My 13 yr old just diagnosed

[Vally]

You’re not leaving us????? Terri, we’ve all fallen in love with Koda. Please stay with us. We’re with you all the way no matter what Koda may have. Yes, this site was set up for AIHA, but we’d all be happy to help in any way we can. I know I’m speaking for everyone.

Love Vally & Bingo.

[admin]

Terri, Vally is right. Somehow we get attached to all these dogs. It seems we only know their names, ifwe are lucky we have seen a picture, but in the end they all become so dear to us. I know some of us will not stop wondering what it is that makes Kona so sick. Most importantly, we want to learn more! if something similar ever comes up again, we might be able to send someone in the right direction. So pease Terri, if you find the time, let us know how things are developping!
Best wishes to you and Kona,
Brigitte

[Tamara]

Terri, I too really hope you’ll keep us updated and I hope your vet will work with Dr Dodds to figure out what exactly is going on. I’ve really gotten attached to your handsome boy and will be wondering about him and you.
Sending big hugs
Tamara

[admin]

Hi Terri

I mentioned a while back that this may not be IMHA (& I hope it isn’t) BUT you are always welcome on here, Whatever it turns out to be, you are going through the same worries that we did. We really don’t care if Koda has something different because we are here to help you regardless of the diagnosis. As the others have said, we care about Koda & you & I really want to know how you are doing. Don’ t lose touch, please,

I am so pleased to hear Dr Dodds is getting to the bottom of what is wrong with Koda you couldn’t be in better hands.

Keep us posted – we will be thinking about you

Love & hugs
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xx xx xx

[Terri]

Dr. Dodds replied but that’s it. She offered no suggestions for Koda other than the 4 imha attachments.
When I asked her ” how do I pay you?” She just said “Don’t worry about it” and signed off so I guess I won’t be speaking with her again and she won’t be speaking to the vet. Im glad she didnt charge me for “It doesnt look like IMHA”
It’s apparent no one wants to bother with an “old” dog. perhaps IMHA is where she devotes her energy.
I’m going to make grippy socks for him as that right front leg ever so slowly slides out on the flat surfaces. I often find him collapsed on the kitchen floor with a “Well? Are you going to get me out of this predicament? ”
Ill hang out but I don’t have much to contribute. I WILL be using the supplements and foods that I choose to as long as they’re non-inflammatory and care for him for as long as we have left.
Terri and Koda

[admin]

Hi Terri,
of course you will do what you can for Kona! You already have done so much and you will keep doing that.
I had a thought about the slipping on flat surfaces. I know that can be very hard on an old dog. Make sure she has no long hair between her pads. I find that hair and nails grow much quicker on old dogs. If you cut that, it might help a little bit. The nails are also very important, if they are too long a dog can be completely out of ballance. Of course that is not Kona’s main problem, but it might help a bit. Also if you have some mats or rugs to make a path for her where she mainly goes, that would give her some traction.
Don’t you ever think people here will treat you different becaue Kona is just an other old dog!!! here is one of my favorite poems on that subject:

JUST A DOG

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,”
or “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.”

They don’t understand the distance travelled, the time spent,
or the costs involved for “just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.”

Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,”
but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by
“just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you probably understand
phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience
that make me a better person.
Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look
longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog”
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that its’ not “just a dog”
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
“just a man” or “just a woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog,”
just smile,
because they “just don’t understand.”

~Unknown Author~

Enjoy every moment with Kona and make great memories with that special girl.

Brigitte

[Patrice]

Koda Heading Home From Hospital

[Patrice]

Terri,
I am sorry that the news you are receiving is not good. I can’t imagine how upset you are.

I built this website for everyone who has a dog or cat and needs help with just about anything. There is no time limit on your stay and there is plenty we can still help you with.

Many of the folks who are posting to you have stayed for a long time, well past when their dogs recovered or passed. My dog Chance, who this site is dedicated to, passed from an unrelated heart condition 5 years ago. I promised, in his memory, that I would never let an owner go through this alone. Each time I read a new owner’s plea for help, I remember all over again the terrifying panic I felt about Chance. I had no one to talk with and I felt a huge weight on my shoulders.

Please stay here and visit with us often. You are welcome for as long as you wish to be here. We will work through what is wrong with Koda.
my best, patrice