Taking care of Dodie’s Shadow……
Posted January 26, 2013 at 1:43 am by Ian Byington
Shadow is in good hands….
Most folks who knew Dodie Gann also knew Shadow…it’s good to hear he’s in good hands with Michelle Loftus over at the Animal Inn. Here’s more from Michelle about how he’s doing:
As many of you know, our dear friend Dodie Gann passed recently. Dodie and I had many conversations about Shadow, her beloved canine companion.
I promised Dodie that I would care for Shadow when she passed. She always smiled and said, “Not any time soon!” Sadly the time came.
I have had Shadow in my care since shortly before Dodie’s passing. Many have asked about him so I hope posting this help people know how he’s doing.
Dodie and Shadow are so fortunate to have so many friends who care. Shadow has had health issues the past month and a half. We initially thought he had a knee problem but the tests revealed an infection in his back, a condition called discospondylitis. The condition can present itself in a few different ways, depending on what part of the spine is affected. It can cause a fever and much pain. It can respond well to antibiotics and analgesic medications (pain killers) but it does take time.
Over the last 2 1/2 weeks Shadow has gone from needing to be syringe-fed to gulping down his food eagerly. He can get up and walk around but he likes to just sit if he is comfy. Many times over the last month I have considered euthanasia as caring for a fuzzy 100lb patient is very difficult. I also believed that if surgery were the answer, Dodie would not want me to proceed. However, if medications and nursing care can give Shadow a good quality of life, we will proceed.
Please know that these decisions have been made with much thought and prayer. Also I think I would receive some sort of lightening bolt from Dodie if I failed her expectations. Initially Shadow was in our home, but as he began eating better his hygiene became more difficult. It is now easier to care for him in the kennel as we can get him outside easier and clean up messes easier. As it is, he has some urine scald on one leg that we are treating. He will be back in the house in front of the fireplace with beagles again when he is stronger. He finds the beagles amusing and enjoys the company for treat time.
I also want to mention that this is only possible since I have a loving strong husband, Kevin, and loving diligent Animal Inn staff Alex, Katy, Will and Dagmar. They all love Shadow as much as I and understand his critical condition. They have kept Shadow medicated, comfortable, clean and loved. It is nice he is improving. I will keep posting about Shadow. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michelle Loftus
Animal Inn and Wellness Center
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Categories: Around Here
2 comments:
2 comments...
Michelle,
I can’t tell you how thankful I am you posted this.
We have been up in the Oak Harbor area the past couple of days, as my husband had flown the plane in for work. So that meant up and back yesterday, and today. I had a conversation about Dodie yesterday, while visiting the PBY Museum. We have only known about Dodie’s passing for a month. We were heartbroken not to have known she was sick. Saddened at our loss, she was so sweet to us. Such an amazing girl. Anyway, in all of this I have wondered about Shadow. We have so many great photos of her, Annie and Shadow. So thank you for sharing this.
I am sorry to hear that Shadow isn’t feeling well, but happy to hear he is in loving hands. We had to put our beautiful lab Chena down in November. She too was a 100 pounds, so I know what you are saying about caring for Shadow.
We know Dodie was surrounded by friends and loving caregivers.
Our last meeting was at Ernie’s Cafe, a chance meeting that day, as we had flown our Grandson in for lunch. When we arrived Dale felt it was windy enough that we shouldn’t stay long. So we decided to have lunch on the airport. Dale had just gone to taxi over and pick me up to leave, when Dodie popped up. She sat visiting with us for awhile. She was so sweet to our Grandson who was inroute to Japan. I remember her telling him, Andrew, you are going to love it in Japan. She went out to look at our new plane, we said good bye. I have a framed photo of us, from in the Cafe that day. It hangs in the living room with the family photos. Little did I know that would be our last visit.
Thank you for listening Michelle, it has been sad for us out here with our memories, not part of the inner circle of friends, and family with a place to share them.
Dodie made some of our visits to Friday Harbor very special, we will never forget her generous hospitality.
Dale and Molly Boggs
Dale and Molly,
Thank you for the kind remembrances. I so miss our friend Dodie as well.
Shadow continues to be happy. He does have an ear infection today but I am on top of it.Greg and Patty Black recently found his adoption photos when his name was Muppet.He looked pitiful! Dodie’s care and love brought him into the beautiful giant he is today.Right now he out sitting in the daffodils expecting his dinner shortly.I am glad he is enjoying spring.
This has made me appreciate every day a little more myself.Not a bad lesson for any of us. Thank you Dodie.
Michelle
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