MAGGIE...Kevin's New Rescue

[ozzi]

Okay, so I said two dogs is enough, and I meant it! However, Kobi really, really needed a playmate. He and Abby get along incredibly well, but he's 4 1/2 months old and at 14 years old, Abby has zero interest in playing with a pup! So I started looking for special needs puppies, and found a deaf Australian Shepherd mix in MN. I spoke with the foster Mom and she spoke with the owner of the shelter, but they would not budge on their policy to not adopt out of state even though I would have flown out and brought her home with me on the plane, not in cargo. On Friday, Oct 15, I found a 3 1/2 month old Australian Cattle Dog with neurological issues in Pennsylvania, and the next day (last Saturday) I took the trip to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania (6 hours each way) to meet Maggie.

I immediately adopted her, and she and Kobi instantly became bff's. It's amazing that both puppies immediately bonded like this. When I got home at 8:30pm, the two of them played like crazy, and it was like watching wrestling matches! They played until midnight, and only stopped because I needed sleep! The night went great, and they were up and at it again the next morning. They both acknowledge Abby, but don't bug her, which is what I hoped for. Abby just couldn't be Kobi's very needed playmate, and Maggie is filling that role well.

Maggie is doing very well. There has been essentially no adjustment period, mostly because Kobi took over and showed her the ropes. She is eating and drinking, and one of the most friendly dogs you could ever meet. Her tail truly does not stop wagging, even when I reprimand her for peeing in the house. I'm working on house training. She definitely has some neurological issues, and leans to the left, particularly her head. She walks, almost side to side rather than straight forward at times, and makes a lot of "circles." She does fall a lot for no apparent reason. She tries hard to get up the stairs, but isn't exactly successful yet, and I have to be behind her to catch her because she falls backwards.

I don't know anything more than the breeder (from Kentucky) brought her to a local kill shelter because she was "stupid." She apparently fell out of a crate at 2 weeks old, and this head injury is the origin of her neurological issues. She was on steroids for "brain swelling," but never had any kind of medial work up. The rescue in PA got her out of the Kentucky shelter where she would have been destroyed, and now she's mine! She really is a sweetie pie and doing well despite her neuro issues.

Maggie is not house trained at all, and I had been taking her out every 1/2 hour, and she would pee each time, and still have accidents in between. I actually hoped she had a bladder infection (since that might explain the issue), but the vet did a urine and it was clear. I finally had to get diapers (which I really HATE on a dog), but it's helping out a lot. I'm hoping that her incontinence isn't part of the neurological issue, but will deal with it if it is. It's possible that there is a disconnect between her brain and the nerves that innervate the bladder.

Her stool sample showed coccidiosis and both she and Kobi are on Albon for that now. She's also on amoxicillin for two head wounds that weren't healing up very well (apparently from another dog's tooth while playing at the foster home).

My vet did a very extensive neuro exam on Maggie. She had findings of moderate proprioception issues in both the front and back legs, meaning that she doesn't exactly know the orientation of her limbs. She has a hypermetria gait. She is unable to pull her paws up onto the table when her extended legs touch the table, which I think is more of the inability for her to understand where her limbs are. Her reflexes are good. Maggie doesn't have a "dome-head" so there is no evidence of encephalitis. Based on the exam, the vet believes that she sustained a traumatic brain injury that affected the cerebellum, and therefore her fine motor skills are significantly and permanently impaired.

She said there is no medical or surgical correction for this, so seeing a neurologist would not produce anything beneficial. She did however tell me to watch Maggie for any changes or progression of her neuro symptoms, and if that occurred, it would be prudent to see a neurologist. My vet said that while there is nothing to do at this time, there is no reason she will not live a full and happy life, which I already knew! So, it doesn't appear that she will ever improve, but her symptoms could progress.

Because of the head injury, Maggie is at risk for developing seizures, so I need to watch and make sure she doesn't have a loss of consciousness when she falls. If so, she'll be treated with anti-seizure medication. Also, she mentioned that neurologic dogs are at higher risk for adverse reactions with anesthesia, but reassured me that she expects Maggie will be okay for the spaying.

Maggie is really doing well here. She is totally in love with Kobi, and the feelings are mutual. They work well together. She falls and he can't see her, so he thinks she's just playing. He's mapped out the house, so he has no problem here, but when I take him out, he gets nervous and Maggie helps him by "leading" him around, because she can see. And both of them play like fools and leave Abby alone. So really it's a win-win-win situation! LOL!

Here's a pic of my girl :)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1238/5109249966_4802db2100.jpg

And here's a pic of Kobi and Maggie that I have titled "Love Is..." :D

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/5108653045_63b14027cd.jpg

Finally, I took a couple of cell phone videos that are short and not that great, but very, very cute and worth the 15 seconds each! Make sure your volume is on! They are on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au9yxPEtWI0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjFeFFCFJhU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-bAxg7R9qs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPaAINwRtpo

Kevin

[Dollydog]

Wow Kevin....what an awesome pair! I'm so glad they have each other and you and Abby. Hope the peeing in the house clears up soon. Take care,
Jo-Ann

[peggy0]

Kevin

They look like they are made for each other!! Kobi is so sweet snuggling up to her. I'm so glad that this work out for all the pups. You're a wonderful guy to adopt special needs pups kevin.

[k9diabetes]

Kevin!! What a cutie Maggie is! And Kobi's infatuation is obvious ;)

They work well together. She falls and he can't see her, so he thinks she's just playing.

LOL!

Actually, I know what you mean. We have a dog in our neighborhood who looks really aggressive when he sees another dog. He stops in his tracks and looks mean! But he's not. He's actually playful and fairly friendly. Everybody in the neighborhood, including dogs, who saw him were afraid of him. Except Chris, who couldn't see him and didn't pick up any scent or feeling of aggression.

Congratulations all around! :)

Natalie

[CoolGram]

Oh Kevin, Maggie is adorable and it's just wonderful that she and Kobi have become so attached. You are a very special person to take in not one but two dogs with special needs, they are so lucky to have you. And I can just tell that you will also be fortunate to have THEM. I think animals have a real sense of the fact that someone has rescued them from a very poor situation and say thank you through many years of devotion to you. Congratulations to all of you! :)

Carolyn

[Patty]

Oh my!....so adorable!!! :D ...and the movie clips are so sweet! You are definitely going to go through toys in that household.

Hoping the frequent peeing isn't neurological and just a small puppy bladder.

Gosh Kevin, it's hard to believe she fell out of a crate...where in the heck was this crate to be up so high she'd get hurt that badly?! What a blessing she found you!

Congrats! :)
Patty

[pgcor]

You're a good man Kevin! And I don't throw that term out much! Congratulations! This just made my day!

Pam

[buddingartist]

Bless your heart Kevin for giving those babies a nice comfy home, all the care they need and a great daddy.

They are thanking you by giving you those precious moments and it is just so adorable.

Tks for sharing them with us.

Louise

[ozzi]

Thank you all for your wonderful comments!

Maggie is doing great, (except for the incontinence). Her head wounds from the dog at the foster home are healing nicely, and she and Kobi continue to be best buds. She is the happiest puppy ever. I think her brain got stuck in happy mode when she suffered the head injury. Regardless of the tone you use with her, the response is always the same...running toward you, wagging her tail and ready to give you kisses. She either can't decipher the difference between my happy voice and my angry voice, or she's running a scam on me!

Patty, I agree that her head injury history seems dubious. I also wondered how high her crate could have been. This was the story that the breeder apparently told the Kentucky shelter which was relayed to the Pennsylvania shelter. I didn't think it made sense, and really didn't want to think about how she may have really sustained the head injury. I can only be thankful that the breeder no longer has her.

Several of my friends have met Maggie and the comments go something like this: She's really cute and very friendly, she acts like a puppy but she walks like she's had a few too many beers! LOL

Kevin

[bgdavis]

How sweet! Congratulations on that pair!

Bonnie and Angel Criss

[buddingartist]

Kevin, if the set up is anything like what Buddy and Cleo's breeder(?%$%?) had, she wouldn't let us in the barn (dilapidated and where other farm animals were kept along with the new puppies) and her house (I would have been afraid to get my socks dirty:(), she kept us in a little room (no heat and it was November) where she had crates piled one on top of the other and, if memory serves me right, I counted at least 4 high. So a fall from one of the top ones would be about 6-7 feet if not more.

Cleo (our female) was so traumatized that it took her about 3 months before she would go to my husband and every time he went near her, she would just pee. Now he can't shake her and she has him wrapped around her little paw:D

Based on my experience, bad breeders can really affect a puppy's behaviours in their first 10 weeks of life. I am grateful that she has you for her daddy and hopefully Maggie will learn that peeing in the house is not a good thing.

Louise

[Margaret Boyle]

My goodness Kevin............how did I miss this.

They are so cute I must say you are one very special guy Kevin:D

You have a heart as big as lion ( not one lion but 101);)

I know your Maggie will have a wonderful life with you and Kobi they just look so totally "Right" together.

I cannot praise you enough Kevin this is just "wonderful":D:):D

Hugs Margaret

[Noodle]

Oh, Kevin - somewhere between screwing up my back and spraining my ankle, I missed BOTH of the new additions to the family! :eek:

Those sweet videos made me tear up. It's amazing to think that neither of them may have found their forever home had you not been so ready to open your heart to them. Now they look like 2 peas in a pod and it's hard to imagine them not together! I love how they balance each others challenges and already work so well as a team...they're so adorable. :D

I love that you specifically wanted to adopt pups with medical needs. You have such a huge heart and a knack for adapting that I really admire. Huge congratulations to the entire happy family! :)

[CarolW]

Oh, KEVIN! bff! Just look what you went and did while I had no phone for two weeks! I came to look for you, as I hadn't seen you on the diabetes forum since I got phone service again! And here I find you now have TWO new rescues - what a team they are - in your capable and loving hands!

Someday when I have a ton of time, I'm going to go watch your little video clips - takes forever on dial-up but I KNOW I want to see those!

I guess it's a few days since you've been here, and I trust you'll be back with new news, and also on the diabetes forum; you're so much help there.

Camellia sends a special welcome to Maggie, again to Kobi, and to you and Abby as well.

In which Kwali and Kumbi join Camellia!

Love and hugs, and all associated licks and wags! You are A total INSPIRATION for all of us! - humans and dogs alike!

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:37:32 (PST)

[ozzi]

Thank you all again for your kind words!

Carol, you are right, I have been MIA lately! It's not how I would like it, but life with 3 special needs dogs consumes so much time. They are all sleeping right now (hard to believe) so I have a few minutes to get updated on others, and will give my update here.

Abby is doing unbelievably well on daily Flagyl and samE. She's the best she has been since June. She still refuses dog food, and I realize I'm going to be home cooking for her from now on. I alternate beef stew, meatloaf (with veggies), and chicken stew. Just when she gets sick of one thing, we're on to the next, so it's really working out well. I find myself making a stew every 3 days in the crock pot, but it makes her happy. She has been needing 1/2 xanax every day now for the laryngeal paralysis, and it really helps keep the difficulty breathing and gagging to a minimum.

Kobi is Kobi. OMG, what a love bug he is! He just completed a course of Clavamox for a UTI after getting off of Albon for prevention of coccidiosis which Maggie had. He's doing fine now. He is an incredibly good listener, and follows my commands. When I bring him places that he has never been, I say "step up" for stairs, and he never fails to step up! He's learned to go right and left by me snapping my fingers to the side of his ear in the direction I want him to go. He's growing like a weed and has become a tall boy! He continues to attract everyone who we meet on walks, etc. He has a follow-up appointment on 11/22 with the opthamologist in Boston. Fingers crossed that all will be well. The opthamologist said that if he made it to 6 months without retinal detachment, it was almost a certainty that he would not develop this in the future. The next day, 11/23, he's scheduled to be neutered and have his rear dew claws removed.

Maggie is a cutie pie, and she loves living here! She finished a course of Albon for coccidiosis and I'll be bringing in a follow-up stool sample on Monday. She and Kobi play for hours on end, or until I lose my mind, whichever comes first! She's been listening better, but still marches to her own drum, and no matter what, wags her tail and kisses me! I take her out constantly, but still struggle with her incontinence. I did find a washable diaper at PetSmart, which I line with a bladder control pad, and that has helped the carpeting! She is telling me about 50% of the time when she needs to pee, so that's a huge improvement. She is scheduled to be spayed on 11/23, and she and Kobi will have one another to keep company before their surgeries.

Fourteen years ago, I traded in my car for a Jeep so I would have room for Ozzi and Abby's crates. I've had Jeeps since, and now I'm selling my current one and planning to become a "soccer mom" by buying a minivan to cart these three around! If everyone continues to be healthy, I'm hoping to get to Florida for the winter, and with 3 dogs and a cat, I don't know how else to do it except with a minivan. I bought a house in Florida last June with the intention of going for the winter, but Ozzi was so sick and not adjusted on insulin, so I never made it. Hopefully this year! It's getting cold in New England, and I would like to be with my family this Christmas if possible.

So that's the update for now!
Kevin

[Patty]

Love having an update on your "crew," Kevin! It's good to hear there's progress on all fronts. Hope your able to be a snow bird this year and head south.

I have a question that might help Daisy. She was asking about samE recently. What brand do you use?

Patty

[ozzi]

Hey Patty,
I get it at WalMart...it's made by Spring Valley.
Kevin

[Patty]

Thanks Kevin. Looks like that's similar to the Nature Made she was looking at. They both have Mannitol in them which she's looking to steer clear from as a precaution for cataract prevention. http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1662

Hopefully she found one. Thanks for the info!

[ozzi]

Maggie's Update:

So my little girl is 7 1/2 months old now. She is thriving and FINALLY house trained! It took two months of really hard work, but she's got it down now! No more diapers!!! Now she does her "pee dance" to let me know she needs to go.

As she has grown and gained weight, she has become increasing more "neurological" if you will. I think that each growth spurt brings on new movement issues that cause her to fall down more. Then she seems to adjust to her new body and does better for a while. She's very good going up stairs but just cannot go down more than two, but I'm still working with her on that.

Maggie is a handful and really needs a lot of attention, and it's worth it. She's very happy and healthy in every way except neurologically. There are definitely some wires crossed in her brain...LOL! There is no disciplining this girl...she just smiles and wags her tail all the time, no matter what!! How can you get mad at that?? Maybe it's her strategy!

She was spayed in November and healed well. There were no issues with anesthesia thankfully, which was the vet's concern because of her impairment. She adores Kobi and is just loving life!

Kevin

[Patty]

So good to hear from you Kevin...we've missed you around here :cool:

Yea! on the house training! So glad she was able to accomplish this and it wasn't a permanent neuro thing :)

She sounds increasingly more adorable if that's even possible :D
Patty

[Soaphie & Sydney's Mom]

Man oh man - you are a true saint! I am so glad to hear that she is housebroken! One less then for you to have to focus on.....now you can teach her to go down the stairs!

keep at it!

Tami

[Glenda12]

Kevin, I so love the videos and what more of an appropriate song!!

Maggie is very cute as well, she is a very stricking looking little girl. I'm so happy that she will be with you and Kobi. And you really gotta know that Ozzi is choosing these furbabies for you to love, care for and accept into your family. Not because you still miss your boy, but because you have a large heart with lots of love to share.

[peggy0]

Its nice to hear from you Kevin. Thanks for the update on your pups!!! Sounds like you are truly enjoying loving them to death LOL. They are lucky lucky doggies to have you as their dad.

[Margaret Boyle]

Nice to hear from you Kevin:D:D

You certainly have got a big heart, I loved the update on your pups.

You seem to be coping well with all the wee problems;)

All I can say is Well Done

Hugs

Margaret

[ozzi]

The Maggie update is short. She's a cutie pie and turned one year old on June 30th. Maggie struggles every day to do the best she can, and she's an inspiration to me. Her neurological issues from the traumatic brain injury don't stop her. It typically takes her about 45 seconds to a minute to get up on all fours, but she keeps at it until she succeeds, and then WATCH OUT! She's not at all graceful, and defines the old adage of a bull in a china shop....poor thing! Her limbs are very spastic and go in every direction but where she is trying to place them, and she has bizarre episodes where her entire body "twists," from the spasms. I have become fairly used to her bodily ways, but I must say I do get quite a few "looks" from people in the vet's office or on the streets!!

It's so funny to watch her try to chase Zakk (the cat). She starts, and within 2 seconds, she falls onto the floor. I don't mean to make fun of her disability at all, but it really is a site to behold! I have been able to teach her to go up the stairs, however it is the most horrifying thing to see, and I'm always right behind her because she falls down about 60% of the time, but she's happy to make it to the top when she does! I have come to the conclusion that I will not get her to descend more than 2 stairs, and she and I are both okay with that. She likes to be carried much more than I like it...ha ha!!

She is a very loving and loyal dog, and she and Kobi are bff's. They both depend so much on one another, it's heartwarming. Aside from her numerous neuro issues, she's doing just great!!

Kevin

[SandyL]

I just read through your thread and you are truly a saint!!! Maggie is such a doll and I love how Kobie and Maggie interact on your Youtube videos!!! You can really tell they mean the world to each other!!! :)

Sandy

[Patty]

Bless her heart. I can't believe how much she's grown. It's adorable how close she and Kobi are. I bet you get some looks out in public with her ataxia. ;) So glad she's doing well!

Patty

[ozzi]

Here's a quote out of the mouths of babes! I was walking Maggie one day, and we passed a Mom and her son, probably about 5 years old. As I passed by, the little boy said to his mother, "Mom, is that dog drunk?" LOL After I thought about it, I wondered, what kind of environment is this 5 year old in that he knows how a drunk acts??!!!! :confused:

[jesse girl]

you are a very special person

you see the good in everything about your pets and none of the negative you see the bright spirit within them and thats what counts

[k9diabetes]

Here's a quote out of the mouths of babes! I was walking Maggie one day, and we passed a Mom and her son, probably about 5 years old. As I passed by, the little boy said to his mother, "Mom, is that dog drunk?" LOL After I thought about it, I wondered, what kind of environment is this 5 year old in that he knows how a drunk acts??!!!! :confused:

Good point Kevin...!

Natalie

[ozzi]

Maggie was also blessed today at the Blessing of Animals, and here's her pic! I had already told the minister about how she is so there wouldn't be any surprises but some nice guy watching got very nervous when she "collapsed" and came to her rescue...LOL! :eek: I didn't have the heart to tell him that's just how Maggie is!!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6201454849_81f35d2050.jpg

Kevin

[CarolW]

Glad Maggie got blessed, too!

Pretty nice about the guy wanting to come to her rescue! Perhaps Maggie and Camellia have something in common!

Love and hugs,
Sat, 1 Oct 2011 20:40:21 (PDT)

[Patty]

Too sweet Kevin! :)

[buddingartist]

Kevin
You truly are the angel that those furry friends needed. They were both already blessed for having found you.

It is people like you that somewhat restores my faith in humanity

Louise

[ozzi]

Maggie is fighting the battle of the bulge, and completely frustrating me! I realized that she had been quickly gaining weight, and when she weighed in at 49 pounds on her annual exam, it was time for Jenny Craig.

The vet put her a dietary caloric restriction of 712 calories/day, and I fastidiously measured and monitored everything that went into her mouth. She had weekly weigh-ins for SIX weeks, and to my dismay, has not lost an ounce! I was sure it was organic, and fully expected her thyroid panel to prove that, but everything was normal...ugh! She's now on 10% less Wellness/day, and we'll see how that goes.

Today, my rambunctious little girl is very depressed since Kobi isn't home. She has no interest in anything, including eating, so hopefully she'll lose something this week. It's amazing how close Maggie and Kobi are, and honestly, it is heartbreaking to see her sit in one spot all day with her head down between her paws. Nothing I say or do seems to matter. Luckily I have the cure in my back pocket...Kobi will be home tomorrow, and all will be well with Miss Maggie!

We had a really bad nor'easter last weekend with lots of snow, wind, and the consequent loss of power. Maggie wasn't bothered by it all as you can see below:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6310168137_9b4cd60893.jpg

Kevin

[k9diabetes]

It seems like Australian cattle dogs often struggle with maintaining a healthy weight. Hope she's not too miffed about having her portions cut!

Our cat Katie has been dieting off and on this year. She sits at the gate to her half of the house and I swear if she could find a tin cup she'd be rattling it against the bars of the gate like a convict begging for more food!

She's got bad hips so I just have to take the abuse she dishes out to keep her weight reasonable to avoid having her hips be incredibly painful!

Natalie

[Judi]

Poor Maggie. My nondiabetic dog Ranger gained weight on the W/D and is now on a strict diet too.

I was talking to a woman who shows dogs and she said some of her dogs just have crappy metabolism and she really has to limit their portions.

How sad that she misses her buddy so much.

Judi

[CarolW]

Awww, Kevin - poor Maggie! You mean, mean, mean, DogDaddy, you! (hahaha!)

Well - Maggie will get used to it. Surely it will help after Kobi comes home, though he might not be able to play with Maggie right away!

Dogs DO adjust, in time, so I'm trusting Maggie will - to the lesser amount of food. It surely is crucial for painful hips to keep the weight under control! Dear, blessed, Maggie - she has the best DogDaddy in the whole wide world.

Somewhere in there, take care of Kevin, too!

What a great picture of Maggie, to go with the one of Kobi! Thanks for posting those!

Love, hugs, licks and wags,
Thu, 3 Nov 2011 17:11:46 (PDT)

[buddingartist]

She sits at the gate to her half of the house and I swear if she could find a tin cup she'd be rattling it against the bars of the gate like a convict begging for more food!
Natalie

I'm sorry but that <mental picture< gave me a good belly laugh.

When we took Cleo in for surgery, Buddy was also quite upset. When Buddy left us last March, Cleo was like that for months, walking around the house looking for Buddy, was not eating. Tough to watch.

Louise

[MaryLea]

Our cat Katie has been dieting off and on this year. She sits at the gate to her half of the house and I swear if she could find a tin cup she'd be rattling it against the bars of the gate like a convict begging for more food!
Natalie

Only an animal lover would write such a sentence, and other animal lovers enjoy laughing about it more than anyone else!

Thanks, Natalie, for the great "visual!"

Mary ;)

[Patty]

Awe...makes me want to curl up with her!!!

I heard about the storm, Kevin. My husband has a friend in CT who lost power. Their back up generator kicked in only to be taken out by a tree or heavy limb that then fell on it, and somehow started a fire in the house.

Glad Maggie kept warm at least! :D

[Shellie]

Yes, you can truly tell she's suffering terribly in that picture! Poor baby is terrified of the storm! ;) Right.

Glad she's got you to watch out for her weight even if she isn't so glad! :) hugs!

[bgdavis]

Kevin and Maggie,

I also have a 49 pounder! He's an American Eskimo and like Maggie, can't seem to loose an ounce no matter what I do. His 'brother' weighs in at a nice 35 pounds and out eats him every day. I have had 4 thyroid tests run on Sugar and they still say he just eats too much!

Bonnie and Angel Criss

[peggy0]

What a life!! Looks cozy

[ozzi]

Ha ha Natalie, I think Maggie and Katie have something in common! Perhaps Santa will bring each one a shiny, new tin cup! :D

I haven't weighed Maggie since the thyroid tests were done and her food cut by 10%, but to be honest, I don't have to....I already know. To be fair, she's not be on the lowered amount long enough, but I just don't have high hopes.

In the meantime, she's happy as lark with the return home of her boyfriend! She's really been great about hanging with him, but not licking at his eye wound or trying to torment him. Zakk (the kitty) just loves Kobi as he did Ozzi, and takes every opportunity to rub against Kobi's chest. Kobi, restricted by the conehead, can't get to him, but keeps trying! LOL

Kevin

[CarolW]

Good for Maggie! And good for Zakk! What an animal family! [big sigh of pleasure!]
Mon, 7 Nov 2011 16:46:53 (PST)