Border collie Jack passed away on February 28, 2022

[k9diabetes]

Re: Border collie Jack

It's especially hard to know what to do for Jack because despite every medical test available, including an MRI, we don't really know WHAT hurts. Only where it tends to manifest itself.

We are trying the gabapentin in case it is some kind of pins-and-needles type nerve pain. We had tried it briefly when we first started working on his back but only had him on it a few days. It was sedating for him then. This time we will see if keeping him on it longer results in his adjusting to the sedating quality and whether it resolves his apparent pain.

The pain/anxiety attack was awful. I wound up getting scratched/bruised on the face in the process. All superficial wounds but I know something had to have terrified him for him to react the way he did.

Natalie

[k9diabetes]

Re: Border collie Jack

Natalie - I can across this dog and the first picture in his adoption profile, to me, looks exactly like Chris!

https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22435452/

Oh man, no kidding! What a cutie. Her facial expression especially looks so much like Chris, the eyes...

So I'm curious... did you take her home?

I have always felt that Chris had a fair amount of pit bull or some type of bully breed in him. Another reason I'm so strongly opposed to breed bans. You couldn't have asked for a sweeter, less aggressive dog than Chris. He didn't have an aggressive bone in his body.

Natalie

[k9diabetes]

Re: Border collie Jack

it does seem to be that dogs with a bit more challenges go to people that have the ability to give them the care they need . i did not think i was one of those people but maybe i am for specific cases

A trainer at one of the local SPCAs described this perfectly.

We were talking about types of dogs who should only go to an experienced home because they have issues with aggression, etc. Or, as she noted, by the kind of people who step up to whatever challenge is presented to them and become the kind of caretaker their dog needs.


That would absolutely be you!

Natalie

[Soaphie & Sydney's Mom]

Re: Border collie Jack

Natalie - I can across this dog and the first picture in his adoption profile, to me, looks exactly like Chris!

https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22435452/

[Cara Sandler]

Re: Border collie Jack

I know gabapentin is very effective in controlling nerve pain in humans. Paws crossed it will help Jack out as well.

[farrwf]

Re: Border collie Jack

You're a good person, Natalie. You're with him every inch of the way, just as you were for Chris and Kitty Katie.

[jesse girl]

Re: Border collie Jack

it does seem to be that dogs with a bit more challenges go to people that have the ability to give them the care they need . i did not think i was one of those people but maybe i am for specific cases

i do understand how anxiety and panic in a pup is hard to deal with if we lived in a place with lots of thunderstorms jess would not be here today . our problem is sonic booms . as you know reducing what is the trigger whether physical or psychological is the key but it can be a hard thing to identify

hope jack finds a path that he is a bit more comfortable . we have found that place with jesse for now but i know we will never be perfect and that ok she still has a good dogs life

[Judi]

Re: Border collie Jack

I hope the meds help his pain and help him get used to his new routine. poor guy

[Patty]

Re: Border collie Jack

Hope the meds adjustment helps Jack, Natalie.

[k9diabetes]

Re: Border collie Jack

Hi Louise!

Sorry to say Jack seems to be having some pain in his back - long-term issue for him that probably often gets worse in the winter. Unfortunately, it makes him edgy and stressed and he had a pain/anxiety attack a week or so ago.

We had him fully worked up just to make sure nothing new was going on, and thankfully nothing was found. We are increasing his Prozac a bit since he's been on a low dose for his size and are going to try adding Gabapenten to see if we can get any additional pain relief.

It's been a challenging year for him. He is intensely ritualistic and Jeff's retirement late last year threw pretty much all of the predictability of our schedule out the window. Jack absolutely LOVES having Jeff home but he does struggle with not having a routine. And we have barking dogs next door and other new stresses.

Natalie

[buddingartist]

Re: Border collie Jack

Just catching up on Jack's thread.

He sure looks good and so happy to read that his back is no longer as much a problem as it was a few years back.

Belated happy birthday and adoption day Jack

Louise

[Rubytuesday]

Re: Border collie Jack

That's an awesome picture and sure screams "I'm a wild border collie that will keep you on your toes!"

Aw, Happy Birthday Jack!

Boy did he hit the Jack (ha-ha) pot. Admittedly there are so many unlucky dogs out there, but these ones like Jack with high energy needs and Ruby high medical needs...sometimes they just land in exactly the right spot.

Really glad to hear he is enjoying good health lately. It is such a struggle when the young ones have pain.

I remember when I was training and was going to do a session with a Border Collie cross. I told my husband I was going to work with a dog who might very well be smarter then I was.

Tara

[Patty]

Re: Border collie Jack

Love the picture!

[Soaphie & Sydney's Mom]

Re: Border collie Jack

That's an awesome picture and sure screams "I'm a wild border collie that will keep you on your toes!"

[pacots]

Re: Border collie Jack

Sorry late Happy Birthday for Jack.