Hello everyone! I apologize for the lack of an update and I hope you weren't too worried about how the move went! But we made it to Nevada safe and sound! It took 5 days and I think we've been here almost three weeks now. Everyone is settling in just fine. We have 5 acres out in the desert that we share with tumbleweeds and jackrabbits and Bella and Sebastian are loving it! They just run and run and sniff and try very hard to catch the rabbits who (thankfully) are too fast for them! The heat has been hard on the pups but luckily we have air conditioning so they don't suffer inside.
We live close to Lake Lahontan and I have taken the dogs there already to play in the water, which they love. We made a trip into Reno as well to visit the big dog park I read so much about. It is definitely big! There weren't too many other dogs there and it lacked the natural landscaping of our dog park in Washington, but it was still pretty nice! Running through downtown Reno is a big river and everyone flocks there to wade and sunbathe. I took the pups there and had to practically drag Sebastian out of the water! He absolutely loved it! He swam and tried to pull up rocks, and even amidst hundreds of people (including children and other dogs) they were both on their best behavior.
We do have a little addition to the family to announce!!! On our way out of Erie, PA I stopped at the barn to visit the horses one last time and "rescued" a mama barn cat and her kitten. Mona and her son, Finnegan, made the trip with us all the way to Nevada and have settled into their new indoor, spoiled kitty, lives! As for Bella and Sebastian, they seem to like our new furry roommates! Sebastian is a little jealous of all the attention that fuzzy little Finnegan gets and we're having some guarding/aggression issues when it comes to feeding time, but we're working through it. The dogs also haven't *quite* grasped the difference between dog and cat toys so I've been going through a lot of jingle balls!
As I mentioned, we have 5 wonderful acres and soon we will be welcoming THREE horses into our lives as well! All the sudden I have a farm and I love it! All our neighbors have horses, chickens, sheep, and even llamas! Not too far from us is a camel farm! I love living outside of the city for that exact reason! Eventually I hope to build a chicken coop and maybe even get a sheep or two... hey someone has to eat the tumbleweeds!!
Anyway, we are still getting settled in and only Friday did the movers come so I've been busy unpacking. We have to find yet another new vet for Sebastian, but the kitties already have appointments at a nearby vet clinic. I will be taking some pictures this week of the dogs (and new cats) enjoying our new home and promise to post them right away!
Thank you for all the well-wishes during the move and wish us luck settling in and finding a new vet for 'Bastian. I'm also interviewing pet sitters this week to come by during the work week to let the pups out so wish me luck with that too!
Surprise everyone! We're heading back out on the road! I have taken a job in Reno, Nevada and we're leaving this week! I've gotten a very nice piece of property outside of the city with 5 acres of land for the pups to run and run and run and run! I'm planning on adding some chickens to the family as well as some horses, and to do some planting and growing as well. As for the pups, they are going to doggy day care a couple days a week, in the city while I am at work so they don't get too bored all alone out on the farm. There are two big dog parks also in the city as well so they can get back to doggy socializing. I know they are going to miss being lavished with attention by their grandparents but I think this will be a good move, for them and me!
Sebastian is doing pretty well health wise. I had sort of convinced myself that his legs were *magically* healing since he has not been limping or favoring either of them at all, but alas, reality comes swooping back in and last night he starting limping very seriously on his right leg. Not putting any weight on it at all. I slept on the floor with him last night and gave him a heat wrap in hopes that would help but today he's still limping. So... he's back on a exercise restriction for now and I have to face the facts that, like it or not, he will have to get the TPLO surgery and soon. Lest we forget, each leg is about $3000!! Once we get to Nevada, I'll be starting over with yet another vet and surgeon search and I'll also need to start cracking on down on raising money...
I will have many more updates over the next few weeks as we take to the highways once more and then settle in to our new home. Wish us luck on this last roadtrip!
Still a couple weeks away from our next skin scraping, and Sebastian is looking good! He and Bella have been enjoying almost daily trips out to the stable to play with the horses. They just love it out there. We're going out today and I am taking my camera so pictures will be coming soon! They just run and eat horse poop and try to wrestle the goat... It's really nice for them to be able to go run around out there. Bella especially has found her calling as a barn dog! Sebastian actually got a little kick from one of my horses last week. Nothing too serious, just enough that ever since Sebastian has been glued to my side! haha
Other than that, the dogs went to Pittsburgh for the first time. Saw an awesome outdoor concert amongst hundreds of people. They were really well behaved and of course everyone around us just wanted to pet them and lavish them with attention!
We just got approved to be in the affiliate program for Pet Food Direct, which is where I order our food now that we don't have Mud Bay to shop at. So we have a link for them on our Links and Contacts page. If you order something through them, use our link, and we get a small percentage revenue and of course any revenue will go to Sebastian's medical funds! So, click the link and get shopping! There's a special coupon for now through July 4th too!
Yesterday was our bi-monthly skin scraping and it came back...
NEGATIVE for mites! No dead or live mites on either scrape site! Sebastian has no hot spots right now, and old hot spots are growing hair back nicely. He's up to 103 pounds. Energetic. Healthy... I'm so happy!
We don't want to get too excited though... We still need three consecutive negative scrapes before we can return to thinking about surgery. The vet and I briefly discussed it yesterday. He's not altogether for the TPLO and I hate to say it, but part of me thinks that's because they perform a different kind of surgery at this clinic and he would rather that much money go to them. So with each good skin scrape from here on out, I'll have to start coming up with a plan for surgery... which kind? what hospital? Lot's to start thinking about again...
I must admit though that Sebastian seems to be doing really well. I'd like to think that it's a combination of the all-natural food, herbal supplements, and aromatherapy treatments I use, combined with our vets help. I've been adamant about not using harsh medicines or crappy food, no immunizations... and right now I think he's in the best shape I've seen since I've had him. His legs don't even seem to be bothering him as much as they were. We're still not doing 20 mile treks or anything with him, but he runs around the stable every day and doesn't limp or favor a leg... We're using much less pain medicine, Rymadil, for him as well which I'm sure his liver appreciates.
Let's keep our fingers crossed, continue with our treatments and hope for the best. Sebastian, and I, thank you for all your support and well-wishes!
Does anyone remember our interview with Mud Bay last year about Sebastian's rescue story?? Well it seems they're finally putting it to use with the unveiling of their new website www.mudbay.us! Sebastian is the featured dog story on the homepage and clicking on his picture takes you to his story and our interview! The new website looks amazing and I am so touched that they are featuring Sebastian. They've even included a link to this site which is very generous!
Mud Bay is just an incredible store and I do miss having them to shop at now that we're on the east coast, but all you folks in the great Pacific Northwest need to head over to your nearest Mud Bay for all your animal companion needs from now on!!
We practically live at the veterinarian's office!! After a week of digestive troubles for Bella she went into the vet today. She pooped an entire shoelace over the weekend, so I was naturally a little concerned. The doctor and vet tech spent quite a bit of time with us getting her history. They gave her a thorough physical exam and they said she looked good. Her obsession with eating anything that comes within proximity of her mouth is dangerous but it seems there's not much we can do about it. The doctor did say she may outgrow it as she gets older so we'll see!
Sebastian got a mini check-up as well. The vet seemed displeased when I told him that I had taken Sebastian off the Ivermectin, but I tried to explain my reasoning. He did give us a free dosage of a brand new topical flea medication which is also supposed to help demodectic mange. It's called ProMeris. Apparently, it's very new and only available through vets. It's got some pretty harsh chemicals in it too, but it's a monthly application and much smaller dose than the Ivermectin. So we're going to try it out and see if it helps.
Bella left with a small prescription to help her G.I. tract. Sebastian left with the new ProMeris and a refill of Cephalexin, his antibiotic. Oh! I almost forgot! Ms. Bella actually got her nails trimmed! I had given up all hope of every getting them clipped since she just freaks out when you touch her feet now. It took 3 staff and a muzzle but they trimmed her nails! My poor girlie though, I could her her yelping and crying and I felt so bad! But she came bouncing back into the exam room afterwards wagging her tail!
So, another fun filled trip to the veterinary hospital for the family! Sebastian's going back in on the 16th for another skin scraping. We'll keep you posted!
Hello everyone! On Monday, Sebastian had another trip to the vet for another skin scraping. Like the last one, this one also came back positive for mites BUT they were far fewer in number. I think that by the next skin scraping, two weeks from now, we just might have a negative! Sebastian is looking great and his hairless patches are starting to grow back so I know we're on the right track.
I have started to apply a more homeopathic approach to his treatment. As you know, he's been on Ivermectin for quite some time which is a very strong and harsh drug. With prolonged use it can have some pretty damaging effects on the body. I have never been fully comfortable using it, but the conventional treatments for mange are even harsher so it has been the "lesser of the evils". I have accumulated quite a library on herbal and homeopathic animal remedies and after much studying and research, I am finally implementing some new things for Sebastian's treatment. I've cut out the Ivermectin completely but am continuing with the antibiotic, Cephalexin. I've added some new natural supplements to his food. Zinc, Vitamin C, Lecithin granules, and Vitamin E. These are all natural ways to help boost Sebastian's immune system which is the root problem causing the mange flare ups. I'm pretty excited to see how these things help or not. I'm also putting together some aromatherapy solutions for him. Willing to try anything at this point!!
Life wise, the dogs have settled in very well here with "Grandma" and "Grandpa" and the cats. We've taken a few trips out into the woods and just the other day I took Bella and Sebastian canoing on Lake Erie for the first time! They were a little hesitant to get into the canoe but once they did and we paddled out they really seemed to like it! No one fell out though Sebastian's weight made his sudden movements a little scary! I think we'll definitely be doing that again soon. Next time I need another rower to help though!
So I'll keep you posted on how our new holistic treatments work and of course how our next skin scraping goes. Wish us well here in Erie, PA and thanks for all your support!
Yesterday was Sebastian's first visit with our interim vet here in Pennsylvania. We were very impressed with the clinic and the staff and I feel confident working with them the rest of our stay here. I'll put the clinic info on the links page in case anyone is looking for a good vet way out here!
Anyway, the important news... Sebastian had his first skin scraping since we had the mange flare-up last month. Not surprisingly, all the test sites came back positive for mites. I suppose the silver lining is that while there were 7 or 8 mites per slide, only 1 or two per slide were actually alive. So his treatment is working, it's just going to take some more time.
We refilled our medicine prescription and will continue the treatment plan that we established in Washington. Sebastian has another appointment in two weeks for a skin scraping so we'll see how we're doing then! It's a roller-coaster of mange! Will we ever get him healthy enough for his surgery?
On the home front, Bella and Sebastian are both doing very well in getting accustomed to all the cats. Sebastian still can't turn off his natural chase instinct when the run but we're getting better day by day. I know they are both enjoying having a big house and yard to run around in and Grandma and Grandpa and enjoying having their granddogs around. I'm following up on some promising job leads that would bring us back out to the southwest, so if things fall into place we may be loading up for one more roadtrip soon!
Please send Sebastian good thoughts for fighting the mange again! Thank you for all your support!
Hello everyone! I am happy to be writing to you from Pennsylvania! By car from Washington to Pennsylvania in 17 days!! Of course our journey wasn't as simple as a straight cross country trip. I could write a short novel of all our adventures on the road, but for now I'll try to give a short -but full- summary!
Sebastian, Bella, and I left Washington for San Mateo, California via the Pacific Highway (101). Bella and Sebastian had the back of the car decked out with blankets, toys, pillows and water to travel in luxury! From the coastal beaches to the dense redwoods we took our time stopping to explore as the mood struck! We camped in Oregon along a wooded river bank and the dogs played freely by day and guarded the tent at night.
In California, we stayed in San Mateo for two days visiting my sister. While there the dogs explored the local dog park (not as nice as ours in Washington!), and strolled through the scenic San Mateo garden parks.
Once refreshed we headed for Las Vegas! In the desert the dogs sniffed Joshua trees and chased lizards. Once in the city we stayed with family friends who had their own two dogs. Bella and Sebastian lounged lazily in the yard and played with our host dogs. We grew comfortable and stayed in Sin City for 6 days!! Finally we had to get get back on the road. Our unforeseen length of stay in Las Vegas forced me to edit the rest of the travel route for efficiency.
We headed northeast up toward Utah. We stopped to explore the craggy red rock formations and the dogs delighted in sniffing snake holes in the sand. Toward Salt Lake City we hit a bad storm. Blinding rain turned to hail and close lightning. We were forced to make an early pit-stop to seek shelter for the night.
The snow-capped mountains of northern Utah turned into rolling hills as we crossed into Wyoming. In the middle of nowhere Sebastian and Bella met an antelope and tried desperately to catch the scores of prairie dogs darting around them.
In Nebraska the three of us visited an original Pony Express Station. I think the shopkeep regretted letting Bella and Sebastian into the museum when they attempted to eat the souvenirs for sale! In Lincoln, Nebraska the dogs were kind enough to bring back an infestation of ticks after a romp in the prairie fields. That delightful gift earned me a trip to the emergency room to get one removed from my head! Parasite free, we continued east encountering more stormy weather. Luckily we were only feeling the northern effect from the tornadoes south of us.
Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio passed by in a blur of hotels, and unexciting dog walks. I think by this time we were all just ready to be done and off the road! We made it to Erie, Pennsylvania a few days ago. We're staying with my parents and have been lounging off the road-weariness! Bella and Sebastian are learning to co-exist with my mother's 5 cats. (yes, 5!) Bella is doing better with the adjustment then Sebastian, who's okay...until they move!
On the future agenda is just more family time and taking the dogs to explore the local parks and the peninsula at Lake Erie! After much research, I believe I have found a good interim veterinarian for Sebastian. He goes in Monday for his first skin scraping since we started treating for the mange again. And just in case anyone's worrying, Sebastian (and Bella) did wonderfully throughout the trip. Sebastian had one slip on a curb which seemed to hurt his knee for a day but other than that (and the ticks!), no medical problems! This new round of medications seems to have halted the mange (hopefully our impending skin scraping will confirm that) and the hair loss has stopped along with the irritated skin. As always, I will update after our trip to the vet with all the latest medical info!
If you're wondering where we're going from here... Well, I think we all really grew attached to Nevada. I'm currently exploring rental availabilities and employment opportunities in the Las Vegas area! If everything comes together, the three of us will be back on the road soon!!
Road Trip Fun Facts:
Miles traveled: 3,708
States visited: 13
Most expensive gas: California (~$4.50)
Least expensive gas: Wyoming (~$3.13)
Number of fill-ups: 21
Total gas cost: $776.57
Most expensive hotel: Laramie, WY ($138)
Least expensive hotel: Toldeo, OH ($32)
Number of hotels visited: 8
And below, for your viewing pleasure, the route we took...
Hello Sebastian supporters! Sorry for the long pause between updates. Things are getting pretty hectic around here. So, I'm sure you're all dying to know how the vet went. It should be no surprise that ALL his skin scrapings came back positive for mites... The mange is back. We're bummed, of course, but we were also not surprised. His skin and hair had taken a turn for the worse very fast. So, it's back to the meds. We're looking at a couple months of therapy with the medication before we even consider surgery again.
Unfortunately, this is just the reality of Sebastian's situation. This on-again, off-again mange may be something we deal with for the rest of his life. We just don't know. What it comes down to is that immune system of his. It's just not staying strong enough to fight off anything as serious as mange. The medications he's on now will do well to treat the mites and the secondary skin infections, but I am studying a lot of resources to figure out how to treat the root of the problem which is the immune system. I've gotten some great leads from other Sebastian supporters and I have a accumulated a library lately of holistic/natural animal therapy books! We will figure something out!
Also, next week we head out for our cross-country trip! I really haven't gotten everything packed but I'm slowly but surely getting there. I got a nice new tent for $10 off Craigslist so we can camp out along the way. Also, a huge pet first aid kit to keep in the car. The movers come on Wednesday so we better get the rest of it done quick!! I'm getting pretty excited to head out. A little nervous, but mostly excited. Bella and Sebastian seem to sense that there is something going on. The boxes and clutter are confusing them! I am definitely ready to hit the road though. We have a long ways to go and lots to see a long the way.
So, we're done with vet visits for the time being. We have to find a new vet in Erie, PA once we get there and get Sebastian in to start the skin scraping tests again. In the meantime, rest assured that I will take lots of photos on our trip and if I can get online I will post updates along the way. Wish us safe travels! Till next time...
