Lola's latest

[Angela]

Treasure those good days
She is a very brave girl & so are you Gail

Hugs

[gschellinger]

I wish I didn't have to be brave. I wish she could get better. But, today is also good. No snot so far. Still hear some in her head but she is pretty good today. She is helping me to slow down at this busy time. She can't be alone in the yard so we sit together in the sun Not something I would be taking time for right now. All along I've felt that Lola was sent to me to teach me things. I know my life is so different because of her in so many ways. I also know I am still working on patience, which she is teaching me all the time. Such a sweet dog.

She did get in trouble yesterday when someone knocked on our door. She went berserk and crashed into everything in the room until I was finished at the door. I put her in a down stay after scolding her. Went and took a bath and she was still there waiting for me to tell her she could get up when I came back. I don't know how a dog can be so good, and so bad! LOL

[goldiepower]

I don't know how a dog can be so good, and so bad! LOL

LOL it's in their job description 

Chris & the naughty Golden Boys

[gschellinger]

Ha, ha...your're right...it's the description of a DOG  Even my Boston who I say is perfect in all ways...will eat dog poop given the chance!

[Jo CIMDA]

How is Lola doing now Gail?

Jo

[gschellinger]

She had another three days where she was not so clogged up. Then went back to being bad again. Now she is somewhere inbetween. I can't figure it out.  I talked to her vet since I had not even told him we were done with the anti's. He is concerned about quality of life now. Suggested again that we could do the nasal flush if we thought things were bad and staying bad. But I am not putting Lola through anymore. I was hoping with the change in seasons and her getting some sun, it would make a difference, but so far not. Ataxia progressing. Front nails are worn down to beyond short so she will have to wear boots on the front feet too, soon. Still she wants to keep going so we do. Appetite good. She looks good and is happy. The drinking problem is mostly better. She has trained us to bring her dish to her while she is resting on the living room rug. She still will refuse if something seems wrong to her though. She is peeing well so I think she is hydrated.
Today she is OK
Thank you for thinking of her Jo.
gail.

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi Gail

I have got used to Lola being unpredictable, so I didn't know what to expect but I am pleasantly surprised.  I do wonder what is causing her rhinitis?  The pollen in the UK is very, very high at the moment and lots of people are suffering.  Somehow, I don't think this is Lola's problem though.  It is so frustrating when you try almost everything but can't crack it - well not yet anyway.  Nowing you Gail you will keep on trying.  Thanks goodnbess she is hydrated, that is one think less for you to be concerned about.  Boots are a good idea for her nails. Thanks for the update.

Jo

[gschellinger]

There has to be a reason. But if it isn't related to seasonal changes, then I think she picked up the fungal thing. Even in a dog who is healthy in other ways (and they often have immune system issues from what I have read) a fungus is a stubborn thing and most dogs who have it this bad will not ever recover. If they do they will often relapse. I think it is fungal since it seems to have a cycle. But I know not so much about it. I do know I would not put Lola through the treatment since many dogs can't even tolerate it.

I don't think it is cancer now, since there are no nose bleeds. I told the vet that it doesn't seem to be getting worse than as bad as it has been in the past. So it gets somewhat better, then returns to as bad as it has been previously, then it is sometimes not so bad, but not good. (This sounds like I may have lost my mind.) But if it gets much worse than the bad version, then she will be suffering. I won't have her suffer more than she is now. Once she is unhappy then that will be when we say farewell. I no longer expect her to beat this, but I fully believe there is always that possibilty. So I guess I am accepting whatever happens now. Still giving the natural remedies and holding on to hope.

And loving Lola, the Lovely One.

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi Gail

You are doing exactly what I would do.  You can only help so far and then you just make comfortable.  It is amazing just how much they accept and are just happy to be with us.  They want for no more.  She may toddle on for a long while yet.  She is no quitter.

Jo

[gschellinger]

Thank you for saying that Jo. It means so much to me. I am the only one who understands how she is day to day.  I know she is still happy And she is so darn cute and sweet. I'm believing in my heart I know what is best for her.
Thanks.
gail

[gschellinger]

As a side note to what is going on with Lola...Today I visited with an old friend I have, since we were kids. She has a seventeen year old dog who nearly died from IMHA when he was much younger. He has had shifting  lameness etc most of his life. She has managed him quite well. Now he has nasal congestion for two weeks. Her vet said she blames it on his faulty immune system. I hope he doesn't get it like Lola! He is an old man dog! But I found it interesting that the vet attributes it to his immune system. Lola's vets have never come out and said that. But I have thought it myself.
gail

[Jo CIMDA]

The longer I live, and the more I learn, the more I realise that our immune systems are responsible for so many things that we wouldn't imagine. It sounds perfectly feasible to me that Lola's rhinitis could be because she is immunocompromised. I doubt you will ever know for sure. You are so lucky to have such a sweet girl.

Jo