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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 10, 2018 15:23:56 GMT -7
Thanks for the idea about the booster seat. I hadn't thought of that! I'm checking into it. Thanks 😀
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Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 6, 2018 17:46:43 GMT -7
Since her last episode a year ago, Nala's needed a boost to get up the ramp into bed.
Tonight she ran right up on her own!!
Hooray!
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 6, 2018 22:49:12 GMT -7
You go,Nala!!  |
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Feb 6, 2018 23:30:29 GMT -7
Woohoo go Nala! It is so exciting see to see them accomplish things that were normal in the past!
I never knew about pet boosters, but what a great idea. We travel a lot and I always worry about Keira, I put her in the front next to me, but a booster would be so much better and safer.
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Feb 7, 2018 7:12:59 GMT -7
With reference to the booster seat, I looked into all of this before we move and made our 5 day trip here in October. If you go on amazon and read reviews there were some serious safety issues with them.
we purchased the seat belt attachment which went into the insert in the car and then snapped on the dogs harness. They were comfortable and did the job.
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Feb 7, 2018 14:02:04 GMT -7
Thank you Merriem, will definitely look into that. Michelle
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 7, 2018 14:18:47 GMT -7
Julie, we LOVE those one year updates. So glad to hear Nala's legs are getting stronger still and more confidence to use her ramp without your assist!!
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Post by Julie & Perry on Nov 11, 2018 15:09:40 GMT -7
Nala will be 14 at the end of December. Wow!!
No episodes in almost 2 years, yay!
She's doing well, still takes pain meds 3x daily for chronic pain.
Not sure if it's arthritis or damage from IVDD but she's comfortable which is all I care about.
I love watching her walk as she's just like an old bowlegged cowboy. It's adorable.
She has a good appetite and enjoys snuggles under warm blankets.
Nala now uses a stroller as walks became too tiring.
Does anyone know of a company that makes nice thick stroller cushions and maybe a bumper pad?
Her stroller has a wafer thin cushion I'm not happy with. I've been stuffing various pillows in it.
She's very happy with the new dog ramp. It enables her to get up and down from the bed independently.
All in all, she's still happy and healthy!
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member 
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218 
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Post by Mary & Mila on Nov 12, 2018 6:00:18 GMT -7
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 12, 2018 9:23:12 GMT -7
Julie, here are some additional ideas for your stroller cushion.
-- see if your local shops carry a memory foam pillow... might be just the right size for the stroller.
-- see if your local fabric store has either egg crate foam or memory foam by the foot.
-- check with your local upholstery shop. They may have scrap foam at a good price in pieces that are sized right for your need.
All foam can be further cut by you to be the exact size you need with a serrated knife. An inexpensie pillow case is an easy way to cover the raw foam, pillow or bolsters. In a pinch I have even used an old bed sheet to wrap the foam as you would a present in a box. Secure your wrapped foam with a safety pin
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 31, 2019 14:32:47 GMT -7
It's been so cold that I bought my Nala a heated dog bed from K&H.
It plugs into the wall and has a little heating pad in it.
Costs about $30. Works great. I wrap a little blanket around her and she's toasty!
[WARNING about heating pads:
Fentanyl Patches: heating pads should not be used if a dog is wearing a Fentanyl Patch. The application of heat to a Fentanyl Patch may increase the uptake of Fentanyl to dangerous levels.
Paralyzed dogs: Heating pads should not be used with a dog with paralyzed legs. Dogs with no feeling can not feel if it is too hot and move away. Skin can be burned.
Surgical site: Unless directed by your vet, do not apply heat to the surgery site until it's completely healed as it may increase possibility of infection due to bacterial growth encouragement.]
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 1, 2019 8:59:33 GMT -7
That sounds really nice, Julie. I think I could use one of those myself!  For others reading this post, do note the cautions Paula listed above. |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 10, 2020 15:32:39 GMT -7
Nala has graduated to a stroller for walks.
She just turned 15 and since last year it's been getting increasingly harder for her to get around outside. She just gets too tired.
I kept telling myself she didn't like the stroller.
I haven't been getting out for regular walks with her and Perry for a while. Just couldn't face it.
But today I decided to get real with myself. And we had a really nice walk.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 11, 2020 18:28:04 GMT -7
Glad you have found a way to enjoy walks with Nala. Even if Nala takes a very short walk before needing the stoller, that would still be good for her.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Apr 15, 2020 19:38:55 GMT -7
Nala and Perry are both still doing well.
Just a question regarding Nala. She's always liked to snuggle up in bed with me.
Recently Nala has been exclusively sleeping in her heated dog bed.
She's still eating well and doesn't seem to be in pain. She does take pain meds for chronic pain management.
I'm puzzled and miss snuggles.
I have a ramp that she uses to the bed. If I lift her up she snuggles for a couple of minutes and leaves.
Ideas??
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 16, 2020 4:53:26 GMT -7
Who knows what gets into the minds of our doggies, Julie, especially when they get older. I've noticed that some things have changed over the years with Jeremy. Last winter we went through a terrible time where he was up all night, restless and pacing, couldn't settle but not sleeping in the day either. Pain meds didn't help, CBD oil didn't help, I tried everything. The vet said it was anxiety but there just didn't seem anything that would cause that. He's currently sleeping well all night and I have no idea what caused his past sleeping problems or if they'll return. Or maybe it's just because I'm home with him all of the time now and his anxiety has lessened.
Possibly Nala may find comfort in her heated bed. Maybe she needs that extra warmth. I'm sure you're keeping an eye out for any sign of pain that would indicate another disc episode and will contact the vet if you have concerns.
Prayers that all is well with sweet little Nala.
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Post by Julie & Nala on Aug 19, 2020 16:36:35 GMT -7
At Nala's last check up two months ago with her vet she was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur.
Just recently she developed a cough/wheezing so she's been taking 1/2 of a 12.5 mg tablet 2x daily of Lasix and 1 tablet of 2.5 mg of Lisinopril 1x daily.
It's been 10 days of taking the medications and the coughing is better but not eliminated.
I think if it's the same Monday I'll recheck with her vet.
It's so hard to see her aging and I just want her to stay comfortable.
She's still eating, sleeping, and breathing well otherwise.
Please keep her in your prayers.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 19, 2020 18:51:31 GMT -7
Julie, it is tough when our dogs are not in good health. Nala is so very lucky to have you looking out for her and following up where needed. What a good mom you are.
We don't know about heart disease, but certainly our hearts are with you in understanding the worry and emotions that must go with heart disease.
IF time permits, do stop in and let us know how Nala is doing. Maybe you'll find a new member you can share some IVDD tips with.
Take care.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 20, 2020 13:33:52 GMT -7
I am sorry that Nala is struggling with heart disease. It is so very hard to see them feeling poorly.
I will keep you both in my prayers.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Sept 15, 2020 15:52:43 GMT -7
Nala is on a new heart medication and is doing well.
She just got over a bad UTI and was on antibiotics for 2 weeks.
So glad her IVDD is stable so we don't have to deal with that too!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 15, 2020 18:41:55 GMT -7
Julie, you are doing a good job with Nala in dealing with these issues. Glad to hear your little Nala is feeling better and the heart med is helping.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 10, 2020 8:58:16 GMT -7
My baby's been off for two days and I've just found out she's in kidney failure.
I have to go to the vets and let her go.
She's my everything.
Please pray for us.
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Post by Jessica on Oct 10, 2020 9:05:11 GMT -7
Sending big prayers to you. This is such heartbreaking news and words can not express how I feel for you. Be gentle with yourself. Thinking of you.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 10, 2020 11:09:04 GMT -7
Julie, my heart breaks for you. Letting them go when a disease like kidney failure is at hand is a very bitter sweet gift you give Nala. You have always done the right thing by her even to help her journey now to the Rainbow bridge now.
Very warmest of ((HUGS)) and prayers for you both.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 10, 2020 12:59:10 GMT -7
Oh, Julie I am so,so sorry.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 10, 2020 15:53:14 GMT -7
Dear Julie, my heart is so saddened by this news. You're so close to your beloved dogs and I know Nala has always been very special to you. Remember in your heart what a good life she's had with you. You've taken such good care of her and she has been so very much loved and in that she has had a blessed life indeed.
My prayers as you grieve for your sweet girl.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 17, 2020 22:42:54 GMT -7
To remember Nala I've made a donation to a senior dog rescue in her name. Also, I am sending her blankets to a 10 year old dog being fostered while looking for a forever home. I'm giving her stroller to a friend with a senior dog. Nala was so special to me I want her memory to live on by helping others.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 18, 2020 4:58:18 GMT -7
What a truly lovely way for Nala's memory to live on, Julie. And you've been such a help to others here on Dodgerslist, which is a testament to your loving heart. I know how treasured Nala's memory will be to you each day.
Blessings to you.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 18, 2020 16:23:17 GMT -7
Julie, both you and Nala have been educating for years about IVDD. I'm sure you can feel her over your shoulder in spirit as you both continue to help others. Nala was a special girl. What a great tribute to Nala that her things and your donations can aid frosty faces in need
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Post by Jessica on Oct 19, 2020 9:34:17 GMT -7
These are such wonderful ideas, Julie, and I'm sure very appreciated. I wish you continued healing and positive thoughts as you go through this difficult time.
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