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.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Happy endings are the best! A wonderful story.

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Great story...especially at Mother's Day!! Bravo to you & Mariner

[Camilla and Darwin]

This is a great story, and such a good reminder about dogs with disabilities. I am very happy for Mariner and your whole family!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

What a wonderful story and I am so happy that Mariner is doing so well and is in a family who loves him dearly:)

[Pat and Traveler]

What a great story!  Kudos to you for taking in this dog who would not have lived at all without you!!  Your compassion and dedication are inspirational, to say the least!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Great story!  Just terrific that this sweet doodle is doing well!  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is so exciting for you and Mariner, and inspiring for those just finding out that their dog has seizures.

[Rose]

Wonderful news!

[Bridget and Lupin]

What an awesome story!  I always root for the "underdog"....I can't help it.  Such a great lesson for your son to learn too.  And I love love LOVE the name Mariner! 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

He was named by the breeder's husband.  The litter was born while they were watching "Waterworld".  Due to his "issues" we never changed his name.  It is also interesting that the writer of "Waterworld" has the same last name as us.