Help - how do I help paralysed dog?

[sammi]

Hope Bella continues to improve your love for her can go a long way. Thinking about you & Bella.

[Smilla]

Keep it up, Bella!

[Pam]

Hi Alison. What GREAT news!!! I know it is only small progress, but little by little we are seeing improvement and are so happy for you both!! I was going to write this morning and ask for an update but was hesitant in case word from the vet was bad and maybe you were too upset to write. I am so glad to hear that things are going well, even though it is all happening so slowly. We will continue to pray for a miracle for little Bella!!!

[RachelJ]

We all are checking back frequently to see how sweet little Bella is doing. She sure has a lot of people caring about her and wishing her the very best.

[tatsxxx11]

Great news Alison. We are all thinking of you and Bella and sending you happy, healing thoughts and love. Slow, steady progress is still progress, great progress, even though I know it is hard for you. Try and hang in there and seek the comfort and love of family, friends, and your wonderful vet. It really made my day to hear of her little victorys. God Bless You little Bella and Alison. Please let us know who you guys are doing when you are up to it.
Sleep tight little one. You've got one great Mommy.

[KYS]

We are all pulling for you.
Thoughts and good wishes daily.

[Pam]

Alison I just saw a very interesting story on MSNBC about alternative medicine for animals. It caught my attention because it started with a clip about a black standard poodle (I once had one.....my beloved Whitney). The dog in the clip had suffered a seizure/stroke and became paralyzed. They found a vet that used alternative medicine and, in this dog's case, acupuncture. This dog's story had a very happy ending and he looked to me to be fully recovered. (They didn't say how long it took). There were also two other animals with problems (a cat with diabetes and a rottweiler with hip dysplasia). The cat did well on a special diet but the rottie was not able to be helped. I gathered that most vets do not place much trust in this type of therapy but more of them are coming around. I thought of little Bella while I was watching this and just wanted to pass it on. Maybe it is something that could be tried?

[Daisy's Mom]

I am so happy that Bella is doing better! I check every day to see how she is doing, I almost feel like it is my baby who's hurt!!! Go Bella go!!!!
-Bridget

[amanion]

Bella is a little bit better - now she moves one front leg - she sort of waves it around, and there is a bit of tail reflex. Her neck is a lot better now the soreness has gone, and she can look around a bit, but she still can't hold her head up, so she has it supported on a rolled up towel. She is still totally immobile. Her back legs don't move at all except for a bit of reflex pull=back in one leg, and all her muscles are wasting.

I have been having a good hard think about what to do. Somttimes Bella's eyes look sad, and they often look weary, but other times they are as bright as ever. The main thing she hates is being left around the house - she yips and howl and totally freaks if I take too long. So I am going to get one of those baby pouches people get for newborns, where the baby hangs at the front. I will carry her around with me, and she can look out.

I am going to a friend's pace in the country for 8 weks to finish my thesis, and leaving kids, dogs,cats, rats, bird, house etc with a friend. So Bella and I will go to the country and she can be next to me when I work. I will have lots of time to nurse her with noone else to look after, and we will have a great time. Then after Christmas, we will have another think, and see how life is for the little Bella boodle poodle. Whatever happens, she will have had the best chance, and we will have had a lovely time together.

I have thought about acupuncture - I will see if anyone does it around here.

Going back to the vet Thursday, so will post another update.

Your prayers and wishes are keeping us going - even the best friends don't always understand. Alison

[sammi]

ananion, Your friends here on this message board DO understand what your feeling and going through and care. No sometimes not even your best friends can understand and will think "its just a animal". Thats the nice thing about this board we share that same understanding. Sounds like you have a good plan. Wish you & Bella the best.

[Karen]

We are all keeping you and Bella in our thoughts and prayers - the time alone in the country seems ideal for both your thesis and her healing - hope you'll have an internet connaction and keep us all posted! I have to sail the tail movement starting made me grin - a dog who can wag her tail again, even just a little, is such a happy thought!

[Sudilar]

The time in the country sounds wonderful. Please try to keep us posted. We do care very much!! Good luck.


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***Save a life, ADOPT***

[dogncatluvr]

I'm happy to read that Bella seems a tiny bit better. Please keep loving her for us all, she's become a part of our 'family' here at Dog of the Day.

[Pam]

Alison thank you so much for your nice notes about Bella's progress. You have given us so much information about her as well as yourself that we really feel as though we know you both. It is so obvious how much you love her and I am so glad you will be able to get away just with her for a few weeks. What a terrific idea to get a child carrier so she can be always near you. You are a wonderful nurse to little Bella. We will continue to keep you both in our prayers and do hope that you will be able to continue to keep in touch with us while you are away. Enjoy your time in the country with her! You are in so many hearts!!!

[RachelJ]

There isn't a day that goes by that you and Bella aren't thought about. I only wish every dog could have a guardian such as you. You will not regret these days, even if the time comes that a different decision is made. Believe me, we do understand how hard it is on you to see your baby in this condition. I only wish there were something we could do to help you.