I am writing today’s blog between tears as my 8 year old Border Collie Encore is in an emergency clinic fighting for her life; I am asking for your healing prayers.
Encore’s health issues started about 3 1/2 years ago when she had some sort of tick born illness. She has had reoccurrences of issues off and on since that time. Two weeks ago she stopped eating and was very lethargic, her temperature normal all but one day where it spiked for few hours at 104. She has had a series of blood and urine tests all pointing towards nothing other than a healthy dog. I took her to a holistic vet who thought it was once again the tick born issues and treated her with some tinctures, doxycycline and light therapy which seems to make an amazing difference pretty much immediately. With Encore seeming to be back to be her old self again for almost a full week, I was encouraged enough to make the trip to Florida where Feature was to be representing Canada at the AKC Invitationals. The holistic vet however advised that I leave Encore at home to rest. So off John and I went in the RV taking only Feature and Swagger.
All reports from home where great ones. Encore was romping, having a blast her normal happy self. However two days ago she showed some signs of ataxia; a minor lack of co-ordination and weird movement with her right front leg. The vet thought perhaps a middle ear infection. Lynda gave me regular updates that Encore was happy, eating, drinking, being her normal self except for this weird front leg movement.
Then yesterday I got a phone call from my friend and Encore’s rehab vet, Dr. Leslie (Lynda was too upset to call) that Encore went down with a massive seizure. She was rushed to the emergency clinic where they could not stop the seizing. The decision was made to put her into a state of unconsciousness. Under an ongoing maximum does of phenobarbital and valium she lays resting but they have been unable to bring her out without the seizures starting again.
Meanwhile John and I packed the motorhome and headed home. I wanted to fly but that would have been unfair to John to leave him to drive alone. Encore is as much his dog as mine and in many ways more. Having Feature and Swagger with us packing us all up to get on a plane did not seem as reasonable as driving the 21 hours home. Because of my emotional state John didn’t want me to do any of the driving so as I type he has driven straight through with just a brief 5 hour stop for him to get some sleep.
The goal with Encore’s vets is to stabilize her enough to get her to a neurologist. Although the situation seems bleak, I have not given up hope. Last night I thought I would post a note to Facebook because I know many will be wondering why Feature and I did not show up at the Invitational. However I mostly posted because I know God hears our prayers. Just twelve hours after I posted about Encore’s struggles there have been more than 600 messages from people lending their prayers and healing thoughts Encore’s way. Thank you everyone. Not only are your messages helping me to pass the time on our long drive back to Canada but God promises where two or more of His followers are gathered together He will be here amoungst us. With the hundreds that have written in, surely we must have His attention.
Today I am thankful for all of your prayers, for all of the vets helping Encore; especially Dr. Alix, Dr. Leslie and Dr. Kelly and the staff at the London Emerg Clinic and last but not least, I will be forever eternally grateful for my good friend Lynda Orton-Hill who has done everything she could for Missy En, including sleeping in her car in the parking lot of the Emerg Clinic when at 1:30 AM this morning they told her she had to leave Encore’s side.
Mid day update;.
More gratitude for Lynda Orton-Hill and Dr Alexandra Soltan, between the two of them they managed to make an ambulance out of Lynda’s car and drive Encore the 160 km to the specialist at the Oakville Referral clinic. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am.
Dr. Alix didn’t even have to give Missy En and meds on route. I know there are families in Connecticut that also need all of our prayers today butI am so grateful for all this community is doing for Encore. Please keep all of your prayers & positive healing energy coming. John and I are 4 hours from home, the poor man has driven 18 out of the past 23 hours . . . saving a huge dose of gratitude for him.
My prayers are with you and Encore at this difficult time. May God hold her in his loving hands helping her heal and get past this health crisis.
It is always so tough on us as we feel helpless to do anything to help our four legged children who give us so much love.
And prayers for you and your husband to have strength and positive energy to face this tough time.
What a beautiful face and apparently beautiful heart Encore has! We all pray for her complete recovery and pray for you and John as well.
My thoughts are with you and John and those that love Encore.
This was so heartbreaking to read. I’m sending all the love and prayers to you and Encore. I hope they can find out what’s wrong and make her healthy again.
My thoughts and prayers to you, John and Encore. Safe travels home and fingers, toes and puppy paws all crossed her for happy news of Encore’s recovery.
My prayers are that God’s will be done and He wrap His loving arms around you and John as He heals and comforts Encore. You must know that with the over 600 people replying to your pleas for prayers there are even more praying without commenting. You, John and Miss Em are in the thoughts and prayers of this ever so vast and wonderful community of dog enthusiasts. ((hugs to you))
OMG, this is just heartbreaking. I hope that Encore comes through this. Be safe on your trip home.
Susan and John,
I am hoping and praying for Encore. She has always held a special place in my heart.
Praying for Encore, you, your family, your friends, and your vet team. Travel safely and godspeed.
thoughts, prayers and positive energy coming to you and Encore.
Thinking if you all a sending positive healing thoughts and prayers.
Sending healing prayers for Encore. Safe travels to you and John so that you will be home to, once again, be by Encore’s side.
Susan,
I’m so sorry to read this. This is all very scary, but it sounds like Encore is in good hands and she is lucky to have such a supportive family looking out for her. And, in case it helps to know this, I’ve read of many dogs on the canine epilepsy list who have gone through this type of seizure situation and they have recovered. I am sending good thoughts that Encore recovers just as well.
My healing thoughts and prayers are with Encore you and John. Border Collies are fighters and give it their all. I hope the seizures stop and the neurologist is able to diagnose and help Encore get through this.
we are praying for Encore and for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with Encore you and John. Border Collies are fighters and give it their all. I hope the seizures stop and the neurologist is able to diagnose and help Encore get through this.
Many thoughts and prayers being sent for Encore and you and your family. Be safe on your trip home.
Encore and Garrett Family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope you find a great specialist to help you. We are pulling for Encore.
Susan, feel for you & John. Hope Encore is up & about very soon. You are so lucky to have Lynda as a friend, she is an amazing person.
Praying and sending strength to you, your girl, John, Lynda and her team of healers…believing that Encore will rally and her body will heal so that she can come home. Come on girlie, hang in there and keep fighting 😉
There is no other dog out there with a bigger heart than Encore and I hope right now she can feel how much everyone loves her back.
Oh my God, Susan, I had no idea this was going on! So very sorry to hear this… 🙁 I’ve looked after a white swiss shepherd for a while who has seizures, it’s horrible…
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all who are affected by this tragedy. I will pray that Encore comes out of this, she can’t be missed just yet…
Everyone over at Border Collie Crazy are praying like crazy for Encore.
Dear God, you have given us care over all living things; protect and bless the animals who give us companionship and delight, make us their true friends and worthy companions. Amen.
You have done that and more for her! God bless.
Thank you for sharing this news with us. You and John and Encore are in my prayers. At times like these I am so grateful to the vets who care for my pets, so blessings to them too.
Susan, feel for you & John. Hope
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have shared your babies with us all and we have learned so much from you. Know that we are all lifting you up and sending healing prayers your way.
I am so very sorry for what Encore and you are going through Susan. Prayers are with Encore that she makes a full recovery and with you that you stay strong. God bless you you both xxx
Prayers for Encore, you and John. Be safe.
I am in tears with you Susan, my heart is reaching out to you, John and Lynda in this critical time. I will keep prayers, and healing energy flowing to Encore. I am grateful for your update. I had dreams of Encore last night and wondered where things were at this morning. She knows she is a very loved girl. So many hugs to you all.
Our hearts ache with you! Don’t give up! Praying for a “Christmas Miracle” for beautiful Encore to be completely healed! God is our comforter and our healer of all our diseases! May you be filled with peace though this difficult time.
my heart is with you and John and Encore..
Susan- I am so very sorry to hear this! Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way!
Our thought and prayer goes out to you and Encore! We are using our Christmas wish that Encore has a full recovery. Keep strong, as I know what you are going through, we are here for you if you need to talk or someone to listen.
So heartbroken for you, Susan! Thoughts and prayers for you and Encore!
You and your family are in my prayers.
This is so scary, but I’m thinking of you, John and Encore. Please pull through this, sweet girl.
Praying for all of you and hoping that Encore gets through this and can romp and play again with her family again.
May healing and hope head your way during these hard times. You and Encore are in my prayers. May she recover and live out a happy and healthy life right by your side.
Prayers for Miss Encore.
She has a strong team working with her and she is a fighter.
Susan – my thoughts and prayers are with Encore! Having a Belgian Tervuren with seizures we’ve lived with for four years now, I know how devastating this is for you. The fact that Encore is not coming out of this vastly concerns me and if I were there I would be hugging you tight. Will be thinking of you and wishing Encore a speedy recovery.
Susan, John, and Lynda,
🙁 My heart is with you and is praying for a safe and fast journey home and healing for Encore.
Dear Susan and John,
Everytime something horrible like this happens we are reminded of how much our dogs mean to us. They are so much more than mere pets. They are our companions, they are our friends, they are the heart and soul of our lives. I wish you strength to deal with the situation and strength to make difficult decisions once the time is there. Don’t be afraid to make that decision.
I have no more words for you other than that you and Encore are in our prayers.
Love
Kim
My little dog has suffered terribly with seizures. The Homeopathy methods have been the only hope we have had. It’s been a long road but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope your experience is the same. Good luck.
Susan, we are praying for Encore and for you.
Oh Susan, my heart goes out to you. My Ella endured a terrible case of chocolate poisoning where I thought I would lose her, and I think I can imagine something of what you are feeling. Thank goodness for Lynda, and I hope you are back with Encore soon. I along with everyone else who has seen your beautiful dog do the work that she does so well, will be awaiting good news anxiously. In my thoughts and prayers xx
Every lucky for her this time. All will be well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Encore! We are sending lots of positive energy for a full recovery 🙂
Sending prayers! Drive safe and keep us all posted!
Thinking about you, John and Encore.
Sending many prayers and healing thoughts your way along with a huge cyber hug…
This is unbelievable, I really wish my Muscle reaponse testing Dr. was there. maybe he could find out whast’s going on… I’m so saden, but still know that Gosd answer prayers.
Wow… very scary. So sorry to hear about Encore. Love, prayers and reiki being sent. If your friend gets ahold of the muscle-testing doctor, have them test Waiora Natural Cell Defense which pulls toxins out of the system to see if it will help. It’s the first thing I’d reach for in that situation here. Wishing you the best possible outcome!