According to my booking calendar (planned more than a year ago) I should be in Germany right now. I had made my decision at that time, that I would not be applying to Canada’s FCI team to travel to South Africa in 2013 . . . I just could not put my dog through that much travel. So rather than the World Cup, I decided, for the first time ever, that I would compete at the European Open in Belgium in 2013.
Once that decision was made it was easy to accept an invitation to teach for four days in Germany just before the EO. What fun I thought, meeting up with many of my on-line students that I have never had the pleasure of teaching in person. That was my plan.
I worked hard to make sure Feature and I where working well together with the new handling that I have been rolling out over the past 9 months. I worked hard at my own level of fitness so I could be at my best for my dogs in the ring in 2013.
WAO in Spain back in May showed me, all was on track. I felt great running Feature and she responded beautifully by having the fastest time in 5 of the 7 individual classes we ran in Spain. Life was great!
However Sunday evening in Spain I was short of breath with a persistent cough, to me it was like asthma (which I had as a teenager, but not since). I thought perhaps the dust during the medal celebrations was tickling my lungs. To make a long story short here it is more than two months since Spain and my lungs are not 100%.
Three weeks ago I ran at “Canada Cup.” That was to be my “test event” to see if I was ready to travel to Europe. Because we ran the first two days inside on the dirt surface, I thought it best for me to run with a dust mask helping to protect my lungs.
Here is one of my favorite runs of the weekend, with my 13 1/2 year old “DeCaff.” I haven’t aired this video in public before because I didn’t want to have to explain me running with a mask on. However I love this clip and want to share it with you now.
DeCaff and I had no practice prior to this event, it is the first time we have run together in almost 5 years but look how much fun we both had!
The day after Canada Cup I knew I had to cancel my trip to Europe. My health had taken a giant step backwards and I was once again coughing as violently as I had done after Spain. I allowed myself to be depressed for a couple of days (had a pity party featuring many forms of vegan chocolate) . . . but I got over it quickly and today I am thinking positive thoughts for a complete and full recovery. My doctors are still unsure what my issue is, but suggested I do things that allow my body to heal rather than continue to stress it. Hence the cancelation of my trip to Europe.
Today, I am happy to report that I have mostly good days. I am able to practice running agility with my dogs at home without coughing regardless of the heat or humidity outside. I am able to get back into light workouts. This past weekend I entered a local trial (15 minutes from my home), which was indoors on artificial turf. Day one I had zero incidents of coughing and day two only minimal bouts first thing in the morning. People who have seen me throughout this ordeal over the past couple of months are telling me I look much better . . . that is encouraging:).
Next week I will get on a plane for a short flight to Calgary, flying one way only (we will drive back home). Again “trying” out things that previously triggered problems for my lungs . . . but doing these things in small doses to allow myself to recover if needed. I will compete at the Canadian Nationals next month (which gratefully for me is all outside on grass).
I am unsure how and when I will test my breathing back running on dirt, possibly after Nationals I will travel to my friend Adrian’s indoor facility to once again, give myself a “small exposure” to see how my body deals with the challenge.
You know I am an extremely healthy person. I go to great lengths to eat a very heathy diet and live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink. I rarely eat at restaurants, I don’t eat meat, dairy or eggs, I don’t drink soft drinks or eat gluten . . . crap I haven’t even used a microwave in over ten years. But here is the thing; some times stuff just happens. I look for the good in all that disappoints me in life and I know that having three unplanned weeks at home is just the start of all of the good this situation will bring. You know the old saying “When life hands you lemons . . .” Well I am here at home making lemonade . . . and I just know it is going to turn out tasting amazing!
I wrote this blog because I am getting more and more questions about my health. As much as I hate to admit . . . I am human and vulnerable. I felt it was time I spoke up publicly and let you all know that none of us can predict the turns that life holds for us. We can’t control the road blocks but we can control our attitude towards them. It isn’t the struggles that defeat us, it is our outlook towards them. Don’t ever give your road blocks power over your life . . . they don’t deserve it. You notice in this blog I am writing very little about my illness and more about my recovery and joy. Don’t re-live the pain of your of your struggles by talking about them over and over . . . share the joy in your detours and the excitement of where they will take you.
My doctors and I have come to an agreement to re-run the battery of tests they gave me in May once again in September. Until then I will be enjoying my unexpected time at home and working towards the vision I hold of coming back stronger than ever!
Today I am grateful for good health . . . something we all tend to take for granted . . . it is just too easy. Here is my wish going out to all of you reading this for an abundance of good health in your own life!
God Bless you and prayers are with you. Had loved working your programs but personal issues got in the way and recently health issues on my part. Was feeling like I should “give up on agility
– my passion after regular work) but you email has helped a great deal. Thank you.
Dear Susan: I can completely relate to you. I have been ill since November and I have a hard time doing what I used to too. Like you I gave myself some time to be whiney and then try to march on.
I have no energy. Blood work revealed parathyroid and thyroid issues with calcium levels high and vitamin d low. That causes severe exhaustion and anxiety, and body pain. I too go back in september. This monday 8/12 I get another ultra sound.
I too have tried to live a very healthy life. No drinking no smoking, etd. Having Asthma since a child I haven’t had any problems with breathing until my calcium was so high and vitamin d very low, the anxiety made me feel like I was suffocating.
I am glad to hear you are resting and caring for yourself by pacing your self. Have you thought of a parasite? Sometimes when you travel you can be exposed to parasites. Just a thought.
I will be praying for your complete, better than new recovery.
We all love you and say, please rest. We’ll wait until you are better. You are more than just a source of great dog training info, you are our friend.
Love sharon and her dogs bindi, cody, terra
I hope that your health continues to improve and that you are soon back to your energetic self.
It was a delight to see you and Decaff having such a fun run. Her tail didn’t stop wagging the entire time. It sure warmed the heart of this Jack Russell lover!
Good luck Susan, maybe a Jack Russell pup would help you recuperate a little faster! 🙂
You are so correct “Never say quit”, My 10.5 yr old guy Pete went deaf at the Canadian Nationals and I was devastated . I chose to run him and tried to run ahead and catch his eye the best I could. He missed a couple entries to tunnels but managed a 6th and 7th in Jumper 2 and Gamble then I fell over the end of the walk it and cracked my elbow and gouged my eye ball on my glasses. A friend said you can not run like this. I taped up my arm and said I came here to run, my dog is deaf he doesn’t care and I am finishing this. 3 more runs and yes we were 10th but we finished and we were happy and proud to do so. He wagged his tail throughout although he was confused at times. And yes it hurt but it was worth it to run him for the last time and not give up.Now I need to change my health and run my younger Aussie in the future and i will not give up!! I turned 60 this year and my health has been bad. Thanks for the inspiration and I hope you remain well as it is a pleasure to see you run your crew.
So glad you’re feeling better!
Well, I noticed a long silence… and didn’t pursue looking into it… I’d signed up for Recallers 4.0 and then life got totally in the way of that, too! So here I am, finally after all these months and, hey! Today I discover that you’re having health challenges. It’s easy to take good health for granted, and there IS a silver lining to The Cloud. You will find it, I am sure, and pass on what you learn, for others to benefit from! You can do absolutely everything “right” in life, and still might encounter challenges and disappointments. But it is only those who quit who really, truly lose out. You are not one of those kinds of people. However, sometimes life has ways of telling us to slow down, and that by running faster you have less time to enjoy smelling the flowers, and more likelihood of just trampling all of them… What I’m saying is “Been there, done that”, though I realize that we each have to learn our own lessons in our own way… We are ALL extremely vulnerable. Acknowledging that is the bravest way to live a life IMHO. Keep Calm and Carry On!!!
Life gives no guarantees. Enjoy your resting and recuperating.
All Best Wishes from me, Jaya & The New Boy aka Shiva aka Fast & Furious du Dantero (11.5 wks — my baby Recaller ; )
Hi Susan
So sorry to hear about your lung problems.
I cured myself of asthma, and if you want me to show you how, email me off list.
Susan angel,
Our immune systems are amazingly, superbly effective, and with more opportunistic stuff, we all need to keep strong our immune systems. I imagine you would understand and respond brilliantly to subtle methods like homeopathy and, oh my, the brilliant researcher Buhner’s book, do read: Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections.
You’ll conquer this one, Susan, and you’ll contribute more through your understanding – as you always do. Meanwhile, along with many others, I’ll picture you being gentle with yourself, laughing, and learning from this adventure,
with love, one of your appreciators,
Dana
I know you will recover……forgot to include that!!
Remember the book, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”…………
I was wondering what had happened to you just the other day since I hadn’t seen any posts from you.
Hmmmmm……respiratory, Vit. C & E and fish oil.
Intuition heading towards fungal infection…..?
I just referred some folks in upstate NY to you. Hope they get in touch with you.
N
After fighting for my vision, particularly the last four years, I understand some of your journey. I have done obedience for a number of years but three years ago I got what probably be my last dog, and started in in new sport -agility. He is a wonderful little dog -fast and eager. Having goals in this new sport, having fun with my dog, and trying something new are part of my emotional sanity. Recallers 4.0. has become an important part of our agility experience. My dog and I play games every day that strengthen our bond on and off the agility course. Thank you for being part of my journey. Best wishes for continued good health!!
Somehow I missed this blog post. So glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery, Susan!
I had no idea you weren’t feeling well. I know you will be back to feeling fit as a fiddle!!!! You will make sure of that!!!
Susan,
You have changed lives and brought joy to my relationship with my dogs through the Recallers 4 and Shaping courses. Thanks to my agility instructor Donna for suggesting Recallers.
Saw you and Feature in Kerrville earlier this year on Cynosport.tv, also thanks to Donna. You are an inspiration to all.
Loved seeing you and Dee run together.
I also suggest checking for other parasitic-caused infections, even for Lyme Disease which has terrible complications if left untreated.
Prayers to you for a complete recovery. Thanks for sharing DeCaff’s joy!
Great post, glad that things are going better! One thing that pops into my mind with what you’re going through is maybe ask your doctors to run a Valley Fever test (coccidioidomycosis). Since you were out in Arizona during regionals in February, there is always a small possibility that you could have picked it up and normally doctors outside of our area have no idea about it.
Valley fever has a long possible incubation period and can result in a large variety of symptoms.
All the best, and thanks for sharing!
I also wondered about a fungal infection like Valley Fever. Fungal infections can be hard to spot unless you are looking for them.
How fun was that to watch?? Thanks for sharing 🙂
Susan, sending healing thoughts to you. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you and your team through Puppy Peaks and Recallers 4. You are an inspiration to me and have been for a number of years because of the way you live your life and the joy you share with your dogs. God’s blessings to you.
So glad you are feeling better. I know you will be a miracle like Encore. Your faith shines through. You are in my prayers.
Thanks so much for sharing with us. You are such an inspiration for me! Loved your video clip! Love your dogs!!
Susan I am so glad to hear you are doing well, I was worried about you after a few references you made in the coaching calls! As you know I also am in the midst of health challenges but like you I just see the opportunities. My husband thought I was a bit nuts when in preparation for treatments as he was talking about getting movies and back rests etc.. as I was hauling things inside to set up training stations in the house! Armed with my ipad to watch puppy peaks on bad days and fun exercises for good days I am actually enjoying myself!!! With most days over 100 here outside is a challenge so as you say I just made a lovely batch of lemonade in the house!!!! Good health to you from now on!!!! See you in August!
Susan,
Thank you for this blog post. I have been thinking about you a lot and wondering (and worrying) how you are doing. Hope you enjoy being at home. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Maybe it is just Life’s way of telling you to take a break.
You are a great teacher. Recallers, ICP, SYCS, etc, is all a philosophy on life in addition to dog training. Sounds like you are building the value (healing time) and testing the value (small doses of agility).
Love the video. I thought I heard LOH’s voice through the crowd cheering.
Cheers my friend. Now go build some value.
So glad you on the upswing!
Please look into homeopathy and finding a good homeopath in your area. Your pups have tried it now maybe it’s your turn?
Love a good lemonade! To your health!
What a lot of fun with Decaff loved the excitement good luck on your recovery
All the best to you Susan, take your inspiration from Encore!
Send healing thoughts and prayers your way!
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED seeing De run with you!!!!
Sending positive health energy your way, sometimes our bodies tell us (okay sometimes they bust out the 2 x 4 and smack us) we need to slow down, here’s to healing, relaxing and if I know you planning for all to come!
The cheers of the spectators as you and D ran with so much joy…imagine the cheers for you as you stir up that lemonade! Wishing the best for you!
Glad to hear you are feeling better Susan! I love your positive attitude and zest for living! Your ability to bring out the “joy” is an inspiration! I am thankful today for being part of Recallers 4 and to have met you and your staff (via internet). Maybe someday we’ll meet in person. You are a gifted, talented lady, I have learned so much! (with a great sense of humor, I might add).
Susan, you are always an inspiration to me about how to live life positively and be grateful for what I have, how to welcome, accept, and overcome challenges. I am grateful for you and all of the time and energy you put into teaching us, and inspiring by the way you live your life, and more. I hope your lungs heal soon and you will come back feeling better than before. Wearing a mask is a good idea for everybody who runs in dirt whether they are coughing or not. I need to remember to wear a mask in airplanes, I always get sick after airplane trips from the germs in the recirculated air.
God bless and I’d like to give a 2 paws up for Decaf too! Wooft!!!
I don’t remember how I first stumbled across your website, but sometimes I really wish I could remember. It was one of those big, “Ah, ha!” moments in my life, although it’s a moment that keeps expanding. I had that initial “WOW! She knows how to build the kind of dog/human relationship I want; and she can teach it.” And there have been hundreds of moments of discovery and joy since then.
At the risk of sounding like a TV commercial, “But wait! There’s more!” There have been all the “Wow!” moments about, “Here’s a person who pursues balance, joy, and gratitude; who handles adversity with grace; who embraces success.” And my life beyond dog training has become so much more positive, joyful, and of my own making because of skills I have learned from and observed in you.
You are so great at being you, and I wish you all the hugs and laughter you can handle as you find the silver lining in this cloud, too.
Hope you continue on your road to recovery with few potholes in the road and a great ability to avoid the potholes.
Glad you are feeling better! Loved the run with decaff – especially the attempted tunnel leap 🙂
One of my “wins” tonight will be that your lungs are on the mend!
True inspiration Susan—the joy and bond of little Decaff and yourself in the video made a few tears fall….Wow.
I am always amazed with your ability to share personal struggles …you are touching souls/hearts in ways you will never truly know…..bless you for all your honesty and sharing –the good and the ugly……twas through an illness that I was forced to slow down and thus more sitting down time and it’s now been three and 1/2 years I’ve been following your insights and taking your online courses.
Bless you and keep on following your heart!
As always you are inspiration in dog training and living the life!
It was so much fun cheering for Decaff!
So glad to hear you are feeling better. Hope your improvement continues! Thanks for sharing your outrageously delicious lemonade with us!
Sure hope you get this sorted. I like to know what I’m dealing with so I can fix it and it’s scary-frustrating not knowing.
My mum had a health scare last year – despite her incredibly healthy life style – her only risk factor was family history. Genetics can bite sometimes.
I miss the things I could do when I was 20. Like stay up all night, eat anything I wanted and still be skinny, and heal fast.
Loved the run with Dee 🙂 I’m glad you’re doing better . Health is so important , it can change a life. Wish you also an abundance of health.
Beautiful, thank you.
I saw you a couple weeks ago at our trial in Lapeer, MI and you looked great.
I never would have known anything was wrong. Hoping the second round of tests will give you an answer. Could it be an allergic reaction of some kind? You are such an inspiration to all of us. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I LOVE Decaff ;). Glad you feel better, but my lemonade there was seeing Decaff run, a first for me ;)) such fun and joy, she is my beacon of hope for my little dog with so many similar issues that are being greatly helped by the Say Yes philosophy and the recallers course. Thank you for sharing 😉
Hi Susan
Glad to hear you being so positive and that you are getting better. As I said earlier today to my fellow Recallers, you haven’t just inspired me in dog training but in my life altogether.
Anthea
Hi Susan, glad to read you’re recovering and thanks for sharing the video with DeCaff – she’s so cute! Wish you strength and many joyfull moments on your journey.
So glad I stayed up late and saw your blog, Susan. Very happy to hear you are feeling better. I think staying home can be the best medicine at times…. You give me encouragement…
You’ve been energizer bunny for some time now… time to recharge xoxo. Glad we’ll see you in Edmonton !!((HUGS))
Susan, I know you recover fully – and thank you for this blog post – it has come at just the right time, and I’m going to share it with a special friend of mine who was diagnosed with cancer and told she probably has just a few months.
I hope that your words in the third-from-last paragraph remind her to live as much as she can, as long as she can
Sam, this is my first visit to Susan’s blog, and I found it very interesting. Please tell your friend that the paragraph you refer to is SO true. I was daignosed with breast cancer at age 33 with no family history. It was very aggressive and the outlook was not good….that was nearly 10 years ago. I live every day for the gift that it is. I smile more, I laugh and love stronger….I am grateful for every day. Yes, there are bad days, but please help your friend find the joy in life!!
Very happy to hear that you are feeling much improved. We will do our best to ensure you stay healthy while in Edmonton at Nationals! You are lucky that you missed Vegan Donut Fest here this weekend as we may have helped you stray from the healthy path with the donuts we sampled!!!
Could have made an exception for the vegan donuts Ainsely 🙂