One Year Anniversary Today-Yeah!

[golfnut]

Nicki

We will be taking Nicki to her 4th veterinarian today (an internist) We keep getting referred to another specialist so that they can hopefully diagnose the problem and see if it's treatable. I won't go into details (heart, lung, adrenal gland, liver) She is the sweetest dog we've ever had. Everytime I picked her up, she would tuck her head under my chin. We got her from the St. Louis Schnauzer Rescue when she was 4 years old. SHe had been in a Missouri Puppy Mill and used for breeding and had been abused. She's had 10 wonderful, pampered years with us, but we aren't ready to give up on her yet. I hate it that we aren't at home when this happened, but she was fine when we left. When I was spending a lot of time in bed during my recovery from surgery, she was my constant companion. Now, tears are flowing again as I type. We're hoping and praying for a condition that can be treated with medicine, but have to realize that she is 14 years old. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers for Nicki.

[mabeckoff]

We will be taking Nicki to her 4th veterinarian today (an internist) We keep getting referred to another specialist so that they can hopefully diagnose the problem and see if it's treatable. I won't go into details (heart, lung, adrenal gland, liver) She is the sweetest dog we've ever had. Everytime I picked her up, she would tuck her head under my chin. We got her from the St. Louis Schnauzer Rescue when she was 4 years old. SHe had been in a Missouri Puppy Mill and used for breeding and had been abused. She's had 10 wonderful, pampered years with us, but we aren't ready to give up on her yet. I hate it that we aren't at home when this happened, but she was fine when we left. When I was spending a lot of time in bed during my recovery from surgery, she was my constant companion. Now, tears are flowing again as I type. We're hoping and praying for a condition that can be treated with medicine, but have to realize that she is 14 years old. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers for Nicki.

I will keep you all in my prayers today.

[Doodles]

Karen--
I'm so sorry about the illnesses and your little dog. We lost a schnauzer/poodle mix a few years ago and it's always so hard--he grew up with our kids. Prayers for all of you. Janet

[LSKOCH5]

Karen - I'm so sorry ALL of you keep having health issues. Hope you have seen a doctor by now for your rash, you poor thing, and that you're feeling well. Are you back home then? All the best to you,
LeighAnn

[jrnyc]

Karen, i hope things get better for you and your dog...
it is so upsetting to see our pets sick, and they can't tell us what is wrong...
for you to be sick at the same time must be so tough...
thoughts and prayers for you both....

jess...& Sparky

[TwinmomTN]

Karen,
I'm so sorry your baby is sick. Hopefully it is something that can
be treated. Have you seen a Dr. yet for the rash? It's time for things
to turn around for you!! I'm so sorry. Keep us posted and take
care of yourself. I know how you feel. I had my dear sweet Pug
for 13 yrs. Wishing you the best.

Pam

[golfnut]

Thanks, so much, all of you sweet, understanding dog lovers. Nicki is staying at the 24 hour critical care center in Sarasota which is about 30 minutes from where we are staying and will be there 3to 5 days with no guarantees that she will survive. After running numerous tests, they think she has pancreatitis which I probably caused by trying a new dog food out a couple of days before our trip. It was recommended to me by a friend who also has a schnauzer and it is made of wholistic foods which i thought would be good. Both dogs had been on a low fat dog food because our other dog had pancreatitis several years ago. Now, besides being devastated about my sweet Nicki being severely ill, I have the horrible guilt that I caused it. I should have called our vet before seeing if they liked it. I called the next day and didn't use it again, but I can never forgive myself for this because most likely the dog food caused the pancreatitis. I go every day and hold her, but it breaks my heart. I hope and pray she can battle this.

[Confusedmom]

Dear Karen,

My goodness, please don't blame yourself! Even if it was the dogfood that caused it, you obviously didn't mean to do any harm, and were in fact trying to do something good. I will pray for your special doggie, and also hope that you find time to take care of yourself. Get that rash checked out before too long.

Best,
Evelyn

[mabeckoff]

Oh Karen, I am so sorry. I have 2 cats and I know how you feel. But please do not blame yourself. You did not do it on purpose. I will keep you in my prayers

[golfnut]

Great News-Nicki home & we are golfing!

I added a video of my first day on a golf course here in Bradenton, FL to my signature. The swing is slower than usual, not as smooth, and a little tentative (imagine that), but I think will eventually be okay this summer with practice and stronger muscles.

The best news of all: after ultrasounds, an MRI of her brain, xrays, lots of bloodwork, 5 days in intensive care for animals, Nicki is finally home with us at the condo and doing fantastic. My stomach is finally not in knots and we are starting to have a real vacation of the beach, golf, long walks, great food & drinks, etc. I just have scabs left from the shingles which no longer itch or hurt.

[mabeckoff]

I added a video of my first day on a golf course here in Bradenton, FL to my signature. The swing is slower than usual, not as smooth, and a little tentative (imagine that), but I think will eventually be okay this summer with practice and stronger muscles.

The best news of all: after ultrasounds, an MRI of her brain, xrays, lots of bloodwork, 5 days in intensive care for animals, Nicki is finally home with us at the condo and doing fantastic. My stomach is finally not in knots and we are starting to have a real vacation of the beach, golf, long walks, great food & drinks, etc. I just have scabs left from the shingles which no longer itch or hurt.

I am so glad to hear that Nicki is doing well. Now you can enjoy your trip

[walkingmom]

awesome video

Hi Karen,

I am so impressed that you are able to swing the golf club so well. It must be an exhiliarating feeling to be able to do so. I can't wait for the day when my body will cooperate and allow me to have my tennis racquet back in my hand. Congratulations to you!

Donna

[Doodles]

Karen--
What great news all around! Your swing looks perfect to me. I was a terrible golfer before surgery--maybe I'd be better now?? Ha. I don't even want to think about it. Enjoy your vacation. Janet

[JenniferG]

What great news! I could barely open this thread after I read about your dog. I'm so glad you're now able to enjoy your holiday without worry. You earned it!

[golfnut]

Vacation from hell ended well!

After John and I both had the flu, my dad was in the hospital, I had shingles, and our dog, Nicki, was in 24 hour critical care in Florida for 5 days while on vacation, we finally had a week of fun and are now back home. I added a video of my first day of golf after my surgery in my "signature" just to give people hope that after a t4 to sacrum fusion, you can return to former activities. Donna: let us know when you are allowed to get back to tennis.

I do have a question. Does one always have a fear of rod breakage after surgery? I would swing with a little more speed if that was not in the back of my mind.

We are so happy that Nicki is doing well after being so worried that she wasn't going to survive. I almost forgot to add that John got a speeding ticket on the way home. We are just thankful that we made it home safe and sound!