Aurora passed away today...

[sisu]

See page 2 I did not want to start another thread...

We are in a very difficult time here at the Sisu residence.
Aurora is mobile, can poop and pee OK. I need to take her out for small walks to do her business; she eats OK and drinks OK but there are times when she needs me to hand feed her and take a syringe and squirt water in her mouth as she just does not feel like eating or drinking and then there are days like yesterday where she ate two good meals on her own and drank all she wanted...

The stroke happened Tuesday morning and got progressively worse...she has a facial paralysis on her left side, but can walk slowly, seems a bit confused at times, but still can offer a good growl or bark if she figures she needs to do so.

I love my dogs so much that this is a very painful experience for me. She is a good travel companion and guard dog on a road trip. I can't bring myself to put her down as long as she can get around with comfort not matter how slow she may be.

I am publishing this to see if there are others out that that have gone through this experience of a stroke with a dog...

[tmike]

Sorry to hear that. The only experience I've had was with a Rat Terrier that was getting up in age. He seemed to come out of it after a couple weeks, had another good year or so then disappeared. Don't give up hope yet.

[Skyvalhunter]

Sisu you got to think of what is best fr her. If you think she is suffering then do what is the best for her. What does you vet have to say? It may be tough to let her go but if she is suffering do her right. Sorry to hear this

[Happy Gilmore]

Real sorry to hear. I'm well accustomed to taking care of a permanently injured dog. Nothing ever changed, she was still my #1 pal until her final day. Paul

[old boat]

Sorry to hear about Red Nose, I just when through similar situation with 16 year old setter, she was not always alert but as long as they are not in pain, just do what you can. It can be frustrating but keep thinking of them as they were and the fun they have provided. Luckily for me nature kept me from having to make a decision, I know you have made the right ones now and will in the future.

[sisu]

Well, here is the up-date on Aurora.
I was all set to head in on Tuesday for the euthanasia experience. BUT much to my surprise she got up with some help, ate a great breakfast and drank water AND wanted to go for a walk. We got outside and made it about 100 yards round trip. Now Sunday, Monday and everyday since I've been doing some really weird stuff I learned from a Filipino sensei  that wouldn't teach martial arts in the mainland because he said: All these people want to learn is to hit, kick and spar, so he was a custodian at our school.

Any way I've been doing his massage, limb manipulation, and positive feed back with energy from the Earth, as well as TLC. I work on her neck, spinal area and the rear legs. Her facial paralysis seems to be lessening but who knows. Her appetite is increasing, her energy to go farther on walks has increased to about 1/2 mile and I'm sure on a cool day she'd go farther, but for now less is better.

If anyone from Spokane remembers the story of the crippled APTB and his owner that has a wheel chair for him and does therapy daily I live near Craig and he has been giving me tips on health care for dogs in need.

Any way this dog has an amazing spirit and will to live with us. I've never met a more loyal dog than this particular dog.

[rasbo]

thats good news how it keeps working

[Idabooner]

Sounds like you are doing the right things if she is recovering, even just a little, over time she might be able to be partially her old self. I'm sure she would stay with you if the rolls were reversed. It really rips your heart out when they look at you with that "please help me" look. Hang in there Scott, things will get better.

[sisu]

Well, let me tell you about dogs and their recuperative powers. Our red nose is making a come back that I would never have believed. First the stroke then, then some progress, then a set back then progress that was a steady thing. I left for Alaska and she went backwards for a couple of days but then started going forward again. I arrive back and all is well and so far it's is still going forward. She and I and the lab, Gus, made a 3350 round trip road trip with no major problems other than the dogs hating the way Dad travels when Mom is not with. No tenting, no motels just drive crash and drive.

Right now Aurora can walk about a mile with no problems other than getting tired and showing signs of a slight limp on the opposite side of her face paralysis.

I think the lesson learned here by my wife and I is don't pull the plug too soon. I've had two pit bull owners tell me that the more you put in to a pit the more the pit puts back to you. I'll tell ya this. I've owned a great variety of dogs and THIS is the only dog I know that lives, breaths, and eats for me. She is so closely bonded to my wife and I that I would worry about her health if we were to be incapacitated for some reason. I was in a car wreck on I-5 about 6 years ago. She would NOT let an armed police officer approach me for assistance. I told the officer that she would not let her near me and to get an unarmed fireman to remove the dog and all would be fine. Sure enough the fireman put her in the fire truck and all was fine. Aurora knows guns and will not let some one she does not know get near me with one. Pretty smart dog if you ask me.

[BLKBEARKLR]

Glad to hear the pup is doing well, it is funny how close they become to you

[littlebuf]

glad she's doing ok. your a man after my own heart in many regards, pit bulls appear to be another. i wouldn't trade mine for the world.

[THE SHOOTER]

I have not had a dog that has had a stroke, but I did have a dog that use to eat rocks and the conditon caused him to loose the cartalidge in his back.  It was to the point last week that he wouldn't eat.  My wife and I took him in on saturday not knowing the condition he was in and the Vet. told us after seeing the x-rays that he wouldn't survive the night.  I know it was the right thing to do, and he is missed verry much in the house.  Ben was a 10yr old red tri beagle.  I had him since he was 6 weeks old.  He was my son, cause I had him for 5 years before I got married.  I still have issues, but the house is now back to life with a new addition, another 6 week old beagle named Bailey.  I see nothing wrong with your way of thinking and if your dog can get around the house and still go outside and not show any signs of pain then let her live as long as possible.  You will not regret it.

[Wayne1]

So...   whats the update with Aurora ?   Still making progress ?

[sisu]

So...   whats the update with Aurora ?   Still making progress ?

Oh yes. She has nearly lost all her paralysis on the side of her face. She can blink her eye, something I was hoping that would not come back is her APBT attitude toward other female dogs, but it is back just like when she was a wee little gal. She can do a good mile to 1 1/2 mile walk. Toward the end of the walk she is tired but she is 11 years old and I guess that is a lot of miles for a dog that old.

She is one heck of a dog. Loyal to a fault, always wanting to be with either myself or my wife.

[Wayne1]

Awesome..!!!!!..  Nothing better than to hear some good new's.