Bacchus
Okay, now I am freaking out again. I have heard Bacchus yelp several times over the past few days. But, just now, he growled at me. Not a viscious, snarling growl. The quiet, polite rumbling that I've heard when Ari got into his personal space during a nap. He was immediately apologetic. But still. I know my boy. This is not like him. He has never, ever grumbled at me. Ever. I know what it's like to be in pain, and I've snapped and growled myself at a lot of people. I just laid on the rug beside him and cried. I can't believe this. Not so quick, not so soon.please. Cathi
Ari and Bacchus, thoughts and pictures
I miss her. And so does Bacchus. I worried about him Tues and yesterday, he seemed so depressed. I've been trying to be happy and cheerful for him.but berners can see right through that. So to compensate, I've been stuffing his face with everything he'll eat. Bacchus has always been around 115lbs as an adult [give or take a couple of pounds]. I had cut back on treats a bit, hoping to get maybe 5 lbs off him to help his joints. I was shocked when he was weighed at the emergency vets, 2 days before Ari. He was only 104lbs. And then Tuesday he was only 97. But today he seems more animated. I have been looking through pictures, literally hundreds, to find one of Ari to send to Jean. Out of hundreds of photos, there are only a handful of Ari alone. It is always the two of them, Bacchus and Ari, joined at the hip. I went to a grief counselor yesterday.She specializes in Pet Bereavement. I found her on www.pet-loss.net . I clicked on Ohio and was surprised to see someone here locally. She was very helpful. Knows about bloat and cancers. Has Akitas and GSD's. I'm going back next week. Yesterday I got Ari's Angel pin from Karen. So beautiful, so touching, so meaningful.yet something we dread receiving. I wear it over my heart. Cathi with Bacchus
Bacchus' diagnosis confirmed
The referral vet has confirmed Bacchus' diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Cathi
Overwhelmed
I have used the word overwhelmed so many times this past week that it has almost lost it's meaning. But I am once again, overwhelmed. First, by all the wonderfully supportive prayers and support, then by the joy everyone shared with me, then by all the financial support by phone and mail, then by lovely notes of condolence, then by those who picture Ari as I do. I sat here yesterday at the computer. And as a kind of therapy, I just read all the incoming thoughts of Ari. It was so helpful to me, I want you all to know. I have sent an e-mail, upon the passing of a beloved berner, and often thought what are my words going to mean or what can a few words do? I assure you that those individual words, when joined with hundreds of others, create a tidal wave of love. And something else I've noted. The people who write I don't know what to say or words cannot express must have to look very deeply into their hearts to continue. Because what they say next is so often the most moving thing I've ever read. Bacchus is not a good candidate for amputation. He has a bad left elbow and had partially torn his right rear cruciate ligament a few years back. Not bad enough for surgery, but I can already see it is taking a strain on him. I talked about many, many options with the vet today, even limb sparing surgery. I know what I have to do. And I welcome all help as I support him with diet and love and pain med when we need it. I hope you all don't think I am giving up on Bacchus. It's just that we all know where this leads inevitably. Cathi with Bacchus
Prima Ariadne V Adlerhorst CGC TT 11/28/96-9/08/03
Ari is gone. She didn't want to get up in bed with me last night, so I left her in the crate with the door open. I got up at 2am and couldn't find her. She was curled up on the rug in front of the front door. I called to her and she didn't raise her head. And I touched her. And she was gone. Ken got her in the truck for me and I took her into the emergency vets. They said it was her heart. They are making arrangements for cremation for me and will return her to me afterwards. Everyone at the vets is devastated as I know you all we be. So am I. Cathi with Bacchus.now Ari has wings
Ari....Inside the Front Door
Inside the front door is a good place. A place where Ari waited for me, even if I just went out to check the mail. She sat peeking over the screen door and listening for my footsteps. And wherever I went, and wherever she was when I left, she would always be waiting for me there. It was a place of excited dancing at the prospect of another adventure, even if it was just a walk in the park or a ride in the car. And when the sun came through in the afternoon, it was a good place for a nap. When you picture Ari in your minds eye, see a silly girl. Sitting there with head cocked, one ear flipped over, and her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth. Smiling. I see Bacchus looking around quickly as if he's just seen something out of the corner of his eye. And I know what he sees. The hint of a halo and the wisp of a wing. I believe Ari knew exactly what she was doing. She showed such courage to make sure she was home. And I believe when Ari left her crate this morning, she knew exactly where she was going. And she made it as far as inside the front door. And the angels took her from there. My sweet, sweet girl. I will miss your kisses, soft as velvet. Cathi with Bacchus
Worried Mother Syndrome-Ari takes a ride
Everything is fine. But late this morning Ari didn't look right. Didn't want to stand, when she did she was roach-backed, stiff legged, tail tucked. Temp was elevated. I called the emergency vets and they said bring her in just to make sure. Of course, when we got there she was wagging her tail saying hello..they are so wonderful there. They looked her over, but said they expected a bit of WMS [worried mother syndrome]. Then they told me how tickled they are by the people calling for Ari. Evidently now, after taking a call, the receptionist goes into the back and announces I just got a call from [fill in location]. And they are all just blown away. She told me she got tears in her eyes yesterday. And this is without including the wonderful people who are sending help by mail. Wait till they see that. Thanks again a million times over for everyones prayers, support, suggestions, and help with her bills. You are not just affecting me and the babies.but an entire emergency clinic is overwhelmed by the generosity of the berner community. Cathi with Bacchus and Ari
Ari, Bacchus and thanks-long
Whew, I feel like I can take a deep breath for the first time in many days. Woke up this am to many kind posts...tried to respond only to find I must have burned out my old keyboard with all the e-mails of the past week. And it was OLD. How old you ask? Still used Roman Numerals! Now have very spiffy silent kind [Office Max on sale for only $6.49!!]. Ari is doing wonderfully. Sleeping and healing. I think her tail up, prancing around act yesterday morning was just a ploy..get me outta here!. But I can't imagine I'd be prancing around 5 days after having my spleen removed, stomach re-rotated 360 degrees and stapled to my insides, either. Eating small meals of whatever concoction I can tempt her with. Mashed potatoes with baby food mixed with a little finely minced cooked chicken has worked. Right now I'm just wanting to get a little something in her. She went in weighing 83 lbs, and I would guess that she's down to about 70. Of course with her belly and halfway up her sides shaved, she looks like a tri-colored greyhound, so maybe it's an optical illusion. I should have had her weighed on the way out. I have Bacchus going into the referral vet in Akron on Tues. Karen forwarded me info from the Naturalberners list about an Oct Dog World article about the University of Illinois Cancer Care Clinic wanting dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma to participate in a drug trial using the drug Pamidronate. I wrote down all info to take with me Tues. Let's hope I don't have to use it. And again thank you all for the prayers and support you have sent and continue to send me. I know I wouldn't have been able to cope as well as I have if it hadn't been for each and every one of you. Cathi with Bacchus and Ari
Re: [NaturalBerners] OT -- Ari update #3
I was so touched when I saw this post. I'm sorry I didn't include the phone for the vet clinic. Actually, the number I have [memorized...but I looked it up in the book, too] is [330]452-5116. They do not answer their phones between 8am-6pm while they are closed. They are open from 6pm-8am Mon-Fri and from 6pm Fri-8am Mon. In other words nights and weekends. All times are Eastern Standard time. So much for sleeping. I'm like a kid on Christmas eve. Took me till midnight to doze off.then I was up at 4. Reminds me of the night [s] before we went to first pick up these 2 furbabies. Who cares..I can sleep later. Love to all Cathi with Bacchus and Ari - Original Message - From: Andrea Brin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Berner-L [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 9:01 PM Subject: FW: [NaturalBerners] OT -- Ari update #3 this is a great way to help ari. -Original Message- From: Jennifer Lennon [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 8:23 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [NaturalBerners] OT -- Ari update #3 I would imagine that one could call the veterinary clinic with a VISA number as well. It might make donations easier for folks. Not from a trust aspect, just from a getting it done aspect. I know for me in Canada, it would be easier from a foreign funds aspect. I think that's what I'm gonna do. The phone number (looked it up on the internet) is (330) 452-8906. Wouldn't it be cool if she got there to pick her up and Ari's bill is paid!! That would be grand, indeed!! - Original Message - From: Karen Connors [EMAIL PROTECTED] ...If you feel moved to help in any way, you can send a check, no matter the amount ... Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ADVERTISEMENT NaturalBerners Features found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalBerners/ Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
ARI IS HOME!!!!!!
Sweet Ari is home. She actually TROTTED out of the emergency clinic. Now she has assumed her rightful place-smack dab in the middle of the waterbed-and is sleeping quietly. Bacchus was overjoyed to see her. I am being careful not to let him get too exuberant with her. He is just so happy she is home. While I was there picking Ari up this morning, 2 people called to offer their credit cards to help with her medical bills. I couldn't believe it. Neither can the staff there. In fact, I have to apologize if the receptionist seemed a bit harried. She was trying to get 3 dogs [plus Ari] released, I mentioned to her that someone might call to offer help, and she said That was the 2nd call I've taken in the last 15 min. Then she said I'm going to ask how to 'do' this, this is the first time this has ever happened. What a wonderful testament to the berner community. Again, I am just overwhelmed. I will never be able to thank everyone enough. When I was looking for solace the other day, I opened a book someone gave me about angels. I would like to share these words. Angels come to help and guide us in as many guises as there are people who need their assistance. Sometimes we see their ethereal heavenly shadow, bright with light and radiance. Sometimes we only feel their nearness or hear their whisper. And sometimes they look no different from ourselves---until, their work done, they leave suddenly, quietly, with only a hint of a halo or a wisp of a wing behind to make us wonder.---Eileen Elias Freeman Dedicated to the loving bernerfolk out there. Gratefully, Cathi with Bacchus and Ari To those who believe-no explanation is necessary. To those who don't believe-no explanation is possible.
Ari update #4
Today Ari looked and acted about 100% better than yesterday morning. The blood transfusion made a big difference. She is still throwing some PVC's, but not as often, and not so many at once. Again, they let me lay with her for about an hour. Her tail is wagging furiously now. She is making her little oof, oof, oof noises [I call her my little piggy when she does that] and rolling over for tummy rubs. Most importantly, she did her cutest trick. If you stop petting her, she will put her paw over her eye and look cute. They had me bring up some scrambled eggs [last nights hamburger and rice didn't tempt her at all] and she ATE! But the biggest thing.and I am trying to stay cautiously optomistic here.they said maybe.just MAYBEAri can come home tomorrow. My heart is doing cartwheels! Thank you again everyone for your wonderfully supportive messages of love and hope and prayers. Your support has helped me stay strong. After my initial freakout, that is. I haven't posted much about Bacchus, he is doing very well. In fact, he is doing real well. As soon as I get Ari home, I feel then I can concentrate on my boy. Cathi with Bacchus and Ari
Ari update #5-YIPEE!!!!
Just got back from visiting Ari and [barring any complications tonight]she is coming home tomorrow morning!! She is doing even better than this morning. The nurse grabbed my hand and took me back there. She was so excited. Wait till you see her, wait till you see her! And sure enough, Ari was sitting on the floor with 2 other nurses/vet techs and she was just eating up all the love they could give her. They all had the biggest smiles on their faces. I just broke down crying.but not the tears of the past few days. These were tears of joy. Then THEY started crying. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I sat down beside her and she smothered me with kisses.even wagged her whole butt. Boy, did she want to come home with me tonight! But they want to keep her just one more night. But she went all day without any heart irregularities. I thanked them all so much for the love and care they have shown her. One nurse said How could we not? Look at her! She is such a sweet girl. There went the tears again. I told them again how many people have been sending prayers and good thoughts and that I would never, ever be able to thank them enough for everything they have done. I do believe they have gone over and above the call of duty with Ari. Not just with the technical medical care.but with the extra love and compassion they have shown her [and me]. For any one who has been in the hospital, you know what I mean. All the care in the world is great, but sometimes it is just that one nurse who takes a few minutes to sit with you and give you a pep talk, that can make your day and help you in your recovery. She still doesn't have much of an appetite, but they think it is more just the fact that she doesn't have mama hand feeding her. While I was there she ate a little yogurt for me. I left that and some baby food and cottage cheese and some more scrambled eggs. They laughed and said she IS going home tomorrow morning, ya know. Laughter.what a beautiful sound. You don't realize how much you miss it, until you go a few days without it. So, my friends, I thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for your love and support. I will post in the morning as soon as our dear Ari is home again. I think I will actually sleep tonight. I told Bacchus that his girl is coming home. He understood. Much love Cathi with Bacchus and Ari
Another Ari update
I called the vet this am to check on Ari and they told me to come in. This worried me as they haven't wanted me to visit in case that stressed her more. They are now extremely worried about her. Her red blood count is very low [around 27.normal is 40-60 I think they said]. So she will need blood. Gums are still grey. But the biggest worry is still her heart. She is throwing PVC's left and right. They put her on the heart monitor while I was there and she was throwing 9-12 in a row. When she has the arrythmia, her heart rate rises. It went from 78 to 190 and back. It is all over the place. God bless the staff there. They let me stay with her for about an hour.very low key just whispered gentle thoughts in her ear and massaged her, laying beside her on the floor. I told her about all the people praying for her and how much Bacchus misses her. I brought up her favorite squeaky toy so she would have some smells from home. Evidently the vet has been hovering over her constantly monitoring her. The nurses said they have never seen him do that. I know she is in the best of hands. All of the staff has fallen in love with her, and the concern on their faces broke my heart. They said usually the arrythmia stops within 12-14 hours. It has been 24 hours now. Thank you all for your prayersI will keep the list informed. Today is an important day for her survival. Cathi
Ari update #3
I just returned from seeing Ari again. She still has them troubled about her heart, but they still want to do all they can. I mentioned this am that Ari would need a blood transfusion. I offered Bacchus, but he is not a good candidate. One of the vet techs is bring in her GSD for the blood this evening. I brought some hamburger and rice to see if that would help her appetite, they said she actually ate some canned food today! This morning she would only take one chunk of it from me. Ari still has a spark in her eye and a wag in her tail. If I thought she was ready to give up, I would respect that. But she still has the will to live. I know I said just yesterday that I did not want to seem like I was asking for money from the people on the berner-l. But in case anyone feels like they would like to help in Ari's case, I thank you. I have already heard from bernerfolk privately that want to help her. And now I am swallowing my pride and asking. If you feel moved to help in any way, you can send a check, no matter the amount either to me Cathi DeSantis 3533 Mollane St NW Massillon, Oh 44646 or to Stark County Veterinary Emergency Clinic c/o Ari DeSantis 2705 Fulton Dr NW Canton, Oh 44718 I don't know what else to do. I am desperately trying to buy some time and give her a chance. Cathi
To the coward who is A Kessel
Thanks for the horrible private post. I'm not suffering enough for you I guess. To even respond to your poison sickens me but in case there are others who may think I posted as a way to get money..you are wrong. I had already decided on Saturday that I wouldn't even apply to BEHAF because, even though I am no longer on the board, I didn't want there to be a hint of impropriety. Excuse me that I felt the need to vent to the people who have become my friends over the last 5 years or so. And I did think twice before posting about my divorce, but thought it could serve as a cautionary tale as well. How was I to know that my marriage would end after almost 20 years? That my husband would, as you put it, finaly [sic] figure out I was a fat, ugly b. And as for your suggestion that I get a real job. Again it disgusts me to even respond. I have worked since I was a teenager [I am now 47]. Now I cannot work due to medical reasons. I hope spewing the vile vomit got it out of your system. I feel sorry for you. If anyone would like me to forward this curse laden sack of bile to you privately, please let me know. I won't insult the entire list by doing so. But it is very eyeopening to think there are people like this out there. To everyone else that has posted with their kind words and prayersI thank you. That is all I was hoping for. Just prayers for Ari and Bacchus and a little moral support for me. Just like so many of us have needed from time to time. Cathi
Ari update
Just got off the phone from the emergency vets office. They said her heart showing signs of arrythmia [sp] earlier and her heart rate jumped to 200 [normal resting berner is around 90]. With an infusion of Lydocain they have it down to 130. She is not out of the woods. But the vet was optomistic, saying she is a real trooper and wagging her tail and wanting to love on all the staff. That's my girl. The hardest part is not being able to see her. They have asked that I don't so she is not further upset. I understand, but still it is so very hard to just sit here, waiting. To all my wonderful friends on the berner-l.I cannot thank you enough for the tons of supportive e-mails I have gotten. There are prayers being said, candles lit..I can't believe the outpouring of support. I love you all. Please understand if it takes me a bit to reply.I will keep sending updates to the list. I hate to stay on the computer too long, as I have to use the phone line and I am trying to keep it open in case the vet has to call suddenly. I will call them again before I go to bed and again first thing in the morning and will let you all know how Ari is doing. Thank you all again so much. It means so much to me to know that Ari has so many praying for her. Most sincerely Cathi
a scare with Bacchus....again
Hi all Well once again my boy decided to freak me out. He started limping really badly a week or so ago. And this was not on his left front [the bad elbow] but his right front. Well, like all good berner owners, I totally lost it, thought the worst, and was busy writing his obit, figuring it could be nothing other than ostoscarcoma. sighsometimes too much info is a bad thinglol. Got him into the vet and it turns out he sprained the middle 2 toes on his right foot. I have never heard of such a thing. But, boy am I happy! A sprain I can live with. Of course our vet [the cortisone king] gave me cortisone. I have been doing crate rest and leash walking, but he said this is a very slow healing injury. Bacchus isn't complaining or yelping like he did with the ACL injury, he's just limping. My poor boy. He's 8 1/2 and my best friend. The only reason I continue with this vet is he was Mary Townsends vet for like 20 years and knows berners. She is Bacchus's sires owner. So he knows berners but unfortunately isn't ready to accept anything new. Like BARF or not giving regular vaccinations. Sigh. No amount of research I've given him has swayed him. Bacchus' half brother died at 7 after a rabies shot. It was just horrible. Documented by UC Davis. But he [the vet] won't concede that that would have anything to do with my boy. Sorry to rambleglad I have good news. Just thought I'd pass this along and ask if anyone has ever had an injury such as this. Cathi with Bacchus and Ari
Re: hot spot or not??
Hi Kathleen My experience with hot spots is they are gooey, wet, raw sores that the dogs can't leave alone. Bacchus will chew and lick and worry over it. They tend to increase in size and kind of crust over, but underneath it's still raw and gooey. They remind me of cold sores in people, except bigger. After trying lots of different treatments [homemade and commercial], what works best on Bacchus has been clipping the fur, cleaning gently [including removing any loose scabby stuffyuck] and using Gold Bond powder. For him it serves to keep the area somewhat dry, and there is a soothing quality that gives him some relief. No hot spots for a few years here [knock on wood], but it used to be a seasonal problem with him. Cathi with Bacchus and Ari - Original Message - From: kathleen mcguire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 1:19 PM Subject: hot spot or not?? I've noticed a dime sized spot of dry skin on Franklin's back foot (about 2 from the pad). It doesn't seem to be bothering him at all, he doesn't try to lick it. I'm just wondering if this is the infamous hot spot. He has been enjoying the water (up until he was fixed) and recently had a bath. It's been there for about 10 days and hasn't really increased in size over the last week. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas. Should I just leave it alone or what?? We're going to the vet next week for a checkup, but I don't want to be prescibed any antibiotics unless really necessary. Thanks :) Kathleen and Franklin, Vancouver BC _ Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
Berner Sighting
During the first 10 min of the AKC National Invitational Championship [Animal Planet], there was a story on junior handlers. Breenie and her berner were interviewed briefly. Beautiful girl, beautiful berner. Congratulations! Cathi with Bacchus and Ari
2 Labs
Try going to www.labmed.org . They are a wonderful organization that rescues Labs and places them. They were a great help when we were first setting up BEHAF [Berner Emergency Health Assistance Fund] www.behaf.com . Good luck Cathi [former BEHAF Board member] with Bacchus and Ari
Re: Haltis and prong collars/Articles about; URL correction
WowI just now had a chance to go read the articles at flying dog press and I was blown away. Her experiences almost mirrored mine in regards to the prong versus halti [with Bacchus anyway]. Thank you both for sending in this info. I have bookmarked it for future reference. Thank you so much Cathi Massillon Ohio - Original Message - From: Pat Long Paul Dangel [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 6:54 PM Subject: RE: Haltis and prong collars/Articles about; URL correction I found it here: http://www.flyingdogpress.com/articles.html Thanks Cheryl! Pat
re: Haltis and prong collars
Hi all, Just my personal experience-at around 8 months of age we needed some extra help with Bacchus. He was full of himself and I couldn't take the chance of him pulling me off my feet on a walk [I've had a total knee replacement, broke my hipetc, blah, blah]. We were taking obedience classes and first tried the halti. It looked like his spirit was broken when he wore the halti. He would stand with his head down, looking up at me with those big brown eyes.or else would be so fixated on removing it that he would try to rub it off on the helpers legs when we were doing the figure 8 in obedience. But it did prevent him from pulling. He just hated it. So, reluctantly, I tried the prong collar. I had never used one. He acted like it was no different from a buckle collar. Head up, tail wagging, happy. I did find you want the prong collar to fit snuglyand that [in our case] leash corrections were not necessary [in fact I believe they discourage any leash correction, instead let the dog pull once and learn that way]. He walked like a good boy with a happy face. Alsothis was only used for about 2 months. Bacchus got over his teenage years quickly and now at the age of 7 continues to be a gentle boy [of course he's also neutered nowLOL]. So keep that in mind.just because one might need a bit of temporary help.doesn't mean you have to use it forever. I've heard the same thing from people that have used haltis successfully. Again just my personal experience Cathi with Bacchus and Ari [mom never had to use ANYTHING on me!]
Re: What's Next???/Goldie
Hi all Yes she will be worth her weight in gold. Might I suggest the name Goldie? When we got our Costco berner, Bacchus went through the exact same things..licking ears, smelling nether regions [or will the new PC name be neither regions] rolled her over and gernerally fell in love. And this is a boy with a real live berner girl living here. He still protects her from Ari. Not in a mean way.just in a that's my baby and not yours kinda way. Trust me.a Costco berner in the home is worth HER weight in gold. Love from Cathi, Bacchus and Ari [her favorite is the little pup they sold at Big Lots that sings and they called it puppy love] Massillon, Oh - Original Message - From: Maria Crifasi [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 9:28 AM Subject: Re: What's Next??? Pat wrote: And will you accept even my bad ideas for a name for the Costco Berner? Do you think your dogs would mind if I entered a name like Spot, or Rover? sigh. oh Pat. Pat. Pat. Don't you realize how valuable that giant stuffed Costco Berner is to those who own tactless, intact male Berners? Win that Berner and slap a nice big pink ribbon on her -- then watch as your big male approaches her -- (I own a Costco Berner). This stuffed Berner is matchless at ignoring your male. He will flip her ears. When no reaction is forthcoming, your male will face her and eye her with confusion. Back to nuzzling and flipping ears. Nope. No reaction. Your male will become more tender ... more ardent ... until that ear is (you may trust me on this) sopping wet. Still no reaction. Your male will whine. No reaction. Bark. No reaction. He will sniff her nether region and give you, his owner, a very confused but hilarious expression. You can practice LEAVE IT with that female. You can practice NO SNIFF with that female. She will be worth her weight in gold. trust me. Maria Crifasi owned by Daisy and Buddy Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
re: tails
I had to gigglethis post came up a while back and I suggested sippy cups for serving our guests a fine wine. Cathi
