Update on our foster hounds

[suethejam]

I took Poppy and Ollie to the recent "Paws in the Park" event - they are doing very well and are such gentle souls - I can't understand how anyone could have neglected them.

Anyway, there are a few photos of them enjoying their home comforts here:

indigodream.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/odds-blog-dividing-our-labours/

It's not a dog's diary I'm afraid - I just haven't had the heart to write up their thoughts since losing Lynx but I should - Lou has made lots of notes for her memoirs and guide to leadership and Ollie is busy writing his Skool report (I'm told that we have a B+ overall - it would be an A* if we allowed him to sleep on our bed with us and if I let him sit in my chair!)

[sueb]

Well done Sue, they are doing so well!

I hope I'll get to meet them very soon.
I must say Poppy doesn't look skinny in the photo.

[pat]

well done sue they are coming along a treat, hopefully see you soon
pat

[suethejam]

Poor Poppy had a stroke this morning - the specialist thinks she will recover with time, patience and tlc but in the meantime she's very unsteady on her feet (she can't co-ordinate her legs very well) because the stroke has affected the part of her brain which controls movement.

She's been in terrific pain with her back so we had that scanned as well (just in case of tumours) - luckily there is no cancer anywhere but she does have a 'slipped' disc which fortunately does not need surgery but will need some painkillers/physio.

Have been hanging around various vets since 7.30am but so pleased that she's now home and has a good chance of recovery - it's been a traumatic day all round.

I feel so sad for her - she's finally in a loving home and recovering from severe neglect and this happens - it's not fair. Nonetheless, if it's tlc she needs then that is available in abundance here - and it's free :-)

[pat]

Hi Sue
so sorry to hear about poppy, hopefully she will make a good recovery, if it is down to you and your care she is in good hands.
will be thinking of her
pat

[sarah]

So sorry to hear about Poppy's stroke.Hope she is steadier on her feet soon

[sueb]

Oh Poor Poppy, sorry to hear she has had a stroke, big hugs from us (to her and you!)

Our previous rescue dog had a stroke and I remember thinking (through the tears as he staggered all about) that we may have to have him PTS. But when the vet called, he told us that, as their brains are much simpler than ours, dogs often make a complete recovery. And he did, he was back to normal and lived for years afterwards, so did my sister's dog after she had a stroke.
So fingers crossed Poppy will also be completely recovered very soon- bless her.
Keep us posted.

[buglysprince]

Sorry to hear about Poppy.
But on the positive side, she found you and with the love and warmth she has there , there is hope for a good recovery
Lesley

[patricksparents]

Our old dog, Sammy, a collie cross had a stroke when he was twelve and like Sue's dog, the vet was encouraging about his recovery. She put him on some medication and the only thing he found difficult was rolling on his back but otherwise he lead a very normal, active life.
He was fifteen and a half when he went to Rainbow Bridge.

Good luck with Poppy - under your loving care, hopefully she will also return to full health.
Sending our love.

[suethejam]

Poppy is on the road to recovery - her walking is already better and she is alert and eating with good appetite - this gives us hope for her full recovery (which is what the specialist thought!).

We are so relieved though it seems that being neglected has damaged her health so every day with her feels like a gift though she is a cheerful soul who is enjoying every second of her new life with us.

[suethejam]

Poppy is still doing very well - she had a frightening relapse yesterday morning but seems to have recovered - what a spirit and zest for life she has - it's uncanny!

Here's a blog with the story of her stroke and some more pre-stroke photos - not that she's changed that much - it hasn't affected her ability to get comfy when lying down!

indigodream.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/boatdog-blog-best-laid-plans/

[pat]

hi Sue
so to hear poppy had a relapse, i think that is quiet common in the first month, give her a big hug, i hope Richard is improving, if he is anything like me i still have the chest infection and it does not seem to be going and from that calls i have had there are a good few out there with the same thing, give him our best and hope he gets rid of it quickly
pat

[patshep]

Don't know how I've missed this thread.

So sorry Sue to learn about Poppy's stroke. Glad to hear she is making progress and with your TLC I am sure she will soon be her normal self.

[nuttysarahbunny]

Been reading the blog finally!

Poor Poppy but I am so glad she is on the road to recovery and the prognosis is a good one (even with the relapse)

Bless them both they sound like a joy and it is wonderful how Ty and Lou have let them settle into the pack ;D

In the words of whats-his-face from the Royle Family "foster my a*se!" (sorry - couldn't resist it!)

Those lucky lucky houndies xxxxx

[suethejam]

You are so right - Poppy and Ollie are now forever fosters - Poppy is too unwell to be rehomed and Ollie is her faithful companion so he's staying too!

Poppy has recovered well from her stroke but there are signs that her kidneys are damaged - the vet is gloomy and is warning that she is on borrowed time.

I refuse to be gloomy - it's my job to make whatever time she borrows as happy as possible - she is very cheerful in herself and gets so much enjoyment from her life - I'll publish some photos of her boating this weekend!

Of course, as and when Poppy goes, I'm hoping that being part of a bigger pack will help Ollie not to pine so much, but with a bit of luck that won't be for a long while yet.