Help - how do I help paralysed dog?

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Alison and Bella
I hope the time you spend together in the country is healiing for both of you. Bella in her baby pouch; close to your heart. I think you are the most wonderful, caring Mom, and you both are in all of our hearts every day. You are family. We will pray for more improvement, no matter how small, and send you all our strength and love to help you through this most difficult time. Hang in their little Bella. We love you

[amanion]

Hi,
Back in town for a day. Bella is doing quite well, but it's a long porocess. She has limited movement in all her legs now, and the other day, in a fit of frustration, she actualy rolled onto her tummy as if to get up. On the down side, her neck muscles are still spasming really badly, and it is hard to get her head into any sort normal position. so it is still hard to eat and drink. Her front legs are up like little chicken wings, and have to be massaged to try to resretch the tendons. I am going to make her a sling to support her body with her feet just touching - I hope this will help normalise her legs. She wants to be up so much. Some days are really happy and positive, and others I just look at her and her poor neck and cry. But I think it will all work out. I've been telling her that she can't stay like this for ever, and she can't die, so she just has to get there.

Hope everyone and their dogs are well - I'll be in touch in a week or so. Alison

[Sudilar]

Thank you so much for the update. It is so hard when our little angels are hurt. Bella still seems to be getting better. It's a long road, but she's worth it. Hang in there!

[AdoreMyDogs]

Alison,

You are a true blessing to that dog. You really are. I am so pained at reading your last post. I know how that feels, not the specific problems that Bella is going through but the same feeling of "what to do". It's painful either way, and from reading the horrible accident from the start, I know that you will make the right choice, you are going above and beyond to see that Bella is comfortable. I do know the look from those beautiful canine eyes that give mixed feelings and that's real hard. I have not posted yet about Bella, but I wanted to let you know that you have another sincere supporter to help you through this.

-Leslie

[carrie]

Here's something you may like to try - run a luke warm bath and let Bella float, with your support obviously. It is natural for dogs to use their legs when in the water and it will encourage her leg movement and strengthen her muscles. It will also give her a little excersise and something to think about. Keep us posted - the continued improvement is very encouraging. Acupuncture may help her neck at this stage too.

[Pam]

Alison it was good hearing from you and learning of Bella's progress. You are a wonderful person and I commend you for how you are fighting for this wonderful little dog. Carrie's advice sounds wonderful (as usual!) to use the water to get her little legs moving. Enjoy the rest of your time away in the country and we will look forward to your next post.

[RachelJ]

Alison, I think we all must check the "Dog Health" section daily to see if there has been any new posts from you. If there is ever a site that honors the Guardians of Dogs, you have to be the first honoree. Having dealt with two aging dogs in the past, I know how devastating the illnesses and infirmities are, but this is beyond comprehension. May God give you strengh to cope and guidance in knowing what is best for Bella.

[sammi]

Thanks for keeping us posted on Bella's progress. Yes, Carrie's idea of a warm bath sounds like a helpful idea and Racheal's right I think most of check out the health post just to see if anything is new on Bella! Hope her progress cont. to go well. Look forward to your next update.

[dogncatluvr]

I'm happy to hear that Bella is showing a little improvement. I also admire all that you are doing for this little girl!

[Daisy's Mom]

It's great to hear from you Alison! I have checked the site every day to see how Bella is doing. I agree with everyone, you are such a great mom, Bella is so lucky to have you. Good luck with her!

[karen israel]

Ditto for me too! I've also been checking the site for an update on Bella! I also think Carrie's suggestion is great! So glad to hear she is improving a bit! You both a definitely in my prayers!!

[karen israel]

Ditto for me too! I've also been checking the site for an update on Bella! I also think Carrie's suggestion is great! So glad to hear she is improving a bit! You both a definitely in my prayers!!

[tatsxxx11]

Sooooo relieved to have read a post from you Alison. Every day I would check, and my heart would kind of race, fearful of what I might read. How wonderful to see steady progress. I know how hard it is for you to see her struggling, but every step forward is great cause for hope and optimism. I hope your time away was healing for you both. I think you are just the BEST mom and I am sure much of Bella's healing is thanks to the tremendous emotional, as well as physical, support you give her. Hydrotherapy is a great means of passive exercise, and very comforting and relaxing. Maybe you can get in the tub with her!! Will be thinking of you both and praying every day for Bella! Please let us know how you guys are doing. With love...

[ownerof3dogs]

I am so glad to hear that Bella is doing better. and I would definently try that swimming thing

[tatsxxx11]

Allison: I am thinking of you and little Bella every day and am worried because we haven't heard from you in a couple of weeks. Please let us know how you and Bella are doing. I am hoping for the best. Love to you both.