Hello everyone, it took me a while to learn to navigate this website, I started with a blog The Miracle of Salina's Mystery.  I don't know where to begin, it seems like yesterday Salina was running up the beach.  The beginning of September, Salina started licking her foot, as if she were cleaning a cut.  We had just walked up the beach 2 days before, so we assumed she cut her foot on a rock or shell.  It seemed to get worse, where we took her to our regular vet.  Her foot was bandaged, but continued to tear off the bandage an bite her foot.  We then used the "Elizabethan" collar to help her heal.  A few days later she couldn't make it up the stairs, by the morning, her rear end was paralyzed.  They thought she had a tick bite which can caused temporary paralysis, so an antibiotic was given.  The paralysis didn't improve so we were referred to a Neurologist two hours away.  At that time, Salina was very lethargic, barely ate and was in a lot of pain.  We were told by the Dr. her prognosis was not promising, she would be incontinent, possibly remain paralyzed and may continue to self-mutilate her foot which could be dangerous to her health.  We decided the best thing to do was put her down, her quality of life seemd minimal.  We brought her home and called our regular vet. 

The next day we brought her to the vets to say good-by, of course all day I would look at her anal area an noticed it was closed, that she had control…the Dr. came in with the two needles and a shaver…I asked him to look at her one more time.  He did, and noticed she was dehydrated, but appeard better than the nuerologist stated in her fax.  He offered to keep her for the night and we could go for a second opinion the following day.  We went for a second opinion, the same prognosis, but with a more positive support, that having a handicapped dog isn't that bad.  We decided to go thru with an MRI and possible surgery.  The MRI showed inflamation in her spinal cord, surgery not necessary and a spinal tap was done.  She was placed on prednizone and was improving, the spinal tap showed no signs of cancer or infection….it was a mystery. 

We used a harness to hold up her back area for walks and would assist her to expunge her bladder.  Within a few days she was able to go the the bathroom by herself (outside!) bowel movement soon to follow!  Salina is not incontinent.  She went at her foot again…two times…the second time she did a job.  Our veterinarian then decided it would be best to amputate that leg. 

She had previously lost all feeling in that leg, but she was feeling something that was telling her her foot didn't belong.  Of course like the rest of you, we were devestated, but knew it was the best thing to do.  It has been one week today since her surgery. 

She walks on her front legs only, she has feeling in her rear leg, but it is very stiff and only uses it to balance when standing.  I try therapy by bending her leg, but it seems to hurt her.  Still not sure what is wrong with Salina, they won't rule out cancer because of her age (she's 8), but again, her bloodwork did not show signs. 

I have been reading the forum and see I am not alone, plus I've been having a lot of supportive responses on Salina's blog.  Today is the day I am shedding tears, this all happened so fast and the should've, would've, could've keep coming up.  I just want her to be able to use her back leg for better walking. 

I can't figure out how to post her picture on here, or I would. 

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts.  Salina seems to be doing okay, it makes my day when she greets me at the door.   The harness I am using is homemade, I used a luggage strap (like a seatbelt strap) with a fleece seatbelt cover.  It works well since Salina only weighs 20 pounds.   A friend from work is going to help me build a cart, trying to cut corners with these expenses which I am sure you are all familiar with.  Of course, I know there's people who think we are all crazy with the amount we spend, but it's nice to have this support group that feels the same way…they are worth every penny! I'll be at a family gathering Sunday, I'm sure they won't all agree on the choice I made.  There will be a few small children there too, fortunately Salina has a nice sweater that covers her well so it won't be so shocking for the kids.  I am just worried about the open soar on her rear area that is still spots blood, I may have to cover that for the day.

Salina always had the routine to jump on my lap every night for her evening pet, since she is unable to do so, I've been picking her up to get back into the routine.  She seems to enjoy that, especially since she's unable to scratch herself.  I still try to bend her stiff leg, she doesn't whimper, but she gives a little snap to let me know she doesn't like it.  I can get it to loosen as I bend it, but when I stop it goes back to the straight and stiff position.

Each day is a new day, tomorrow the staples get removed and a quick check by the vet. 

Salina looks like a beautiful girl and I know she is in good hands. 

This is so very tough, not having the facts is the hardest part of dealing with our pups injuries.  It is like shooting in the dark!  You don't know if you are on target, if you hit the right thing, if you are even looking in the right direction.

My familyand friends originally were flabbergasted that I would put my boy through this, and spend this money in our tough economic times.  I got the whole, well if you spend it all on him, what if something else happens? 

I just kept looking at my Sammy and seeing in his eyes that he wants to be here.  He trusts me, he is too young not to be given a chance.

Like everyone here says, there are no wrong choices when the choice is made with love.  I am so HAPPY that my family is on board now, and I know even 1 extra day with Sammy has made this whole thing worth it.  Just hang on to that when/if your friends or family give you a hard time or question you intently.

We understand!

Elizabeth and Sammy