget... never ever my beautiful big boy.

I've managed to mostly avoid serious injury from Sasha zoomies... however, when she's really going, I either find something to hide behind, or stand still - with my heart thumping - and pray to God she turns in time... luckily she's never hit me head on, she usually just bounces off me. However, she did pull me off my feet and drag me across the garage floor during a storm... the doorway and step were the only thing that stopped me - and seriously dislocated my finger in the process. The joys of owning a dog

I have a friend who recommended it to me and said that it worked for her dog. When I say worked, I mean there was an improvement - but it's not a complete cure. If only!!!

I haven't tried it myself - but I'd be very interested to see how you go with it. My Sasha is the same... she drools a river and her legs shake before we've made it to the end of the drive way. It's awful isn't it? I have to say, I've been taking her on short, quick trips to fun places - and she has improved vastly... to the point where we can drive for a little while with no spews!!

Is that possible? This is all a bit new to me - so I was just going to look into what Erny was discussing, see if there is anything that could help her not be as susceptible to these allergy attacks. But I'm really not sure, it's very difficult to manage when you're also trying to manage Cushings as well - it's not so cut and dry as I wish it was.

How horrific. What those photos fail to show, is the emotional trauma and scarring that they have been through (and your Aunty as well). I wish them all the very best for a fast physical recovery - and I truly hope that they can then start to heal their emotional scars.

Good news is that Chloe's allergies seem to be easing off... and her test results came back quite good. A little on the low side, so her meds are being rolled back a little - so the increase in her cortisol levels should help with further easing the allergy symptoms too He seems to think that with her allergy being so infrequent that we should continue to monitor her for the time being (and I will investigate natural sources to help build immunity) - and has also put a flag on an antibiotic that she was given for an eye irritation. The original vet indicated that it may have been a reaction to the AB (but I don't believe so) - but they have flagged her file with this just as a precaution. Better to be safe than sorry and potentially avoid a recurrence. But specialist was very happy with her, and she is a happier girl Wouldn't dare hope for more than that right now I truly appreciate everyone helps, advice, thoughts and tips. What would Chloe and I do without such wonderful support? :D

You're definitely right ZA, that's what my thinking was... I was 'hoping' to find out what could be causing it, and then remove. Seeing it's not a constant thing, I was also 'hoping' that whatever it was, could be more easily eliminated or exposure lessened. I'm fairly certain that it's not a food allergy, I can't say 100%, but I'm almost 99.9% sure it's not. She's been on a few different foods due to her weight issues, and it's never been a problem. It does seem to be seasonal... but again, I can't say anything definitely, I'm no expert. My plan was also to have some extra blood drawn yesterday, but because their Dermatologist is booked up way in advance and it was late notice, it didn't happen. But she is used to having blood drawn, so that won't be a big deal to have it done again. It's a normal practice for her unfortunately. So we'll see how she goes, see how her results are today, and I'll talk to both vets. In the meantime, the antihists are working for her, thankfully so will at least keep her comfortable. It's just awful to see her come up in lumpy welts, see her head covered in big lumps and get so swollen, it's actually a little scary to see. One of the vets she saw originally said she's never seen raised welts like that on a dogs head before. Between that and Cushings, she's a worry... but she's still the loveliest little girl ever

Wow... thank you guys. So much information - and I feel so much less stressed and confused by it all. I am heartened to know that antihistamines are not 'bad' for her, especially if she needs longer term usage. However, her 'allergy' reaction seems to be lessening slowly - and she did not require any yesterday, so *fingers crossed* it is now passing. ZA, thanks for that info - very reassuring :D Now that I know what is involved in the patch test - I'm not overly keen to put her through that. She goes through so much shaving, poking, prodding, tests etc - that I would hate to put her through more unless it is absolutely necessary. Erny, you know I'm a big fan - so of course you know that I will look into what you have suggested. May not apply to us, however, it's worth a shot for us, and worth investigation. I'd love to be able to get to the source - so that we are not just masking the symptoms once they occur. Let's be honest, Chloe doesn't have alot of years left (although I like to think at least another 3 ) so I'd like to make them as comfortable, and as least intrusive as possible. The last few years have been ops, tests, meds rather consistently - so I'll do what I can to make sure her system is as strong as possible. Thanks for always thinking outside the box, and offering a different view I get her Cushings test results back today - so I'm hoping that they are at least good.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. His family are gradually dealing with him not being at the gate with a smile when they get home, and not being underfoot or in mischief - but we all know it's hard. He has his own little tribute in a special garden in the back yard - a garden he was never allowed in, yet it was his favourite spot - regardless of how many times he heard 'Whisky - out of that garden!'. He will forevermore rest peacefully there, in that garden, where no one will ever get cranky at him again. It's now called - Whisky's Garden.

Yes, cortisone was a Godsend for Chloe when she had her first really bad allergic reaction about 3 years back... however, it was only then that we discovered she had Cushings... so not more cortisone for her Thankfully the antihistamines seem to be helping... otherwise goodness knows what we'd do. Thanks for the advice, might just keep her on them a few more days, then if it continues then back to the vet for their advice on where to go from here.

Thanks sas - we were told to give her 2 tablets 120mg each. Seems to work, she does get a bit drowsy - although when the tablets wear off she gets very anxious, pacing, whining, scratching, rubbing so doesn't get much rest so it may just be once she feels better she relaxes and wants to sleep. So you don't see any negative long term effects with using antihistamines? I'm hoping that it is a seasonal grass thing and will clear up soon as per usual. Her normal vet did say that the antihistamine shot is the same as the human Telfast tablets she has been getting anyway, but I guess it just doesn't feel right. If it keeps her comfortable though, I guess it's what we'll keep on doing.

Well I just don't feel that it's good for her to be taking human medication, and I am not sure if it is good for her long term. I haven't spoken to the vet about long term usage of them, so am a bit unsure and hesitant. She has had allergic reactions on a couple of occasions over the years, but they only lasted a day or two. Personally, I feel it is something in the grass, and only happens at certain times of the year. However this one has lasted since Saturday, and is not showing any signs of letting up, and she is very uncomfortable and whingy. She has gone in for her Cushings test today, so I'm not eager to rush her into another test just yet. Basically I just wanted an understanding as I have no idea what is involved, costs, success rates etc. But I figure, if it is giong to continue wouldn't it be best to know what is causing it so we have a chance of perhaps lessening the risk? Thanks for the info everyone, it's seems to be a very complicated process. If only they could talk hey?

Chloe pants alot - and she has Cushings. However, if it was Cushings you would probably notice an increase in her drinking, or frequency of urination, excessive hunger, pot belly appearance or coat issues. I would have it investigated further, although it could be due to extra weight or coat as well.

Can anyone please let me know what is involved in an allergy test for dogs – to determine what may be causing allergic reactions? How long do they take, what do they do etc? Chloe has been having some pretty bad allergic reactions for the past few days, runny eyes, lumps over head/nose/throat, and itchy/rashy skin – and we are keeping her comfortable on human antihistamines – but I don’t like giving them to her everyday, so we need to find out asap what is causing these symptoms. She can’t have cortisone because of her Cushings, so our only alternative at this stage is the antihistamines. Just trying to gather some information on the testing and what we can expect please! Thank you!

Hmmm... could be a possibility. Might mean another surgery, but not as in depth and recovery won't be as long I wouldn't think. If you do get any medication for pain relief, enquire about Previcox... it works great, and doesn't have the same side effects and nasties as some of the older meds. Especially better if you will use it regularly or intermittently (but consistently) like we do with Chloe (only give her one when she has a bad day with her arthritis). Good luck with finding the answers

Oh, that's terrible news. It could be a number of things, and not necessarily mean that the surgery has failed. Were his meniscus removed with any of the surgeries? Sometimes, if they are left in, the damage that's been done to them makes them start flapping around in there and getting caught between the joints etc, and can cause excruciating pain. Chloe's specialist told me that it does happen, and another op is needed just to remove the meniscus or remove the offending part of the meniscus. Chloe's were so bad that they had to be removed with the Tibial Wedge Osteotomy anyway. I do hope that it is not a surgery failure. Best wishes to your boy.

Yep, if it's not one end, it's the other playing up I do hope it's nothing more sinister than a wonky anal gland. My Chloe has been going so well since February... but today had what I think was an allergic reaction, her face and nose blew up - and appears to have an infected eye out of nowhere. So, antibiotics here too, and eye cream - which makes her want to rub her face in the wet grass, which gives her the allergic reaction... oh dear, vicious cycle. Let's hope they both come through smiling