Layla

[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 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.