Thirty days ago I thought perhaps the next post on our dog Foster would be to say that after continuous seizures we’d made the difficult decision to put him down so he wouldn’t suffer.
He’s never been one for being predictable, so instead I’m writing he’s not had a Grand Mal Seizure in a month now. That’s the longest he’s gone between major seizures in the last 14 months.
He’s still on a daily dose of Phenobarbital, but it’s a very low dose so it hasn’t made any major change in his personality or level of activity.
This is what hopeful looks like! :-)
Foster is a Basset Hound and Retriever mix. He’s kinda a funny looking dog with the lovable block-headed personality of a Bassett…we never let him see himself in the mirror. ;-)
Follow-up April 15th, 2012 – Thirty-fours days was a good run but the seizures returned with Grand Mal Seizures occurring within a short period this morning. Hopefully, after these end, we will experience another 30+ day period without any additional seizures.
Way to go, Foster!!! Show ’em how it’s done, guy. I’m so happy to hear that, Earl. Foster is a real trooper.
Thanks, Paul. Yes, he’s a strong willed dog and he takes this all in stride…much better I’m sure then I would if it was me. :-) They certainly become part of the family don’t they.
Unpredictable! I like that, Foster. Keep’em guessing and smiling.
Monte…if you like unpredictable you’d love Foster…he’s got a whole bag of “tricks” and keeps adding new ones. Thanks!
Foster seem like such a loveable little guy. And that face! He can look in the mirror any day and be proud. Sounds like you’re doing all the right things for that little guy. Way to go.
Ken, thanks, he is a very gentle and lovable guy. The reason we don’t let him see himself in the mirror is because he doesn’t know how short he is…he’s convinced himself he’s a much taller dog and we don’t want to crush his self confidence. :-)
That’s great news Earl! And I think he looks more than presentable enough to look at himself in the mirror :)
Journey, thanks, it’s great news to us too. As I was explaining to Ken above, Foster doesn’t know how short he is…so to preserve that illusion for him we keep the mirrors up high…not really that high actually. ;-)
This is a great story and a wonderful portrait. I’ve never had a dog but can only imagine the emotions you and Paul have gone through with your buddies.
Tom, thanks. Foster is actually the first dog I’ve had long term. I had a couple of puppies when I was younger but it didn’t work out. They soon become a part of the family and once they’re house trained they’re normally a lot less trouble then your average teenager. :-)
Great news… and a beautiful photo of a great looking dog. You show ’em Foster…
Hi pj, thanks. We have our fingers crossed that this is a new trend for Foster.
Foster, keep them guessing!!
Steve, I hope he does for many more years! Thanks.
He is a very lucky dog to have such great parents caring for him. Yeaaaaa Foster!
I’m so sorry to hear that the seizures have returned. But I hope Foster is going to have at least another thirty-four days without any of them. So he can enjoy the beginning of spring with wonderful walks in the forest. He is such a lovely looking dog, your portrait of him is adorable. Foster is very lucky to have you and your wife looking after him with so much love and compassion.
Martina, thanks! We are keeping our fingers crossed.