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.
Yes, prayers for you, John, and for Encore. Hugs.
Sending positive healing energy to Encore. And big hugs to you and your husband.
We are praying for Encore and you both.
Adding my thoughts and prayers for Encore and all who love her.
Prayers for Encore for best possible results. Stay strong for her and your love ones.
Thoughts are with you and John and of course Encore, hope and keeping everything crossed that all will be well. Nicola x
Susan, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and John as you struggle through this crisis, and my fervent prayers and healing thoughts are with Encore, as she also fights this battle.
Oh Susan, that is such sad reading. We are blessed in New Zealand not to have such nasty bitey bugs, and I cannot imagine the drain on your own reserves that you, John and Lynda must be feeling. All the best for Encore and all hope for a recovery.
Holding you all tightly in my heart.
Healing prayers for strength and swift recovery for Encore and safe travels for you all… My heart goes out to you
My thoughts are will you at this time. Encore is blessed to have such a loving group of people around her. I will keep you and her in my prayers. Drive safely.
Oh my,very sad to hear this. Looking at my own dog I can only imagine how you must feel right now. My thoughts go out to you and Encore and all the people that are taking care of him. God bless you all.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers Encore’s way. Keep fighting girl!
I’m so sorry to hear about Encore. I’m thinking of you all.
My thoughts are with you all at this very anxious time….stay strong and positive for your girl. Love and prayers surround you all.
I will continue to hold Encore in our thoughts and prayers that she will pull through. Healing thoughts help thru the internet as we should have lost our Blitz 10 yr old GSD to lymphoma but he is still pulling 5 months later and I do think alot of the healing thoughts sent via internet from friends and strangers alike do help. So we send you and John ( and Lynda too) TawnyHill Hugs.
Sending TTouch Heart Hugs and positive healing thoughts to you all – hang on in there Encore
So sorry. Sending prayers and healing thoughts her way!
Susan, John, Lynda…..I am so sorry to hear this news. I’m welling up with tears now thinking of this whole ordeal. My heart goes out to you as do my prayers. I agree that prayers are heard.
I don’t know you personally. But I know the depth of love we have for our dogs. My heart breaks for you. I lift you and Encore up in prayer.
Sending healing vibes your way. I hope with all my heart that Encore recovers soon. Hugs to you, John, and Lynda.
Can’t stop the tears. I can’t find words right now. Praying for you all.
Sending many positive thoughts your way. Hoping your are closer to home by now, and soon will be with Lynda and Encore.
Stay strong, Encore!
Love you Aunt Susan. My thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Encore and LOH. I know Becky’s are too. Love you Lots xoxo
Healing thoughts sent from AZ. You all are in my prayers.
You are in my thoughts and I am sending all my best wishes for Encore to recover quickly and fully!
Prayers for you all. Susan and John, clarity of mind, strength of heart. Lynda, peace of soul — you are the ultimate friend. Encore, come on, Red Girl.
All my best thoughts, prayers and hope for a fast recovery for Encore.
Sending lots of positive wishes and prayers for Encore and you and your family.
Helene and the red BC crew
All my thoughts are with you and your family. I hope you get home to her soon and she is able to recover. I will be rooting you on with all my heart. Take care.
I am a fb friend of Dori Page. Saw her post and then went to your blog. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you all, especially your beloved dog and the vets.
Encore has always been an inspiration to us. best wishes
Jane
I am so sorry to hear of your beloved Encore. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and hoping she will get better and pull through this difficult time.
Blessings to you and John and Encore, and Lynda, and all those taking care of her.
Praying for all of you, and visualizing Encore healed. Surrounding you all in love and light. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand now.
Susan, my heart is heavy, but I believe in the power of prayer. Mine are directed squarely at you, John, and especially Encore as you make your way to her. She truly is the first Border Collie I ever adored. Special Missy En has the world pulling for her. Take care; stay strong.
Positive thoughts and prayers with Encore and you all. Remember to take care of yourselves.
Special prayers to you all. Hopeing the best for Encore!
Susan, sending you are my healing, good taughts and prayers to all of you. Wish strongly that Encore’ s condition turns around soon.
With all my heart Nathalie and Twister
Red dogs are strong. She has your love to keep her strong. I will send you what positive energy that I can. Hugs to you.
Praying and hoping for Encore. It sounds like Encore is getting the best treatment out there.
hi susan,
i just heard about encore. we are hoping for a good outcome for her.
our thoughts and prayers are with you, john and the fur kids, but especially witn encore.
drive safely, good journey to you. hugs and prayers to encore.
kim, darren, brayden and all our furballs
Best of wishes heading your way and hoping for some good news soon x
Susan and John, I am so sorry to hear that Encore is not well. But, at least, she is with Lynda, and the vets are helping her until you get home. Healing prayers being sent your way, and I sincerely hope for a miracle that Miss Encore will recover quickly.
So scary and sad. Healing thoughts going to Encore and strengthening thoughts to you and John. I hope the remarkable recovery of Encore is a story the agility community gets to hear soon.
Good thoughts and prayers for you all.
Hoping for the best, Susan & John. Stay well!
Sending all my thoughts, prayers and positive energy. Hugs to you and John.
So sorry to hear about this. it is so much more difficult when you are not there, although I know Encore is getting the best care possible. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts and prayers with you. One of my friends received a Christmas miracle with one of her dogs yesterday. Hoping for the same wonderful outcome for you and Encore.