[nagdu] Update on Destiny/Hard decision

[Shanna]

Hi Janice,

My prayers and thoughts are with you as you struggle with this decision. I 
understand how difficult it is to retire a dog, but when the potential 
exists for them to perhaps still work without problems, it's even harder. 
Please keep us posted on what you decide.

Wishing you and Destiny all the best,
Shanna

-----Original Message----- 
From: Janice Toothman
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 4:08 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Update on Destiny/Hard decision

Last week I took Destiny to a neurologist. His wife was a puppy raiser
so he knew about service animal requirements. The neurological exam was
normal. He said to make definitive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy
would be to have a brain MRI and spinal tap. This would rule out a brain
tumor or infection as a cause for the seizure. However, these exams
involve anesthesia and some risk. He felt the likelihood of finding
anything abnormal given her normal neurological exam to be low.

At this point, Destiny has not had any new seizures since the
convention. Yet I have GDF and a neurologist not associated with the
school recommending that I retire Destiny for safety reasons.

I understand this intellectually. But Destiny is 6 years old. I had
expected hoped to work her until I finished my studies in two years and
secured employment. Although I know that plans can go often awry
unexpectedly, I have learn adaptation is the key to withstanding life's
upheavals.

The bottom line is my decision about when to retire Destiny. Even though
I have doubts about the possibility of if and when she might have
another seizure. But the worry of a potential seizure looming on the
horizon has already affected our working relationship.
Thanks for listening and bearing with me since I don't post much. I
appreciate your support.

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