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.
You have my prayers for Encore, and sending positive heeling energy her way. Sending strength to you.
My fingers are crossed for Encore!
my heart and thoughts & prayers go out for Encore, and for you and John too. I have only the highest praise for the vets at the London emerg clinic. Big virtual hugs and safe trip home.
Sending love, positive energy and healing prayers.
Sending healing thoughts to Encore. You and John and Encore are in my prayers today.
Prayers and healing thoughts for Encore.
Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that you watch over Susan and John and give them strength at this time of need. We ask that you comfort and heal Encore, make her body strong and full of life. Amen.
Those nasty tick-borne diseases–they rob us of so much. May God guard you and John and St. Francis intercede for Encore.
Sending big love and prayers…remember to breathe.
May God bless all of you.
There is nothing better than the dog community to help us through these difficult times. Encore will feel all the love and ge through this.
Susan,
Prayers for Encore’s healing and you, John and Linda.
Jan and Faith
I can’t imagine a sadder song or a stronger collective will to heal being gathered than this. All this sent to the most studious and earnest dog ever to grace those agility fields. Wishing only the best for Coriander and her family….
Prayers from Co for Encore.
Courage Susan … with you at her side, she will feel better soon …
Sending prayers for you & Encore. Hope she makes a full recovery!
Prayers for you all,, especialy Encore please drive carefully
Thoughts and prayers are with you guys!! Many of us Alberta folks are hugging our dogs and sending love to you and John and your dogs!!
Sending positive thoughts and prayers from the UK xx
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers today…come on, Miss Encore!
Susan, John, and Lynda —
I am so very sorry to hear the news of Encore’s emergency. I have sent your story on to the Pet Prayer Chain that reaches people throughout the USA. As you said, “Where two or more are gathered together in prayer,” God hears our prayers. Most certainly the Great Physician is now guiding the hands, hearts, and minds of Encore’s medical team. God Bless you and yours in this desperate time.
Dear Susan,
I hesitate to offer this, but feel it can’t hurt. Having lived in Arizona for years, I became familiar with a disease that affects dogs, sometimes profoundly: Valley Fever. It is caused by fungal spores in the ground. Most vets in places other than Arizona & parts of California know little about it. But people whose dogs travel have contracted it. The center for its study is in Tucson. I have had two dogs with it. The symptoms vary, but often start with a lameness. This can go into a remission-like state, sometimes for years. They can also develop lesions on the brain that cause seizures. There is a test that I believe is a reliable diagnostic. For what it’s worth.
Will be praying with you for your darling girl & your safe travels. Jeanne
I am soo sorry to hear about encore…with your permission, I would like to give her a healing touch session. I can do this from a distance ( I live I’m VA).
So sorry to hear all this. We are sending healing vibes and prayers from the whole family.
Sending you all lots of positive energy…and hugs.
Drive safe, I haven’t stopped thinking of you, John, and Encore since I heard. Sending all the prayers and energy I can. I got up three times last night to look for up dates.
Prayers for Encore
Susan and John,
I hope your travel home is safe and fast and that better news awaits your arrival. Sending positive thoughts your way and deepest hopes for Encore’s recovery.
Nancy Gyes
Keep my fingers crossed for Encore. <3
You, John, and Encore are in my thoughts and prayers – travel safely and keep the faith.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
I know we all are there with you in spirit. Take care and we all are sending healing energy her way and your way.
Praying that Encore is able to make the transition without further complications and for her to heal and return to her normal self…
My thoughts are prayers are with you and Encore, she is truly an amazing dog. Sending all the positive thoughts and healing your way.
Sending love and prayers your way. Wishing sweet Encore a full recovery.
Best wishes to Encore and her family at this difficult time. I’m hoping to soon hear that she has returned to good health.
Positive thoughts, energy and prayers for Encore!!
sending positive thoughts, prayers , hugs and love to you all xxx
My heart breaks for you! Prayers being sent for Encore, and strength for you and John.
Susan and John,
No words…
Hopes and prayers for the beautiful Encore.
And for Lynda, her heart her love
Praying for you all–Encore, the other dogs, you, John and the amazing Lynda. You have touched so many lives around the world and have their prayers and support.
I share your pain, Susan and John. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
My thoughts are with you. It’s so hard when our lovely wonderful dogs are so sick.
My prayers without ceasing, join so many others
Continuing prayers for the beautiful Encore’s full recovery, for you & John”s safety and strength and for Lynda. I feel so badly for her; I know her heart is breaking right along with yours and John’s.
More tears have flowed for Encore’s recovery…thinking of you & John, safe travels, and more healing thoughts sent…
Thought of you all throughout the night and this AM, positive, positive sent your way.
Hugs to Missy Encore, you and John
John and Susan, and everyone else involved in the wonderful care of Encore, I will continue to send good thoughts your way. I am glad that she is resting comfortably and that you will be with her soon, if not already.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do. You and Encore have many friends out there that will do whatever we can to get to the bottom of this situation.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Oh, Susan and John…
I can’t type for the tears in my eyes for Encore and you both. Prayers continue fervently and yes, Susan…”where two or more are gathered in His name…” a scripture that has always kept me going. Don’t think God doesn’t see Missy Encore and her illness – he see’s every sparrow that falls. I wrap you all in my heart and prayers….
Sending healing thoughts and prayers for all of you. Hugs for you, John, and Lynda. Please be safe…