[nagdu] Update on Destiny/Hard decision

[Marsha Drenth]

Janice,

It is a very very hard decision, not one I would say I would want to make.
So many things to consider if you do retire her, so many things to consider
if you do not retire her. You mentioned that your work as a team has already
been effected, how do you mean? I am curious. 

Emma is only 6 1/2 years old. And I thought the same, when I was matched
with her. It was such a good match, we were perfect together. But now we are
not safe and I can't rely on her. I've cried a many times over this same
issue. 

I am not sure what the right decision is for you. But as you already believe
all things happen for a reason, its not in our hands. If you want to talk
further, please email me off list any time. 

*hugs*
Marsha  


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Janice Toothman
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 5:08 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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