Layla

[Lindsey]

Please pray for Layla. Will explain later. PLEASE.

[MaddieBoo]

I saw your thread on YT. :( :( :( Sending thoughts your way. Big hugs to you and Layla

[Lindsey]

Thanks Maddie.

Over the course of yesterday, Layla went from not climbing stairs to completely losing control of her back legs. She may have a split or ruptured disk. We need to decide our course of action for the next couple of days... if it gets bad enough do we want to do back surgery or commit her to being on wheels for the rest of her life. We will do the surgery, no matter what the cost. But we're praying she gets better before it gets to that point.

[judy]

Prayers are coming to Layla, Lindsey. I read it on FB. Please post asap.

Hugs to you too! You just be so scared!

[DianaB]

Oh, poor Layla. That sounds so serious. I'll be praying.

[Lindsey]

I am terrified. She is my baby. Our vet just took her in and is hopefully going to get her to pee or poop today since she wouldn't for us all night. We bought this house for Layla, we wanted her to have a yard so we bought a house. What if she can't enjoy it? What if she can't even get up and down the stairs? What if we should have just stayed in the condo to make her life easier?

I asked the vet about chiropractors because a YT person said she had great luck with chiropractors with even totally paralyzed dogs. The vet said it could be great, and she would get some information for me today. She was going to call another vet who practices accupuncture, although he's in the process of retiring. She's going to try to get us in. She's also calling the small animal hospital to get quotes and book us in for an MRI.

I am exhausted and I feel nauseous. My baby can't walk. I have taken that so for granted. I should have taken her in yesterday morning instead of waiting all day. Maybe something could have been done sooner. She walked on it and it kept getting worse until she couldn't walk anymore.

[Blueyes]

Lindsey, you ARE exhausted. Everything just looks really bad to you right now. Maybe Layla's problem can be fixed as quickly as it popped up. Don't question buying your house or when you got her to the vet. Just go slow and make the best decisions that you can at the time. We are all praying for you. You have always done your best for Layla, and for everybody that you love. Breathe Linds.....

[Lindsey]

Got a call, it's progressing quickly, so we are taking her directly to the animal hospital in the city. They may be able to do back surgery today. Continue to pray.

[DianaB]

Lindsey, you and Layla will be in my thoughts and prayers today. Hugs, GF :hug:

[Blueyes]

I'm so sorry Lindsey. She's lucky to have you for her mommy. Thank you for keeping us posted.

[paula1961]

OMGosh Lindsey! I know you must be devastated. I am praying for little Layla!! I so hope everything is ok with her. You are a fantastic Mommy!! Never doubt that!

[Blueyes]

Still praying for you, Layla and Scott.

[judy]

How is Layla? I'll keep checking in. She is in my prayers.

[DIANE W]

Oh Lindsey.......I am so so sorry and saddened, i just cant begin to understand what you must be going through.

Now just stop thinking all those "If only" thoughts, you are not to blame for this, you are just stressing out and it is making you think all sorts.

I am going to be so worried and i will be keeping a check out for updates. I am praying that all will be well, it is just dreadful news - Harvey is my baby too, so i can only imagine what you are going thorough.

Keep positive, god bless baby Layla and keep her safe and make her well x x x

[Janet]

Lindsey, I was just on YT checking on Layla. I know it's crazy to say try not to worry, so I won't. You have a lot of people praying for Layla. Please let us know how she's doing. We're here for you sweetie.

[DIANE W]

Oh...... Just checking in for any news.

[Lindsey]

I'm sorry I've forgotten to update here. Layla went into emergency surgery yesterday at the animal hospital in the university. They have the best of the best specialists, surgeons, and equipment. It's the only place like it in Western Canada so we're lucky to be so close.

She had deep pain in her back feet when I picked her up from the vet (meaning she showed signs of being able to feel when they poked hard between the pads of her feet). By the time they observed her at the hospital, she had lost all signs of deep pain. Her chance of full recovery after surgery at that point dropped from 80% to 50%.

The doctor in charge of her care as well as the surgeon let us know all of the risks involved and what COULD be causing her paralyzation and the chances that it could get worse, and it was so hard to hear that Scott and I both sat there bawling. We said to absolutely go ahead with surgery since it is the only chance to save her. There's basically no chance of recovery without it. We asked to see her before we left and they brought her in for us. She was SO happy and licking away our tears and licking our hands and she had such life in her eyes. When the surgeon came to take her for testing, Layla didn't even look back at us as she was being taken down the hallway. She was just looking straight ahead like she was feeling good and determined. It didn't matter that we were leaving.

After a few long hours we got a call saying they had done the test (can't remember the name) where they injected her spine with dye and found one exact spot with definite compression and that's where they would be going in. She'd be in surgery in half an hour, and it would take about 2 hours for the procedure. It was the best news we could have gotten. There was no fluid causing it, it was just one spot of solids that they could remove.

I called the town vet to update her and she said she couldn't believe it, she and her techs had JUST finished saying a prayer for Layla and the surgeons when I called with the news. She said she absolutely believes in the power of prayer and she would continue to pray for her. She was so relieved there was only one spot in question and she said she is so confident that Layla will get better.

Almost 3 hours later, the surgeon called. They removed something (I think she said a plate, or a disk??) from the area but then found some more in the next vertebrae up which is why it took a little longer than expected. But they removed a LOT that was putting pressure on her spinal cord and it was sitting nicely where it should be. She would be waking up in ICU and they would assess her in the morning, when I'd get another call.

At around 10 last night we were in bed when I heard my cell ringing downstairs. I RAN down but missed the call. It was the hospital. I was frantic, why were they calling me at that hour? I had already got the call from the surgery, what if something happened while she was trying to wake up?? I tried calling back and just got a recording, and Scott was hoping they'd call his phone, but then I had a voicemail. It was just the student vet wanting to introduce himself and apologizing for calling so late. He just wanted to let me know she was comfortable in her cage and sleeping soundly. He said he would call me in the morning.

This morning we decided to catch up on sleep and not go into work until this afternoon. I woke up with the call from the hospital. It was the student again, letting me know that Layla is awake and alert and they have done an assessment and she is not better but not worse than yesterday. It's good news because they worked with such a sensitive body part, plus it probably means they targetted the right area because she was going down so quickly yesterday.

We are going to visit her tonight right after work. We will have to see if she does well with our visits or if it stresses her out when we leave.

It's tough being at home without her. There's evidence of her everywhere, but it's just a big old empty house. She is what makes it a home. We were laying in bed last night and Scott tearily said "I can smell Layla on the blanket" and I said "Maybe she's sending us her scent so we will feel better and know she's okay"

Please keep your thoughts and prayers coming. They are working so far. She's a tough little girl and I am praying with all my heart that she can make it through this. We just have to wait and see what her nerves are going to do. Hopefully they will rebuild and she can regain feeling in the next few days or weeks. Even if it takes months, I am hoping she will be okay.

[DianaB]

It certainly sounds like Layla's in good hands!!! I'm hoping that every day she gets better and better!!!

[Lindsey]

Thank you. I know there's still a lot of risk and she may not regain function. However, she had only lost deep pain for a few hours at the most, and from the articles I'm reading the prognosis only becomes very poor if it has been lost for 48 hours or more. There's still a 50/50 chance. I just wish we could have gotten her there a little sooner.

[Janet]

Keeping Layla in my prayers Lindsey. Sounds like she has the best with her so that's great. Please keep us posted.

[judy]

Don't knock yourself down for not getting her there faster. You did what we all would have done. You had no warning that you even had to worry about her spine.

All that matters now is to get that sweet little baby home! I'm sure she will be walking!

I'm praying for her, and keeping her in my heart.

[Lindsey]

I am so glad that so many people I've talked to are so hopeful for her recovery. I am terrified for her still.

We thought we had good signs tonight when we visited her. I massaged her legs and her tail, and then Scott was playing with her feet, and her leg twitched! Twice! He also thinks she may have tried pulling her foot away. Then she wouldn't do it for a long time. Finally she started moving her tail up and down when he pushed between her toes. We were amazed! But when the doctor finally came out she said it's probably just a reaction, since she wasn't moving her head to look. But she wasn't moving her head when we touched anywhere, even where we know she has feeling. She was so doped up and sleepy...

Scott is holding on to the hope that what happened was more than just a reaction. I'm scared to get my hopes up too high and have her never recover :( I want to be prepared for the worst.

[Blueyes]

Thank you so much for the update. I just know she'll get better! I bet she has a full recovery:)

[Lindsey]

I can not stop praying for her. I want to be so hopeful but I can't shake the bad feeling I have.

I think there's something with April... A year ago my mom had a stroke in April. She recovered fully. I can only hope I am so lucky with my little girl.

[Lindsey]

Just got the phone call... they assessed her and there is no progress yet. I keep crying here at my desk. I can't get any work done.

[DianaB]

:hug:

[Janet]

Keep the faith Lindsey. Continued prayers are being sent to Layla for a quick recovery.

[Lindsey]

Thank you so much I can't stop praying, but I feel like it's not enough.

I read about a treatment being tested in the states with a really good rate of recovery if used within 72 hours, and I asked about it last night but they don't do it here yet because there is not enough of the study done and no long term effects known :(

[DIANE W]

Praying so hard for Layla and both of you........

[Blueyes]

Linz, do they think she should be better by now or is it supposed to take a few days?

[Lindsey]

From what I've read there's a good prognosis for any dogs that regain feeling within two weeks, but every time they call and say no progress yet they seem pretty disappointed in it. And not only is she not feeling anything in her legs, she's not reacting to pinch tests down her back. I guess I just have to keep hoping and praying.

[judy]

We are all praying Lindsey. I know you are so filled with anxiety, but we will keep praying for the little sweetheart.

[DianaB]

I don't understand how this happened. Did she fall?

[lynne b]

Praying that Layla makes a full recovery!!! I am so sorry that you are going through this.

[Marilyn]

Oh, Lindsey, soooo hoping and praying that she makes a full recovery!!!! Keep us posted.

[Lindsey]

I don't understand how this happened. Did she fall?

No, she didn't fall. It seems to be IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) which is a genetic disorder basically meaning she has been predisposed to this from the time she was born. The reason the vets think this is that there was NO major trauma to cause anything. It would have had to have been a big blow, like something falling on her. But there was nothing, we were home with her all day when it started.

I'm going to copy and paste my post from YT....

Last night we visited Layla and she was so awake and happy! She gave us kisses all over! Her IV was gone and her leg was pretty bruised, but she was moved out of ICU yesterday. We brought her some kibble and some treats, as well as a few toys from home and a shirt I had slept in since the night she got this way...

First of all, when she smelled the treats, she almost dragged herself right off my legs to get to them! She's still pretty shaky standing on her front legs, and doesn't realize she'll fall over when she lifts one leg. But we managed to feed her a couple of kibbles and a treat. After about the first hour, I switched her to her daddy's lap and she laid down for a bit but started crying. We helped her up and she dragged herself right back over to mommy's lap and collapsed in my arms.

As she was laying there, Scott started playing with her back feet, and she was watching him. When he squeezed, she had a very pronounced movement of pulling her leg back away from him. She continued to do that while she watched. I don't know if that's still considered 100% reflex, but the movements the day before were just very slight twitches of her leg or tail. She soon turned her head away from us and started to fall asleep, and the only reflexes we got at that point were again just twitches of her thigh and tail.

The physical therapy person talked to us and let us know she started Layla's first session of acupuncture yesterday, and that it was very easy because she could work the needles in quite hard and Layla can't feel a thing past her shoulders. She also did electroacupuncture from the area of her neck to her tail and Layla fell asleep She said she was dreaming because her breathing was different and when she woke up it went back to normal

After our two hour visit, we put her on the floor for a bit. Scott lifted up her back end a little and she started moving her front paws. I had an idea so I took the t-shirt we brought, rolled it up, and put it just in front of her back legs and lifted. Wow! As soon as that back end was off the ground, she was motoring all over the place! It made me so happy to see her just like a regular dog, except with her back feet dragging on the ground.

The doctor told us that she would be able to come home Saturday if we're ready. And we're not sure that we're ready yet. I'm scared that I will not be able to give her as much care as she is getting there. She wants to see Layla at least 3 times a week for physical therapy but as of right now she's always watched and gets physical therapy EVERY DAY. I'm scared that I won't be able to express her or I won't do it right, and what if she cries at night because she wants on the bed? Will she cry if she wants to change sleeping positions? I just want her in the best care possible and I don't have enough confidence in myself yet.

Oh and other good news is that it's not a bad sign that she's not getting better yet, but it's a good sign that she's not any worse. With a paralyzation as severe as hers, they are expecting to see improvement in the next 4 weeks if any will occur. And if it does, it will probably be near the end of 4 weeks. There's still a 50% chance.

Last night I had a very vivid dream that Layla just got up and walked around the house. When I woke up I was so excited to see my miracle baby, and it took a few minutes to realize it wasn't real. And I cried.

[judy]

It sounds good Lindsey. She seems to be reacting more when Scott touches her back legs. She also sounds happy, and that is a very good sign!

I think I would prefer her to be at the vet for PT every day too. You will know what is right when the time comes.

Still praying, but I I think our girl is going to be okay.

[Lindsey]

According to the vet, NOTHING has changed since yesterday so what we thought was hope really was nothing. She has made no progress.

[Janet]

Will continue to pray for Lelah Lindsey. I know you must be worn out from worry, but just take one day and one step at a time.

[Lindsey]

I have not been a religious person for a long time and right now is when I need to pray for a miracle more than ever and I have been having trouble feeling any connection. On my lunch break I had to run to the bathroom, sit in a stall, and completely break down. I was sobbing. I don't know what to do.

When I came back to my desk I did a little search on how to get prayers answered. And I realized I don't believe enough. I need to ask specifically for what I need... for Layla's spine to heal itself and her brain and body to reconnect, and I have to believe it's happening before I see anything. The dog I saw Wednesday night and the dog I saw last night were so different... she's already happier and loving us and having energy. That's an improvement in itself. I just have to know that her spine IS trying to heal and it's still sooooo early. Nerves can take weeks or months to heal and regenerate. God is working on her, I have to know that.

[paula1961]

Lynsey.......I believe in miracles! I will continue to pray for Layla's full recovery. Be strong sweetie. I know you must be mentally and physically exhausted.
I have been away but I did check in a couple of times and saw your thread. I have been praying for Layla, you and Scott.

[Lindsey]

Thank you so much Paula. So many people care about her, so many people are praying, I am begging for a miracle!

I am going nuts and I can't function at all. I just need to try to stay positive because I know negative energy could hurt her recovery.

[Gina]

Ohhhhhhhh Lindsey I read about Layla from your posts on FB. I am soo sorry to hear what she is going through. I have her in my prayers and you and Scott also. If this is any help as to know what your feeling. Believe me I know Gucci had liver shunt surgery when she was 2 yrs. old and I cried like a baby. Please believe that she will get better.. Positive energy is essential along with prayers.. You will see she will recover.. hugs sweetie...

[Lindsey]

I am worried that Scott and I won't make it through this together.

[Blueyes]

Why not?

[Lindsey]

It's so hard. I've been with her 24 hours a day since she got home and I feel like I'm alone because Scott is doing other things he thinks need to get done like rearranging furniture so we can watch movies better, or vacuuming the ceiling fans or whatever and then tells me I can't just let the house fall down around me because Layla is sick. Then last night he said I need to pay more attention to him, and I said Layla is my biggest concern right now. He said I'm obsessed with trying to convince myself she'll get better.

This morning I tried to have a few seconds of normalcy by checking my email after I got ready for work, so I left Layla alone for a minute and as soon as he saw me he yelled "WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT ON YOUR COMPUTER THAN TAKING CARE OF LAYLA?!" and I yelled back saying he told me not to spend all my time with her, and then I ran to Layla and collapsed on the floor and bawled beside her. On the way to work I was asking if he remembered to pack blah blah blah for her and he assured me he went through the whole list I made last night. We got here and he didn't pack anything for her to take her pills with, except an apple slice that I can't hide pills in. I called him and asked how he gave her pills with an apple slice, there was sandwich meat on the list and he said he would pack everything. And he got angry and hung up on me. So I was left all alone trying to feed Layla her pain killers and crying at work trying to get anything down her throat.

I am just feeling SO ALONE. I am her only caretaker, and I was awake with her until 4 am while he slept, and I have to be with her all day and give her the meds and make sure she's happy and comfortable while still getting work done. I love her and I don't resent her at all but I am just spreading so thin, I am exhausted, I am not eating, and I am getting sick myself. When I try to lean on Scott and try to get hope that she will be okay and this is all for SOMETHING, he tells me I'm stressing him out and bringing him down.

I feel like my life is falling apart.

[paula1961]

I can't speak for all men but.....I just don't think that most of them would completely understand how we feel about our babies(skin and fur). Women have a maternal side that most men just don't have. I'm sure that Scott loves Layla and maybe he is just dealing with his feelings in a different way than you. I certainly hope that you guys can get through this together Lynsey. You two have been through alot together. I will continue to pray for you Scott and Layla. I think about you everyday and I know that you are heart broken. I hope soon that things are back to as normal as they can be given your situation. Try to stay strong girl. Layla is soooooo worth what you have done and are still doing for her. Hugs to you Lyns.:hands::hug:

[Lindsey]

Thank you Paula. He said he will use his lunch break to pick up some meat and drive it over for her pills this afternoon. I know he really loves both of us.

[DIANE W]

Ahhh Lindsey I am so upset for everything you are going through, and baby Layla.....

I think he must be feeling a little bit neglected (I know he shouldn't and needs to be supportive), in my experience most men are not good with coping with illness and crisis, I personally think he is being a little selfish, but i am sure deep down he really doesnt mean to. Sometimes how a person is behaving and the affect it has on others are not always obvious.

It is difficult for any couple trying to get through times like this, it just needs working out. But i know it is very hard for you, and i totally understand how you must be feeling..... like you are doing it all alone.
Maybe you do have the very strong maternal bond with Layla that he doesnt have, even though i am sure he loves her very much.

Take care I hope this all works out well for all of you, stress makes people say and do unpleasant things at times, I am sure once you get through it you will be a stronger couple

Sending you all a big hug... especially darling Layla.

[judy]

Welcome to how men deal with a crisis!!! It is very normal for a couple to fight when there is stress, and you both have a lot! You bought the house, and just moved in, and now Layla needs to recover.

If you can, try to remember how much he does love you and Layla. (Just look on FB at his picture kissing her). The reality is that nobody is there for you, or on the same page as you are 100% of the time. You don't really need him to lean on. You are quite strong on your own. He is there, he loves you both, and is doing his best. I would say he is a stand up guy.

If he starts to complain, or yell, don't answer if you can do that. Less is best, and he may just not realize he is just taking his stress on the nearest person around.

[Lindsey]

Thank you. I know he is sorry and he loves us a lot. He is doing so much for Layla even if it's not just being with her all the time like I am. He's setting up appointments for therapy and he arranged for us to pick up a second-hand crate for her tonight after work, and he's really just doing so much extra so that I won't have to do it. I need to remember things like that.

[gja1000]

Hi Lindsay, I'm so sorry all this is happening. It is such a big change right now for all of you.

Please try to remember that it will NOT always be this stressful. You WILL get into a routine and life will become more normal, albeit, changed.

This always happens when a health crisis occurs, even with humans, or our children. It seems like the whole world is crashing down around us and in some ways, it is.

But you will make a new way, and Layla's health will become a part of your life, not your whole life. It will take time for the adjustment to occur, but it will occur, and whatever happens with Layla, whether she gets better or stays the same, you will integrate it into your life and will not be as overwhelming as it is right now. You will learn exactly what to do, when to do it, and you will have a set routine that works.

Think of parents or spouses who go through this with their children or husband/wife - it is completely overwhelming and devastating. It is so stressful and people think they can't cope - but 99% of the time, they can cope and they come through the experience better and stronger for having gone through it.

You will be fine - I KNOW it doesn't seem like that right now, but you will be fine. You need to connect with someone who has gone through this with a pet. You need to try to be able to call or connect with them on a regular basis. It will help you to talk with people who have been through it and who are doing just fine. They will validate that your feelings are normal (and they are) and they will be able to give you hope that you can cope (and you can).

I'm not minimizing what you are going through - at all. It is one of the most traumatic things you have ever delt with. But you will get through it. You are a strong, smart, and resourceful woman.

I wish I were there to give you a big HUG!

[Gina]

Lindsey I agree with the other girls.. You and Scott have been through a lot , between the move and Layla its taking an emotional toll. Most men do not know how to cope with sickness and my husband is one of them.. We are women and like Paula mentioned we have maternal instincts , we do best at it. Try not to fight and just over look his frustrations thats what they are and he is acting out on it. He feels helpless that he cannot help Layla in her condition and is afraid as you are... Gayle hit it on the head you are both overwhelmed and in time all will fall into place..

Get some rest and just give Layla love and please don't put up a barrier with Scott try to understand where he is coming from.. It's not easy, you both need to be there for Layla and each other... hugs to you...

[Blueyes]

You've been given wonderful advice Lindsey. I don't have anything to add except that I love you and am praying for you all.

[Marilyn]

All I know to do is give you a hug, (((((((((((Lindsey)))))))))))))

[Lindsey]

Thank you all. We have both just been so upset and frustrated lately, and it came to a head. He came at lunch to bring a package of meat, and he had to run out quick but he told me he loved me, and he already did the rest of our grocery shopping too so we could leave right after work. I love him.

We got Layla a crate tonight and she seems pretty happy in it. We also stopped at the vet here on our way home so she could see Layla. Her husband was there too and he kept saying how Layla was so sweet and had such kind eyes. The vet said "I know, I have to keep asking why it had to happen to THIS dog" but she is still praying for her recovery. She also did a urinalysis because we have been worried about the darkness and odor of Layla's pee... I know it's not like her normal pee. When we called the hospital they said don't worry, but I'm glad we got this urinalysis done because it turns out she does have a slight bladder infection. I knew it. And the vet quickly found out for us after her clinic was already closed. Did I mention I love this town?

On the advice of another yorkie owner from the city (on YT) I got a second opinion about Layla's recovery and therapy and was told that right after surgery is a great time for acupuncture because it helps rebuild connections as the spine is healing itself. So I made an appointment for tomorrow. Right now the bath tub is full and I'm going to go do some water therapy with Layla before finally getting to bed. I have an alarm set for midnight to give her more medication.

This is a full time job right now!

[Lindsey]

I am feeling exhausted physically and emotionally. I took her to acupuncture this morning and she loved it and relaxed and fell asleep. Now we're at work and she's asleep in her crate beside me but every time I look at her my heart breaks. I am not getting any real work done and there's a lot of pressure because I'm the only drafter here and people need their drawings done for reports that are due and I just can't concentrate.

[Gina]

I hope that the acupuncture works I hear that it is good I was thinking of going for acupuncture myself. Lindsey you are such a good mommy.. I didn't realize that you bring Layla to work, I haven't been on much and didn't know that you moved from the condo.. I imagine you do not live close to your mom or anyone who may be able to help out. It is tough working and taking care of Layla, you have a nice boss who allows you to bring her to work with you. I know it is very emotional and exhuasting since you are not sleeping well. Isn't there anyone who you can trust to relieve you during the day a little? Your job is important to and knowing how expensive surgery and their care is you cannot jeopardize your job. Your in a hard place.. I keep you in my prayers and pray that better days are coming..

[Lindsey]

Thank you Gina. I asked permission to bring her to work so I could do her exercises with her during the day. I have nobody near who is willing to take her for the day, except the vet. She let us know she would take her any time as long as we let her know ahead so she'll make sure she's around to express her bladder etc, so her techs don't have to. And that will also cost money of course. I am not near my parents, and my mom hasn't even made an effort to see my new house yet, even though my dad has come in and my mom decided just to stay home instead.

The only other person around is my grandma, but she has a busy life herself and I would not want to put this burden on her. I am still finding it really hard to express Layla's bladder and I know if my grandma couldn't do it, she would just feel terrible.

I figured we're going to be spending about $1000 a month for her physical therapy and acupuncture. We already spent thousands on the surgery. But this is my baby and I love her more than life. I need her to heal and will do whatever it takes.

[Janet]

Lindsey....I have no other advice for you....the ladies here can't be topped, their advice is wonderful. Instead...know that You and Layla are in my prayers.

[Lindsey]

I'm pretty sure this isn't the right time to find out that Scott took another girl on a date a week and a half ago to an event I decided at the last minute not to go to. So he decided at the last minute to invite another girl to go with him and not mention a word of it until today. I feel sick.

[Blueyes]

NO!!! What???? There is probably a completely rational explanation for this. Oh Lindsey, I wish I could come up there and help you!

[Lindsey]

His friends do this stupid awards thing and it's a very formal event and I was so tired I couldn't go but he decided he would still go alone. I spent the night cuddling with Layla on the couch and going to bed early while texting him wondering when he'd be home because the roads were icy. He just asked me today how Saturday is going to work out because this girl wants to take him out to eat Saturday night as a thanks for taking her to those awards with him. And she's not part of that group, he invited her at the last minute to go with him. And now he asks if he can see her Saturday night if I'd be okay with Layla because he'd really like to go. I don't know what to do. I am just numb. He's trying to call me at work but I don't want to get into this in front of my coworkers. I'm trying to stay calm. I don't know him.

[Blueyes]

Yes you do know him. Just ask him how he would feel if the situation was reversed. How would HE like to stay home Saturday while YOU went out on a date?? This is just crazy. He knows how upset you are about Layla. What is he thinking?

[Lindsey]

No idea.

[DianaB]

I think that you've had some wonderful advice......I'm here to give you a hug :hug: and Layla a hug :hug: Oh.....and Scott a hug :hug:

[Lindsey]

So many people right now are telling me that it would be best to just put Layla down. I can't even listen to them. My heart is so broken.

[Blueyes]

Good Grief!! She just had surgery and she needs time to heal! As long as her pain is controlled and she's not suffering, there is no reason for her to be PTS. But if the time DOES come, you will know it...YOU are her mommy.

[Lindsey]

Thank you. Even a friend who has been praying for us told me that. She has a dog of her own who is like her baby and she said she would put him down. I said even if he still licked your face every morning? Even if he still knew his commands and would sit or lay down when you asked him to? Even if he had life in his eyes? If he got excited for treats? And if he would do what he could to spend every moment by your side? And she said, yes. I don't know if we still have her prayers.

I know I might be reaching but I've made an appointment with a woman who does all sorts of healing. I actually met her the last time I went to the spa last year, she works there and was just filling in with massage, pedicure, manicure, etc. But what she usually does is reiki and other types of healing therapies. On her website she has a lot of testimonials from people who apparently have gotten over pain and illnesses with her help, and she claims to be able to feel energy flows through her hands and she is communicating with the Creator, and this allows her to help heal wounds and ease pain. I am a bit skeptical I'll admit, but I feel like we meet every person in life for a reason. She happened to give me a pedicure, and talked a lot about her practice, and out of nowhere she popped into my head yesterday. Why not give it a try? It's even cheaper than an acupuncture treatment. We may take Layla right to her house on Saturday morning.

I have also heard a lot about chiropractors. The vet at the university said it's not a good idea, but our vet in town said she is a big advocate of chiropractic care, and it's the only reason she's walking. I've heard from a lot of people saying it has cured their paralyzed dogs, even when they were told surgery was their only option. I found one canine chiropractor in the city and emailed her just for some information.

[paula1961]

There is NO way that I could even consider putting that baby down. Like Betsi said..the poor little thing just had surgery. She hasn't hardly even had time to start healing yet. For pete's sake..I do not understand for the life of me how some people can be so damned heartless! Makes me mad:mad:

Lynsey I hope there is a very good explanation for what Scott did. You certainly don't need anymore pressure and stress in your life right now. Hugs headed your way!

[Lindsey]

Thank you Paula. Scott and I have a lot of talking to do tonight.

[DIANE W]

Good luck Lindsey..... I hope he can explain his actions to you so that you are satisfied.... not happy with it, but just satisfied. This is just the last thing you need right now!!!!!

I just dont know what to say........ well i do but i am going to refrain, you know him the best and you will know yourself what to say.

You are in such a difficult place Lindsey..... I am so sorry for what you are going through, we just never know what life is going to hit us with.

Try to keep positive, I dont think i can advise you about Layla, it is just so so sad, I am praying for you all and thinking about you every day.

In my sensible head i can sort of see the reasons why people have been suggesting letting Layla go, but it is very early days ... but in my heart wow thats a different thing altogether.

I think you are doing brilliantly, and are very brave too.

Take care of yourself, and baby Layla too.

[Lindsey]

Thank you Diane. I am trying my hardest to keep hope in my heart and pass that to Layla because she can sense when I'm sad and that affects her too. She still has a 50% chance of walking again, and that is better than nothing.

[DianaB]

Layla's already had the surgery and you've been told that it takes a few weeks before you'll know anything. I wouldn't give up hope yet....it's too early. Don't let anyone discourage you at this point. As for other treatments....I'd just wait and see if the surgery's going to work. You can't speed up the healing process.

[Blueyes]

That's what I think, too. I think all of the alternative medicines might be just overload her right now. Just do exactly what the vet says, and give her little body a chance to heal.

[Janet]

I agree with all the others that it's way to early to decide Layla's fate. She has to have time to heal and that can not be rushed. I would wait on the other type of care if it were me. She needs to heal first.

As for Scott......well....I just won't even go there right now. You and Layla are in my prayers Lindsey.

[judy]

This might be a good time to only talk to people who are supportive of what you are doing. I found that out when my father had cancer. Well meaning people said the most awful things to me.

I went to a website last week where they say there is no reason for putting a dog with disc degeneration down. It's just not that kind of disease. If she isn't in pain, or suffering at all, why put her down? That's just to make the dog owner's life easier.

My daughter has MS. She has certain limitations, but she has made her quality of life probably better than many other people. She is not disabled. If Layla could talk, she would say that she is fine as long as you are around.

These people are rather selfish! Don't even concern yourself with their advice. You know in your heart what to do.

As far as Scott goes, that man needs a good yelling at!!! You do not date other people in a committed relationship!

[Lindsey]

The vet is advocating the physical therapy and acupuncture. Layla has another acupuncture treatment this afternoon. I am going to hold off on the chiropractor for weeks to see if there's any improvement without it. As for the reiki, quantam touch thing, we are going to see the lady on Saturday morning after Layla's acupuncture. She lives right near the vet so it's not out of our way, and we will just be sitting there with Layla while she works on her "life energy" and stuff. I don't really get it. But it's nothing that's going to hurt her, so I'm willing to try. I'm probably going to look back in a few years and think I was off my rocker but it's not that expensive and even if there is no "energy" I am sure she will tell us good news and give us something to believe in, and right now I just really need something to believe in to keep my spirits up.

My cell phone died in the night so my alarm didn't go off at midnight to give her pill. I was so upset with myself this morning.

[Lindsey]

Oh, and about Scott.... he didn't think I'd be upset, because he has hung out with her lots before (when I know about it, obviously). I've always been a bit uneasy around her because she always calls him to hang out or to talk about her boy problems or whatever... I have only been out with her once (she came out for Halloween with us) but every other time has just been them. I just get an uneasy feeling with her. Especially when she tells him to tell me things like "I hope you're not mad I'm with your boyfriend for tonight" :(

I've never told Scott I was uneasy with it though. He asked her to go as a friend, but to me it looks like a date because it was a formal event and she didn't know anyone there but him. He didn't mention it because he didn't think it mattered.

I told him if he sees her on Saturday and leaves me at home with Layla, that he'd better not come home again. That scared him and he is not going. He said he would rather be at home with his family. He loves me and Layla and he doesn't want to hurt us, and he can't live without us.

[DianaB]

Hmmm......somehow I missed the "other girl" thread. I think that in Scott's eyes it was innocent but he still shouldn't have done it.....but in the other girl's eyes it was an open door. Scott needs to put a stop to it now if he wants to continue with you. I'd let him know how much it hurt you and ask how he would feel if you'd done something like that and invited a guy friend. Guys can be so dumb sometimes especially when it comes to things that hurt us. They really don't have a clue sometimes!!!

[paula1961]

Hmmm......somehow I missed the "other girl" thread. I think that in Scott's eyes it was innocent but he still shouldn't have done it.....but in the other girl's eyes it was an open door. Scott needs to put a stop to it now if he wants to continue with you. I'd let him know how much it hurt you and ask how he would feel if you'd done something like that and invited a guy friend. Guys can be so dumb sometimes especially when it comes to things that hurt us. They really don't have a clue sometimes!!!

Diana the "other girl" info is in this thread. You hit the nail on the head except "Guys" don't have a clue MOST of the time instead of some of the time lol!!

[Lindsey]

I know he doesn't pick up on hints very well. I need to be straight with him all the time. A couple of nights ago I was SO exhausted and still had to have a bath myself (because I'm finding it really hard to wake up in the mornings to shower, when I'm waking up at midnight to give Layla pills) and it was around 9:00 at night and I still hadn't had anything to eat. Scott said "Well you should have made something then, it's not my fault" so I sarcastically said "There's half a cucumber in the fridge, I guess I'll eat that when I'm done my bath so I have time to sleep tonight." I got out of the bath and went downstairs because it smelled delicious in the kitchen! He cooked! But he handed me a cucumber. He made one piece of chicken for himself, and gave me a cucumber. He thought I really wanted it. I was not happy! He just said "Well honey you need to just TELL me what you really mean!"

MEN! :mad:

[Janet]

Lindsey...you better start telling this guy he needs to get a clue or you'll end up miserable relationship like me and believe me...you don't want that! Life is way too short.

[Marilyn]

I told him if he sees her on Saturday and leaves me at home with Layla, that he'd better not come home again. That scared him and he is not going. He said he would rather be at home with his family. He loves me and Layla and he doesn't want to hurt us, and he can't live without us.

Way to go, Girl!!!!! It may have been innocent on his part, but I guarantee, it wasn't on her part. She's acting like someone who wants to wreck your relationship. Make it very clear to him so he gets it!!!

I told Rex about what you are going through with Layla, and he's one to not want to spend money on pets, but when I told him she's still loving on you and acting the way she is, even he said to keep going at least for now. Give her some time.
:hug::hug::hug:

[judy]

Men:doh::doh:!!!A cucumber? You should have told him where to put it!

I know how to do reiki. It does seem to work for certain people, for certain things.
My teacher taught us that nobody really knows what it is, but it is "hands on healing," which has been a part of folk medicine from many different cultures forever. It certainly can't hurt Layla. Pets supposedly do well with it.

[gja1000]

Lindsay, a chiropractor used "manipulation of energy" to cure Gary of terrible abdominal pain that he had endured for 5 months. I'm not kidding and I wouldn't have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.

Three months before Gary was diagnosed with heart failure, he had terrible abdominal pain every time he ate anything - it would literally double him over. He kept losing weight because he just didin't want to eat because it hurt so bad. He had every test known to western medicine - twice! And they couldn't find anything wrong. He was desperate.

A friend of mine told me about this doctor and thought he could help Gary. We went and he laid Gary on a table and tested his "energy". He manipulated all his arms and legs, even his tongue and I don't remember what else, but he worked on him about an hour.

He said the energy to his pancreas was blocked so every time he ate, it caused pain. He said he opened up the energy path at that visit, but that it woudln't stay open and he'd need to come back a few more times.

We left the office very skeptical, but driving away, Gary said he felt hungry, so we went to get something to eat. And for the first time in 5 months, he didn't get any pain after eating. We were floored. But the next day the pain came back. We had another appointment in two days, and after that treatment, Gary NEVER had that horrible pain again. Gary went about once a week for a month and that is all it took. The pain never ever returned.

Now, I wouldn't believe that if I didn't see it, but it is true. The doctor also showed Gary how to unblock the energy and told him if he ever felt the slightest twinge of pain to use the techniques. Every once in a while I see him doing the manuevers, but very rarely.

So, I say give it a shot, you have nothing to lose.

[Lindsey]

Thank you, I had a reply on YT about Reiki too and she totally believed in it after having it done to herself AND her dog. I know it may not "cure" Layla's spine, but I think it will help all of our attitudes about it, especially after having so many reviews of this type of therapy working. I still know it's going to take time but I think I may be a little more positive about the change as well. Apparently this woman can change a person's perception inside that they BELIEVE they can and will heal, and that's the biggest step. I hope Layla will know that because lately my energy hasn't been so great.

On another note, I am pretty sure I must be cursed, or this house is, or something. First Layla goes down, and today just as I pulled into the parking lot at Scott's office, I got a sharp pain in my back. I've had it so many times before in the same spot - a pinched nerve. After a VERY uncomfortable drive home, I struggled to get upstairs and laid in bed with a heating pad. I stayed there for a couple of hours and tried to get up to use the washroom and I cried in pain, I couldn't even sit up. I ended up crawling on my hands and knees to the bathroom, and I was able to get back down here for the computer. Scott's the only one still standing!

What a life. I should have known with how much good luck we had in the last few months, it couldn't last forever.

[Lindsey]

Today I am finding it really hard not to cry.

[judy]

How is your back today? I cannot blame you for wanting to cry. It's like the sky is falling in on you, but things will get better. Hang in there Lindsey. Sometimes that's all we can do.

Much love and prayers for all of you.

[Lindsey]

Thank you. My back is okay, still sore, but at least I'm at work. Luckily I just get to sit at my desk all day.

Layla is at the university today getting physical therapy. She was so upset in the car this morning, I hope she's doing okay. I can't stop worrying.

I am doing better now than I was a week ago, though. I know it will get better. I felt like such a failure yesterday when we got home and I hadn't emptied Layla's bladder since lunch time because I didn't have another pee pad at work, and when we got home at around 6:00, she had started leaking from an over full bladder. Scott was pretty upset and I apologized and he said "Don't apologize to me, apologize to Layla. It's her bladder you're going to explode." It's just really hard. I don't know if I'm getting it all empty and it's frustrating and she can't help me because she can't feel anything. Sometimes all I can think about is crying. I don't even want to get up in the mornings because I just want to sleep until she starts getting better.

[Blueyes]

Lindsey, nothing is cursed. You have been under SO much stress. When your mind can't relax, your body can't relax, either. No wonder your back hurts! I'm so very sorry you feel bad. Get in the bed with Layla and stay there all weekend PLEASE!!

[Gina]

Lindsey , Diana hit it on the head.. MEN DON'T HAVE A CLUE!!! go with your gut feeling this other girl knows EXACTLY what she is doing!!!! You tell Scott that you Don't Like him going out with her .. Period ! End of Story!

Sorry that you have been having back pain... I am glad to read that your feeling better... You are under so much stress.. and like I told you earlier today on FB , Layla is not in pain, and you do have to expect a little pain with PT , there is no reason your friends are telling you to put her down, Like the other lovely ladies mentioned she needs time to heal , she was just operated on.. OMG.... Your above and beyond doing the best that you can.. You need postive energy and support. Not the opposite...


Please give her time to heal and hopefully she will progess .. Hugs and kisses to you...

[MaddieBoo]

Lindsey, I've been following your threads on here and YT, and my heart is aching for you. You are being so strong and exactly what Layla needs. Anyone who tells you to put Layla down is probably not a pet owner, and does not have any idea the bond we have with our babies. Especially since she is still happy and has no pain at all, it breaks my heart to think that anyone would eve suggest that.

Your strength is what will get Layla through this, and you have every right to have an adjustment period where things seem cursed and bleak. At the end of the day, you are there for Layla and your positivity will help her heal.

The alternative methods you are trying can only help Layla so I would definitely agree with you to continue with that. :)

As far as your boyfriend goes, I agree with what you told him. You are more tolerant than I am :rolleyes: I have zero tolerance for that type of behavior, especially since this girl seems like a piece of work.

Stay strong, girly. There is hope and there are so many people praying for you :)

[Lindsey]

Thank you all for your support!

Last night we were all sitting on the futon and she was between us and in the blink of an eye she was on the floor :eek: Scott called it "graceful" and there was no thud or hard hit on the floor, but she still got down on her own which is a huge mistake on our part. I was upset all night, I felt sick about it. I should have been watching her better. She didn't twist her back or fall on her back, so Scott is trying to reassure me it's okay. All she wanted was a drink of water. From now on she's only going to be in her crate unless she's going to the bathroom of we can have our hands on her constantly.

[Lindsey]

I am sorry to keep venting but I am finding it really hard not to cry today. I have tried to stay strong and positive for a long time and everytime I feel sorry for myself I push it away and now I can't keep it inside any longer. I want to do everything over again and do things differently. Things are just really hard right now. It's hard to function at all.

[DianaB]

Lindsey, we all wish that we could go back to the past and enjoy previous times. You need to give Layla time to heal. It's hard to say at this point exactly how things are going to turn out and it sounds like her healing is going to take some time but that she has had some small progress. Being patient and letting her heal is going to be hard but that's what she needs right now. It sounds like Layla is still very happy and is doing pretty good inspite of her surgery. Hang in there, Lindsey!! :hug:

[Lindsey]

I mean I wish we would have taken her to the college sooner. I wish we would have gotten her to the specialists sooner. It took a long time to realize that the regular vet, or ANY regular vets just don't have the knowledge to deal with what was going on. Her vet kept saying she's still doing great, she still has deep pain sensation, she still has an 80% chance of recovery. And it wasn't until later when we visited her again and she pinched Layla's toes and said "Well she got her deep pain sensation back" ... but no, she didn't. Her pulling her leg away is NOT deep pain sensation, because she has no idea she's doing it. So really we have no idea how long she actually went without it. The vet said she had it the morning of the surgery, and had it the night we took her in to start with, but obviously her definition is different than the real definition. The same thing happened with her acupuncture vet, she considered pulling away to be deep pain too. I said no it's not, the surgeons and specialists said she has no deep pain sensation until her BRAIN recognizes that something is hurting her.

Everyone has a different story. And from what I'm reading, most dogs who start walking again were put on steroids immediately after surgery. Layla has been given NO steroids. In fact she's completely off all her medication already. Most people are saying do NOT start physical therapy until weeks after surgery, but Layla started immediately after surgery.

I just don't know what to do or what to think and I'm scared that nobody is taking it as seriously as I am. If she's laying on the bed beside me, Scott will start playing with her and pushing her over so she will bite at his hands. She has tipped herself backwards in her crate and can't get up and he doesn't worry about it. She is supposed to be kept as still as possible. Scott falls asleep at night while I stay awake if she's crying. She's not crying for no reason. She will stop if I get her what she wants, or move her bedding to make it more comfortable for her.

I know that Scott doesn't have the same bond with her that I have, but he keeps saying it's hard on him too but he has to just get on with life. I am telling him I'm still trying to adjust. I am the one with her all day, worrying that she's eating and drinking enough, she's not staying in the same position to get bedsores, she's having her bladder expressed.... I'm trying my hardest to keep her happy even though she needs to be cooped up in a crate for the next couple of months. And yet he yells at me for being absent-minded lately with other things.

I am just starting to feel very very alone. I know that Layla loves me and she knows that I'm doing what I can to save her, and she is grateful to be with me every second we're together. That's what is getting me through the days. But this is so hard.

[paula1961]

Lindsey I can't even begin to imagine how hard this all is on you! If I could change it for you........I would in a second! You are one terrific girl and you are doing such a great job with Layla! It's only natural for you to have up days and down days. Hang in there sweetie. If only the rest of us lived closer to you, we could step in and help ya but unforunately we don't so we just hope that maybe a little something we say can at least make you feel a little better for a little while.

I am looking forward to the day when you post and say guess what........Layla walked today! I know it's going to happen. I just don't know when.:)

[gja1000]

Lindsay, it is so hard, I know it is. You are doing such a good job. Why don't you ask the docs why they started her PT so soon when other sources say not to. Maybe there is a good reason in her case and if so that might ease your mind, as well as why no steroids.

[Lindsey]

I am so happy I could cry! Talk about a roller coaster day!

When we picked up Layla after work it took about an hour, and we didn't get to see her vet because she was in surgery. We were told she did about the same as last time, and the vet would call us later when she was done surgery.

Well, I just got that phone call. She said she tried assessing her deep pain sensation again and there was no response. However, she felt that her left leg has toned up quite a bit, and while she was massaging and stretching her back legs, Layla did seem to notice that she was being massaged. It's not definitive, but it seemed like she knew. And, the biggest thing, is that she confirmed what Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days - she seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second after holding her back end up. We can pull her up and she stiffens her legs and if we pull our hands away there's a tiny fraction of a second that she can hold it before her legs give out.

I can't even explain how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now. All I wanted was a sign, just a tiny glimpse of progress, and here it is.

I joined a yahoo group today called Dodgers List full of pet owners with dogs who have IVDD. There is a wealth of information with these people and I learned the things I am doing wrong and have committed myself and Scott to keeping Layla on STRICT crate rest for the next 8-10 weeks. We've decided until at least the end of June, she is only coming out for potty breaks, range of motion exercises, and her other treatments and therapy. No laying on the bed, no sitting on the couch, no sitting in the grass. Nothing but laying in the crate. It's the best thing we can do for her right now.

[judy]

Thank God!!! You poor baby! This has been awful for you, but here it is - the good news you have been waiting for. She will recover because you are right there with her, and she gains strength from your love.

I am sending you hugs, and, of course, prayers. Please give Layla a kiss from me.

[paula1961]

I am so happy I could cry! Talk about a roller coaster day!

When we picked up Layla after work it took about an hour, and we didn't get to see her vet because she was in surgery. We were told she did about the same as last time, and the vet would call us later when she was done surgery.

Well, I just got that phone call. She said she tried assessing her deep pain sensation again and there was no response. However, she felt that her left leg has toned up quite a bit, and while she was massaging and stretching her back legs, Layla did seem to notice that she was being massaged. It's not definitive, but it seemed like she knew. And, the biggest thing, is that she confirmed what Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days - she seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second after holding her back end up. We can pull her up and she stiffens her legs and if we pull our hands away there's a tiny fraction of a second that she can hold it before her legs give out.

I can't even explain how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now. All I wanted was a sign, just a tiny glimpse of progress, and here it is.

I joined a yahoo group today called Dodgers List full of pet owners with dogs who have IVDD. There is a wealth of information with these people and I learned the things I am doing wrong and have committed myself and Scott to keeping Layla on STRICT crate rest for the next 8-10 weeks. We've decided until at least the end of June, she is only coming out for potty breaks, range of motion exercises, and her other treatments and therapy. No laying on the bed, no sitting on the couch, no sitting in the grass. Nothing but laying in the crate. It's the best thing we can do for her right now.

YAY!!!!:cheer::cheer:

[gja1000]

LINDSAY! This is the BEST news EVER!!! This is exactly what you needed, a sign that things ARE improving. You have done the very best that you can with the information that you had - and now - you have even MORE information!!!

I'm so happy for you, wish I were there to give you a BIG HUG!

[Janet]

I am so thrilled for you and Layla Lindsey!!! Such wonderful news. Remember to take one day at a time and thank God for each improvement...no matter how big or small.

[Lindsey]

Oh I have been thanking God with all my heart! I have been told to thank Him ahead of time for her full recovery, so I've done that too!

I just did her range of motion exercises and then stood her up again, and she held it for a whole TWO SECONDS before her back end fell sideways. I am so proud of my little girl!

[DianaB]

How wonderful that you've seen a sign of improvement!!!! :cheer: I'm sure that the group you've found will have a lot of information and encouragement for you!!! Good news!!!!

[Blueyes]

YIPPEE!!! This is just the beginning of her full recovery!! She's taking baby steps..that's the best way to begin any journey!!

[gja1000]

I'm so thrilled for you, Lindsay. I could just do the happy dance!

[lynne b]

Lindsey, I am so happy for you and Layla, sounds like she is on the road to recovery. I am so glad you found the yahoo board, I hope they can answer all of your questions and give you good advice on what you should be doing or what to expect. Good luck

[Lindsey]

Thank you all for so much love and support! Layla can still stand for a few seconds tonight before her legs collapse. We have to pull her to a standing position, but she can hold it. I am beyond thrilled! And to think, a few weeks ago my biggest worry was getting her to not poop in the living room :rolleyes: Now she can poop wherever she wants as long as she can walk first :) I am so excited for her therapy tomorrow, I hope the vet is as thrilled as we are with her progress over the last day!

[gja1000]

Lindsay, will you be taking her for another Reike session? I hope so as I think that really might help "awaken" the connection between her brain and spinal cord.

[Lindsey]

Yes, Gayle, we'll be going for Reiki again on Sunday :) The woman said that she just started working with another paralyzation case too, an 18 year old boy who was in a car accident and is now paralyzed below the waist! She said she is confident she can help both the boy and Layla, but she can't say to what extent they will heal.
After updating about Layla's condition yesterday, I got a reply from someone on the IVDD list and she said that's a great sign that Layla shows she could almost hold her own weight, because that means that there are some signals to her legs from her spinal cord! I guess that's obvious but having it said to me like that gave me tons of confidence in her. Last night she would stand for a few seconds everytime we tried. Her right leg is weaker and she tends to start falling to that side, so Scott leaned that side up against her crate and she stood for about 5 seconds!
Her feet also seem to be a lot more sensitive to touch now. There's still no deep pain response, but touching now gets an immediate reflex of pulling back or kicking, instead of having to squeeze like we did last week.

[Janet]

This all sounds so wonderful Lindsey!!!! It may take some time, but everything seems to be looking up for precious Lelah!!! Still keeping her in my prayers.

[judy]

Go Layla!!! I have such faith in that little girl! She is not going to let this stop her!

[DIANE W]

I am so thrilled about the improvement.....even slow progress is better than no progress!!!!!!

Keep up the good work Layla:thumbup:

[MaddieBoo]

That is such amazing news Lindsey! Your strength and support of Layla and her recovery are paying off!

I'm just so thrilled for you. Every time I read an update from you I get so excited! :)

Encouraging smoochies from Lucas! :2hearts2:

[Lindsey]

Thanks everyone! I'm trying my hardest to stay positive. Layla is back with her original therapist now because she's back from her time off. We were so excited yesterday with Layla's improvement, and she told us that yes, Layla is improving from the last time we saw her, but she's just improving reflexes. There is still no sign that her spinal cord is healing or will ever heal. She said even her being able to hold her own weight is just a reflex. It just made me feel like crying :( I guess I should stop getting my hopes up so high.

[gja1000]

What do the people on the yahoo board say about her progress? I think this therapist is being a bit pessimistic - I think people need something to hang onto, something that instills hope, and I think those signs are there. I don't think it is necessary to dash all hopes. I would consult with the "experts" on the yahoo board and see what they think.

SHE IS MAKING PROGRESS! Baby steps, baby steps, are just fine!!!

[Lindsey]

She is better than she was a week ago, I just have to remember that. On the yahoo group, they just tell me "Be happy that she's not in pain, she loves you, and anything beyond that is just icing on the cake"
I wish I could feel that way. She is still my baby but it hurts to see her struggle or know she can't do things she could do before. I know I mind more than she does.

[gja1000]

Yes you are right, you mind much more than she does. YOU are her whole life and whatever she can or can't do doesn't matter much to her as long as YOU are there! That is important to remember. I still believe she will recover - my mom's doxy recovered after about 4 -6 weeks. It was a long time, but he walked again. I think Layla will too!

[Lindsey]

I'm just worried about the fact that I can't ALWAYS be there. I don't know how long they will allow me to keep bringing her to work. Until she walks, she will not have bladder function back so I will have to express her at least once during the day, and since we moved it is not feasible at all for me to drive home to express her and drive all the way back to the city. I wouldn't make it in an hour. And keeping her boarded somewhere just can't be done financially. I know I'm probably looking too far into the future, and I should concentrate on her getting better NOW. But, I'm terrible at not having things planned out in the long run.

[Shada]

Lindsey, Layla is showing you that she is and will get better!!
Her reflexes are proof that her spinal cord is healing. If she had no reflexes at all... that would show a different story. Her brain is getting a signal.
Which she acts on. Good girl Layla!!!
Prayers sent for a full recovery. [HUGS]

[Gina]

Oh Lindsey thats encouraging news. Baby steps remember!! I have her and you in my prayers.. Continue loving her thats all you can do at the moment , she know your the best mommy .. She will get there.. Keep the faith...

[Janet]

Keep healing Layla!!! We're all praying for you!!

[judy]

Dogs live in the moment, and she may not even miss running around right now.
I think that you do mind more than she does. Not that I blame you Linds - I would be just as heartbroken, but it is too soon to give up hope. I really have to agree with Gayle that this doctor is a bit negative. Hope keeps us going.

She might be perfectly happy just as she is right now. She really is in no pain, is spending all of her time with you, and it sounds like her spirits are good. Of course, we will all be praying fiercely for a full recovery! I think she will be fine given time!

[Lindsey]

Thank you all so much. I took her to reiki alone today and I was amazed... instead of her usual squirmy, uneasy self in new surroundings, I put her on the couch between us and the woman started working on her, and she laid right down against my leg and barely moved. Every once in awhile she'd jump up and look at the woman's hands, and the woman just laughed! She said she probably feels the energy and thinks "What the heck is this person doing to me?" Anyways, I was so impressed with everything today. She said that Layla seems to trust her a lot more and just let the energy flow into her body. After about 25 minutes, she finished with Layla and asked me if I had ever felt Reiki energy before. I said no. She told me to stay where I was and she came around behind me. All I could feel was heat through my head and down my neck. It was weird!

Layla peed a bit on her leg when I expressed her last so I washed her off and decided it was probably time to change her blanket in her crate anyway, since it hadn't been changed since last weekend. So I got her a new fleece blanket and thought, I wonder if a pillow would fit in there? I grabbed an old pillow too, and it fits perfectly! So now she has a nice soft place to be laying. She seems to like it so far.

Yesterday I met some women from town at a clothing party the woman next door was hosting. That might be a topic for a new thread later! Anyways I tried to talk about Layla with some of them and I think they just considered me the crazy dog lady :( One woman said "Oh your dog is your baby until you have a real baby and then it's just a dog." and she was laughing about bringing her baby home and being so worried about the dog being okay with it, and now she just thinks it was hilarious to care that much :( When I told her about Layla being paralyzed and we're spending most of our time looking after her, she immediately looked for a way to get out of the conversation.

I'm so glad I have so many of you here who understand the love I have for Layla.

[gja1000]

Lindsay, I wish so much that all of us lived closer to each other. We indeed do understand how much Layla means to you and how much you love her. We all would do exactly the same thing for our dear furbabies. I wish we were closer to be able to help you with Layla. It is overwhelming to have her so dependent on you. I understand. But you are doing such a good job and I know Layla is very very happy. It is hard for you to never have a break and I wish I were closer to "babysit".

I'm really glad to hear the last reiki session went well. I know that it will help. I hope you have a good week.

[judy]

People can sometimes be intentionally cruel. Why would this woman tell you this when she knows that you are so concerned about Layla, love her as your baby, and give her healing all of your time. Most people do not stop loving their pets with all of their hearts once they have children.

I know a lot of my friends, who are mothers and grandmothers, who discuss their dogs with as much love and concern as you feel about Layla. Whoever I talk to asks about "the babies," meaning Max and Annie. I discuss my daughter and grandchildren, but my heart is big enough to love them all!

Next time, ask if her if her heart can only contain a certain amount of love, and could not expand to still love her pets?

[Lindsey]

Thank you Judy. I think when I have children I will love them a lot, but I can't say I would love Layla any less and think she's "just a dog". I have ALWAYS loved animals more than I love most people. I have always been able to bond with animals better than with people. I don't think I could ever look at her and say she's JUST an animal, and not as important as anyone else in my family.

I cried on the way to work today. I woke up being happy but Scott was in a terrible mood, and there was a lineup at the college for dropping off animals. We were supposed to stay there with Layla but it was already past 8 (we both start work at 8) so Scott asked if we could just leave her there in her crate in the waiting room. He ran out the door and I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to her, just left her there alone with tons of other people and dogs all over the place. I felt like I was walking on eggshells around Scott and couldn't say a thing because he'd snap. He said he didn't sleep well... well he was asleep at least 2 hours before I was, and in bed longer this morning too. Anyways, by the time we were a block away from work, tears just started pouring. My heart is so broken over Layla and it is so hard for me to push through every day.

[gja1000]

Always, we have good days and bad days. It's even more pronounced during times of stress. Sometimes we feel like we can conquer the world, other times, just a tiny misstep will through us off into fits of tears. That's normal. It doesn't make it any easier, but it is normal.

Take it one minute/hour at a time. You can do anything for one hour. Usually at the end of the hour or day, things look a little better - if not, then keep telling yourself, "I can do anything for the next hour" and keep moving forward!

It might be a tough day, but there will be better days, I promise!

[Lindsey]

Thanks Gayle. I told Layla today on the drive in to be positive even though her doctor might not be. I told her that we have to prove she's getting better because we know it and she just has to try really hard and show the doctor all she's got. Yep, I gave my dog a little pep talk. Maybe I am going crazy :confused:

I am hoping Scott will be in a better mood after work so that we go shopping and get an exercise ball before we pick Layla up. Her therapist showed us last week how to bounce her back legs on it to start getting hip flexes, but of course we don't have one at home. And then WHEN Layla is better, I can use it to work out too :)

The one she used with Layla is a long oval shaped one. I've never seen one like that before but she told us a store we might be able to find one in, so I guess we'll look. It's better shaped for a dog's body.

[judy]

You are such a loving Mama to Layla! I hope you got her exercise ball. Scott needs a smack on the back of his head.

[Lindsey]

Lol! I think Scott has cheered up a little now. I'm just having a terrible day at work so I think I deserve to be the grouchy one!

I think my little pep talk worked with Layla. Her therapist called and said she has even more extensor tone than she did on Friday and can now hold her own weight for 5 seconds!

There's still no deep pain, still no other feeling. But we're getting there. I think. I know I can't get my hopes up too high right now because as the swelling goes down in her spinal cord is when we'll see the most rapid improvement, and that's what's happening now. I can't expect her to keep recovering at this rate. So it's gonig to be tough when it slows down.

There's another yorkie on YT who is showing the SAME symptoms Layla was showing before she went down. This yorkie was actually paralyzed in all 4 legs, but got up the next day and is now walking around, etc. I am trying to convince them to take him to a neurologist ASAP, but I think they feel kind of like I did... I thought that she'll be better after a little rest, no need to rush anything. But nobody needs to go through this heartache :( I'd rather be safe than sorry. I hope they get help for their little guy soon.

[Marilyn]

Lindsey, so glad that Layla is showing some improvement. You're doing such a good job with her!!! Hang in there!!!

[MaddieBoo]

Still thinking of you Lindsey and Layla! Thanks for being so vigilant and updating us so often. I've been thinking so much about Layla so I hope you are getting all my good thoughts. :) You are such an amazing Yorkie Mommy, you deserve an award!

[Lindsey]

Thank you! I don't think I'm being amazing, I think I'm just trying to do what anyone would do for someone they love. I wish I wasn't going through this right now, but someone up there must have thought that we could handle getting Layla through this. I feel like I'm so much closer to her now.

She's trying to sleep behind me in her crate, but her ears keep scanning the room. I think she wants the guy in the office beside me to stop yakking on the phone.

[Lindsey]

By the way, I think she's in the running for one of the cutest sleeping dogs in the whole universe. She must have had a few rough hours this morning. She's gently snoring behind me.

:2hearts2:

[Janet]

Aww Lindsey...she looks like a little angel sleeping there.

[judy]

It's good to see her! She looks so cute sleeping in there! I don't see why you can't continue to bring her to work. She certainly doesn't look like she's bothering anybody! Besides that, remember that you are the only person there who does your job. You can bring her every day for as long as you want!

[Lindsey]

It's good to see her! She looks so cute sleeping in there! I don't see why you can't continue to bring her to work. She certainly doesn't look like she's bothering anybody! Besides that, remember that you are the only person there who does your job. You can bring her every day for as long as you want!

Before this happened I was actively trying to find a new job. I know I can't find another job where I can take her with me. Before we have kids I wanted to find a place that would give me better benefits for maternity leave and stuff like that. At the office where Scott is working now (not the same company as him) they will pay 100% salary for maternity leave! So I was really looking to get to a better company like that. Plus I get treated like crap here. But Layla is more important to me so if that's how it is, I will put up with crap.

Scott and I had another huge fight this morning and last night. My brother is not speaking to my family anymore, and I feel like it's my fault. My baby Layla is paralyzed. I'm getting yelled at at work for this drawing not getting done and I don't know why the program isn't working right. I feel like my life is falling apart. I have a doctor's appointment for a physical this morning and I'm sure he'll be able to tell how unhealthy I am right now.

[Blueyes]

I'm glad you are going to the doctor! I don't know what's up with your brother, but I know you are NOT responsible for the way other people behave.
Layla looks so comfy and sweet in her crate. I bet she loves being with you all day:)

[paula1961]

Layla looks so sweet! I saw the pic you put on YT too and it was also adorable!

Lynsey you need to take good care of you so that you can continue to do well for Layla. I'm glad you are going to the dr.

[Lindsey]

I went to the doctor and got my physical. I also mentioned a couple of spots on my skin that have popped up over the past few years, one on the bottom of my foot, and another on my hand, and they've been growing. The one on my hand has probably actually been about 7 years or so, and it has gone from looking like a blue pen spot to a larger blueish gray spot that is raised from the skin. Anyways, he's referring me to a plastic surgeon to have them removed and tested for skin cancer. Just finally speaking up about them has lifted a huge weight off my chest. I just want to know for sure and stop worrying.

I told the doctor about Layla and he said being spiritual is so important for health and he's happy to hear I've been praying for her. He gave me "homework" for my next appointment this fall, keeping a food and activity diary, list of supplements and vitamins I take, and also a spiritual journal. He said he will pray for Layla too, and he hopes I have good news when I see him again this fall.

[Lindsey]

Well, my little Layla Bean has done it again... now she has even more strength than she had on Monday and can hold her weight for 10-20 seconds! They did acupuncture on her and started her on the underwater treadmill. The therapist said sometimes that can get things going. And she also said that Layla has been improving tremendously in the past 5 days, so that's great! I spoke with another vet last night who specializes in rehabilitation and she talked about laser light treatment too, saying it can regenerate cells and in turn that could regenerate nerves. I'm going to ask about it tonight.

[paula1961]

I truly believe that Layla will have a full recovery!! She is such an amazing little girl!!:):) It is awesome of you Lynsey to have done what you have for her!!!:thumbup:

[gja1000]

Oh Lindsay, you are having such ups and downs right now! I'm so sorry and I so wish I could give you a big hug!!!

I think it is wonderful that you had a doctors appointment now and that he was so supportive. That is rare these days, in my experience. I feel a lot of support, prayers and hopeful signs radiating around you and Layla. I'm thinking that she is making progress in leaps and bounds and that in and of itself is the best sign!

Stay strong, you will come out of this a better/stronger person, I just know it!

[judy]

It sounds like you have a remarkable doctor! He really cares deeply about you and Layla.

I think Gayle is right. There is a lot of positive energy around you. Soak it up!

[Lindsey]

I am trying my best! We talked to her therapist after work today about laser light therapy, and I requested it so she is going to consult with Layla's surgeons and see if they would approve. I talked with a holistic vet who specializes in rehabilitation and she suggested it to me. I also asked on a paralyzed pets forum and the yahoo group and both places gave me positive stories about laser therapy. So I'm hoping her surgeons say it's okay! Anyways, before we left, her therapist told us that it is amazing to see her progressing this quickly, and told us "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!" Lol... and she said it's really exciting to see her now and see how far she's going to go.

I can't stop thinking way to go little Layla! I told her to prove this negative therapist wrong and she's starting to do it! We even got a smile out of the therapist today when she was talking about how great Layla is doing!

Scott told me today that when we were fighting this morning he hopes Layla didn't get too upset about it, but he said whatever we said or did must have lit a fire under her bum to get better :)

[gja1000]

I'm so glad to hear your "voice" sound stronger and more hopeful! It makes me smile to read your post! Please give Layla a kiss for me!

[Lindsey]

Thank you Gayle! I will give her lots of extra good night kisses tonight :)

[judy]

This is so wonderful! I know my heart is calmer, so I can just imagine how you feel!

I am so proud of little Layla!!!

[Lindsey]

I am still on a rollercoaster and I still cry a little most days. But I'm really trying to be more hopeful. I didn't see much change in her yesterday so I don't know if there will be more improvement today or not. I am just praying and praying for her deep pain sensation to return.

[paula1961]

I'm still praying for Layla!! And also for you and Scott. I pray that things are back to normal as soon as they can be. It's just going to take time as you already know. Let us know how she does today. Hugs to ya Lynsey.:)

[Lindsey]

Thank you Paula. I will update this afternoon when I hear from the rehab vet. I gave Layla another pep talk on the drive in so maybe it will work again! I told her to please make the doctor smile again about her progress. I don't know if Layla liked my talk because she pooped in her crate and some of it fell through the back and onto my back seat. I found the little piece in the backseat after dropping her off and already driving on my way to work. Or maybe she's just mad that I'm leaving her there again!

It's a long weekend so I'm not sure if we can take her back to rehab Monday. If not, I have a Reiki session lined up. We may do some more swimming at home this weekend and I'll work with her as much as possible.

I don't know if I mentioned this here, but I ordered an adorable pink stroller for her, and the part she sits in comes off as a carrier, and also straps into the car with a seatbelt. I'm not sure that I'd use it in the car, but we can take her out for walks with the stroller. Carrying her up and down the stairs in the house will be so much easier in the carrier than it is in her crate! So I'm excited for it to come. It was shipped from New Jersey yesterday I think so we'll get it in a couple of weeks hopefully.

This is the one:
http://www.petgearinc.com/product_info.asp?id=20

[paula1961]

That stroller will be a big help to you I think. It's also adorable!! I saw a lady with one of them at a campground. She said she and her two doggies loved it!!

Sorry Layla pooped in your car lol. Maybe she is just a little po'd at ya for leaving her again. They can be mischevious little buggars:D

[Lindsey]

Tell me about it! Yesterday she pooped in the car on the way to work, pooped at work in the afternoon just as I was taking her out of her crate for exercises, and pooped again on the way home from work :eek: We're not sure if she knows she's doing it or not, so we may start expressing that for her too just so we know when it's there and avoid accidents!

I'm sure taking her out in a stroller around town is just going to confirm my "crazy dog lady" status with all the small town gossip, but I don't care too much anymore. I just want Layla to be happy!

[paula1961]

I don't blame ya one bit! Let 'em talk:D Layla is the most important thing right now!! I think the stroller will be great for her and especially easier for you to transport her in. You can actually take her out for walks which in turn is going to make you happier by being able to get out of the house and still have her with you:p I hope it comes in very soon!!
I know you take her to work with you but being able to take her out at home will be completely different.:) I think you'll feel much better.

[judy]

That's so perfect! I hope it comes soon! Screw the neighbors;)

[Lindsey]

Layla now hasn't progressed at all since Wednesday. The vet said she's still doing good though and she's very happy and "talkative" and everyone knows who she is and everyone stops to say hi when they walk by! That's my girl!

About the laser light therapy... she doesn't feel comfortable doing treatments on Layla because there haven't been enough studies on it. But she said the studies they have done on rats have looked very promising. She said we wouldn't hurt her feelings if we wanted to go for it and went to another vet for the treatments, just as long as we let her know so it's in Layla's file. I have read a lot of stories where laser has helped tremendously in dogs so I'm leaning towards it. I think if I don't try, I'll always wonder if it might have done something. Actually, the college doesn't even have the right kind of laser for this type of cell and nerve stimulation. But lucky for us, there are only TWO of those types of lasers in all of Canada, and one is in Saskatoon! Actually at the same clinic we took Layla for acupuncture while the college vet was gone. So it looks like I may be taking more trips back there again.

[judy]

I think that I would do the same Linds. Is it very expensive? I hope not. Don't worry that she hasn't progressed since Wednesday. Sometimes it comes in spurts.

How wonderful that she is happy though! That is what is really important. She is also probably everybody's little love!

Still praying!!!

[Lindsey]

I have no idea how expensive it is yet. I'm going to call today and find out and book an appointment. But something amazing happened last week.... out of nowhere I got a letter from my lawyer in the mail. I opened it and there was a cheque for just over a thousand dollars from taxes I had paid for my condo before I sold! It was completely unexpected and will be put to good use with Layla.

[paula1961]

That is wonderful Lynsey!! Layla is a very lucky little girl to have a Mommy that loves her like you do! I am just so happy that you got that money and right when you probably needed it most! See.......God looks out for us!! I truly believe that.:)

[Lindsey]

I'm believing it too Paula. I don't think it's coincidence that I came into a lump sum of money (profit from the condo) the EXACT DAY Layla needed surgery, plus this extra just now. I think it's a sign that we're supposed to be getting all this help for Layla, I think it has to do some good.

[Janet]

I haven't posted much lately, but wanted to let you know that I think of Layla often and I'm keeping her in my prayers.

[Lindsey]

Thank you Janet. Every prayer means so much to us!

Layla is going in for her first laser treatment on Tuesday morning at 9:00. I am excited for it! I've heard such good things about this holistic vet, so I will be happy to finally meet her.

I am so thankful that Scott said he would stay home with Layla for a few hours so I could go into the city today. I went to Walmart on the edge of town and bought groceries and flowers and some vegetable seeds for the garden! If it wasn't so rainy and miserable today I'd love to get a start on some gardening. Maybe it'll warm up before I go back to work Tuesday.

I think it is good for me to get out and get my mind on something besides taking care of Layla for a little while. This morning I brought her on the bed to do her exercises, and then I just curled up around her and cried and cried and cried, and she was ferociously licking my tears away. How backwards that she is the one comforting me.

[Gina]

Aww Lindsey don't cry Layla will get better you will see. I too have not been on much but think of Layla and continue to pray for her... She is just so adorable...

[DianaB]

Lindsey, don't be sad. It sounds like Layla is still very happy and loves you!!! That's what's important!!

Didn't you talk to others who said that it took 6 weeks? Don't give up hope yet. Healing takes a while. Hugs to you, Layla, and Scott!!!!

[paula1961]

How's Layla? Hope all is well Lynsey.:)

[Lindsey]

I tried to post a couple days ago but it didn't go through :rolleyes: So here I go again...

Layla started her laser light therapy on Tuesday, and I'm hoping it does something. They want me to bring her in every second day for a treatment, so we will be doing that next week when we have some more time. The cost is $64 per treatment, so it's still expensive but not as bad as I was expecting.

I researched it on Saturday, and they have not done studies on dogs but they have on rats. They took 20 rats and SEVERED their spinal cords. 10 of them began laser light therapy, and the others were the control group. I think one from the control group gained a little bit of movement back. All 10 from the laser group were completely back to normal within 9 weeks, not only walking as well as before, but with the same speed too. It's just completely astounding that the laser seems to be able to help nerves jump the gap in the completely severed cord. Of course, that is with treatment starting immediately, and Layla's treatment didn't start for 4 weeks after injury. But Layla's spinal cord wasn't severed either, just compressed. But we'll see and keep hoping and praying every day.

Yesterday we took her to our regular vet because she has been chewing on a front paw. While there, the vet did a whole check of her standing ability and was amazed. She told us it looks like Layla is starting to engage her core muscles and she's sure she'll be walking this summer... I know it's probably false hope but I just want to believe so badly. The specialists and surgeon will not say anything like that to us. She hasn't shown signs yet that anything is coming back except reflex muscles. I'll hear back from the rehab vet this afternoon though, so maybe she'll see some change today. She hasn't seen her since last Friday.

Every night now we do her range of motion exercises on the bed. She always used to suck on the edges of our pillows as a comfort thing, and she does that now after exercises. I just take 5 or 10 minutes to lay there with her and cuddle. I really miss snuggling with her while we sleep at night. But the safest place for her right now is her crate.

[Blueyes]

It's not false hope Linds, its REAL hope!! Hang on to it:D

[Janet]

You are such a good mommy Lindsey. It really sounds like Lelah is improving...maybe not as much as you'd like, but still...every little bits counts. I think of you and her often and will continue to keep her in my prayers.

[Lindsey]

I just got the call saying Layla is exactly the same as last week, no changes.

[gja1000]

I would imagine she made so much progress last week that her body has
To take a rest this week. Don't be discouraged. I bet the vet is right, she'll be walking in no time!

[DianaB]

Layla is still healing.......give her time!!! We're all hoping and praying for her!!! Go Layla!!! :cheer: :cheer:

[Lindsey]

I can't believe I forgot to update here!

On Friday, Layla started showing signs of "spinal walking" on the underwater treadmill! It's not real conscious walking, but moving her legs due to muscle memory. Basically it's the spinal cord in her lower back telling her legs to walk, but not the brain. There's still no sign of the spinal cord healing, but I need to be confident it will come!

At Reiki yesterday, the woman told me to visualize Layla running and walking and playing with her favorite toys in her favorite places and to send those images from my "third eye" to Layla's. She will get the images and remember what it's like to have 4 legs and will her own body to heal. She said I need to be positive ALL THE TIME, even when Layla's not around. If I talk to someone who doesn't know about Layla's problem, I can say this happened and there was damage but it's HEALING and she is getting better! I am not supposed to say there's a 50% chance or that she might not walk again. She will walk again, because she IS healing. The universe will give us what we believe :) I'm hoping so, anyway!

[DIANE W]

Thanks for the update Lindsey.. It is so hard for you, but you are doing everything possible for baby Layla.... she is improving, i know it is slow but that is how it has got to be.

She WILL GET WELL, i just know it.:)

[paula1961]

I like the way that Reiki lady thinks!! She's right too, Layla has improved. She is going to walk again!! I am keeping the faith!!!:)

[judy]

She certainly is healing! I missed the post about what the vet said about Layla walking by summer. I am thrilled for our baby girl!

I looked up spinal walking, and, until she is completely healed, she is mobile anyway!

That's the way to go Layla! Max, Annie and I are sending you tons of positive energy, and I am praying. (I don't know if dogs pray, per se).

[Lindsey]

Lol! Thank you all! Layla's stroller came today and we just got it put together. She LOVES it! I didn't think she'd like it at all, never being in a carrier before, but she settled right in, laid down, and stuck her head on the edge of the front "window" to rest :) I rolled her around the house and she was looking around eagerly. It's very smooth and even has little shock absorbers on the front wheels lol! Then I carried her up here and she's sitting beside me. It's so much easier to move her around. This is the best idea we've had!

[JJJ]

Ok I just finish reading about poor Layla.

Just hang in there, I know it's going to be a long journey but eventually she will come around. I also think a stroller is a great idea, I'm sure she feels like a lil' Princess in there. You have to post pics of her in her stroller. :D

[Lindsey]

I will take pictures when I get time :) Maybe this weekend!

After her laser therapy yesterday, I was carrying Layla's crate out of the vet's office and across the parking lot. There was a paving crew there with a bunch of big burly guys and one of them said something to me. I stopped and said "Pardon?" and he went straight to Layla and stuck his fingers through her crate to scratch her chin and said "Oh you're such a pretty dog! Yes you are! What a pretty puppy!" LOL! Everyone who sees her loves her.

[JJJ]

Lol, I saw Layla's pic on YT and she sure is adorable :D

[paula1961]

I'm glad you got the stroller in Lyns! And so glad that Layla likes it. YAY!! Yeah like Jessica said...now you'll have to post pix of her in it.:p

That's funny about the construction guy lol. But what's not to love about these precious little ones. And Layla sure is a cutie pie!!!:)

[judy]

Layla has got groupies!!! The stroller is such a good idea. I'm so glad she likes it.
Now you can take her for "strolls" again.

[Lindsey]

Layla's vet said yesterday she did better than Monday, but not as good as Friday with her spinal walking. She isn't showing as much movement as she did the first day! But I'm confident it will come, and that feeling will come back too.

Scott said he saw her tail wag this morning. I've seen it a couple of times before too, so I'm glad he's seeing it as well. He always seems to have an explanation for it though, she had to go to the bathroom, something touched her, whatever.... This morning he said it very cautiously and when I said "Was that when she had to go to the bathroom?" and he said "It was AFTER she had just peed and pooped, she was back in her crate, and I came around the corner towards her. It was wagging sideways" I don't want to get my hopes up yet but that's really exciting. When she has to go to the bathroom, it will sometimes wag in a circular motion or up and down, but with nothing touching her for a reflex, I don't know what else a side to side motion could be but a tail wag for joy! We just can't get it to happen consistently so it's tough to say what it is for sure.

[JJJ]

Your such a good mommy, I think the best thing you can do for her is to keep your hopes up. I'm sure she can feel your energy.

[Lindsey]

Your such a good mommy, I think the best thing you can do for her is to keep your hopes up. I'm sure she can feel your energy.

Thank you so much. I am trying my hardest to stay positive. Layla's already changing the minds of so many people around us who told me to put her down from the start. No way, she's my little fighter. I have gone from wondering if I made the right decision with her surgery to wondering if I'm making the right decisions for her therapy because I KNOW now the surgery was the right thing to do. And I'm doing every kind of therapy I can for her! I think in the end, it will pay off.

She's snoring really deeply behind me right now and it's adorable. This morning, Scott told me he packed a sweater and a fleece blanket in her stroller "in case she gets cold because it's raining outside" and when I got to work I noticed he also threw in her little teddy bear :) What a thoughtful daddy! I took a picture of her sleeping beside it earlier this morning.

[JJJ]

No matter the outcome, it seems like one happy family.

She looks adorable next to her teddy :D

[Gina]

Lindsey she is just to cute , she will have her good days and bad days.. Hopefully the good out weigh the bad...

[judy]

Tail wagging sounds promising! She is just so precious with her little teddy.

[Janet]

I have thought about Lelah quite often and kept her in my prayers. I really think having hope and doing all that you've been doing for her will pay off in the end. You're a great Mommy Lindsey!

[Lindsey]

Thank you so much. I am finding it hard to read other peoples' stories on the IVDD dogs yahoo group I joined. For example, there was one woman who was devastated.. her dog was down for days and had no deep pain for days and the vet told her to put the dog to sleep, she had less than a 5% chance of walking again. I comforted her and said that even if she can't walk, she can be happy. After encouragement, she decided to go ahead with surgery so the dog wasn't in pain. The day after surgery the dog has feeling back and is moving her legs and tail on her own. It feels like a kick in the stomach for us. Everyone is seeming to get a miracle except us. It's hard to stay positive reading stories like that, and I usually feel like nobody really responds to my questions, concerns, or stories about Layla. It's basically a group for dachshunds so maybe that's why.

But in good news, Layla wagged her tail TWICE this morning. I tried early this morning, even gave her treats, and she was excited but there was no movement. We were sitting in the waiting room to drop her off for rehab today, and I was watching a tv while Layla was watching the people and dogs walk around us. All of a sudden I felt something against my stomach. I looked down and her tail was moving! I told Scott to look and he caught the last wag before it stopped. He asked if she was pooping, but she wasn't! She already pooped an hour earlier! A minute later she did it again for about 5 seconds! I pinched her back but she still has no sensation. I will tell her rehab vet when she calls this afternoon.

[paula1961]

That is wonderful Lynsey that Layla is wagging her tail!! I can't wait to hear what they say about that. Stay positive. You are doing all the right things. Try not to get too discouraged. I'm still sending prayers for you guys and Layla.
She looks sooooo cute in her crate. She's happy just being near you.:) That was so sweet of Scott to put her teddy in.:)

[Lindsey]

Layla is my little rockstar. She is proving everyone wrong and I couldn't be more proud of her.

On Friday we didn't get a call from the vet all day, but when we got there to pick Layla up she was there waiting for us. She apologized for not calling but she wanted to talk in person. Layla did so well that day, she couldn't figure out the difference but there was a big difference in two days. She went from walking 4 minutes on the treadmill to 7 minutes. She had good movements in her legs on the treadmill and the exercise ball, and she has really good reflexes. She does different movements if you massage different areas of her leg, which was something cool the vet figured out! We asked about the tail wag and were told it's really exciting but for now to just chalk it up to reflex, although "Layla hasn't read the text books, so who knows!" She still had no deep pain sensation.

Today I just got a call that Layla had another really motivated walking day. She walked for 8 minutes total, 3 minutes with her back feet being placed for her, and 5 minutes TOTALLY ON HER OWN. When the treadmill stopped, Layla wandered around a little on her own too with all 4 legs walking. The vet wants us to try putting her in the bath tub and seeing if she will do any movements in there with her back legs. She still has no deep pain sensation and the same reflexes as last week, but the rehab vet and the surgeon both really want to see a tail wag and have requested that we try to get one on video for them! That makes me feel so much more hopeful than them just saying "It's probably just a reflex" and leaving it as it is. Now that they actually want to see it for themselves really gives me hope that they believe it might be something returning! And she said again what she said on Friday, "Layla hasn't read the books!" When I told Scott this, he said he forgot to tell me earlier but she wagged her tail for a full 10 seconds side to side as he was getting her food this morning! So I am going to pray and pray that we can get that on video.

Speaking of prayers, we had a very small congregation at church yesterday lol... There were 6 of us. One of the ladies did some readings and she asked me to read "The Lord is My Shepherd" and after singling me out for that, she singled out some other people asking how prayer has helped their lives. She asked Scott and he mentioned his dad having back problems and getting better, and also that our dog is sick but showing signs of getting better. Later when we went downstairs for some juice and baking, people asked more about it and we told them her story. Everyone said they'd keep her in their prayers. We drove an older woman home, who lives in the seniors complex beside our house. She told us how she was born in Serbia, lived in Germany, knows 7 languages but can't read or write, and raised 4 well educated children, and travelled the world. She lived in Ontario, but moved to Saskatchewan to be with her daughter, and said she was very very sick and "I came here to die". But, she kept praying and kept her faith and she got a lot better and she loves life. She is such a spunky and loveable woman! As she got out of my car, she told us she will try to remember to keep Layla in her prayers. It means a lot for so many people who barely know us to understand and see how deeply we care about Layla and to ask God to help us and help her.

[gja1000]

I am so glad to hear this, Lindsay! I just know that Layla is going to walk again!

I will be going out of town soon, but will be reading this forum every day or so. Although I may not post, please do not think I am not thinking of you and Layla. I will be thinking of you, everyday and looking for more good news.

[Lindsey]

Thank you Gayle!

[judy]

Lindsey, you made my day with your post! I am so sure that Layla will be walking!
God watches over all living things!

The woman you drove home sounds so interesting!

[Lindsey]

Thanks Judy! The phone call made my day! Whenever I get updates like that from the vet, my eyes fill with tears!

After work there was a knock on the door and when I answered it, it was the old woman we drove home. She brought us a jar of homemade borscht, still warm! We haven't tried it yet but it was so sweet of her to bring it over for us!

[JJJ]

Hurray for Layla, I'm so proud of her. I can imagin how happy you must be :D

Oh and by the way, may I ask what is borscht?

[paula1961]

What wonderful news Lynsey!!! I know you must be sooooooo happy!! The news that she walked on her own brings joy to my heart!!:) Give Layla a big kiss from her Aunt Paula!!:)

[Lindsey]

Lol borscht is basically beet soup. I'm not a huge fan of it but I will eat it anyway.

I will give Layla a big kiss when she wakes up!

[Lindsey]

I posted this to YT and I'll post it here too...

After all we've done, after all the money we've spent, after all the therapies and rules we've been following exactly... today had to happen. We went to pick her up from rehab and usually the vet brings her up, but today she was busy and in a hurry to leave, so I left the papers for her at the front desk and they paged a vet tech to bring Layla for us. Usually that's fine and there's no issues, she gets carried up to us and we take her home. Today, we waited a long time. We were the only people in the waiting room, and then two girls were bringing a dog out. They were walking really slowly. Scott peeked around the corner when he heard "Come on! Come on!" in a baby voice and he immediately rushed over and I followed. There's Layla, trying to drag herself across a slippery tile floor, with a leash looped around her little neck. We were both in shock and he scooped her up while they were telling us how cute she is! We just threw the leash off her neck and put her in her carrier and left. I cried all the way home. Do they realize she CAN'T WALK? She just had SPINAL SURGERY! She is absolutely not supposed to be dragging herself right now. We have no idea how far or how long she was dragging. I am just so crushed, that goes against everything we're trying to follow for her.

They should know better!!!! :mad:

[lynne b]

OMG Lindsey, I can't imagine what a shock that was, I would have been livid. You are going to talk with the Dr about this and find what is going to be done about it.
You have worked so hard to get Layla to where she is, I pray that they didn't cause any harm to her. Please talk to the vet and get to the bottom of this, you have been through so much. I don't post much but i love reading your updates on Layla and i pray for all of you.

[judy]

I don't even know what to say! I am so sorry this happened and that Layla was treated that way.

Please post as soon as you speak to the vet, and know that you are getting enough prayers from us here to bring her through, no matter what!

Give Layla a kiss and hug from me, and tell her how much I love her!

[Lindsey]

Scott is calling the vet this morning. He said last night he heard the receptionist call twice for someone, and the last time he heard her say "Isn't there ANYONE around that could bring her up?" and it sounded like the girl on the other end just said she would do it. So I don't think she was an animal attendant.

[Lindsey]

Scott left a message for the vet to call him back. Today is one of my bad days and I just feel like crying. I forgot Layla's pee pads at home and Scott wouldn't turn around to get them when we were only 10 seconds away, so I will have to either try to express her outside and not know if I'm getting any out, or express her on a pile of paper towel in the bathroom...

[Lindsey]

The vet finally called back. She feels terrible about what happened and apologized a lot. She is going to find out who brought her up, and make sure it doesn't happen again. She is letting everyone know about it and putting measures in place to make sure nobody brings animals up when they don't know their background or how to properly handle them. Too bad we can't go back in time before it happened to Layla.

[Lindsey]

This morning we drove up to drop off Layla just as her vet was getting to the building and offered to take her in for us. She said she is so sorry again, and she talked to everyone and found out it was two volunteer high school students who brought her up. Layla never should have been under their care and it never should have happened. She is making sure it will never happen to another dog again, and the issue is being sent to their nursing department to have it dealt with.

But why did it have to happen to OUR dog? We just can't catch a break. Layla hasn't wagged her tail any more since the incident. We have spent thousands of dollars on her care and are doing everything we can for her. I am having a really bad day and I just want to cry.

[DianaB]

Lindsey, I'm just now catching up on the posts. I was so excited to hear how well Layla was doing and am so sorry about what happened at the vet's office. Hopefully it won't set her back and she'll continue to improve. Don't be upset......Layla has improved so much in the last few days. What a miracle she truly is!!!.....and many people are praying for her!!!

[Lindsey]

I posted on YT but I don't think I posted this here....

On Friday night, we got to the cabin, and my mom was fussing over Layla in her crate while we were unloading the car. When I finally got a chance to pet Layla, SHE WAGGED HER TAIL AGAIN!!!! I was so happy. All four of us gathered around to see it. There wasn't time to get a camera because we were disorganized from just arriving! But we all saw it and it lasted about 10 seconds. It was a slow wag, but still faster than any she's had lately!

The rest of that night and the next day, we were armed with a camera. We got nothing :(

On Sunday morning, Scott got up around 6:30 to express Layla's bladder and came back to bed. Between that time and around 9:00, I kept waking up and looking at her in her crate beside our bed, and she would always be looking at me. Finally I decided to get up, and she got this eager look in her eyes and she was jumping from foot to foot in her front legs, like she always has when she's excited. I got down to pet her and there it was! Her tail was going again! I fumbled around for my cell phone (no contacts in my eyes lol) and found the camcorder function finally, but by then, she was just finishing her wag for the day. So I didn't get it on video again! But it was there and I saw it. It feels like she was just sitting there WAITING for me to get out of bed so she could show me it!

[Blueyes]

Oh Lindsey, this is so encouraging!! Maybe you can just document when it wags and for how long:confused:

[Lindsey]

I have said since the start I was going to keep a journal of her recovery but haven't gotten around to that yet :rolleyes: I have pretty good records of it on here and YT though!

[Lindsey]

Layla had a fantastic day! She was the strongest the vet has ever seen her on the exercise ball and she got a lot of good movement. She walked on the underwater treadmill for 8 minutes, a new record! And she also did some sling walking, and finished with some acupuncture. She was really motivated and energetic today.

Yesterday she didn't pee for 10 hours! I kept trying to express and couldn't get anything and it was so frustrated. When I took her to the vet for laser, I asked the tech to try expressing her. After the 5 minute laser session, she tried and couldn't get her expressed either. So she called the vet in, and she tried for a few minutes and said she couldn't feel the bladder at all, so maybe she just hadn't drank much. That extra 10 minutes of time pushed our therapy session from the regular $22 to $53! I was shocked. I won't ask them for help again if they're going to charge me like that for it, when they didn't even accomplish anything anyway! I successfully expressed her a couple of hours later.

We're getting back to our normal life now. She is still in her crate most of the time, but the last couple of nights I've let her lay on the couch with me and suck on a pillow (her favorite pasttime!) and last night we even napped together. My heart isn't broken anymore. I am finding it hard to work today so I've spent most of my time researching carts for her. I think we will order one next month.

[judy]

I am so glad you are not heartbroken anymore Linds. Layla is such a wonderful dog, and you and Scott have taken such good care of her. You all have each other! As long as she is happy, what else matters?

What does it mean that she can walk on the treadmill underwater?

[Lindsey]

Judy, when Layla walks underwater, she is doing what is called spinal walking. This movement isn't controlled by the brain, but the muscles in charge of reflex remembering that when the front legs move in a walking motion, they used to move in a walking motion too, so it's a jerky kind of motion based on muscle memory. It's basically reflexive walking. She doesn't have the strength yet to hold her weight long while moving on ground, but the water is great because she stays afloat with her life jacket and they can work on just the movements of her legs instead of also holding her weight. I'm sure that eventually she can do it out of water too :)

Here is a video of another dog named Cricket, who is a yorkie cross owned by a lady I met on another forum for handicapped pets. She was told Cricket would never walk again, but he now spinal walks, and does very well at it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iddItPlUmCE&feature=related

[judy]

That's amazing! I hope Layla does get her full responses back, but if not, and she can do this spinal walking, she will be just fine! She can still run around and play.
I would imagine you would still have to express her urine, but that's not the end of the world either.

[DianaB]

I hope Layla is back to herself soon but, you know, this dog in the video looks very happy and playful.....and definitely not in pain. Not exactly what you want but definitely something that you could live with!!

[Lindsey]

Layla is happy and not in pain, so we are glad about that! On Monday, she was put on the underwater treadmill, and started walking on all 4 legs with no help! It was the best day she's had yet! Usually she has her feet placed for her for about 3 minutes before she takes over. This time she started and walked for 7 minutes!

Today while she's at the hospital getting rehab, she will also have a couple of lumps aspirated. Please say an extra little prayer for her today. I hope the lumps are nothing but we want to make sure anyway! The rehab vet actually brought it up and thought it was something we should do.

Before we pick her up today we will stop at Petsmart and buy a little plastic pool for her. She likes being able to walk around on her own and the water gives her that freedom, so the vet thought it would be great to have at home :)

[paula1961]

I will say an extra prayer for Layla today. I hope the lumps are nothing. Are they going to test them? Did they say what they "think" it could be?
I'm so very happy that Layla is able to walk on her own even if it is for a few minutes. She sure is an inspiration to us all! I hope she enjoys her pool Lynsey! You will have to post pix of her in it.:)

[Lindsey]

I will for sure! Maybe I can even get some video :)

They haven't said anything about the lumps, just that they would like to aspirate and test them. I did bring them up to our vet in our town and she said they're probably just cysts that all dogs get. I'm glad the other vet thought we should look at them more closely though. The one on her neck has gotten quite big.

[judy]

I will pray for her. Did you get the results of your tests back yet?

[Janet]

Sorry I haven't post much here Lindsey. I have kept up reading about Layla's progress and continue to keep her in my prayers. I'm just not always sure what to say that could be very comforting. I am thrilled with the news that she started walking on her own on the underwater treadmill...that's great news. Hopefully soon...she'll be back to her normal self....we pray so anyway.

[DianaB]

It sounds like Layla's doing very well. I would think that exercising in the water at home would be very helpful. I hope the cysts end up being nothing to worry about.

[Lindsey]

Judy, I haven't gotten my test result back yet. I guess that means that it was nothing to worry about and my doctor will probably just talk to me about it at my next appointment in September.

Layla is doing so well now. Yesterday she didn't need help walking again. Her vet brought her out for us and told us that she has been just so motivated lately. She took video of her on the treadmill and on the exercise ball... she said Layla is the only dog she's had who has so much movement in her hip flexors on the exercise ball so that's really exciting! So her vet is getting video of that to document it.

I asked if we could see a video of her walking, since we don't see that at home and it's kind of not real to us yet. I know she's doing it every day, but I don't know what it looks like or anything. So she said "Well why don't you just come in for a rehab session with her?" and that's what we're going to do on Tuesday afternoon! I'm so excited to see her moving again!

I just want to share something that I think is so cute. For the past few weeks, when Layla runs out of water in her bowl, she will flip it upside down so we know. If we just glance at her from across the room, we know she needs water if her water bowl is upside-down. It just made me giggle because I was talking with a designer while she was eating her kibble, and when I turned around to check on her before continuing with work, her bowl was upside down and she was sitting there beside it, patiently waiting with a "please, mom?" look in her eyes. I just love her to peices!

[DianaB]

Layla sounds like such a sweet and patient little dog!!!

[Lindsey]

I got some video of Layla in rehab last Tuesday so here they are!

Exercise ball (very slight movements, really easy to feel but hard to see):
YouTube - Layla on exercise ball

Underwater treadmill:
YouTube - Layla on underwater treadmill

In a cart (too big for her, so the vet has a leash on the back to keep it a little more stable):
YouTube - Layla trying out a cart

[paula1961]

Oh Lynsey!!! That is fantastic!! I loved watching her on the underwater treadmill. She was doing just wonderful! That must be you walking beside her while she's in the cart. I notice just every few seconds she is looking up. She looks soooo happy! And I swear in the first video...she looks at the camera and winks!:p You must be so happy with all the progress she is making! I certainly am!!!:)

[Lindsey]

Lol yeah that's me... everytime I started to fall behind she'd look up at me like "Are you coming, mom?" She is soooo happy and makes me so proud every day. Her vet last week asked if we would mind if she could meet another set of yorkie parents if they're in while she's there, because their yorkie was just in an accident and has no deep pain sensation either. She thinks Layla is such a good role model because she is so happy and doesn't care that she can't walk! She's a good example of a dog who has a happy healthy life without the use of her legs :) I am so happy for her to help out someone else, because we didn't have that when she went down. If we had to go through this for any reason, I'm glad it's helping other people.

[DianaB]

I'm so excited for Layla!!! She's doing so well!!!! You can tell in the last video how happy she is to be so mobile!!! How wonderful for all of you!!! Give her an extra kiss and treat from me!!!!

[Lindsey]

I will Diana :)
I gave her a little haircut last night to blend into her shaved back a little better :) Her legs have short hair now and hopefully it'll be easier for the vet to see them in the water!

[judy]

She really is the cutest little girl! She looks like she loves the cart. She is doing so well, Linds! I think it is just wonderful that these other dog's owners can get to see how well and happy she is.

What a little love she is! You really are blessed! Her spirit is so inspiring.

[gja1000]

Thanks so much for posting the videos. I just love seeing her!!!

My mom's doxy (who just went to the rainbow bridge) had a cart too, for about 3 months before he was able to walk after his back surgery. She looks so happy to be zooming along!

[MaddieBoo]

Good for Layla! SO proud :)

[Lindsey]

Thank you :)

[Lindsey]

The vet called today to tell me that she does not think that Layla's nerves will regenerate at this point past surgery. I knew that in my heart it might turn out this way but hearing the vet say it was like a kick in the stomach and I am a crying mess right now. It's very hard to hear news like that.

[Blueyes]

Oh baby, I'm so so sorry! At least Layla isn't in pain, and she's such a happy girl. I know seeing to her every need is hard on you, though. I'm sorry you're hurting:o

[Lindsey]

Thank you Betsi. You all know how special Layla is to me, and she'll continue to be my special little girl, but it's so hard to know she won't be the same again. We're measuring her for a cart tonight so she can follow us around the house and run around the yard again. I would do absolutely anything for her to recover, to feel when we give her tummy rubs or back scratches, to be able to scratch her own ears, to be able to do her business in private (because she hated doing it in front of anyone!). This is by far the hardest thing I've ever dealt with in my life.

[gja1000]

I know it is hard, but I wouldn't give up hope just yet! And I can still see her zooming around in the cart - she will be fine, you will be fine, even if she makes no more progress. I know it is so hard to hear news like this, and I'm so sorry, but I really think things will work out just fine!

[Lindsey]

Thank you Gayle. She is happy and that's all that matters I guess. She will be happier with a cart too.

[JJJ]

Oh Lindsey, Layla just looks so cute in that cart she is just adorable. I love the vids :D

I know you heard bad news but all Layla wants is to be part of your family.

XOXOXO

[Lindsey]

I know you heard bad news but all Layla wants is to be part of your family.


That is all I needed to hear, thank you. Scott was just as shocked as I was and he even felt better when I read this to him. We both know that this is all that matters. Layla is happy being with us.

I am so much better today. Nothing has changed. She's still our silly little girl, and she will be even more herself when she gets her cart. We sent off measurements last night but we're going to check again tonight to be sure. It will take 2 weeks for the cart to be custom built, and then it will be shipped here.

On the weekend she did something that she used to do every day when she was well and hasn't done since she went down. I was in another room and I heard her barking like CRAZY from her crate. I came running because I thought something was wrong. When I got there, she ate the kibble that was laying right in front of her! She ALWAYS used to bark at her kibble until we paid attention to her, and then she'd eat it. It made me feel so good that she got one of her little quirks back!

I still miss her "real" bark, because that was affected with her nerve damage. She can growl okay, but her barks are more like yelps with no force behind them anymore. She had such a deep bark before, and sounded like a much bigger dog than she is! But in personality and strength, she is a much bigger dog than her body lets you think.

[DianaB]

I'm sorry that the news isn't better for Layla. She seems really happy in the videos and I'm sure that just being with you is what she needs most!! I'm sure she'll love the cart from seeing how happy she was in the one in the video!! Life will return to normal with normal being just a little bit different from before but you'll still be a happy family!!!! At least you know that you've tried everything there is to try.

[Lindsey]

Thanks Diana. We will still all be happy together. And I knew this could happen and I'm prepared for it but I just didn't want someone to TELL me this is how it's going to be. I'm not ready to accept that yet and just give up on her.

I think I've mentioned this before but I have always had a feeling, ALWAYS, that I would have a child who would have some sort of disability. I never expected it to happen to my dog. I love her just the same though, and it is giving us more quality time together, and honestly if this is what God had in mind when I felt I would have a disabled child, I would take this in a heartbeat. I am strong enough to deal with it. Unfortunately, Layla won't be with me physically forever. I will not be taking care of her for the rest of my life as I may have if it were a human child.

I am not disabled and Scott is not disabled, and we can be thankful for that because we would have a much harder time if this had to befall anyone in our little family other than Layla. Layla is just as happy as can be, and she doesn't care. She is an inspiration, and I need to remind myself of that every day. She can't consistently wag her tail, but she is always smiling in her eyes.

[paula1961]

Lynsey I am just reading this about Layla. I am so sorry but like the others have said....Layla just seems so happy!! Everything happens for a reason. We don't always know what it is but..we are stronger people for having dealt with these situations that are given us. You are a terrific girl...a wonderful Mommy to Layla, you have done everthing possible for her! You can see the love in her eyes when she looks up at you and that is all that matters.:) Can't wait to see her on the move in her own cart!!:) She'll be zipping around all over the place.

[Lindsey]

Thank you Paula! I want to get Layla a pink powdercoated cart, but Scott doesn't think we should spend that much money. I think I'll lose this battle lol. He doesn't understand that if it was pink, it wouldn't be just a wheelchair, it would be a fashion statement! :D Oh well, he already pushes her pink stroller, walks her in her pink harness and leash, and most of the time she's got a pink bow in her hair ;) I think a pink wheelchair is one step too far for him! Lol!

[paula1961]

Thank you Paula! I want to get Layla a pink powdercoated cart, but Scott doesn't think we should spend that much money. I think I'll lose this battle lol. He doesn't understand that if it was pink, it wouldn't be just a wheelchair, it would be a fashion statement! :D Oh well, he already pushes her pink stroller, walks her in her pink harness and leash, and most of the time she's got a pink bow in her hair ;) I think a pink wheelchair is one step too far for him! Lol!

LOL!! I agree! A pink cart would be a fashion statement:D And omg imagine how cute it would be!
The first time we stopped at a rest area with the furkids....we had to park in the truck parking and my hubby said "it's bad enough that I have to walk a yorkie but do you have to put all the pink on them?" Now he just picks up the pick harnesses and leashes and goes on like it's nothing. He loves them as much as I do! And I'm sure he likes the fact that the cute girls stop him to tell him how cute the kids are lol.:p

[Lindsey]

LOL!! I agree! A pink cart would be a fashion statement:D And omg imagine how cute it would be!
The first time we stopped at a rest area with the furkids....we had to park in the truck parking and my hubby said "it's bad enough that I have to walk a yorkie but do you have to put all the pink on them?" Now he just picks up the pick harnesses and leashes and goes on like it's nothing. He loves them as much as I do! And I'm sure he likes the fact that the cute girls stop him to tell him how cute the kids are lol.:p

It would be soooo cute! But the cart is already costing $300 BEFORE shipping and duty and all that stuff, and it would be another $200-$300 for the powdercoat :eek: I could always just buy a can of spray paint lol!

[JJJ]

It would be soooo cute! But the cart is already costing $300 BEFORE shipping and duty and all that stuff, and it would be another $200-$300 for the powdercoat :eek: I could always just buy a can of spray paint lol!

There you go, that's will be your fun art project :D If you don't want to spray paint it you can buy frabic you can keep switching desings. Just use velcro on the fabric. How neat will that be.

[Lindsey]

There you go, that's will be your fun art project :D If you don't want to spray paint it you can buy frabic you can keep switching desings. Just use velcro on the fabric. How neat will that be.

Good idea!!!! I like it!

[Marilyn]

Lindsey, Layla looks so happy as others have said. You still have your sweet little girl, and the cart looks wonderful for her!!!! Can't wait to see her in one just her size.

We had some friends over last Sunday afternoon who have a handicapped dog. Their dog does not have a cart, but gets around just fine using it's front legs only. It is able to urinate on it's own, so it's spine must be affected lower down than Layla. They love their dog, too and have a little girl who is 14 months old who is learning a valuable lesson having and accepting a handicapped pet. I didn't ask the breed of their dog, just listened to them speaking so fondly of her. She is a valuable part of their family as Layla is of yours.

You and Scott are doing great with all of this!!!