My Doggy, Pagan

This is a subject I haven't blogged about at all because I try to focus on happier things. I also don't talk much about what's going on with Pagan because I am having a difficult time accepting it. Those of you who know me know that before Hana came along, the world revolved around Pagan, now she kindly shares her world with Hana Grace. She was here before Joe and has always truly been my best friend. This entry is really for my own personal sanity. I love to write, writing is my passion, and this blog seems to be therapy for me. It's also a diary of my life so I feel the need to share more aspects of my life than just Hana.

On Pagan's birthday I posted an entry and discussed all the things we've been through with her such as her running through my parents' sliding glass door, having a cyst removed and horrible allergies, to name a few. After many grueling years, we are still in the process of trying to fix her skin/allergy situation. We have found what we hope is a great vet who seems more interested than the last few in fixing the problems Pagan has. They have done blood work and found that Pagan has a thyroid problem and she is now on medication to correct that problem. Within a week of being on the meds she dropped 8 much-needed pounds. They have been monitoring her weight loss and she has stabilized. It looks like her weight issue has been directly related to her thyroids all these years. Other vets have just told us to give her different and less food to make her "diet." It never really worked, but now we seem to have found the root of the problem.

Along with the thyroid issue, Pagan is also still struggling with major allergies although we give her shots every other week prescribed by her dermatologist. She is constantly on meds for staff infections, but the thyroid medication is supposed to help in that area as well. To really put the icing on the cake Pagan is now losing the use of her hind legs. It breaks my heart to see her hobbling around. In the beginning we were told she had slick pads on the bottom of her feet and that's why she was having problems walking. It made sense because our old house had tiled flooring throughout. While that was probably one of the issues she had going on, we didn't realize that there was something neurological happening as well. Right after Hana was born I took Pagan for a walk to try to "toughen up" the bottoms of her feet and I noticed she was standing on the tops of her back feet. I almost had to carry her back home at that time, but she made it - slowly but surely. We have since learned that the standing on the tops of the feet is a sign of neurological issues and it seems that once we learned of that it's been a downward spiral.

The solution? A doggy wheelchair! I am so excited about this! We have even found one nearby and are trying to contact the seller. I want to ask for prayers and for you to keep your fingers crossed. If it all works out we'll be able to get this wheelchair for half price, and while money is not really an issue when it comes to our doggy, it would really help out because although we'll spend the money on her, it doesn't mean we have it to spend. At this time Pagan has lost almost all control of one her of back legs, so we need this wheelchair sooner rather than later. All I am asking for are crossed fingers and a prayer that the thyroid meds do their job, the allergy shots continue to do theirs and that this guy calls us back and we can purchase this wheelchair this weekend. If this doesn't come through then, yes, we will just order a brand new one. We don't really have a lot of time, she's losing the use of her legs more and more every day.

I have been asked by several people about Pagan's "quality of life." That's code for "does she need to be put to sleep?" Absolutely not. This dog is happy and otherwise healthy. She never whines or whimpers and shows no pain whatsoever. Actually, I think her allergies bother us more than they bother her. I take that back, I know they bother us more than they bother her. When she breaks out it looks like doggy acne, her chin gets sores on it that tend to bleed. That's why it bothers us, for sanitary reasons and for her own well-being. She, on the other hand, never even slows down. It doesn't seem to phase her in the least. The only thing that's slowing her down is those darned hind legs! Those of you who know Pagan know what a sweet, gentle and loving doggy she is and know that she is very happy and very loved. Please, no harsh comments about putting her to sleep. Although I don't want to think about it, I realize there may come a time for that, but now is not the time. Now is the time for a doggy wheelchair!
Here is my poor baby this morning. Notice the rugs, they help her with traction.

I hope to be able to post an entry this weekend of her learning to use her wheelchair! I dream of the day she can once again join us on our evening strolls around the neighborhood! If it all works out, I truly believe this alone could add years to her life!