Special Dogs with Big Hearts – Page 2 – Another Amazing Tripawds Three Legged Dog Blog

Cora on Prosac

This is a copy/paste from Cora’s main blog. Pictures and links in the Cora the Determined blog.

Cora went to see a veterinary behaviorist. Dr Sung is pretty amazing. She’s got a lot of experience and education in animal behavior. I was early and I was surprised when she greeted me at the door (no receptionist) and said we could get started. I almost said that Cora would do better if I could give her a little time out of the car to adjust but then I decided it might be good for her to see Cora stressed. I feel bad for Cora. Between being rushed inside and the small office she hit her stressed point. In other words she was awful- barking, defensive, and falling down. Dr Sung said it was good to see Cora at her worst.

Dr Sung spent time watching Cora and asked me a lot of questions. She did a really good job of listening to what I had to say about Cora. We spent about two hours together and I do believe she really understood a lot of Cora’s issues. We talked about Cora’s cognition. There’s a disconnect, between what Cora senses and experiences and what she’s able to execute. So she will hear my call her, and now generally where I am but launch off in the wrong direction. It creates a lot of frustration for her and I think she has a hard time thinking past that frustration.

Dr Sung was the first medical person to really grasp how big the eating issue is for Cora. Cora smells the food, she knows it’s there. But she may actually have a lack of feeling in her nose and mouth area. If she does feel, it doesn’t process to her brain well. So, imagine trying to eat finger food when you are blind and can’t fully feel your fingers. This has made training Cora hard. If I try to use food treats to train her, I often just frustrate her. So, we are going to try soft foods for training. If the food isn’t rolling away, and Cora just has to lick it, it may be easier for her to get.

We also talked about Cora’s emotions. She’s a very emotive dog. Or as the expert said “her emotions are all over the place.” Clearly, Cora has all sorts of odd things happening with her neurology, so giving her some meds what will even her out and help with the frustration make sense. So, last night, Cora get her first dose of prosac. The risk is fairly low and it could have a big benefit. It will take weeks before we know. I am also supposed to talk to Cora more. Someone telling me to talk more. Whenever I touch her I am supposed to tell her what I’m doing and identify body parts. This will eventually make handling her easier. I’d been doing that, but now I have a much clearer idea how to do it. Cora has been quiet and mellow today. I don’t know if that’s because yesterday’s visit wore her out, because of the prosac, the horrible weather or because her human is having a blah day. We’ve been given some more tools to make her life better and that’s a good thing.

Cora Inspires Me

When I brought Cora home in the middle of January she could barely walk. When she did walk she only went in small, stumbling circles. She fell down constantly. She didn’t play, wag her tail or even hold her tail up. She had troubles finding the food in her bowl or even taking food off my hand. It wasn’t just that she couldn’t see, it was that she had problems with the basic coordination of eating. She spent a lot of time frustrated or afraid. She had temper-tantrums and it wasn’t always clear what set her off. She hated to be held and didn’t seem interested in having a relationship with me.So many thing seemed to overwhelm her.

It has been amazing sharing this journey with her. Never has a tail wag meant so much to me, as it did the first time she wagged at the sound of my voice. Most of the dogs I’ve shared my life with me, would push against me wanting to be patted and cuddled. Cora mostly doesn’t but when she walks up and leans against me it’s a moment I cherish. I was excited the first time she panted, just a few weeks ago, because it was another skill gained. Her finding a bone on the floor and settling down to chew on it, is a victory I cheer.

Today is the second day I’ve come home from work and taken Cora for a walk. Such a normal dog activity and so amazingly wonderful. Not only did we walk, at times, Cora ran. Our walks are short in distance. There are frequent stops. Some are typical puppy attention span stops. Other stops are because she’s stumbled or retreated into circling. But then we get moving again and that’s why we are on this journey. Cora has such a strong spirit, and I am both in awe and inspired.

Post with images/videos found on Cora’s Blog.

Where’s the Cora Updates?

I often say that Facebook is evil, but the truth is I’ve mostly been updating about Cora on Facebook. I always intend to write meaningful posts, but intentions are not realities.

And now, I have started a new blog for Cora. I will always be a part of the tripawds community though. What an amazing place, Cora and I have found. I will try to update here too.

The Best Words Ever

Today Cora went to see the neurologist. I was struck by the difference in her as we calmly walked inside this big and busy building. She isn’t the same pup who went to her first few vet visits, not able to walk much at all and barking and stressed the whole time. She did get scared when I took her to the bathroom with me. I don’t blame her, bathrooms are noisy places and the door made this odd groaning noise. Instead of falling over and erupting into barking she let me pick her up, hold her and comfort her.

Then we met with the neurologist who assessed her thoroughly. I watched my vet assess Cora and saw her left front and back leg have abnormal reactions. This time, only her front left leg had problems. I was amazed when I saw this. Until the very end Cora coped with the exam well. Then she had a meltdown. The neurologist took it in stride and is not convinced it’s neurological. Like me, he understands that the world is a hard place for a blind, 3-legged puppy with coordination problems. It would be understandable for her to have behavioral issues, and she started as a stray, fighting for her survival.

He doesn’t believe anything degenerative is going on!!

Yes, she has coordination problems and her brain isn’t wired right, but WOO HOO!!!! So, her official diagnosis is “Possible differentials include congenital malformation of the brain, trauma to the brain including hypoxia or structural trauma, toxins, nutritional development problems and less likely neoplasia, encephalitis or parasitism.” Whew, did you get all that? So basically, something bad happened to her in the womb, at birth or shortly after that affected her development.

Ok, he can’t say without doubt it’s not degenerative since we didn’t get an mri, but it seems pretty unlikely. If she starts to have more issues, we can try to treat for some of the degenerative issues and see if she improves or go and get an mri. So he gave me lots of options and hope.

He thinks physical rehabilitation will help a lot and gave me exercises to do with her and all sorts of information and contacts. He also gave me information on a behaviorist who deals with special needs dogs. He wants me to keep in touch and seemed really positive. I’m almost giddy.

To celebrate we met up with a friend and took Cora to the beach. It was her first visit and the sound of waves and the trains were a bit scary but she really wanted to explore. It’s the longest walk she’s ever taken and she had to deal with beach rocks, soft sand and obstacles so she was definitely experiencing new challenges. She did have this strange desire to eat the sand at first but then all puppies do strange things. And that’s the great thing. Cora is a puppy. She has lots of opportunities to grow and learn and have a full life.

A Quick Update

Thank you everyone for your supportive comments. Cora and Floyd and life are keeping me busy and when I have some down time I’m using it to hunker down and breath so I’ll have the strength to be in it for the long haul for Cora. I try to keep things positive, but it’s rough going a fair bit of the time.

However there are so many bright spots. All I have do is run the shower or bath to see the happy side of Cora and get some laughs. She loves the shower and bath and immediately charges towards the bathroom. Cora has been out in her new stroller, played on the farm and had her first visit to the lake. Much fun was had.

Cinnamon-says-hello — Friend Cinnamon says “hello” and wants Cora to come out of the stroller and play

Cora-trying-to-run — Cora is trying to run

teapot-pose — Sometimes running results in the tea-pot pose.

There’s a few more photos on Cora’s facebook page

The Vet Again- Hope and Sadness

Today, Cora had an appointment with our normal vet, Dr Rice to talk about brain damage. After last week’s meeting with the orthopedic vet, I knew this would be a hard visit. It was hard, but it was also a very difference experience. I got to spend time with a couple amazing ladies (one human and one canine) and I’m sad, touched and grateful.

The beginning was not auspicious. Cora does not like to be rushed. Unfortunately, we had to leave for the vet shortly after I got home from work. Cora had a temper tantrum, barking and laying down and refusing to walk. I finally got her to walk down her new ramp and I loaded her in the car. That’s when I began to realize how far Cora has come.

Unlike previous car trips Cora was mostly quiet. She did, sharply, let me know when I drove over bumps in the road but mostly she just settled in. When we arrived, I opened the crate and had to quickly get hold of her as she was crawling out and ready to go. She was so curious in the parking lot; it was hard to get her in the office. The puppy who could not manage the slippery floors and was frightened and barking non-stop, had been replaced by an inquisitive and calmer Cora. Well, except for getting weighed, but there are lots of us who don’t like that.

I was really glad that Cora was doing so well. A part of me wanted to try and convince everyone around she wasn’t hopeless. I still felt the impact of those words at the other vet. I was so happy to be seeing Dr. Rice. She had cared for Schmoozer through his battle of epilepsy and I knew she’d take the time to know Cora. As often happened in the past, Dr. Rice and I were sitting on the floor with the dog. I then told Dr. Rice my concerns about brain damage.

Cora had been calm in the waiting room but now her stress level was up. She was noisy and rather floppy, as we tried to maneuver her. I think Cora was practicing a new form of passive resistance. After her reflexes had been checked I settled her in my lap and she calmed some. Dr. Rice told me her reflexes on the left side (front and back leg) were not there, but that her back right leg was ok.

I mentioned hydrocephalus. What she said, in her thoughtful, gentle way is that it doesn’t matter what the exact diagnosis is. Cora isn’t going to get better. But here is what makes Dr. Rice special, that was really just the beginning of our conversation. She asked how I was doing and what I thought. By this time Cora had wiggled out of my lap and Dr. Rice took her into her own lap. I suspect that Cora behaved in similar ways with the orthopedic vet. She was loud and doing a bit of snapping, but without me saying a thing, Dr. Rice understood that this was Cora’s communication and nothing to be afraid of. She laughed at Cora’s stubborn desire to do things herself. I then watched as she held and comforted Cora.

She showed me how pressing on Cora’s head makes Cora calmer. I knew Cora liked to have her head rubbed but I’d never tried pressure. She said that Cora probably is getting headaches and that could explain some of the irritability. Then she said she was doing a bit of Reiki. I don’t disbelieve but generally I find myself skeptical. But it really seemed like something magical was happening in that room and I could try for hours and never find the right words. I just know that Dr. Rice made connection with my difficult and independent girl who often doesn’t want to be touched at all.

I am touched by the beauty of those moments, but I ache inside. “Cora is living on borrowed time.” Those words are hard, but I understand the odds are against her. There is something really wrong inside that stubborn head of hers. She has such a strong spirit, that she may surprise everyone. Cora is physically healthy. If it is hydrocephalus she will get worse for a time and then stabilize. I’m supposed to watch for stroke like symptoms. I’m supposed to challenge her so she can keep making those neural connections that will help her to live as much life as possible.

For myself, I have to acknowledge that her life will probably be pretty short. I will fill that life with love and enjoy each day. Today, Cora let Dr. Rice handle her and cuddle and she definitely charmed her. Then walked out of the exam and as I was trying to pay, she was pulling on the leash. She was wanting to go out into the world, just like any other dog.

The Stroller has Arrived

fezz checking out coras stroller — Fezz was curious and willing to explore the stroller.

Floyd was frightened of the stroller and retreated to the couch to watch closely.

cora snoozes — Cora slept through the initial excitement

cora in the cart — Finally she woke up, so I put her in the stroller. She was ok with movement but then she had a meltdown because she was having troubles finding the cheese. It is not easy to get a melting down Cora out of the stroller.

The idea is that Cora will be able to get more places if she can ride in style. That it will be less stress for her and I. I’m not sure it’s going to work like I hoped but I guess we will see.

PS- Cora now has her own faebook page. The cats are jealous. Floyd says he doesn’t want a stupid facebook page.

To Be Blunt

Not all stories have happy endings. I’m having troubles moving past this beginning, but there is more to say. Years ago, when I realized how severe Schmoozer’s epilepsy was and how poorly he tolerated his medications, I tried to make peace with fighting a battle we couldn’t win. I tried to give him the best possible life he could have. It was hard 4.5 year journey and I don’t regret it. Now, I’m afraid I’m starting a similar journey.

Enjoying the Sun - Cora's First Visit to the Farm — Enjoying the Sun – Cora’s First Visit to the Farm

I received Cora’s early medical records a few days after adopting her and there was this sentence that I couldn’t ignore “multiple congenital defects”. I mentally filed that phrase away. It did no good to worry about it, so I figured I would deal with it if and when it mattered. A few weeks ago, it began to matter. Her walking wasn’t improving much and there were so many things she struggled with. When stressed, her ability to cope with anything decreased dramatically. She can become a snarling, snapping dog, unable to move.

When I was trying to decide what my next step would be, I debated between going to a neurologist or a physical therapist. Neurology is hard to fix (and expensive), so I took her to a canine rehabilitation specialist with a mix of dread and hope. He said he’d never seen a dog quite like Cora and asked if he could observe her for a few hours and consult with the orthopedic veterinarian. I didn’t like leaving there, but I said yes. When they called me to pick her up, they said the vet wanted to talk to me and I knew.

Cora meets Cinnamon, Floyd's "Girlfriend", at the farm. — Cora Meets Cinnamon, Floyd’s “Girlfriend” – Cinnamon’s Farm.

He spent a lot of time saying “To be blunt…” and then telling me just how impaired and hopeless she is. He told me I had to make my own decisions but mentioned euthanasia multiple times. I understand that he saw her at her worst and wanted to prepare me for the worst. Cora and I went home and she was defensive and unhappy that night. I was too. The visit was traumatic for both of us.

By the next day she had recovered. She spent time playing in the yard and insisted on taking a bath with me. She loved it. To be blunt, I think the vet was a bit of an ass. Telling me she had severe mental deficits was the responsible thing to do, but after that he was out of his area of expertise. He made a judgement on her quality of life, without knowing her. I am not giving up on my determined Cora.

Cora makes a new friend (a day at the farm) — Cora Makes a New Friend at the Farm)

I’ve done my research and it scares me. Bind, 3-legged and brain damaged is a lot for her and I to deal with. I suspect she has hydrocephalus and fear her time will be very short. I know that’s grim, but I need to think in those terms. I need to be ready to let her go, when it’s time. I can, and will, still hope though. Wouldn’t it be great if 5 years from now Cora and I paid a visit to that vet? There is treatment for hydrocephalus. It’s not a cure, but it can help. Next week, I see my regular veterinarian, and we will explore the possibilities. I’m going to nurture Cora as if she doesn’t have a lot of time left, but her life is full of potential. It’s a hard balance, but I have done it before. I will give her every opportunity for growth possible and she will give me the gift of sharing time with her strong spirit.

Life at the Critter Cabin

Life with Cora is interesting. A few nights ago, all the critters were telling me it had been at least a month since I fed them. Even the fish get into that act, banging against the surface of the water until they’ve been fed. Sometimes they trick me into feeding them twice. Yes, I’m admitting to getting outsmarted by goldfish. I am a forgetful and distracted human and most animals are capable of more than we expect.

Cora often proves this in odd ways. It was just not a good night for her. She didn’t seem to be getting around well. She was frustrated. She is a vocal girl and was voicing her angst. I tried to do a bit of training with her, but didn’t get far so we switched to playing until Floyd took over. While I was playing with Floyd, Cora thwumped down the hall way and forced herself past the vacuum and baby gate and got into the cat room. She navigated the obstacles in there, complaining the whole time that they were in her way, and arrived at one of dogs’ forbidden pleasures –the litter box. She was not happy when I pulled her away. It’s amazing how determined a blind, tripawed puppy can be when kitty-Roca awaits.

As I’m pulling her away, I realize that Floyd has joined us in the cat room. There is a reason I call it the cat room. Access is not granted to litter-box eating dogs. Or cat herding dogs. Or cat food stealing dogs. In my experience, this means that *no* dogs are welcome. I attempt to explain this as I urge Floyd towards the door and drag the resisting Cora (gently) by her halter. The cats were highly entertained.

Floyd has succeeded in breaking into the cat-room many times before. He has torn down baby gates, climbed through small holes. He has jumped over, pulled open and pushed through various earlier obstructions. I now know any method of preventing Floyd admittance into the fantastic, feline space is only temporary. But this time, the situation was about to get serious, in Floyd’s opinion. As we all enter the hallway, Floyd bumps the dreaded and dangerous vacuum. I had placed the vacuum there a week or so ago, because it was close at hand and I needed something to brace the baby gate. Floyd, smart and determined, is terrified of the vacuum. I didn’t think about this when I placed it by the cat room, but I had soon realized I had posted a very effective keep out sign.

Blind Cora, had not see the sign, which created the party in the cat room. Floyd may have braved the vacuum on the way in to join the fun, but our bumbling in the hallway caused a crisis. The vacuum had moved. Unfortunately on of Floyd’s primary strategies when frightened is to attack and he launched an assault on my vacuum. He’s destroyed a vacuum in the past. I know, I need to work on this vacuum prejudice, but there have always been bigger Floyd issues to deal with. I had released Cora and come to the rescue of my stalwart vacuum and I got Floyd in the living room. I then realize Cora is back in the cat room. I reversed direction to get Cora, walking past Floyd’s enemy. He once again launches an attack on the beleaguered vacuum. I had used up my distraction treats and my patience so I ushered Floyd outside. As I got Cora out, Floyd began to bark hysterically at the door. I hurriedly set up the baby gate so it’s fully blocking the door to the cat room and rush to get Floyd in, so he wouldn’t disturb the neighbors. Cora began to push with all her might against the secured baby gate. Her feet slipped wildly on the floor as Floyd makes a final charge at the vacuum. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Soon they were both sound asleep. The commotion of a few minutes ago had been replaced by snores. The truth is I wanted to cry. I wondered, again, if I could actually cope with all the addition of Cora brings. All that happened, but then the whole thing began to seem rather comical. I chose to share my life with these creatures deemed “unadoptable”. That means it’s going to be a hard journey, but it certainly won’t be boring.

I wrote this earlier this week and wasn’t able to post it (silly computer). It’s been a hard few days here and I’ll write more about that later. But for now, I will say it was good to reflect on that moment, where I was able to see the absurdity and find some peace.

This is Not an Emergency

Cora and I are both learning about balance. One of the tricky things we are learning is how far we can go. Cora gets tired and overwhelmed and actually, so do I. When the animal behaviorist talked about the puppy socialization period, it felt urgent to get her out into the world. Getting into the car, we’d go out and explore for a few days. Going to work, play time, the pet store – there were just so many experiences to have. Then Cora’s Jekyll would appear. Snarling, snapping, refusing to walk, Cora would make it clear she had had ENOUGH. I may not know how to listen, to myself, but Cora’s message as loud and clear.

Truth is, my own life has had way too much going on. Here I am trying to force Cora forward in life and I felt like snarling and snapping myself. A very wise woman keeps reminding me that most things aren’t emergencies. It’s taken me a bit to understand the wisdom of this. Cora may help me, because she makes it very clear when it’s time to slow down.

I don’t think it was wrong to pack a lot of socialization into a short time period. The change in Cora is wonderful. She’s learning to handle herself in a lot of situations. She doesn’t respond with panic and anger when she goes some place new. We’ve taken some metaphorical spills and learned about pacing.

This week, Cora has stayed home. She’s still learning and exploring. We may have missed some important opportunities to meet dogs and people during the socialization stage. We may have also gained some valuable time. Time for her and I to bond. In this world we all rush out to do things. I’m especially amazed at today’s children, with all their activities. I know there’s value in that, but I have always believe unstructured moments can be gifts. Sitting on the floor with Cora and playing has been amazing. I know her so much better now. I know when she’s snarling and fierce sounding and it’s all in play and when she’s letting me and Floyd know to back off. I know she loves the shower and she doesn’t like tug-of-war.

Today, Floyd, Cora and I headed out to play. It was a good day and full of that valuable socialization. It was clear, that the break from interacting with others had done Cora no harm. I’ll write more about that, with lots of pictures, soon. But for now, I’m going to take the time to enjoy the stability of where I am right now: home with the critters I love.