|
From 2-E1 Newsletter, September 2011
A LEADER DOG HAPPY ENDING
Future leader dog, Ivy Green the 11th, was born on the 1st of July, 2010 as part of "Fire Cracker" litter. Half Golden and half Yellow Lab, Leader Dog Trainer Lion Sandy Griffin says Ivy Green the 11th is “So beautiful and the most lovable dog I have ever had. She just dished out the affection...”
One week after Ivy turned just 9 month old she started yelping from discomfort. Within 3 weeks she was crying day and night, whenever she moved her head.
Lion Sandy was doing a program in Stephenville, Texas when the call came from the Vet. Ivy had extreme neck pain between the second and third vertebra. For the next four months Ivy was on very heavy medication for a pup and her training was stopped at the request of Leader Dog.
Just between 13 and 14 months old Ivy was taken to Dallas to see the specialists. With Leader Dog paying costs, an MRI and two spinal taps were performed along with several x-rays, but there was still no diagnosis.
The only thing of hope was that Ivy’s neurologist said that some neurological problems can be out grown.
By the age of 15 months old, Ivy could go one to two weeks without medication. She was in much less pain. Even when the need for the medication came, she only needed them for about three days.
While the pain can be controlled, there is no cure. So Ivy was given a medical retirement from the leader dog program.
Ivy has a new home with a wonderful family. Ken and his wife have adopted two girls from China, a three year old and eight year old. The family will soon grow when two boys, aged five and six, are adopted from China. Ivy’s new home also includes two cats and a 13 year old small dog.
Lion Sandy says, “I could not have designed a family better for Ivy. She adores children and will receive as much love as she gives.”
As hard as it is to give up Ivy Green the 11th, Lion Sandy has already picked up and starting training Ivy Green the 12th, a black lab
|
