In 2012, my dog Encore almost died. I’m sharing her story with you, and the six incredibly valuable lessons learned from Encore’s near-death experience and recovery.
In the episode you'll hear:
- Why Encore became my puppy and her early life with me.
- The signs we started noticing from when she was around 5 years old.
- When her neurological symptoms became more apparent.
- About Encore’s seizure, and the night she almost died.
- Knowing your critical care solution for your dog.
- Why to talk to your dog every day.
- The reason you need a baseline of skills for your dog.
- What happened with Encore’s immune system.
- About looking to alternative modalities.
- The importance of appreciating each and every day.
- My initial thoughts on the longevity of dogs.
Thank you for this moving story. I am currently facing my own challenge with my 7 year old BC who had a CCL repair last September, has had 6 infections in that knee caused by various complications and checks . She is now currently recovering from the last infection following an arthroscropic review and walks as though her operation was 6 weeks ago. Luckily we can afford treatment and she will have a MRI next week in the hope that this can reveal the source of her pain. I am certainly a firm believer in alternative treatments and am inspired by Encore’s story never to give up. As always, grateful for the inspirations you instil!
Absolutely amazing story! Incredible determination by you, your husband and dog healthcare professionals. I am so moved and inspired by what you were able to do for Encore. Happy 17th birthday Encore. Wishing you many more. Great lessons Susan. Thank you for sharing. Xo
Susan, ……..You Never answered the Questions Regarding WHAT you feed your dogs 🙁
As a veterinarian I couldn’t agree more that people make a plan (ahead of time) about how they will handle emergencies. (Just like you should have a plan for emergencies/disasters for people too.
I would however stress that if you are leaving your pet in the care of someone while you are gone – it is really important that you leave a plan with the caregiver so they know your wishes. If your pet needs critical care – time is essential . You don’t want the care giver to have to blindly make vital decisions about the care of your dog or have to wait on providing treatment while the care giver tracks you down on the phone. Give the caregiver written instructions about your wishes. How much are you willing to authorize to stabilize your dog while they track you down? Is there someone who can act as a proxy if you can’t be reached?? What are your emergency phone numbers?
Valuable insight and information you have to share Diane with everyone, as Encore’s caregiver I had great insight into Susan’s plan/wishes … what I wasn’t prepared for was the emotional part of making minute by minute decisions. I was blessed with my own veterinarian and Susan’s veterinarians guiding me, with Encores medical care in an emergency clinic. I now have a better appreciation of your end of the stethoscope – I have never seen team work like I saw in that time frame. The women working on Encore were reading each others minds, updating me and looking to me to make decisions as I watched in real time. My “team Encore” working tirelessly with texts and phone calls with me as well. To this day, Im not sure how I ended up staying with Encore every minute I could holding her and talking to her throughout the initial emergency and then snuggling with her. They must have known how special she was 😉 Lynda
Susan, you’ve made me cry, absolute sobbing, for Encore like a great big weenie.
She’s a good girl and I’m glad you could talk about this and help give us important information for our own dogs
I can relate to what you are going thru……..my dog had a spinal cord stroke at 15 yo. NO vet in town thought we should keep her alive! I told her as lobg as She wanted to fight then I would fight for her. She lost use of all but her right front leg and she too couldn’t control bladder. I had go cone up with my own therapy for her, with her determination and mine we got her to be able to pee outside and went on to regain function in ALL limbs! She got to where she could do what ever she wanted and took long walks every day. She went on to live to 18years and9 months the we Knew of! (Got as a rescue) so YES decide what your willibg to do for your furry friends that give us Their ALL!
I posted over on YouTube, but wanted you to know how much I love this podcast. This one I could relate to since I have a dog with Addison’s disease. It has meant working with an integrative veterinarian, and searching for what works best. Still have a long way to go on that but on Encore’s story gives hope. I hope that Esme will make it to age 17 and beyond as well.