Hi, my name is CLOUD and I'm ten months old. Aren't I handsome? I must be, 'cuz everybody tells me so!
I was hit by a car and my back is broken. The nice folks at SOS say that they will make me all better, so I can run and play like a young Irish lad should do. I can hardly wait!!
Save Our Setters, Inc.
CLOUD
Update 12/17/07:
I have an appointment tomorrow morning with
Dr. Peacock. Hmmmm... I wonder if he knows I'm a bird dog? Anyway, I've got a good appetite and a terrific personality, and I will be all better in no time!!
Update 12/18/07:
Dr. Peacock is nice, but I really like the techs and kennel helpers - they couldn't keep their hands off of me! I must admit that they have good taste in dogs! Anyway, Dr. Peacock wasn't super optimistic like my foster mom and I are. He must not know about the Setter spirit!
I get to meet Dr. Miller tomorrow. She's the CCRT that will be in charge of my physical therapy. In the meantime, I started PT today. Keep your paws crossed for me!
CLOUD's Heroes: ZOE and FINNIGAN Lai, Charlotte Reback, Linda Warlyn (in honor of Gail and KATIE Parker), Merrilee Dulaney, Jim Kotva, Terry B & her furkids RUSTY & ROXY, Henry & ABBIE Pozzuoli, Christina Phillips, Kelli & LADDIE Smith, Tim & Kim Kleinschmidt, Barbara Janicek, CRIMSON & BREA Kenney, Edwin and Ann Mussinan, BUCKLEY Conrad, Denise Spracklen, John, Carla, RUFUS and MILLIE (in memory of BEAR), John Clemens, CORY Fitzpatrick, Janet Bullard, Patti Willis and furkids, Dina Perrine, Cathy Baruth (in memory of MADDY and her thirteen great years!), Beth Rand and Terry Snider (in loving memory of SUZIE), KEEGAN Miller and family, Jeffy Orr, English Setter Aus.Ch, Can. Ch, Am.Ch, S.Afr. Ch Set'r Ridge's Born Free (WHIDBEY), Donna, ECHO, and SUGAR Barnett, Jackie Hawley (in memory of TEDDY), The SHILLINGER DOGS, RUSTY McMonigal, Elizabeth and MERLIN Forsberg, SAM and ALEX Scala, Pam Back (in honor of CLAIRE), SHANNON JANE Herrick, Donna, Jeff, RUBY, RUSTY, RACHEL, MEGAN, and JADA Salisbury, Anonymous Donor (in honor of Terry Moberg), Ann and KATIE SCARLETT Newbauer, Randy and Kathy Lake (in honor of SOS rescue girl MADDIE aka MALLORY II), Dave and Linda Esteve, Eileen Kamerick, DUNCAN Jacobson, Mark and Chris Paquette (in honor of JACKSON and MURPHY), Lynn Kwiatkowski, Carolyn Bilski, Marta and EMMA Goldman, Gill Pearsall, Linda Warlyn (in memory of RENEGADE Parker), Jenifer Stoico (in memory of DUNCAN), DEVLIN Jacobson, Barb Janicek (in memory of RUSTY II), Terry Balsley, The Leahy Family (in memory of KATIE), Shirley Sostman (in memory of BHRETT), Gwen Mazanetz (in memory of RUSTY II), Irish Setter Club of Milwaukee (in memory of RUSTY II), Bryan Duff, Drs. Hall and Campbell, and Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates, Ginger Kenney (in memory of TOBY), SAM, SEAMUS, and MAGGIE MAINE (with love!), Carolyn Jacobson (in memory of MALCOLM), Mary Hurner, Anonymous Donor, Penny Burnside, HOOLIGAN, KATY, LEXI, SAMMI, and Bill Runyan, John Barry, Jackie Hawley (in memory of LITTLE RED), Peggy Meehan, Janet Parker (in memory of DERRY), Carol Ackley, Linda Blackman, Five Furry Friends in California, Anonymous Donor, Garth (in memory of TANNER), Dennis and Tracy Drath (in memory of BRITTNEY, MAGGIE, and CEDAR), Carolyn Mauritz, Barbara Hayes, Wendy, RUSTY, MOLLY, WENDY and TIGER Pedersen, A Secret Admirer, Erin Murphy (in memory of MOLLY and BOZZY), Sandra Forrest, Anonymous Donor, Judith Blatt, Kate Williams, Carolyn Jacobson (in memory of PUPPY-UPPY), Carol Quan (in memory of TASHA, MAGGIE, and ABBY), Ginger Kenney (in memory of POPPY & BILKO), R.D. Thompson, Mary Tieman (in memory of JAKE), Patty Culliton (in memory of SCARLET), Sam Curtis (in honor of SAMMY), Cynthia Rasey (in memory of McKENNA), Julie Hudson (in honor of her Brittanies), Brenda Boutin (in honor of DANA and RUSTY), Lisa Brisse, Judi Brisse, Claudia Alphin, Susan Tate, Susan Shillinger, Jessica Burns, Mary Hurner (in memory of JASPER), SALLY Alnwick, Jay Levy (in memory of BAILEY), Wendy Edgecombe (in memory of HEATHER, CRICKET, NOTTY, & CHRISTIAN), Lynne Van Luven (in memory of BAILLEY), Shauna Orullian (in memory of IDGIE and KYLEE), Tim and Kim Kleinschmidt (in memory of our Rescues TOBY and SHEBA), Get Well Soon from GRAIDY Davis, Meagan Hindsman (in honor of MARTY), Justin and Danelle Scott, the Baum Family in NJ, REBA & MARILYN WILKERSON Forsberg (in memory of MERLIN), REBA & MARILYN WILKERSON Forsberg (in honor of Mom!!), Garth Oldham, Charlotte, Ruud, GILLIE, & PADDY, John, Carla, RUFUS, and MILLIE Webb (in memory of
BEAR), Joan C Willson, Carolyn Jacobson and friends at Beaux Chevaux Farm, Marti and LUCKY Cunningham, FIONA, SCARLET, TRACY, & JILL Evanetz (in memory of IAN), DAISEY & TY Spracklen (in memory of FIONA), Virginia Herrick (in memory of SHANNON), Jacquelyn Hawley (in memory of RED), RONAN Kmonicek, Doug and Karen Peters (in memory of SHANNON), Vicki Swartzell (in memory of MAGGIE), Theresa Szpila, Peggy Tucker (in honor of the indomitable spirit of the Irish Setter), Peggy Meehan (in memory of SHANNON and MORGAN), BREA & CRIMSON Kenney, MAGGIE Maine, Donna Koch (in memory of MERLIN Forsberg), Five Furry Friends in California
Original Estimate:
$ 8,000
$ 8,000Doggy Cart: 385
385Revision: Hypercalcemia 3,984
Revision: UT-Knoxville 3,182
General Vetting 242
242 15,793Donations for CLOUD: $ 15,493
Adoption Fee: 300
300Amount Still Needed: $ 0
WOW!! CLOUD says THANKS!!!
Update 12/20/07: Dr. Peacock called and left a message for my foster mom. He told her I am doing fine, but that I should have surgery since my spine is unstable, and that we are not going to get the results we want until the spine has been stabilized. We are planning on operating next week.
While the prospect of spinal surgery is scary under normal circumstances, this is even more so, since my issues are at the T4/T5/T6 area. There is a lot of stuff there like nerves, muscles, and really big blood vessels, and will be very delicate. Hopefully, the estimate will come through today. SOS says it's only money, and will do whatever it takes to make me all better. They sure could use a lot more help. Please keep your paws crossed for me!
Update 12/21/07: Since the spine is so unstable, there is a risk that further injury could occur without surgery, so surgery is scheduled for Wednesday. Dr. Peacock will be putting plates on the dorsal spinal processes, and pins and wires on the transverse processes secured to the dorsal processes/plates from T3 through T8. This is the preferred "fix", as going under the spine could result in damage to major blood vessels as well as internal organs, such as the lungs.
I will get to rest a few days (thank doG!) before they start PT up again. I'm hoping that during my down time I will get LOTS of heavy petting (he he he)! Anyway, it may be several weeks before we know whether the surgery and PT will be successful in restoring my ability to walk. My foster mom says she just wants to see my tail wag! I promised her I would be a good boy and work really hard! (I haven't told her about all the pretty girls here that I am trying to impress!!!)
Update 12/26/07: Dr. Peacock will be performing the surgery on Thursday. Bummer that I have to wait another day, but apparently the holiday emergencies or the special order of my plates have pushed things back a day.
I had Christmas a little early. A lady that looked and smelled just like my foster mom came in to see me (I'm not supposed to have visitors, so I know it couldn't have been her). The lady gave me some lovings, and she brought me my first Christmas presents ever! All of them were yummy treats, and I enjoyed the few I got to have right then.
Come on over and meet the crew! Not everyone who is caring for me is listed on the site, but you can get a good idea of the wonderful folks who want to use their knowledge and skills to make me well again!!!
Update 12/28/07: After I woke up from surgery, I wasn't feeling so hot, and I thought that everyone would be super nice to me. The Dog-ter came over to me and I spoke to him. Really, I did! Wanna know what I said? I said "OUCH!" Can you guess why? That mean, nasty dog-ter pinched my toesies, and it HURT!!!!!
The worst part is that he was happy about it. I just don't understand those nutty hoo-mans...
CLOUD
Oh, and here is my surgeon, Dr. Tobias!
Update 12/29/07: Alright... I really don't like the new game of pinching my toes. What is their problem?
CLOUD
Update 12/30/07: Mom-meeeee! I wanna come home!! These Dog-ters are not nice to me, coming in here and pinching my toesies. I told them that they are hurting me, but they just won't stop!
CLOUD
Here's my Dog-ter!!
John T. Peacock, DVM,
Diplomate ACVS,
Small Animal Surgery 2004
Organization: MedVet Memphis
Address: 830 N. Germantown
Pkwy #105, Cordova, Tennessee 38018
Office Telephone: (901) 624-9002
Office Fax: (901) 624-9014
Web Site: www.medvetmemphis.com
Veterinary School: Univ. of Missouri-Columbia 1998
Internship: University of Tennessee 1999
Residency: Texas A&M University 2002
Practice Type: Private Referral Only
Area of Surgical Emphasis: Small Animal Gen & Ortho
Here's my CCRT!!
Dr. Lisa Miller, DVM, CCRT
Lisa A. Miller graduated from
the University of TN College
of Veterinary Medicine in
May of 2003. She remained in private practice in small animal medicine in Virginia until moving back to the Memphis area in 2004. She is concurrently pursuing her internship at MedVet Memphis in internal medicine and a non-traditional veterinary residency in small animal nutrition.
Dr. Miller is a certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. Her case load includes many types of therapy protocols, including post surgery and sports medicine.
Dr. Miller is currently on the health committees for both the Pharaoh Hound Club of America and the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. She has written health-related articles for national breed-club magazines and has been published in a veterinary journal on the topic of dermoid sinuses in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and other breeds of dogs. Her special veterinary interests include endocrinology, renal disease, theriogenology, holistic medicine and nutrition.
Update 12/31/07: I overheard them talking today, and they said my foster mom is coming in on Wednesday. Do ya think she heard me calling for her to spring me from this toesie-pinching place???
CLOUD
Update 1/2/08: My foster mom came in today. She came to meet with the Dog-ter, and got some pics of my x-rays for all to see. I'm not sure, but I don't think she should post them. I was naked, ya know!
The good news is that I not only have deep pain perception, but also now have peripheral perception. The nerves are healing!
The bad news is that I started running a fever this morning, and had a slight cough. They are treating it as pneumonia. That doesn't sound very good to me, so I think a huge batch of Setter Zen is in order. Until this infection is brought under control, I am excused from PT. I guess I can fold up my gym clothes for the time being.
CLOUD
Update 1/4/08: My fever is down and I am responding well to the antibiotics. I am also eating and drinking well, which is good since I need some good weight. I am getting high calorie food to help my body condition improve more rapidly. They are now thinking that they caught the infection really early, and that it is just a urinary tract infection, likely due to the catheter, and not pneumonia after all. WHEW! Good for me!!
I'm one week post-op, and I have sensory perception (deep pain and peripheral). I'm still working on bladder and bowel control as well as motor function. My prognosis is still listed as "guarded". Will you please tell them to be patient? These things take time, ya know!
I am doing minimal PT until the sutures come out, which includes ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage therapy, and range of motion exercises. I get to go for walks several times a day with four of my best two-legged friends here. They have a hard time keeping up with me when they are supporting my back half, cuz I really want to RUN!
CLOUD
Update 1/10/08: They haven't removed my sutures yet, but at least they aren't itching anymore. ;-))) I'm about the same, so no good news, but no bad news, either. It will be a couple more weeks before any significant changes are likely to occur.
I am still the favorite here, and am eating well and am in good spirits. That's because they've stopped pinching my toesies!
CLOUD
Update 1/16/08: Guess what!!! My foster mom came to see me, and she brought me some toys! She said they are from KEEGAN Miller, and that he sent enough toys and treats for all of the rescues for Christmas! That was sure nice of him! He must have found a wonderful furever home!!
Hmmm... lots of toys and treats... toys and... HEY! NO FAIR!! Where are my treats?? Miss Elizabeth, please tell my foster mom that they are starving me here. No, it's not true, but I betcha it'll make her bring me some treats!
Mom is coming back tomorrow to take me for a stroll. How cool is that???
HEY! What in the... MOM! How could you??? I'm naked in these pictures, and you can see my diaper! I'll never be able to show my face in public again...
CLOUD
Dog-ter CORY studies CLOUD's file.
Update 1/17/08: I was feeling better today than yesterday. I was even pawing at Mommy so she would pet me more and more and more and more and more... The petting felt so good that I didn't even want to play tug with her. Hey, we all have our priorities, ya know!
Mom and Dr. Miller are meeting next week to discuss my very own cart to help me get around while I continue to heal. The one Miss Elizabeth's boy MERLIN recommends looks pretty neat, and is Mommy-friendly (meaning it does not require lifting me into the cart). It makes Mommy's back hurt a lot when she has to carry me and walk me by holding me up. It's not that I am heavy; it's cuz I try to take off as soon as I know my back end is supported! Setter boyz gotta run, ya know!!!
CLOUD
Update 1/22/08: YIKES!!! Dr. Lisa did something new today. For those of you who may be candidates for this type of therapy, RUN, and FAST!!!
Since I could not run, fast or otherwise, I was stuck - literally! Let me just say that undergoing acupuncture is like becoming a doggy pin cushion. I can tell you that, were I not afraid of needles before, I am now!!! Seriously, it wasn't that bad. If it helps, I'm all for it!
Dr. Lisa took my measurements (no, I'm not 36-24-36, but thanks for asking!), and sent in the order for my cart. It should be here in about a week. I can hardly wait!!
CLOUD
Update 1/29/08: Rumors were premature. The dog-ter has decided to wait before doing the other little surgery that will help me sit more comfortably in my cart. WHEW!!
Speaking of my new cart...
.........ZOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLOUD
Update 1/23/08: Ruh-Roh! They made me work today. Crud! They put me on a ball, which gave me some support, but not as much as I get when they walk me with a sling. Guess my trip down "Easy Street" is over!
Rumor has it that I will get a little break from the work-out. I'm going to have another little surgery that will help me sit comfortably in my cart. Double Ruh-Roh!!
CLOUD
Update 2/1/08: Mom spoke with Dr. Lisa, and apparently she is going to speak to the warden next week. I should be released soon! They feel my spine is stable enough for me to have more freedom of movement. I am also able to control my bladder fairly well at this point. That means they are letting me pee-pee all on my own, just like a big boy!
Dr. Lisa is pleased with the progress I am making, but is still cautioning about getting my hopes up. You see, I now have a little bit of gross motor in both legs. It will be several months before they will really know just how much I will get back. It takes a while for nerves to grow, and it's a long way from the middle of my back to my feet! Anyway, sometimes healing continues until the function is close to what it was before the accident, and sometimes it gets to a certain point, then stops.
Considering where I was a month and a half ago, I'm very pleased! Well, mostly pleased... I still don't see why they felt the need to pinch my toesies!!
CLOUD
Update 2/4/08: Dr. Tracey Gillespie called this afternoon. CLOUD has developed an unexpected complication in that his calciums levels are elevated. Tests are being run to isolate the cause. This is a very serious situation. Updates will be provided when new info becomes available.
Update 2/4/08A: A very astute vet (thanks, Dr. Alina Culica!) noticed that CLOUD was drinking more and peeing more, and alerted Tracey, who called for bloodwork. The bloodwork was normal in all respects except for elevated BUN, Creatinine, and Calcium. Samples have been sent to the lab. Some results should be back tomorrow. Other tests, such as those where they grow cultures, take longer.
Save Our Setters, Inc.
Update 2/5/08: CLOUD was sleepy when I arrived. Test results today showed BUN and Creatinine now in the normal range, but Calcium is still elevated. It takes longer for calcium levels to come down, so the results tomorrow should show a levelling off of calcium, followed by a decline towards normal. Once we get the numbers where they need to be, the test results should be in, and we can start treating the underlying cause.
Save Our Setters, Inc.
Update 2/7/08: CLOUD's calcium is still elevated, but is slowing coming down. It was 13.3 this morning. That, compared to a high on 2/5/08 of 16.0 with normal being between 7.9 and 12.0, is good news, but we still have a ways to go. He is continuing with diuresis (fluids), Lasix, and antibiotics. We are hopeful that some test results will come in today.
After two days of being off-feed, he is eating again. That is good news, too!
Save Our Setters, Inc.
Tracey N. Gillespie, D.V.M, Diplomate,
American College Veterinary Internal Medicine
Dr. Gillespie graduated from Purdue University's School of
Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She completed a rotating
internship in small animal medicine, surgery and emergency
medicine at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. She
remained in private practice for an additional year working
as an emergency clinician and intern supervisor. She left
private practice in June of 1999 for a residency in internal
medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, veterinary
teaching hospital. Following completion of a 2-year residency,
she joined MedVet in September of 2001 and has been
practicing internal medicine. Dr. Gillespie is board certified in
Internal Medicine, and is a Diplomate of the American College
of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Dr. Gillespie has comprehensive experience in endoscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, and rhinoscopy. She also has training in abdominal ultrasound and echocardiography. She has a special interest in endocrinopathies, hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders with research experience in canine diabetes mellitus and hepatitis. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding and SCUBA diving.
Update 2/8/08: Did ya miss me? I bet so! As you can tell, I'm feeling better!!! I even tried to paw my foster mom every time she stopped loving on me. They are still keeping me in jail because I still have a tube running into my leg. They also have me wearing this funny hat that I really hate, but they say I hafta wear it to keep me from chewing on that tube. Get real! If you had a tube stuck in your leg, wouldn't you want to chew on it, too?
Anyway, I'm being a good boy, and am eating everything they give me. My calcium is now down to 13.0, so I am still making progress. I do get tired pretty easily, but that is to be expected. They are reducing the IV fluids a little every day, and are monitoring my water intake so that I get just the right amount for me. My foster mom plans on asking how they can determine how much water I am actually getting in my tummy. She says that there must be a trick, since Irish Setters are well known for having drinking problems, as evidenced by the puddles around the water bowls, and the long trails of water leading from the kitchen in every direction!
CLOUD
Update 2/12/08: Mommy is bringing that file tonight so I can bust outta this joint! Seriously, she says we are taking a road trip to Knoxville. Once we get there, we go straight to the ER (so we don't hafta wait), and the nephrologist and endocrinologist will be ready for me! Gosh, I must be really important!!
My calcium is now down to 12.7, with BUN and creatinine holding at 24 and 1.3, respectively. I'm still on fluids at 100ml/hr. The issue I had initially with anemia has resolved, and my UA is still normal, no crystals, no casts, and specific gravity is normal.
CLOUD
Update 2/15/08: Now just a doggone minute! I bust outta one jail to be put in another? NO FAIR!! This new jail has more wardens, too. Bummer... Oh, and they are comparing me to someone named BEAUMONT. Seems everyone here knows that dog, and thinks he is the greatest. I'm gonna hafta work extra hard to show them that I am the greatest!!
The trip here was okay for me, but the humans were not real pleased that it snowed most of the way. I don't know what snow is, so I don't know why they weren't happy about it. The trip took a little longer than expected, but we got to Knoxville in plenty of time.
I'm keeping it a secret for now that I have a new girlfriend. Her name is Becca, and she thinks I'm pretty special. She's the senior vet student charged with taking good care of me, so I get to spend a lot of time with her (thump, thump)! I know she loves me cuz she unhooked that pesky IV tube that I didn't like, which means I don't hafta wear an e-collar or a basket muzzle to keep me from trying to take it out myself. If my numbers stay where they are now, I get the catheter out tomorrow. Yippee!!!!
Becca got Dr. Scott Rizzo to help her take me for stroll this morning. Little did they know that they are no match for a young Irish Setter who loves to RUN!!! I figured since they had four legs between the two of them, they could keep up. Nope!! They got their exercise, though. After the first stroll, they decided that maybe taking me out in my cart would be wiser, so we did that instead. ZOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Scott says that I will move out of ICU tomorrow if my bloodwork looks good. I get to go visit Dr. Drum over in physical therapy. I get the impression that Dr. Scott is trying to get someone else to take me for walks - I wonder why he would do that... I'm scheduled to stay there for a week. If everything is going well after a week, I'm supposed to go home!
Speaking of home, my foster mom says that we are gonna wait until I get home to celebrate my first birthday. She says we will have a party just for me - how cool is that?!!! Yep, I'm special, all right! Oh, Becca told my foster mom today that she thinks I'm special, too!
CLOUD
(Please don't tell Becca that Miss Elizabeth sent
me a Valentine's Day card and some presents!!!
I really don't want her to get jealous, you know.)
Here's a picture of the snow stuff. If you
look closely at the trees, you can see the
flakes. The snow is blowing horizontally.
Update 2/16/08: It's official! I'm now released from the "I See You" department. With the number of eyes I had on me there, it's easy to see why they call it ICU!
Anyway, my ionized calcium was 1.45 this morning which made Dr. Scott very happy (me, too!!). We'll do bloodwork again in about three days. Some test results should be in by then, too, so stay tuned!!
My most sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to funding my enormous vet bills, and to the many folks who have been sending Setter Zen my way. Zen works!!!!!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a previous engagement that I must attend...
Zoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLOUD
Update 2/17/08: My ionized calcium was 1.35 this morning which is almost normal - YAAAAAAYYYYY!! Becca called my foster mom this morning, and told her that I am doing very well in my cart. Even better, I am starting to demonstrate using my rear legs. I have a long ways to go, and only time will tell whether I'll have enough function to walk and run without assistance, but we all have to start somewhere!
Zoom! Zoom! Zoooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLOUD
Update 2/18/08: My ionized calcium was 1.29 this morning which is NORMAL - YAAAAAAYYYYY!! I am starting a new diet that will help me beef up my muscles more quickly. I am still trying to run down anyone and everyone in the hallways (leashes spoil all my fun)!!! I'm scheduled for hydrotherapy today, too, which sounds like fun. I hope the humans like getting wet!!!!
Dr. Drum called my foster mom this evening, and told her what a good boy I am. She was very excited about my motor skills, and says the major barrier at this point is muscle tone. There is no question as to whether I will have close to full function when I am done with therapy. The question is whether the muscles will come back enough to support my weight. Looks like I'm gonna be put through the paces for six to twelve months, and I am ready!!!!
Dr. Drum also told her what a brave boy I am... I wasn't scared, just startled, I tell ya! Hey, you'd be scared, too, if all of the sudden you had this huge 1600 pound creature looking down at you, snorting and pawing a hoof!
CLOUD
Update 2/21/08: Not only is my ionized calcium normal, but my total calcium is 10.5, which is also NORMAL!! The best news is that I get to go out in my cart a LOT (15 times around the hospital this morning), and in typical Irish Setter fashion, have to stop at every door and peep in just in case there are a pair of idle hands just waiting to pet me!
Today, I am wagging my tail, so we now know that still works! I am also standing, but can only do so for a few seconds since my muscles are still pretty weak.
Becca has graciously taken several pics of me so everyone can see how well I have been doing. She loves me a lot!!!! It's gonna be a happy day for me when I get to go home! Of course, it will be sad, too, cuz I really do love Becca, and I'm gonna miss her.
CLOUD
Update 2/25/08: Hmmmmm... do ya think Mom should clean the lens before taking pictures?
CLOUD
Update 2/26/08: Ruh-Roh... I think I'm in trouble with my foster mom!! We went to the clinic today for physical therapy, and I had to meet everyone in the waiting room. She was happy with that, as I have been working at my socialization skills, and I came back to her for neck scratches in between visits.
Then... I saw my buddies that work there, and I was sooooooo happy!! I went from one friend to the next, to the next... and I totally forgot to go back to mom for neck scratches! I'm guessing it's a good thing that she doesn't have a dog house, cuz I might be in it!!
Dr. Tracey says she'll run follow-up bloodwork on Friday to see how my calcium is doing. Dr. Lisa is working with me on muscle tone and proprioception. Both are so thrilled with how well I am doing! I like making girls happy!!!
CLOUD
Update 3/05/08: I'm warnin' ya - I have vocal chords and I know how to use them! Okay, so I can be a little talkative at times. What else is a boy to do?
Anyway, I have come a looooooong way in just two weeks' time! I am using both legs pretty well, and can almost stand from a sit. Getting up from a down will take a while longer. Everyone is very pleased with the progress!
Rumor has it that some video of me walking in my cart will be uploaded soon. Stay tuned!! Oh, and I am supposed to be having my birthday party this coming weekend, if the weather is good. I can hardly wait!!
CLOUD
Update 3/07/08: My test results from last Friday are in. My ionized calcium is at 1.35 which is in the upper end of normal. The Dog-ters will be playing vampire again today and next Friday to make sure it stays in the normal range.
CLOUD
Update 3/13/08: Some of my test results from last Friday are in. My ionized calcium is still holding in the normal range, now 1.1 (low end of normal)!! The Dog-ters will be playing vampire again this Friday, and then monthly thereafter for a few months unless I start to show signs of problems.
I'm getting stronger and stronger. I can almost stand fully upright on my own for a little while. I can stand much longer in a squatting position. I am not graceful about it, but I can even get up from lying down now!!
I've been having lots of fun playing with JENNA. She is little, and is not likely to be able to hurt me if she messes up. She is very gentle with me, though, and we play tug and mouth wrestle a lot. If she gets a toy I want (note that I want anything that she has), I can even chase her in my cart. It's good to be able to play again!!
CLOUD
Update 3/16/08: It was a beautiful spring day in Tennessee, so JENNA and I got some supervised playtime outside...
A picture is worth a thousand words...
CLOUD
Update 3/20/08: I got an A+ on my latest report card!! Dr. Lisa is very pleased with my progress, particularly in the area of building muscle. Mom thinks it's because I must have been working out with a dumbbell. I didn't think that was a nice thing to say about JENNA...
CLOUD
Update 4/2/08: Ruh-Roh... JENNA left for her new forever home today, and I only have big dogs to play with now. Mom says we'll test to see who will be gentle with me while keeping me active. She thinks two of the English Setter girls will be good, if they will play a lot like JENNA did.
CLOUD
Update 4/6/08: I got a new report card. Wanna see it? Okay! Click here!!
CLOUD
Update 4/17/08: I'm now going for walks without a cart. My foster mom calls me the drunk dog, but I don't mind. Pretty soon, I'll be able to walk a straight line - you just wait and see!!
CLOUD
Update 5/5/08: I'm still not able to walk a straight line, but am continuing to improve a little at a time. I've been practicing a lot with steps, and am now doing the right stepping motions, so it's just a matter of time before I can do stairs!!
The treasurer has reported that my bills have now exceeded $15,000, and donations have slowed way down. If you care to donate, I know that SOS will be most appreciative!!
CLOUD
Update 5/13/08: I'm getting better at walking a straight line! I guess I'm not drunk after all!!!!
My appointment is this Friday. I can hardly wait to show them how well I am doing!! Stayed tuned!!!!!!
CLOUD
Update 5/17/08: Sniff, sniff... Oh, I am sooooo sad!! Dr. Lisa at MedVet said that I am doing very well, and she has released me. I'm thinking that I'll never see my friends there again. Maybe, if I ask really nice, my foster mom will take me there one last time to visit.
Dr. Tracey did one last blood draw to test my calcium. Those results will be in in about a week. I'm feeling so well that I know it will come back normal, and then she will release me, too.
Mom and Dr. Lisa must have talked, cuz I am now allowed to RUN!! YIPPEE!!!!! Oh, and I can now do a few steps all by myself!!!!!! (I'm assuming that Mom watching and standing ready to help 'just in case' doesn't count as help.)
CLOUD
Update 5/20/08: I'm still waiting for the results of my bloodwork last Friday, but am not worried one iota. I'm feeling so good, I just know the results will show everything is normal!!
I did go in to the regular vet today. Dr. Darryl said I look terrific!! (I could have told my foster mom that, and saved her the price of an exam so she could buy me more treats and toys!!!!!) I'm up to 68 pounds now, and have just a few more pounds to gain to be about right. There is nothing wrong with my appetite!!
CLOUD
Update 5/25/08: The results of my bloodwork last Friday are in, and they are GOOD! My Ionized Calcium is still holding in the normal range at 1.32 - YAAAY!!! I told ya I wasn't worried!!!
I am now walking better, and am starting to run better, too. It just takes practice, and I'm getting lots of that!!
The wonderful folks at MedVet, University of Tennessee - Knoxville Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Companion Animal Hospital get some of the credit, but I get most of the credit cuz I did all the hard stuff, like learning to walk again! Oh, I guess I should give the folks at SOS some credit, too, for believing in me and for giving me every opportunity to show just how resilient Irish Setters can be! (My foster mom says "stubborn" is more like it, but I like "resilient" better!!)
Oh, yeah... the majority of the credit for my incredible recovery goes to my many wonderful sponsors, who made it all possible! Also, I want to thank everyone who sent that powerful Setter Zen! I know that made a big difference!!
Speaking of sponsors, the estimated vet bills have been adjusted to the actual amounts (except that one bill that will be coming soon). The expenses listed are just for vetting, and do not include food, treats, toys, some meds, microchip, travel costs to UTK, gasoline to and from the clinics, and Mom's boot lace! Those who have been considering donating to help with my expenses, you are running out of time, as it won't be long before I leave for my new forever home!
CLOUD
Update 6/1/08: Okay, now! I'm hearing vicious rumors that I am being spoiled rotten! I don't know who started these rumors, but they are totally unfounded! I am getting exactly what every setter deserves - nothing more and nothing less!
I have been working very hard, and can now do five steps all by myself, which is not too shabby for a boy who could barely drag himself around a few months ago!! I'm up to about 70 pounds now (all muscle, mind you!!), and am looking and feeling great!
During my periods of rest, I have been honing my Setter talents. In particular, my "arrrooooo" has come a long way, and nearly always renders the desired results! I've gotten the neck stretch down pat, which makes neck scratches that much more enjoyable. Watching out the window has become a favorite activity, which provides even more opportunity for me to practice rooo-ing. I'm also trying my hand... er, paw at lap-climbing, but am meeting some resistence from the owner of the lap. I must try harder!!
CLOUD
Update 6/7/08: In spite of the fact that I have been FULLY SPONSORED(!!!), my foster mom apparently thought I needed a job, so I am now officially a trucker dog. Trucker Tom is not allowing me to actually drive, but I have helped by shifting gears! For some reason, Tom was none too pleased, but I was only trying to help!!
I'm on my way to Denver, where I will continue to hone my skills for a couple of weeks. My new mom is driving all the way from Los Angeles to Denver to get me!! Oh, and she is bringing the other four-legged family members along. I hope they ride as well as I do, and that we can all play with toys and stuff on the road!
The CLOUD that COULD!!
Note from Cecily Barker, President of Save Our Setters:
I am in awe of the financial and moral support that CLOUD's case has evoked. We couldn't be more of proud of the results of his surgery and treatment, and we truly appreciate those who understand the uncertainty involved, with no guarantees of success. Thanks for having faith in CLOUD and his indomitable Setter Spirit!
(Check back in a week or so for pictures from his journey to DENVER!!!!!)
CLOUD
Note from Alissa Thomas, foster mom to CLOUD:
Continuing Cecily's thoughts in her message above, I, too, would like to thank those who were touched by CLOUD and his plight, including the Boardmembers of Save Our Setters who were willing to take a chance. The gamble paid off for CLOUD, and the rewards will continue for many years, as CLOUD is only one year old. Thanks to the Board, CLOUD has a future as a reasonably normal redhead. The healing process is not yet complete, so we won't know for many months yet just how normal he will be, but his new forever mom has promised to provide updates that we will share with you here.
I would also like to extend my personal gratitude to several folks, as follows:
Dr. Alina Culica at MedVet, for going above and beyond in the care of CLOUD;
Dr. Todd Tobias at MedVet, for giving CLOUD the chance he deserved and for discounts on the bill;
Dr. Sharon Folsom, for helping me to understand the complicated ins and outs of CLOUD's conditions;
Dr. Tracey Gillespie at MedVet, for using her knowledge to treat CLOUD's hypercalcemia;
Dr. Lisa Miller and Heather at MedVet, for teaching CLOUD how to use his rear legs again;
The Staff at MedVet, for being CLOUD's cheering section;
The Doctors and Staff at UTK, for all their hard work;
Cecily, Katy, Becky, Linda, Ann, Ginger, Elizabeth, and countless others, for their time and moral support;
Gretchen, for dropping everything to help me take CLOUD to Knoxville;
Patrick, for your support and help with all the foster dogs;
JENNA, for giving CLOUD something to strive for, and for affording me a little time to relax;
CLOUD, for working so hard, and for trusting me and having faith in me.
It has been a long journey with many ups and downs. Many miles were logged in the truck, getting CLOUD to and from his appointments, visiting him while hospitalized, and the unforgettable trip to Knoxville in a snowstorm. Many more miles were logged on foot, up and down hills, across bumpy terrain, over fallen logs, through shallow creeks, up and down ramps, and on various surfaces to build muscles in CLOUD's legs. Many hours were spent supervising play with JENNA and other dogs, and being a playmate to CLOUD myself.
Rescue is a labor of love, and emotions run high. It can be both exhillerating and exhausting at the same time. The pay really sucks (nada), but the reward is priceless when a paralyzed dog takes his first step, a recumbent dog gets up on his own for the first time, a sickly dog starts to show signs of improvement, an unsocialized dog starts to trust, and so forth.
If you have never fostered a dog, I encourage you to give it a try. Virtually every rescue for every breed of dog as well as mixes is in need of foster homes. Most foster situations are not as difficult as CLOUD's, but can still afford you the opportunity to test your resolve, build character, love even more deeply, and know that you are the world to that dog. The example you set for others, especially for children, will teach compassion and resolve, and will benefit future generations of homeless animals. I can think of nothing more worthwhile than making a difference both now and in the future!
Update 6/10/08: I'm now in Denver, and am learning about the thinner air up here. I get tired more quickly, but that will change as soon as I get used to it. I am getting to play a lot, and I get to run!!!!! Wanna see???? Okay, click here!
CLOUD
Update 6/25/08: My new forever Mommy is coming for me today! I'm soooo excited!! Boy, is she going to be surprised to learn that not only can I do a whole staircase, but I can also now get up on the couch all by myself!!! Get ready and click here, cuz I'm gonna show you!!!
CLOUD
Update 7/2/08: Boy, do I feel dumb! I gave it my best shot, but I just couldn't find Yogi Bear and Boo Boo at Jellystone National Park. Then, we we were leaving the park, I knew why... We were at Yellowstone, not Jellystone! Well, at least my sniffer got a good workout, what with all the new smells!
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we are having a great time, and will be arriving at my new forever home in a couple of days. I really like road trips, and I hope we get to go lots of places in our rolling house!!
CLOUD
Dr. Craig in GA called SOS for rescue assistance with CLOUD, and we were only too glad to help. CLOUD apparently did not receive medical attention until about a week following his being hit by a car. He has subluxation of the T5/T6 vertebrae. We will be transporting him for assessment and treatment. The terrific folks at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville did such a spectacular job with BEAUMONT with only skillful and intense physical therapy, and CLOUD deserves the same opportunity for a long, happy, and active life!
