Be Still, My Heart!!! - Page 8

marjorie, have you considered using Adequan injections instead of the stem cells for Casey James?  It's a HELL of a lot less expensive, has virtually NO adverse effects, and I've had excellent luck with, even back when it was off-label use for dogs and the injections had to go intracapsular. 

I know cost is no barrier when it comes to your dogs, but I think it would be well worth giving it a few months' run to see if it gave CJ some relief from the arthritis.  It sure did the trick for my first GSD when she developed age-related arthritic changes in her hips and spine, and likewise for the old gal I said goodbye to last August--she was nearly 16, and had arthritis in her right stifle, her left hip and her spine, but the Adequan injections kept her comfortable and mobile right up to her last month, when everything else started to wear out on her.

As for the beautiful litte girl who's the topic of this discussion, I absolutely can relate and respect how you're feeling, and I've never been one to bring a new dog into my veins quickly after one has gone on ahead in the journey, either.  NEVER.  Just couldn't do it, it never felt right.  I lost my screen-name dog, Hexe, last February, when she rather suddenly collapsed and everything shut down, after the two of us getting through a grade 2 mammary carcinoma, an FCE, and a tumor of the ciliary body of the eye.  She was with me a little over 14 years, and it tore me to shreds.  Not a single thought was given to another dog, and I didn't expect such for a long, long time.

Then, about a week or so later, I saw this picture:



of 8 month old Rykkah, who was being rehomed, and I KNEW she was meant to follow in Hexe's pawprints.  I've never regretted making that drive from Michigan to New England and back again over the course of a weekend to bring her home with me.  I said goodbye to Hexe on Feb. 18th, 2011, and said hello to Rykkah the first weekend in March 2011...and it never once felt wrong, or too soon.  If someone had told me I'd be smitten so quickly such a profound loss, I'd have thought them insensitive and delusional. 

I spent some time today with a local veterinarian who's 44 years old, and into his second round of battle with a cancer that sets up housekeeping in his brain. He used to be an arrogant and cocky son-of-a-gun, but that's in the past.  He reminded me that we don't come with any warranties, and generally aren't privy to when our number is going to be pulled...so we are MANDATED to make the most of each day, each opportunity, each sliver of joy and happiness and love that comes our way. 

I can overthink with the best, marjorie, but sometimes we need to stop thinking, and just DO.  This might be one of those times for you...or it might not.  I'm rooting for it to be the former, too, along with Blitzen and Red Sable and everyone else, 'cause I'm a sucker for the happiest endings to stories. :^)   

I've come back late to this thread.

Four months old now and a little less cute
Are you kidding Daryl? She is even cuter with those wayward ears - 4 months is such a gorgeous time with GSD pups, it's 'ear' time.

Marjorie, you have had one hell of a time, and more than anyone should ever have to endure and still it goes on. Someone once said to me that special dogs find their way to special people...... As awful as it is, the help that you have been able to give to hundreds of people and their DM dogs is amazing. You have managed to create so much good from such terrible adversity with your DM support group.

Like Hexe and Blitzen and the others, I would love this to turn out to be the greatest happy ending of all time for you and the gift of a healthy dog that you so deserve.

It almost seems like she's just waiting for you................why she is still available is a real mystery.


What will be will be.

Sometimes the greater power above steps in when we least expect it and want it. Sounds like the soul has been ripped out and there is still more ripping to come.  Maybe this is the way to heal the soul as it continues on its journey.  You will know in your heart of hearts what is right and it is usually what screams the softest and quietest.  As we all know, there are no guarantees, but there is a reason why you keep looking at her and why no one else has her.

My kids and grandkids are in from out of town for 10 days. (CJ is in 7th heaven !) Just snuck on here, so will answer other posts later, but Hexe- OMG! What a GREAT idea with the adequan!   I cannot believe I didnt think of that! Gave it to Missie t for her front legs as they took a beating because of her back legs! !!! Serious braincloud on my part, and so very grateful to you for suggesting it! Gonna call my vet- he is away for week-end but will be back on Monday and will start it as soon as he gets back!!! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!! That was so kind and thoughtful of you.  Cant believe I didnt think of that. Goes to show you how clearly i am not thinking.... :(

Marjorie
http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (a health registry for registered German Shepherds)
BE PROACTIVE!
http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group http://www.mzjf.info/hgate Heaven's Gate 

Hexe,

Rykkah  is a beautiful girl, and I am so happy it turned out to be the right decision. After I lost Joss, a few months later I got Casey James. It felt right, but now I realize how difficult it is to take care of 2 dogs at once, when one isnt healthy. Dont know what is down the road for CJ, with his DJD, but know I am not physically capable of taking care of 2 dogs, if one has mobility problems. When I was younger, yes, but not now with all the injuries to my body caring for Missie T.

I am shocked she is still available, as well.  I cannot believe someone hasnt snapped her up...she has it all...

As far as happy endings go, I used to love them but now I just dont believe in them, anymore.. :( Maybe in time, that will pass, but right now, its a childhood dream engaged in when things were less complicated and everything was possible...

Marjorie
http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (a health registry for registered German Shepherds)
BE PROACTIVE!
http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group http://www.mzjf.info/hgate Heaven's Gate  

OMG- that updated pic of Qara bella is the same face as Missie T's face and the same expression - its NOT just the eyes!!!!

http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (a health registry for registered German Shepherds)
BE PROACTIVE!
http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group http://www.mzjf.info/hgate Heaven's Gate 

a while back, while in meditation, dogs and puppies came to me, one by one, and asked if they could be one of my puppies......... i could tell that each was neglected or abused.... i asked each if they were willing to be nice and learn their lessons and love their masters... most said yes and i said welcome to our family, sadly some said no and i said that they would have to find another litter... at the time one of my dogs had just had a litter.... i'm still not sure what to think about it.....
yes, crazy......... no, booze was not involved........


this puppy has "knowing eyes" as if she's been around before.....

She sure does... I guess she haunts me a bit, as I keep being drawn back to her.  Like I said, previously, if she aint in my house by now, I know I will never be able to have a GSD again :(  I hope whoever purchases her realizes what a special girl she is (and treats her accordingly). I know how special she is in my heart of hearts- there is no doubt that pup has soul... She will bring smiles to the hearts of her family....
http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (a health registry for registered German Shepherds)
BE PROACTIVE!
http://mzjf.com -->  The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group http://www.mzjf.info/hgate Heaven's Gate

Marjorie, do what I did when I was sixteen, get a friend to get the puppy and give it to you as a present. Your DH will not be able to return it, because of the instant love and it would break your heart.