Layla

[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

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!