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!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So glad your DDIL is doing well, Bonnie! Hugs to you, too.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Karen, I hope all goes well with JD and the lesser dosage.  I will really be anxious once that day comes for us.  I wonder how long it takes for symptoms to show up after you reduce or finish the medication?  Gracie went a little less than two months from ending her first treatment before it came back.  I am keeping my fingers crossed for JD that things will go well.  That poor baby has been through so much but he is a real trooper.  You are too!  There truly isn't a single thing we all won't do for our Doodles.  Hugs to you and JD!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We've had very little trouble reducing the dosage over the past few months; of course, he's been on lots of other meds and supplements at the same time, so it's a balancing act, and we only change one thing at a time. We went from 20 mg/day to 10 mg/day, to alternating 10 mg/5 mg on alternate days, to 5 mg/day, to alternating 5 mg/2.5 mg on alternate days, and now we are going to try to drop the 2.5 dosage altogether. We've also eliminated or cut back several other drugs. So far, so good.

No, there is nothing at all we wouldn't do for these doodle babies of ours. Hugs back atcha!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm so glad! I'm so happy you are feeling better Gracie

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What great news! It's so good to hear that Gracie is getting better!

[Jennifer and Jack]

So happy to hear that!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so glad to hear this about sweet Gracie. I hope each day gets better and better. Chasing squirrels sounds like a great alternative :)

[Pat and Traveler]

Whooo hoooo!   Go get those squirrels, GracieGirl!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Nancie, I'm so glad to read the good news!! Yay for Gracie and I hope she keeps improving!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Fabulous news! You just made my day!!!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

So glad the Prednisone seems to be doing "its thing"!!  I know how relieved you must feel.  Long before Rebecca's MS diagnosis, when she first had difficulty with numbness and muscle weakness in her legs and feet, her neurologist put her on Prednisone.  After about 4 days, she showed me that she could again raise up on her toes (we happened to backstage at a dance competition).  We hugged, bawling our eyes out!!    

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Oh, what a relief! I really believe Gracie Doodle will be just fine. Monty sends lots of kisses!