Gracie Doodle's Update

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

First, I would like to thank you all for such heartwarming love and thoughts that were sent our way.  The "love" must be working because only into the third day of medication Gracie is no longer crying when she opens her mouth and she actually greeted us at the door with one of her monsters in her mouth.  She was holding it with the front teeth but that is a real start.  She is very happy and has energy.  We only used the pain pills for one day so now she is only on the Prednisone and antiacid  Actually, there is absolutely nothing wrong with her that you can see.  She is no longer shying away, crying when she opens her mouth and acting depressed. I think she was in pain and scared.  She is her perky self and yesterday I took her to the channel to chase squirrels in the rocks.  She really wanted to swim but I didn't have time for the bath that follows.  We are headed back for another run in a few minutes.  Now that we are not using the chuck-it and tennis ball I need to find a way to exercise.  The squirrels are perfect!  She has the best time running and poking her head in the holes and trying to dig them out.  Gracie is a very happy and energetic girl so I think things will be good in the future.  After hearing from some of you about autoimmune system diseases and how well they are controlled on medication, I feel much better.  So far she is not showing any side affects from the medication.  We jump started with an antacid to keep her stomach safe.  We will re-a**** her with the vet after a month and probably keep her medicated for 3-6 months if she is still tolerating it. So again thank you for all the love and prayers you have sent Gracie's way.  She received them loud and clear and loves you all for being the special friends that you are!

[Carol and Banjo]

Smiling here for Gracie!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So happy to hear Gracie is feeling better.  It was so sad knowing she was hurting.  Thanks for the update. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

I have been out of town and am reading DK discussions from the bottom up. I think I was replying to your first post as you were writing your second. So happy to hear that Miss Personality is back to her playful self. Yippee!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Oh, Fantastic!  I was so worried about Gracie and YOU yesterday.  I actually called a canine rehab facility today and asked about their services even though my dogs are both healthy.  I took Harpo in today after his agility class and we signed up for a swim lesson so he (and I) can learn how to utilize the indoor pool.  The therapist spends forty-five minutes to an hour working with the dog and his guardian to show them how to use the pool.  I also plan to learn canine massage just in case I need it sometime.  BTW you might want to think about canine massage on other parts of Gracie except the head.  She would probably really enjoy it and so would you.

So, Gracie also got me moving on taking better care of my dogs and enjoying the special time I have with them.  Thank you Gracie and get back to your regular self quickly.

[Margaret & Pebbles]

So happy that the medication is working.  Prayers are still coming!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Oh Lynda...lucky you and Harpo.  I would love to find a pool to swim in with Gracie.  I doubt there is anything like what you have down here.  How did you ever find it.  It is an eye opener when one of our precious DK Doodles has an ailment.  It tears at our hearts and makes us all more protective and focused on our own Doodles.  My husband and I were walking in silence tonight as we left a restaurant and both at the same time said "I am just so glad Gracie was happy and herself today".  I said...boy, that tells you what is on our minds.  She is such a special girl and brings so much happiness and love to us.  

[Lynda Kamrath]

Actually the therapy pool is only for the dogs.  I cannot swim with him.  The therapist gets in with the dogs wearing a wet suit and manipulates them around and teaches them how to enter and get out of the pool.  Their people can throw things for them to fetch in the water, but do not get in with the dog.  Oh yes, and the dogs do wear life vests in the water - not quite the same as a romp in the waves at the beach.  After their swim, they get a shower and towel dried before they leave.  You might check to see if there is a canine rehab center in your area with a therapy pool.  This place also has a water treadmill in a big glass box that the dog is trained first to use a treadmill and then water is run into the glass box and the dog walks on the treadmill in the water.  This rehab facility is attached to a vetinary hospital and also has boarding and grooming as well as a rehab facility.  We will give it a try.  Harpo has been taking agility and obedience lessons for the last few months, so I guess this is just another experience for him and me.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What wonderful news!! I know Prednisone is scary and it does have many side effects at high doses long term. But I think it is a miracle medication in many instances and I am so glad it seems to be working for Gracie. Maybe she will get her beloved balls back someday.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Funny you should say that F.  We took her to her favorite off leash walk down along the channel on the bay side of the peninsula.  She was having such a good time looking in all the rocks for squirrels and was digging in their hole. When she would sight one she would take off but they always get away.  Along the way as we returned she saw a tennis ball out on the grass field and went and got it.  She came back with it in her mouth and didn't make a sound.  Before she would cry when she would release it to our hand.  Not this time.  She was ready for us to throw the ball and let her chase it.  We did it a few times but I am just so darn nervous.  She brought the ball home with her to add to her collection.  It is absolutely amazing how quickly she is responding to the medication.  I only used the Tramadol for one day for pain and haven't used it since.  We just need to keep up the treatment for a much longer time than last time and I think she will be fine.  So far so good with all the medications and she is her happy ol' self again!!!  So I am guessing that one day soon the beloved balls will be back in her life!

[F, Calla & Luca]

That will make her and all of us happy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's the blessing of the prednisone. At immunosuppressive doses, it's amazing. JD went from not being able to hold down one meal for 4 weeks to never vomiting again once he'd been on the prednisone for 24 hours.

Today was his first day without any prednisone since December 10th, we're trying to cut back to every other day now, and I'm holding my breath.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Continuing to hope and pray that Jackdoodle can get off the Prednisone with no problem! You have had a very long row to hoe. BTW my DDIL is back to normal and continues to feel like herself without the Prednisone. Huge blessing. Hoping the same for JD. hugs to you both.