I've started to see the rhythm to Shyla's days. She has short "good" periods just before she gets her next phenobarbital pill (that's probably when the drug levels are lowest in her blood). During those good periods, she's more mentally sharp although she still moves in an unsteady and clumsy way.
She managed a wave for the camera during her morning good phase! That is a wonderful sign. I am so thankful for figuring out that she has windows of time when her usual spirit sparkles. It reminds me that we will get through this adjustment phase and have our Shyla back again before too long!
I also set up a small nosework puzzle for her this morning during her good period. When I say "small", I mean that it didn't require much physical agility (because she doesn't have that). However, it did require that she be a bit mentally sharp. She did a great job and seemed to have fun with it! I think that I'm figuring out how we'll get through this phenobarbital adjustment period.
This photo shows his crazy side as he snarfed a treat out of the air.
And this photo shows the glowing sweetness in his eyes even when he's galloping through the forest.
I love the idea of focusing on thankfulness on Thursdays, as our friend Brian has suggested by starting his blog hop. Focusing on being thankful is good for my spirits.
Crikey ..... being thankful is good, aye?? Seems there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. Mum's thankful for your posts. She really enjoys reading about your journey through life with Shyla and R.
ReplyDeleteWe know Shyla will continue to improve and R, that was a darn good catch! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeletethat are such wonderful reasons to be thankful... an I'm thankful too that you can share good news... and for the wonderful photos :o)
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we discover the small mercies of life by being thankful - Thursday is a nice focus, but daily application is fine medicine!!! YAM xx
So happy to hear that Shyla has some good periods...and we are very glad you get to enjoy some quality time with R!! We are praying for continued improvement with Shyla's new medication.
ReplyDeleteGreat catch, R! And we're waving right back atcha, sweet Shyla!
ReplyDeleteI love reading about how you're navigating through this time with Shyla. I think it shows how in tune with her you are, to be able to see those moments and use them to engage her.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to thank-you for your thoughts on Bo and suggestion of the vibration collar for Bo. Someone else recommended one so I'm going to have to research them, because I'm told we don't want one with too much of a vibration. But I also wanted to tell you that the "nose work" we are starting to do with Bo, was because of you. I'd not thought of doing it with Bo, and I'm hoping it will be something that will sharpen his mind and help to bring him out of his shell.
Kim, I love the idea of doing nosework with Bo. I bet that it will really engage him! As for vibration collars, there weren't a lot of choices back when we got one for our dog. It's collar that can either be a shock collar (UGH!) or a vibration collar (yay!). There weren't any pure vibration collars back then, and I'm not sure if there are now. I'll gladly loan you ours if you'd like to use it for Bo. However, it doesn't have adjustable vibration - it's just one level, and I think it's pretty intense.
DeleteAnyway, I'm overjoyed by knowing someone like you who is so dedicated to your dogs and their special needs. Bo is so lucky to be with you! Please let me know if I can help in any way!
It's good to see Shyla slowly making her way back. You are so lucky to have R to go biking with and he sure does make some funny faces.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Shyla is adjusting. Hopefully she will get past this, and the new drug will help her long term.
ReplyDeleteso glad S is doing better each day, love that wave and the silly face from sweet black dog... I saw a man walking 3 big black dogs a lot like yours this morning, on 3 leashes at one time
ReplyDeleteWe bet it really helped bringing Shyla out on the trails.
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
You're getting there!!! We're happy Shyla is adjusting!
ReplyDeleteHey, R. Do you really catch? That's awesome. I can catch a ball, but when Mom throws treats, I just sit there and let them him me. ha roo roo roo.
Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher
I'm sure the "black dog" loves the time with you too! if Shyla can do some easy nose work, that is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSo good you are figuring how to get through this transition for Shyla. And we bet R is really enjoying some time with you!
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
So rewarding, those little Sparks! Makes us smile to think Shyla can enjoy some games. We're sure R is enjoying his time with you, as well. We laughed at the treat photo! Happy St Pat's Day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely picture of Shyla. I hope she continues to get better and it's nice that you give puzzles. R looks so happy! These are definitely thankful-worthy things!
ReplyDeleteI think trying to look at the bright side of things is a great help in getting us through tough times in life, and it's great that R is helping you with that. I'm glad you've been able to do that, and that you are still seeing Shyla's strong spirit when she has her good spells. It definitely does give hope that soon she will be back to having nothing but good times. ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Crazy and Sweet R - we love both sides of that handsome boy!!! And how good it is to hear that you are seeing the sparkle in Shyla' s eyes. She is signaling to you in her own way that she will be OK.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you have Shyla back at least part of the time, and that you have R to share your rides with during the transition. My fingers are crossed.
ReplyDeleteThat is a hilarious picture of R-dog! We hope Shyla will continue to adapt and the drug will stop seizures AND bring the sparkle back to her eyes!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
It is great to see Shyla is doing better. Sending prayers
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect example that you are so in sync with sweet Shyla. And it speaks to your overall positive thinking...find our best time and make the most of it. I am so in love with your goofy black dog. And thankful that the runner is willing to give him up so much while Shyla is adjusting to her medications.
ReplyDeleteAwww, that wave is beyond adorable! And the mid-air posed-to-munch pic cracked me up. Happy weekend.
ReplyDelete