Yours healing thoughts mean so very much to me. Especially right now. Gidget has taken a turn for the worse today. At this point she should be feeling better, but she isn't.

We just got back from seeing her and she was very sedated. She refuses all food, including her favorite peanutbutter. The docs are taking an MRI in the morning to see if there is something else going on that they didn't see in the mylogram. Chances are they are going to have to go back inside her neck again.

O DEAR GOD please fix her. I know she is only mine to care for here on earth, but ultimately she belongs to Him. We will continue to do anything and everything we can for her no matter the cost if there is a good chance we can restore her back to good health and movement again. She hasn't hit a critical stage as yet, so our hopes are still very high that the problem can be corrected.

God's peace and blessings to all,
Beth

We got our Christmas wish tonight. After 11 days in the hospital, Gidget is home for Christmas. She has a long way to go yet before a full recovery.................one day at a time. Her laminectomy was successful and though she is still weak on her legs we are very optimistic she'll get a little stronger each day.

Here's wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. May the memories of your beloved furchild or feather child bring you peace.

Hugs to all,
Beth

Though Gidget is in no pain, she has alot of trouble walking. We have to pick her up to take her to potty because she is still so weak on her legs. Her equilibrium is way off yet because of all the medications she is taking. Between my hubby and myself we have gotten up every two hours to give her the care she needs.

We missed seeing our families yesterday for Christmas. But, some great friends brought Christmas dinner over for us. Gidget's doc says rest is what she needs most and she is getting it. Her appetite is ravenous which we are very glad about since she lost over a pound while in the hospital. She only weighed 7 lbs. to start with.

We're hoping to see a little more improvement today. She's resting comfortable right now in her heated crate after eating a big breakfast.

Please send her some healing vibes and prayers. It's heartbreaking to see her like this and your thoughts really help to keep my spirits up.

Much love to all,
Beth

Good news that she is eating good. It will be a real heartbreaker for a while. I know only too well how sad it is to see them in this condition.

I had to carry Flossie for a very long time following her back surgery and they actually trained me to help her pee by pushing her tummy in exactly the right spot as she was unable to do that for a while. Once she got crabby about it I knew she was healing. Her first time coming down the stars (carpeted ones) was like the first steps of a child to us. Unfortunately I carried her a lot in later years as eventually the legs were difficult again for her. Her surgery was not in the neck area so Gidget will no doubt do much better.

Rest was a big part of our recuperation also. I used 2 baby gates to section off a small area that was carpeted once I felt she needed a bigger spot than the cage. Since I was working I did not want her to be able to get on the slick floor & slip but she was ready for more activity. 3 of us took turns coming home from work to check on her & take her out.

Just know that she appreciates all you are doing for her. I would not have done less for Flossie even though it was 14 years of a lot of extra care for her. You would not do less either and will take great joy at each improvement you see. Hopefully she will make great strides in a very short time.

Sending good vibes for a speedy recovery. Hang in there,

Hugs Beth, I was out of town for the holidays.
I knew Gidgie girl would pull through, look at all that love she has from her family, and the people here.
I'm totally sending postive vibes your way so she can heal quickly, and get back to her regular self.
What a great xmas present for you both, to have your baby with you on Christmas!

I'm so happy for you Beth, give Gidgie a hug from me please.

Take Care

Hi Ginger,

Thanks so much for coming by with your encouraging and loving words. You are so right in that it is completely heartbreaking to see any animal in this kind of condition.

It's been a slow but steady progress for Gidget. The doc says it will take a few months before she fully recovers.

Luckily, she can poop and pee on her own. We just have to take her there to do her business. She's anxious to move a little quicker, but her mind works faster than her skinny legs can carry her.

She lost so much weight in the hospital and was still down 1 1/4 lbs. when we had her weighed again yesterday. But, she is eating like a horse and we expect her to continue putting some weight back on. Today we began weaning her down on her meds and also began range of motion exercises with her front legs, ankles, and elbows. Next week we'll start some hydrotherapy.

I've read about all the loving care you provided for Flossie all those years. What a blessing for Flosssie to have had you for her Mom. There's nothing we won't do for them is there.............no matter how worn out we get. Sort of like the energizer bunny.........we just keep goin' and goin' and goin'.

One day at a time my hubby and I will work together toward helping her recover with lots of love and all the care she needs. We've been alternating taking days off from work so that she is never left alone. Browser misses his playmate too, but at least he's been going down the street for playdates with his buddy Poncho alot. So, he's getting his needs met as well.

Thanks again for coming by. May the new year bring you many blessings and joy.

Hugs,
Beth

Hey Girl!

Consider the hugs given! Your positive vibes are being received loud and clear. Gidget is one good little trooper and we are confident that she will continue to improve each day. Baby steps will eventually turn into bigger and longer steps. Long way to go yet, but the one thing we have is lots of time. I can't think of one thing I'd rather be doing than taking good care of her right now.

You have a happy new year girl. Take care and please keep in touch!

Huggers,
Beth

The new year has brought Gidget a step further in her recovery. She actually DID place some weight on her left leg after some ROM exercises, mild stretch to her neck, and some massage. Things are looking brighter for her and for us.

May all of you have a blessed and Happy New Year!

Hugs of love to all,
Beth

oh Beth
I am sooo glad
thank you for the good news
Eva
Jimmy Klinger
Felix von Hollabrunn

Hey gurl, I thought I would post the pic you love. I put the text on it, because it seems like thats what the dog is saying, lol.

Happy New Year!

hahaha....................
that photo is just great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Eva, and her boys, Jim and Lix

Sounds like things are getting better all the time! A most happy new year to all of you, may all your good wishes come to be!

Back to the vet's office tomorow. Something just isn't right. She still isn't using her left leg and tends to tilt her head toward that same leg. Feels like something is out of alignment in her shoulder to me, but then I am not a vet. She is eating very very well though and is in no pain. We've been weaning her off the pain meds and prednisone gradually.

Bless her sweet little heart though. She insists on walking out to go potty and walking back in in spite of the difficulty she has doing it. We've been doing everything we can to help her along and following doc's orders to he letter.

Even though her pain meds are now every 4 hours, we are still getting up every 2 hours thru the night so she can go potty. The prednisone makes her increase her water intake ALOT! Hopefully her doc can figure out what the heck is going on. A piece of the gel that oozed out of her disc may be sitting on her shoulder. Hopefully we can start her hydrotheraoy tomorrow, after we see the vet.

Thanks Bue's Mommy, Eva, and Toonie for coming by. All of you have helped keep my spirits and hopes up.

Toonie, I promise when I get a little more time I will email you and catch up. I've missed you, but my hands are very full right now.

Hugs of love to all of you. Thanks you sooooooooooo much for caring so much about Gidget as well as me.

I hope your visit to the vet goes well!!!!!!!!!!!!

HUgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right back atcha Sissycat. I hope all is well with you. Thanks for stopping by. I'll update as soon as I get more news.

Huggers,
Beth

Will be waiting for the update!!! Praying for good news. I'm doing well as expected. Still have bad days now and then tho. Thanks for asking.

Kim

Yes Kim. I think those off days are bound to resurface from time to time. The death of those beloved ones we lost are something we never get over. Somehow we find a way to live with the loss..........still missing them each and every day. At least that gutwrenching pain and agony over Goliath's death has subsided. All of this going on with Gidget has dredged up some of the feelings I had over losing Goliath.

But, each day I still give thanks for having had the privilege of sharing Goliath's life with him and pray that our good Lord will heal Gidget just a little bit more. One day at a time.

We're bound to miss Sissy & Goliath because we loved them sooooooooooo much as they were such an integral part of our lives. Especially getting through the Holidays is a tougher time for us as I suspect it is for you too. I am very thankful we have Browser because he keeps the laughter in our home and hearts right now as we are trying our best to get Gidget back to good health again.

Will update as soon as we have more news.

Huggers,
Beth

Hi Beth

I'll be thinking of you and you dear Gidgie Girl.
Sending prayers and hugs. Goliath will be watching over you all.

Love Jan and my Angels xx

Hi Beth, you're most welcome. Gidget will be back to her old self in no time. Did you see the pic I left for ya on the previous page.

Hi Jan,

Thank you soooooooooo much for the prayers and hugs. Each and every thought really helps keep my spirits and hope up.

After seeing the vet, we still don't know exactly what is going on with her left side. Since the surgery was to her right cervical spine, it doesn't make sense that her left side is so atrophied. She hangs her head to the left when she walks and will not put weight on her left leg. Yet when she sits, she holds her head upright and will put her leg down.

However she did gain 1/4 of a pound over this last week and she is still eating like a litle piggy. Tonight was her second round of hydrotherapy amd she can tread with BOTH front legs for 2 minutes before tiring.

Next Monday we'll take her back to see the vet and re-evaluate her condition. We're staying optimistic that with the therapy her left upper back and shoulder muscles will strengthen enough to straighten her walk out at least a little bit. If we don't see any progress, the vet would like to do an MRI and full body scan to rule out any other pathological problem.

One day at a time, my hubby and I will work diligently with Gidget and give her all the love and attention she deserves and needs.

Hugs right back atcha Jan,
Beth

Bue's Mommy,

You always know how to crack me up. Yes, I did see that pic on the previous page. That's hillarious. He looks just like my feisty little Browser.

All of this going on with Gidget has been hard on him too. My hubby and I have been getting on the floor romping with him more than usual so he can get some good play time in. Also, he has been going on playdates over at my girlfriend's house to romp around with her dog, Poncho, a min-pin.

Gidget surprsied us the other day when she went after Browser for trying to get into her food. Wobbly legs and all she chased him right out of there quick, fast, and in a hurry. The old girl sure has spunk!

Thanks again Bue's Mommy for the support, love, and laughter.

Huggers,
Beth

Those bumps in the road to recovery are so disturbing for us parents. I had a few of them with Flossie's recovery and I know how stressful it can be. We even were going to try accupuncture as she had a long bout with the back leg jerking uncontrollably. But she was such a Nervous Nelly after all she'd been through that they said she wouldn't be still enough for that. Fortunately the jerking stopped on it's own and we went on to the next problem!

Chasing Bowser away from the food must have been something to see. Flossie chased a neighbor up on his porch when she was still being carried to pee & not even really walking on her own. Those front legs just went to town & she drug the back ones. I thought it was more funny that the guy was afraid of an 8 lb crippled poodle! This time period was the only time she was not on a leash cause we just knew she couldn't go anywhere..... wrong again. They amaze you don't they?

But just think of the technology today that has enabled Gidget to get this far...... in the "olden days" as my kids think I grew up in these things would not have been possible for our beloved fur babies.

So glad to have found this forum as people almost had me convinced I had really gone overboard with Flossie over the 14 years of health challanges she had. She was worth it all but I still wish she'd been handed a better deal. She was such a live wire and full of spunk so my hubby used to say that she may have been meant to be "toned down" a bit.

Keep on keepin' on.................. Gidget appreciates it I know.

Hi Ginger!

Sounds like we had/have two feisty strongwilled girlypups. It's amazing to me just how that spunkiness and love can bring them so far.

Gidget actually had the best day today since she has had so far since her surgery on the 17th. You're right about the technology being better today though. Although I do believe God's healing works are in major progress. Each day I ask God to lay His healing hands on her. She actually walked on that left leg today for just a short miinute or so with her head held up. Then when I went to cut her toenails she kept pulling her leg away from me, which is good. Then when I went to trim another nail she pushed the clippers away. So I have discovered yet another way to make her move those muscles. The hydrotherapy seems to be working well with her and we were able to increase the time in the water tonight by another 30 seconds. By the end of the week I am hoping to fill my tub up and hop in with her to make it a little more fun!

Of course we still have a long way to go. But I can see her getting stronger little by little. Her back legs are back to normal with no wobbles at all! So, today I'll just be very thankful and praise God for giving her a better day and for giving me a boost in spirit.

Thanks Ginger for your words of encouragement and sharing your stories of sweet little Flossie.

Hugs of love,
Beth

Good morning everyone!

After having such a great day with Gidget the day before yesterday, we had a very poor day yesterday. We may have overdone the exercises with her the night before. So, yesterday we gave her the day off because she was so irritable and seemed to just want to be left alone. Her appetite is still ravenous though and later last night she did cuddle with my hubby for awhile.

We're hoping for a better day today. She's been fed this morning and gone out to take care of her girly business. But she is back to not putting weight on that left leg again and leaning her head to that side. Gidget is very verbal about pain and hasn't said anything to lead me to believe she is any discomfort at all.

I'm going to do some laundry here in a bit, so I'll start the fireplace up and let her lay by the warmth of it. That's her favorite place to lay, but we can't let her lay there unless we are right with her because the hearth is a raised one.

Here's hoping and praying for a better day for her today and wishing all of you a wonderful day as well.

Hugs to all,
Beth

Yes to a better day Beth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs and prayers from here too.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Kim,

Thanks for your continuing support, hugs, and prayers. We didn't have a much better day yesterday...........Gidget was very cranky still. Although she did put some weight on her leg. She got cozy in her bed after her hydrotherapy, but shortly after I had to get her up for her tramadol. SHE BIT MY B O O B My Bad!

Today was better and we are seeing her doc tomorrow at 4PM. In church this morning Pastor Ken said a special prayer for her that brought tears to many people. I love my "come as you are" church, which includes ALL of God's creations.

Much love to you and yours!

Huggers,
Beth

Keep us updated on her doctor visit.

Ouch!!!! Sorry she bit you!!

I'm sure you are getting many prayers tonight!!!!!!!!!!

Hope, love, hugs, and prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click to view attachment

Does that sweet little baby look like she could ever mean anyone harm?? (Gidget on left & Browser on right) I know she didn't mean to hurt me. And if she has to chew me up to get her better, I will take ALL she can dish out and then some. Come hell or high water we are gonna give ALL we can possibly give to my precious baby girl.

Much love to you and all,
Beth

Good night everyone........Finally I am 2 exhausted to stay up any longer. Here's wishing ALL of you God's brightest blessings and hoping you will share in Gidget's recovery. Two more hours and she will be getting her 5 AM doses of meds, then I can fall asleep aain til 8AM.

Love to all of you have lost a beloved fur or feathered child and to those who are struggling with a sickly furbaby.

Hugs and love as always to you and yours,
Beth

Morning Beth,

Hope today finds you doing better. Awe such sweet picture. How could she do any harm? lol

Will check when I get off work to see if you have any news.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs right back atcha Kim,

Thanks for lending me your shoulder last night. Really you helped me alot............just needed to get some of that junk outta my head. I'm feeling much better emotionally today.

Gidget did have a turnaround late this morning. She is using her left leg today gingerly, but still putting weight on it. She gained .6 pounds since last Monday so Miss Piggy definately is taking in plenty of food. The doc said we just have to practice patience, patience, and more patience. A nerve only regenerates itself 1/2 in. per month so this will take a very long time.

In the meantime her doc says to continue her swimming along with the rest of her exercises. The only change will be that she suggested giving her a dose of valium following her workouts. She agreed that perhaps the exercises were causing her a bit of muscle pain with slight spasm, which may account for her grumpiness.

So, we'll just keep on movin' along. I think just this whole thing going on with Gidget along with having to put hubby's Mom in the alzheiemer's center took it's toll on me yesterday. I'm looking forward to the day when we can all sleep in the same bed again.

Huggers with love,
Beth

Beth,
I told you anytime you need a should, mine is here!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you are feeling a little better today and things are going good. Yes, lots of patience, but oh so worth it!!!!!!!!

I just walked in the door and had to check really quick.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what a sweet photo of Gidget and Browser.............
love
Eva
Jim
Lix

Wanted to check on you, but see you haven't been on. Hope everything is going well.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Eva!

Yes they are sweet, but then again I am slightly partial to that opinion.

Huggers,
Beth

Hi Kim

Thanks for checking in. Gidget had a couple of not so good days in a row. Seems like she makes good progress one day and then has a difficult day. The one thing that hasn't changed one bit is her appetite. I get all excited when she does so well and then somewhat depressed when she regresses. She's caught onto the meds in the peanutbutter trick, so we've had to modify that one some. She bit me again yesterday, and that is sooooooooooooo NOT like her.

Today she seems to be having a better day all cozy with her Dad watching football. Later on we'll have her take a swim and then give her and Browser a warm bath.

Also, I haven't been on because I've been spending more time helping my mother-in-law adjust to her new surroundings at the Alzheimers Center after getting home from work. At least when I finally get to bed at night, I'm exhausted and sleep very well.

I really do appreciate all your support Kim as well as all the good wishes from others. My spirits tend to stay on the upswing.

Huggers to you and yours,
Beth

Beth was so glad to see you poseted today. I was begining to worry.

Ouch again. We love them so much we forgive them. lol

Glad Gidgit's eating is doing good. Sorry to hear there was a couple bad days!!

Your mother in law must be very glad you are there to help her!! I'm sure all this is wearing on you. Remember to take care of yourself also. You have to stay strong to help others.

Be sure to give Browser and Gidget a special hug sent from me!!!!

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Kim and everyone,

Yes this is all wearing on me but I gotta do what I gotta do. Gidget had her swimming therapy tonite followed with a nice smelling bath. Then my hubby dried her off and later wrapped her in a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer. My eyes just filled with tears as I watched him loving on her so much. My hubby is a very compassionate and loving person who also knows Gidget & Browser are our furry kids and NOT dogs.

I just have to keep reminding myself that I need to be patient and daily turn her over into God's healing and loving hands. We have a long ways to go and I try to not look too far ahead, but relish her good moments and do what I can to comfort her when she has a bad day. (even when she bites me)

Since my mother-in-law really has no idea who I am anymore, nor does she recognize my hubby, it's hard to say what makes her happy. She forgets we were even there to see her 5 minutes after we leave. She obsesses more on getting out of the Memory Center and buying herself a new home that she thinks she can manage on her own at 94. The dementia is more apparent each time we see her and it's heartbreaking. Though she doesn't know who we are, she just hugs us and begs us to stay.

Our next trip to the vet with Gidget is on the 25th, which is also Goliath's birthday. Browser will also get his therapy certificate that same day. Then we can start taking him to visit Jim's Mom as well as the other residents who live there. I know they'll just love him and he is wonderful with people and quite a little ham.

Don't worry about me too much..........................I'm as feisty as Gidget is. I won't give up until she does and both of us are getting plenty of rest and food. Also, I do yoga for relaxation and to empty my mind of stress. Though I must admit I could use a few extra hours of time in a day!

All is well tonight and I am actually going to bed right now! YAY! And it's only 9:30 PM.

Hugs right back at you. Thanks for hanging in there with me. All the support I have received from you and others within LS as well as in my everyday world keep me energized and optimistic.

Huggers,
Beth

LOL I know just what you mean about not having pets. We have furkids!!!!

Yes, it will take patience, but you have plenty of that I can tell.

I am so sorry about your mother in laws condition. I can remember my own dad asking me who i was and why was i in his room and if i steped out of the room he'd ask me why i hadn't been to see him in months. I wish no would have to go thru all that.

I am headed to bed myself. Little later that you of course. I can never get into bed early.

Hugs to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My dear goliath, I'm so sorry I missed all of this suffering of yours,I beg you to forgive me I was not there when all of this happend and that I was not there for you like you were for me when I was going thru bad times my self, you know you don't need to tell me to Pray and Wish your Beautiful Girl Gidget to get Well soon 'cause as soon as I found out like a strong lightning my Prayers and good Wishes went up to Heaven and direct to God. I know we need to keep our selfs strong for our Furbabys and this I know you are too no question about it, I wish you, your family and your Baby Girl Gidget the Best in this World and a Fast Recuperation, please let me know if you need anything 'cause you know I'm here for you anytime you need me, it dosen't matter what time it is or what day it is, always here for you, your Cuban Friend, Jorge Click to view attachment

Hey Beth,

Just saying hello!!!!

How is Gidgie Girl????

HUgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right Kim, we put our hands over their ears when somebody refers to them as a D O G !!!

Huggers, Beth

Hiya Jorge,

It's so good to see you. Thank you for your thoughtful prayers and thoughts. You and I go way back Jorge and will always care about each other through the love of Buster & Goliath.

We just keep taking it one day at a time with Gidget. Her recovery has been slow, but we can see some progress. A least she has no pain now since her surgery. Sometimes a few twinges, but nothing major.

Many hugs of love from my heart to yours,
Beth

Hello and hugs right back at you Kim!

Gidget is still having her ups and downs. More ups than downs now though. We continue with her paddling in water and walk her with her harness, which seems to keep her posture more upright.

Tonight we are letting her sleep in bed with us for the first time since she's been home from the hospital. (crossing fingers that it works out) My hubby has really missed having all of us sleep together and especially misses her cuddling so close to him at night. As for me, I've had the best sleep ever since I haven't had to listen to Jim's snoring. But, I have earplugs for that and he ALWAYS hears Gidget when she stirs during the night.

Back to see the vet on Monday. One day at a time we just keep working together to make her as well as possible. The rest is in God's loving hands.

Your continuing support has kept my spirit and hope up Kim and I really appreciate your words of compassion and caring. All of you here at LS have been wonderful and have made it alot easier for me to cope with the stress and worry over Gidget's spinal surgery and recovering journey.

Huggers with love,
Beth

Beth,

I am glad I can be of any help. For some reason I just seem to be drawn to you and Gidget.
One day at a time is all we can ask for!
I know all to well about missing a pet not sleeping with you. I take Min with me everynight when I head off to bed. He may or may not stay. Be he usually comes back before long. When he went to the vet to get fixed about 3 weeks ago, he was gone for 3 days. Gosh it seemed like forever. Funny how we let them hog our pillows and wake up with cricks in our neck. lol (or at least i do)

Be sure to keep uis informed of the trip to doctor Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim

Well first here's the update Kim (and all).

Gidget's doc seems pleased with her progress. She had a very good day today and was moving around alot easier. However, if she isn't watched, she will try and jump up on things and climb stairs. Got another gate tonight so she can't pull that little stunt of going upstairs again. It's a miracle she didn't tumble down them. After finding herself at the top, she knew better than to try and come back down and barked for me to come and get her. I was completely surprised she made it all the way up there. But if you ever saw Gidget come down stairs you would laugh your head off. Her legs are so long that she has to pick her back legs up and come down on her two front legs.

She has periodic flinches yet, so her doc has said to put her back on 2 doses a day of prednisone for another week. Next Monday she'll re-evaluate and direct us from there.

I know what you mean when you say how much you missed Min. When Browser went to get neutered I missed him terribly. Then when Gidget was in the hospital for 11 days, that about did me in. Of course we miss our furry kids when they aren't with us. I still miss my sweet Goliath each and every day...................especially today because this would have been his 13th birthday.

I'll continue to update as often as I can, especially if there are changes. It seems like I've been pulled in so many directions over the last month or so I don't know what end is up.

Talk to you soon Kim! THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE LOVING SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME

Hugs of love,
Beth

Glad to hear of good news and progress!!!!

Ok now Gidget don't go trying to do superwoman stuff and scare your mama!!!

Yes, glad she didn't take a fall down the stairs!

Always looking for news from you so post when ya can.

Hugs to you Beth and Gidget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs Beth, sorry I haven't been on.
I'm so glad Gidgurl is doing better, I had no doubt in my mind.

Wow workouts, and drugs. Sounds like the peeps at my gym, LOL!

Keep us posted

Talk to you soon.

Just wanted to say hello and hope all is well. I have been without electric for 5 days due to ice storm or i would have posted sooner.

Let me know how it is going when ya have time.
Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim

Beth, I heard this song on True Blood, the HBO show. I liked it so much I dl it onto my media player, and workout to it. It reminds me of you, and your babiez. Check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vms3Rm9ASB0