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.
Prayer and Intention for Encore, Susan, John, Lynda, all Vets and staff involved:
May Love, Light, Calmness and Strength encompass you all with intensity for as long as is needed.
May the sciences of Western, Eastern and alternative medicines complement each other and be in alignment for Encore.
May each step and decision to be taken present itself clearly, and the answers supportively unfold for you all.
Warmth and light from Down Under.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your lovely Missy En for a fast and full recovery.
sending prayers for u and ur family
Glad you and John made it home safe and sound. Sending healing thoughts to Encore and hope she makes a quick recovery now her Mom and Dad are home. Way to go Lynda for hanging in there with your girl. What a dear friend.
I am adding my prayers too.
Susan and John,
I am so sad to hear about this. I remember Corey as a little puppy and I always loved her. Best wishes and lots of prayers coming her way. I pray for a full recovery for the sweet girlie.
We are sending positive energy and loads of good wishes. All paws crossed for good news.
Susan and John – I’m so sorry to hear of your Encore’s illness. I’m glad you made it safely to her side. My thoughts and prayers for healing are coming your way. Also God does hear and he is by your side.
Sending up prayers for Encore and her family! God is awesome and I have faith He will see you through this!
Sending big prayers and healing thoughts from Texas for Missy En. Please be safe in your travels home, she will need you both.
Susan, will keep you and Encore in my prayers.
Sending healing thoughts northward. Safe travels…
sending you all positive thinking, hang in there, hugs xoxoxp
Susan — So sorry to read about Encore; she is in my thoughts. Warmest regards, Barb
My thoughts are with you, john, and Encore.
Prayers and positive thoughts sent your way!
Thinking of you all at this time, sending positive thoughts all the way from New Zealand, Carol, Morgan & Justin (min poodles)
So sorry to read about Encore, such a worrying time for all of you. My thoughts are with you.
So incredibly sorry to hear this news. Sending healing thoughts your way Missy En!
Susan, I have never met you, but you and Encore are in my thoughts and prayers. As a fellow agility competitor, these dogs are our lives. I am sorry to hear about her tragic downturn. I pray everything will end well.
Keeping Encore in my prayers and sending all the healing thoughts possible. Hugs to you Susan & John, may God keep you all safe.
Susan & Encore: thinking about you, stay strong..all positive thoughts to you…
Been thinking of you and John and Encore all day. Prayers being sent north of the border for Encore’s recovery and your safety when traveling with so much on your minds!
I am so sorry to hear of Encore’s illness. I am adding my prayers and good thoughts your way too. Miracles can and do happen every day. Praying for one for you and your family.
Hang in there buddy, you can make it. We are all praying for you around the world!!
Thinking of all of you. With love xx
hugs and prayers, sending healing white light to Encore and strength to you and John
You all are in our thoughts and wishes for a safe journey and happy outcome.
Barbara and Maestro
I will be praying for you, for encore, for John and the rest. May the lord be with you and have healing arms around all of you.
Diane Lee
Susan and John – you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing and knowing that Encore will pull through and be alright. You will be there for her soon. Take care.
Praying for Encore, hugs to Susan and John <3
I believe in miracles sending white light to surround you both, please keep me posted, love Faith
I am so sorry to read this. I had a dog that suddenly lost its coordination and ability to stand — the reason was that a very tiny live tick had entered the blood stream in the head/neck area. Once I found and removed it the dog recovered. This is probably not the problem but I wanted to mention it just in case. I can give you the contact info for the vet that helped me and has experience with tick issues if you need any more experts. Ticks can live in leaves in winter so the cold does not always kill them. He has solved issues for me over the phone that entire vet clinics have not been able to solve. Let me know.
Lisa
Thinking of you and sending good wishes, what a great bunch of people around you and Encore.x
Praying for him.
Sending all the positive, healing vibes I can!
“If it were not for hope, the heart would break.”
Thomas Fuller (1608 – 1661)
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Encore has the most amazing friends in this world – thank you, Lynda. Thank you, John. We are all with you, Susan! and sending you and Encore love. May hope win this battle.
More prayers for Encore – and everything crossed for better news.
Be brave, be strong.
My love and thoughts to you all – esp Encore
Batty hugs
Heidi & Pops xxx
Prayers for Encore. I have three borders, my 18 month old male has grand mal seizures so I know how horrible they are. My heart goes out to Encore and hope she pulls through.
pulling for the little red superstar. prayers and well wishes her way
Come on Missy En – we’re all thinking of you and willing you better. xxx
Susan, John and Linda,
No words. Bless you all.
Stay strong Susan – you’ve raised a fighter in Encore and have the prayers of a huge extended agility family. My thoughts are with you.
Susan, my thoughts and prayers are with Encore, you, John and Lynda.
Prayers for you and Encore–I know exactly what it is like to be in your situation (was almost 6 yrs ago with a friend and her BC…I was the ER nurse driving them to the neurologist.) The Lord WILL get you through this ordeal! Margie (friend of Stacy Winkler out in So CA)
Susan,
Healing prayers coming from our hearts to yours. Encore is in good hands, being directed by gifted hands. Hoping for a joyful outcome.
Lori
Encore, Zing, and Jif
I can’t begin to think how frantic you must be feeling. Thoughts to you all. Be safe …
I am praying for Encores recovery. So sorry you and your family are going through this. May God continue to comfort you in this difficult time.
May God wrap you in his arms and keep you safe on your journey to be with your magnificent Encore. Blessing on her as she struggles with whatever is ailing her.