dogbesotted

The Divine One; July 2005

The divine One

On Tuesday at 1.55pm The Divine Miss Sophie was helped to The Bridge. Since she arrived here in January 1994 a starving and very ill 14 week old pup she has been both a delight and a challenge. The Divine One had brain damage due to a bite through the top of her skull which caused a bone and brain infection. She was unlikely to survive, but survive she did in style. Early in her time with me, training began to get me to lift her into the car for the drives she so delighted in ( especially when accompanied by Morris the love of her life) Her forte was leaning over the edge of the ute to bark loudly in the ear of passing cyclists, travelling with her head into the wind, lips flapping with drool flying. The Divine One firmly believed that the farm was hers and we her indentured labour. She would carefully herd the ducks, was the best "kid" finder despite the does efoorts to stash their babes in the most inaccessible places. She adored my husband and would roll on her back and grab his legs with her front paws, groaning in delight when he tickled her tummy. She had been here since we first set foot on the farm and an era has passed. her couch is empty at nights, Jake wanders around the yard looking for her and I miss her so much..although I know that she was ready to leave. On Monday night her good back leg finally was not strong enough to hold her up and she kept collapsing. her behaviour changed and she would stand/sit beside me looking into my eyes. I knew that she was letting me know that her time here was nearly at an end. Tuesday afternoon, she slipped away in my arms, not even a final sigh as she rejoined her Morris at The Bridge. Be free, be strong and be happy my sweet girl. The_Divine_Miss_Sophie.fxb

The Divine Miss Sophie crossed to The Bridge this afternoon. She will now be reunited with her beloved Morris who preceeded her in November 1999.

a few of my other dogs get acupuncture and do the same..just doze off but not Miss Sophie! bless her

My dear old Miss Sophie ( now 11.5 plus) great dane x irish wolfhound has bad arthritis in her stifles. She has been kept comfortable over the year with glucosamine chondroiton, plus lyprinol ( green mussel) had had the cartrophen inj, she uses a magnetic mat to sleep on, now on prolet twice daily. have also used Benelox plus herbal pain supplements prescribed by holistic vet. tried acupuncture but Miss Sophie was not a good patient and kept trying to return the compliment with her teeth.

isaviz have pm'd you

How is Ollie today? any improvement?

Hedds, thank you so much for you post. I know exactly how you are feeling. last night I was inthe lounge room with The Divine Miss Sophie( 11.75yo) and Jake( 10-12 yo). The Divine one is ageing by the day and had very bad joint problems and jake has just been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. I could see my couches empty in the far too near future. Then I looked in their eyes and i know that it is not quite time yet. Thank god for every single moment of every single day.

sending many prayers for Chewy..it is terrifying when you dont know what you are fighting...then it gets terrifying when you do know ( sometimes) healing thoughts heading across the skies for Chewy

oh damn! poor Ollie. What type of stones did he originally have? and was he getting medication afterwards..such as allopurinol? Cos allopurinol which is designed to prevent urate bladder stones can cause xanthine stones. edited to add...should read more carefully. Oxalate stones. My holistic vet recommends avoiding calcium supplementation, dietary oxalate ie spinich, and avoid vit C supplementation in the form of calcium ascorbate. Consider a low to moderate protein diet and low salt to minimise the risk of reformation of stones. Encourage plenty of fluids offer broth as well as water. Supplement with vitamin B complex (B6 2-4mg per kg daily). Potassium citrate ( a urinary alkiliser ) may be needed if stones persist. She also says canned and fresh food contain more moisture than dry foods.

Allerzite, Keeping fingers crossed for good outcome. If it is osteo..try joining [email protected] heaps of info and support. there is also a good canine osteo specific list will look up the info for you. In the meantime many many positive thoughts and prayers heading your way.

Mita, Thinking of you today and sending many positive vibes Angels way.

My Lucinda was dxd with mast Cell tumour grade 3, 28/8/2002. She developed a lump the size of a goose egg to the right of her sternum. It was removed, but did not get clean margins. She was scheduled for additional surgery but was too ill. Lucinda was started on conventional medications and complemantery meds straightaway. She did not do well on thepred and that was withdrawn mid Nov 2002. Since then she has bounced back and is still bouncing LOls. We are heading for 3 years this august.

now that is good news! I swear by satin balls

here are some links to recipes for satin balls. Check both before making your descision and good luck http://www.holisticdog.org/Nutrition/Satin...satinballs.html http://www.doglogic.com/recipes.htm

this has been a most informative topic... have any of the bitches had thyroid function tested? thyroid insufficiency can result in weak, dying or stillborn pups.

only bladder stones...phew! My heart dog Morris had surgery for bladder stones ( his were caused by long term prednisolone ) Major surgery for Morris but a very quick recovery. Keeping Ollie in my thoughts

anne: its a cup per day for the horse. LOL I have successfully used cartrophen for my elderly Miss Sophie. Worked like a charm for the first few years but now she is on non steroidal antiinflamatories. The years have taken their toll. she is 11.5 yo great dane x irish wolfhound. I will try the apple cider vinegar...at this stage will try anything to help her comfort levels.

will be keeping Ollie in my prayers and hope that the source of the problem is easily found and that he will soon be on the mend.

Well done! My Lucinda ( Mast cell Tumour grade 3) is totally holistically treated. She is doing exceptionally well ( knock wood) 32 months past diagnosis. All my dogs get supplementary care from my holistic vet. I believ that it is a big plus. My elderly girl: The Divine Miss Sophie is 11.5 yo great dane x irish wolfhound. She has alway had severe problems with her rear legs. Holistic therapy plus some conventional therapies have kept her in good form until just recently

Take a deep deep breath and now let it out! You have done everything you can for the time being. ( i know easier said than done) Will be keeping the young fella in my prayers for a simple and sraight forward diagnoses and rapid cure.

I am panic merchant Inc! I'd be off to the vet now. My philosohpy is that its better to look a little foolish ( like when I took my Lucinda to the vet after finding another lump on her chest, she has mast cell tumour. It was a nipple which had moved due to her prior surgery) than to have your vet fighting an uphill battle because you waited too long.

Birni, There is a person on [email protected] whose dog had cutaneous lymphoma.

I am very saddened to hear of all this news. I beling to two canine cancer groups at yahoo [email protected] and [email protected] May I suggest that you put your dogs on a cancer starving diet: low in carbohydrates and high in fats and good quality proteins. plus veggies and fruits esp red cloured . supplements to assist the immune system are: Fish Oil (Salmon OIL) 3grams per 15kg body weight per day, antioxidants vitamins C,A and E, probiotics, digestive enzymes. L-Arsparaginase may be beneficial in the treatment of lymphoma , omega # fatty acids. Flainoids and selinium. If you can a consult with a reputable holistic vet would be of assistance. wishing you all the best in your fight ..but dont loose sight of the blessing of having them beside you each day. PS. My girl Lucinda has MCT grade 3 dxd 28/8/2002. Was advised to take her home for a few days to say goodbye..she is still here still bouncy. In 1999 my beloved Morris crossed to the Bridge after a short fight with lymphoma..at that time I knew nothing about diet supplements etc.