Mariner is 3!!!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Actually Mariner turned 3 yesterday.  He was the first of a litter.  He was born at around 11:30pm most of the remainder of the litter was born the next day.

He was born a healthy F1b Goldendoodle.  We already had Boomer (a sibling from an earlier litter) and Shayna from a different breeder and were not interested in getting another dog.  While with the breeder Mariner had an accident and fractured his skull.  This caused blindness, temporary paralysis and his seizure disorder.  The breeder gave him excellant vet care including 4 days of doggy ICU.  They retrained this blind dog to eat, how to poop, etc., he had to relearn everything.  His story was being discussed on the website of one of his siblings (Ann, the owner of Sully, who is being treated for cancer).  The breeder had stated that the were not going to be able to care for Mariner for the long-term and needed him to be adopted.  Our family thought about this and discussed the situation with our vet and made the decision to make Mariner part of our family.

We read all about blind dogs, called and emailed to experts in dealing with disabled dogs and figured out what accomodations to make for him.  The only real accomodations were to put stair treads on the outside steps and to put a different feeling carpetting at the top and bottom of the steps.

The first few days of him being at our house were difficult, as he was very unsure of everything and did not want to leave his bed.  Gradually he began following our other two dogs and learned his way around the house.  Sharon worked with him on the stairs until he would go up and down by command. He also learned how to navigate our outside yard.  All this time we were (and still are) trying to manage his seizures.

One interesting thing when we initially took him to our vet was that he had a PLR- pupil light reflex.  This meant that his eyes worked but the message was not getting to his brain.  The vet was hopeful that Mariner would one day have some sight.  He had us give Mariner fish oil and vitamins.  Also we held off neutering him as long as possible, to allow the hormones to help the brain development.

Today Mariner does see although we do not know how much. For someone that does not know he has visual problems , they would not be able to pick up on it.  He does some things very differently than other dogs.  When he is walking it is done in a very deiberate way.  His running gate is also different than other dogs.  He also will also take the familiar path not the shortest one to get some place.  There are other small clues like how he sniffs the air or holds his head to listen to things.

We have been working on controlling his seizures.  He can go for months without any seizure activity and then have one a day for three or four days.  He is on Phenobarb and we just added Potassium Bromide.  We are hopeful that we will get good control.

All though this "adventure",  our other two dogs have helped Mariner.  They alert us to MAriner's seizures,  they will help him if he gets in trouble.  Mariner got caught in the snow, Shayna mad a pth to him and led him back to the house.

Mariner has been a wonderful addition to our family.

We do hope that people realize that just because a dog has a disablility it does not make them any less lovable, friendly, loyal, etc.  They do make great pets and companions

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Happy Birthday, Mariner!

[Pat & "Tucker"]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINER- WHAT A LUCKY BOY YOU ARE TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT FAMILY!
YOU ARE SO LOVED !!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY MARINER!
You are a very special guy who has touched so many of our lives, and you deserve the best!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Mariner's story remains inspiring and uplifting. He has made such progress in your care. Happy Birthday Mariner and many more healthy years ahead.

[shelly]

Happy birthday Mariner... you truly are a special gift! I am so glad you were so lucky to get such a loving family - both human and animal, who all take such good care of you... What a wonderful story! It's like one you see in the movies! Thanks for lifting my mood!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Everytime you write about Mariner is shows just much you love him and it just makes me cry! You and Sharon are just wonderful humans!!
Happy Birthday Mariner!!!!

[Joe R.]

Gus, Lilly and all of us wish Mariner a very Happy Birthday.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Happy Birthday Mariner!

[Leslie and Halas]

Happy Birthday, Mariner! He's come so far since you first brought him home. I love reading the stories about how much he's improved over the years. It's all due to your love and care.

[Joy Williams]

Sending Doodle kisses and birthday wishes to Mariner from Morgan & Maddie! Hope you have many, many more!! And with such a wonderful loving family, I am sure that you will!!

[Amanda and Quinn]

Yay, Mariner! Hope you have a great day with your wonderful family. You gave me so much hope when Quinn started having seizures - I will always be grateful.

[Rose]

Happy Birthday, Mariner!