Mariner has been Seizure Free for close to a year!! UPDATE: Three years!!!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

I haven't posted about Mariner in the General Forum in a long time.

 

Many people know his story but for those of you who don't:

 

Mariner was about 8 weeks old (still with the breeder) when he had an accident resulting in him fracturing his skull.  This injury left him blind, paralyzed and with a seizure disorder. (He is now 3 1/2)

 

After some time at doggy ICU he was able to walk and move about but he had to re-learn how t do everything from eating to peeing.  The breeders took very good care of him but he was still blind and having seizures.

 

We found out about him because he is a biological brother to one of our other doodles, Boomer.

 

The breeders were not able to care for him for the long term - so they decided that if he wasn't adopted he would have to be euthanized.  That is when we decided to adopt Mariner, after all what is another doodle.

 

Gradually Mariner regained functional eyesight but he was still having seizure even though he was on Phenobarb. 

 

Last summer we changed his medication to Potassium Bromide - he has not had a seizure since the change.  The first few months were difficult adjusting the dosage as he had to start on a relatively high dose.  This caused him to be very lethargic.  Now that the dosage has been regulated he is doing well.  

 

Remember just because an animal has a disability, they are no less lovable, devoted, smart, etc.  These animals have the ability to bring out the best in people.  Our son (now 19) at first did not want anything to do with Mariner "What is he just going to lay around all the time", quickly became Mariner's strongest supporter.   

 

We brought home a blind dog having seizures who has grown into a seeing dog that is seizure free.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is a truly wonderful story.  I give your family so much credit....your love and commitment are lessons for all of us.  I'm thrilled that this guy is now doing so well.  Thank you so much for the update!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What wonderful news! Mariner (and his family) have always had a special place in my heart, and it makes me so happy to hear how well he's doing.

May he continue to thrive!

[Frannie & Callie]

Yay Mariner!! That is such a wonderful story (that made me tear up a little)!!

[Leslie and Halas]

What a wonderful story.  I'm so happy that Mariner is doing so well.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

This is such a wonderful, wonderful story.  You and your family members are awesome for healing Mariner and sticking by him.  Great news.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I am so glad Mariner is doing well.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is a great story and so wonderful that you took in this doodle that had some difficulties.  A big high five to all of you and so glad Mariner has been seizure free for quite some time. Mariner is lucky to have you, but I suspect you feel luckier to have him.

[GBK]

This is such great news.  Thank you for the update, I remember your story from the start and I am so happy that things have turned out so well.  Those special pups are always the ones that are treasured!

[Rose]

I'm very happy to hear this wonderful news!

[F, Calla & Luca]

This is great news. A fine example of what loving, devoted care can do. Kudos to you and the whole family and Mariner's physicians, as well as his sibling doodles who watched out for him.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Absolutely wonderful news.  Glad to hear that Mariner is doing so well.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Andy - that is the best news!!!!! I am thrilled for all of you! Tell Sharon I said hi. we will see you ON the beach this summer??