[nagdu] Update on Destiny/Hard decision

[rhonda cruz]

 hi janice. i wish you all the best. in this hard disition. hugs. and wags.


On Jul 23, 2012, at 3:56 PM, Shanna wrote:

> 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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