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.
As you have said, God does hear our prayers and answers them. Encore, John and you are in my prayers. I’ve often said that God uses our dogs to teach us about ourselves. Many times I’ve thought that God is laughing at me and what I’m doing and thinking, just as at times I’m laughing about my dogs. (Example, I want your Nylabone. Never mind that I have one or two already.) So, my prayers and so many others are with you. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord!
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family of people and dogs. Keep us posted.
Susan hugs and prayers to you, John and Encore for a full recovery.
Oh Susan, my heart goes out to you and all who are fighting for Encore. Prayers, love and Positive Thoughts to you all and strength to carry you through this.
Sending positive thoughts and energy to you Susan, John, Lynda and everyone that is helping with the healing. I hope you can feel all the warmth surrounding you. Best wishes for a full recovery for Encore.
Sending good thoughts and prayers for Encore so that she makes a full recovery. Gosh life can be tough. Take care – she will need a brave face from you and John to get her through this.
Dear Susan,
May God bless you, John, and Encore. May Encore soon be strong and healthy again.
Two months ago I started my 11-year old sheltie on anti-epileptic drugs. She started having seizures in late August and we decided it was best to start her on phenobarbital. She got a minimal dose, but she was groggy, uncoordinated and could barely walk for 3 weeks almost. It really takes a long time for them to adjust to the drug. After she got better (and seizures completely stopped), I started her on basic Recallers games (I did the course with my younger dog). She is having the time of her life, who would know there was so much passion for PB&J in her:) I am absolutely sure Encore will get better too. Girls really want to have fun!
Sending my heartfelt best wishes your way. Please keep us posted on Encore’s progress.
Take good care,
Dr. Nancy Kay
Love and prayers to you, John and Encore. She’s a fighter!
Healing thoughts and prayers continue for Encore! Thinking of you and your family!
We’re pulling for you in Ky, knowing that Encore has a great heart and desire to get better. And your connection is what matters.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and John and I pray for Encore’s recovery. I’m very sorry that anyone has to go through this and thank the Lord that you have wonderful vets and friends such as Lynda who take care of Encore as their own. Hugs to you both!
Susan and John,
My heart and prayers are with you. Godspeed to Encore’s healing.
d
Pulling hard for you, Encore. You have been an inspiration to us all.
Sending Reiki energies to that lovely Encore, so that she can take an encore for her performance and the huge amount of love she shares with Susan, John and the rest of us.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and thinking positive thoughts for Encore’s speedy recovery
Susan, John, LOH and ALL of your gang! Many warm hugs and kisses to each of you! We are blessed with our dogs and they are more than family to us! Dilemma and Wheldon! Send smooches too! We love all of you and cherish you as friends!
I am praying and crying(cause i can’t help it) for you and encore.I hope she gets better soon.
ALL my hopes for a recovery for Encore…hugs to you and John and all the furkids…
^v^ Ronna
We are sending healing energy to Encore, Susan and John. White light flowing your way.
Good vibes and prayers sent. We do wish you a Xmas miracle.
I am praying for you and Encore and hoping she rebounds from this with no lasting effects. Sending positive thoughts your way!
Dear Susan, we have been using MMS Miracle MIneral solution by John Humble to also work on tick born diseases as we arehaving a lot of this here near the Danube (Borrelioses, Leishmanioses, Anaplasmoses,…) My dog has had Anaplasmoses for many weeks before we got the results and we used antiiotics, herbs, kinesiolgy and MMS to get it out. This is now about 4 years ago and she is fine. We also use tools like Vitatec and I-Health for help with diagnostics and kinesiology.
My teacher from OEAKG.AT is great with helping people and animals to work with all tools modern medicine and supplemental medicine. All the best to you all
Warm thoughts to you from Finland.
Praying for Encore…and for you Susan and John
Sending positive healing thoughts. I have been going through a similar situation with one of mine & I know how agonizing it is for you, John, & Lynda.
Thinking of you and John and sending healing, positive thoughts to Encore.
Healing thoughts going your way… as well as Encore’s.
Sprecial prayers are going to you and your precious Encore.
May your prayers and the prayers of others be answered and Encore returned happily to your home. John, you are fantastic and I know how grateful Susan is for your support. Rest well.
Sending quick recover vibes.
Prayer’s for Encore and your family. Special snuggles and nudges from the goldens Otter & Toque on Vancouver island. Healing howls coming your way.
Dear Susan and John,
My stomach lurched when I read about Encore .My heart and thoughts are with you , and I am praying that the healing hand of God rests on you all.
xxoo
Hang in there! You have all our prayers.
Oh No.. Please know I send good get well thoughts and prayers.
I have been there. Sniff recovered from Rocky Mt Spotted Fever. But the seizures lasted for a few weeks off and on.
When I first started in Search and Rescue, all 12 of our dogs came down with several forms of tick diseases. I didn’t have the resourses we have now on the web. The new knowledge is there to help you and Ms En.
Know we will be here sending prayers and hope from Arkansas.
Fingers crossed! Wishing all the best for Encore… Hope you find out whats wrong!
Susan and John – sending warm thoughts your way for Encore’s continued recovery. Hang in there!
From my family to your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Encore.
In this season of wonder and miracles I lift Encore (and his family) up in prayer and supplication. God is with all of you and whatever His will we will obey.
Still praying for you… Peace
Thinking of you and Encore and praying that all will be alright.
Positive thoughts for You and Encore ….
Good to know that you arrived home safe and are able to hold Encore!!
Sending the best energy and positive thoughts for her.
Healing prayers for your all. May Encore soon be safe, well and home with you.
Strongest positive thoughts for brilliant, beautiful Encore from Australia.
John, you are the silent superstar of love and support in the mix.
Sussane, it`s so sad reading your story in this Christmas time. I`m from Poland and I admire your agility skills a lot. I`m very, very moving what you write. You and Enocre are in my thougths. God bless you:)!
This posting had me in tears for Encore and my own Standard Poodle, Boogie. I nearly lost her this week to a sudden, intense infection in her lungs. She’s not out of the woods yet but I’m feeling optimistic. It’s heartbreaking to not be able to ask your dog where it hurts or when it’s too much to bear, when to stop, or when to do more. Prayers are invaluable at a time like this and I certainly will be including Encore, Lynda and Susan in mine.
Sending lots of love, positive thoughts and prayers your way. Blessings and care.
Our prayers are coming your way. It is hopeful that Encore will endure and overcome. Keep safe in your journey.
Hold fast, Susan, we are praying for your girl and all you need to do is hold onto Miss En as tight as you can.
Susan, Encore, John and LOH: all of the IC group is sending our biggest prayers your way. Your love for Encore, and our caring for you, is being heard by God. Hopes are for a speedy reunion, and a recovery of your girl.