Special Thanks & Wishes for a Healthy Peaceful New Year

As New Year's Eve approaches tonight, I wanted to take a moment to thank all the amazing people who sent our family such warm messages for Nathan.  It's been overwhelming all the love we received.  I can't say this past week has been easy, but we are doing the best we can.  We are very focused on Frankie and keeping him busy. 

I'm actually looking forward to getting on with the new year and getting a fresh start.  I have no idea what the year will bring, but I have to think the experience we went through with Nathan will lead to some purpose. 

Once again, thank you everyone for all the support!! And, I wish everyone a happy, healthy new year.

Much love,
Heidi

A Memory Book for Nathan

I wanted to put together a book of my Nathan memories.  I wanted to share it with his friends....

Click here to view this photo book larger

Start your own Shutterfly Photo Book today.

Beloved Nathan

It is with deep sadness that we said goodbye to Nathan today. His poor body could no longer support his fighting spirit. Nathan is an angel who deserves to be able to run and jump and play in Heaven with the other angels.

From the moment Nathan came into our lives over 6 years ago, he brought us great joy. From the first moment I held him at the horse farm in Ocala and said “get the checkbook” to challenges of the last year, Nathan filled the room with love. He worked hard to protect us and his little brother, Frankie who followed him around like a shadow. 

My head is filled with “what-ifs”. What if we hadn’t gone to the dog park that fateful day? What if his extent of his injury had become apparent during the day instead in the middle of the night? What if the Vet on that night had told the surgeon that the surgery needed to be done immediately? What if a neurosurgeon had done the surgery? And yet, we can’t turn back the clock, we can only be thankful for the additional time we did have with Nathan over the last 20 months.

For those who will read this while searching for information on IVDD, do not take this as a death sentence for your dog. Nathan’s situation was unique and very extreme. Even as badly as the first surgery went, he still had a pretty good recovery and many happy days afterwards. My advice to those currently experiencing this disease with their beloved dog, never lose hope for recovery. Seek out the best veterinary care available in your area. Treatments are always advancing allowing for better and better outcomes. 

Thank you to all Nathan’s e-friends who supported him and sent him so many loving thoughts. 

-Heidi

Another week goes by...

Tomorrow, Nathan has his 6th laser treatment.  So far, there is very little improvement.  He is still needing pain medicine to stay comfortable.   I thought maybe he was getting some strength back in his back legs, but he still cannot stand on his own.   Whatever the issue is with his shoulders and neck is really making it difficult for a meaningful recovery.

I fear this may not be going the direction I prayed it would.  We've got 8 laser treatment sessions scheduled, so we have another week to assess whether he can be pain-free again.  He has always been a fighter, so we'll keep praying for a miracle.

A Tense Week

Today, Nathan had his 3rd K-laser treatment.  He is still on prednisone and his pain meds.  Yesterday, we started to notice the pain seemed a bit less.   He is now at least able to lay down on his own without us having to lay him down on his side.  He still winces a bit when I pick him up.  But, he is better able to move around the room (scooting).   He can't stand up, but when I play with his legs, he will kick them at me.   He definitely has strong feeling in his feet, but no ability to stand.   Now that he can lay down on his own, he is sleeping more comfortably. 

Next laser treatment is on Wednesday.   Crossing our fingers that we start to see some meaningful change to indicate that he will be recovering.

Again, thanks to all Nathan's cyber-friends for sending him e-love!