Oct 21, 2012

POTP Request For Amber

How-Dee Doodie
Every Buddy!

Dis isn't da postee me planned fur Black and White Sun-Day
BUTT
Me is gonna let da Momma do me postee today.
Dat don't happen often so me hopes her don't mess tings up fur me!
***********************
Ok, Amber.  I promise not to mess up your blog!
{SHEEESH}

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who stopped by and left their condolences for our Benji, who crossed the Bridge on October 4.  Things just aren't the same here without our old boy.  We miss him so much.  Cancer and Old Age don't mix well, but Ben gave it his all and fought to stay with us as long as he could.
    Rest in Peace, Bear!  We will never forget you.
**********************
Now on to our post for today.
We got some very bad news about Amber a week ago.
 For quite a while we noticed that Amber was having some trouble focusing on things that were right in front of her.  We had our own vet examine her on two occasions over the last 18 months but he wasn't able to find anything that really indicated a problem and suggested that we see an eye specialist with more knowledge and equipment to get a better idea of what was happening to Amber's eyesight.
A week ago we took her to the specialist.
 Amber has a condition known as
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY.
This is an inherited condition leading to eventual total blindness.  There is no treatment and no cure.

There has been some success in buying time before blindness sets in by administering antioxidant supplements.  There was a supplement developed for this condition called "Ocu Glo" which Amber is now taking along with fish oil, a baby aspirin, and a special antioxidant vitamin daily.

The good news is that Amber still seems to have night vision, which is usually the first to go.  So we're hoping the supplements will slow the progression of the condition and give her some more time before she enters a world of darkness.  Since Max is her littermate and carries the gene for this condition as well, we have started him on antioxidant supplements too.  He may not be affected but better safe than sorry if the supplements do help.

The big question is not IF Amber will go blind, but rather WHEN Amber will go blind.

Today we ask for POTP for Amber in the hope that she will still be able to keep her sight for as long as possible.

We have lived with a blind dog in the past and know that many of you have also had blind pets.  Animals always seem to adjust very well to blindness and don't give it a second thought.  But the pet parents go into panic mode.  At least I do, and I've been here before with my Min Pin, Serena {RIP}.  It just isn't easy.

Thank you for letting me "borrow" Amber's blog today.  We apologize for being MIA in Blogville since Benji's death.  We've been on overload the last 3 weeks it seems.  First we adopted our two new girls, then the loss of Benji, the delay of a big construction project here at the house (Amber will tell you all about that later on), and finally Amber's diagnosis.  I sit down to help Amber with her typing for her blog and then have to run off somewhere.  Hopefully things will get better soon.

If you're interested in learning more about Amber's diagnosis, click
for an article that pretty well describes it. 

*********************
    In closing, we have some happy news to report!

Max's chosen one, Anna Rose, is home from the hospital.  Max is off in the Weenie Mobile heading for St. Louis to kiss all her boo-boos for her.

Also, Mona and Weenie's Momma is home from the hospital and is recuperating at her sister's house for a couple of weeks.  She is going to try and visit the blogs, but will probably not be able to post until she's back home again.   She sends a great big HELLO to Blogville!

Stop by and wish Anna Rose and Sarah a quick recovery.

Amber will be back with a post soon.  I thank her for allowing me to use her blogging time today.  And I didn't even mess anything up {I don't think} .

Hugs to All
   

54 comments:

HH and The Boys said...

Hugs to all of you for your loss of Benji. We continue to send purrs and to send our purrs and best thoughts to Amber, hoping that her vision will stay as long as possible.... Our hearts are with you.

hugs, Max, Bugsy, Knuckles and HH

Unknown said...

Oh we are so sorry to read about Amber. We send our love and best wishes. Our paws are crossed that the supplements help to keep what sight is left for longer. Our love and prayers. We think about Benji too.
Best wishes Molly

Scooter said...

Hey Weenie Momma!
Wow, I'm so very sad to hear about sweet Benji. We've lost so many furiends and I'm sending warm vibes to your whole pack. What a cute pix of him. I'm sorry to hear about Amber's eyesight, but she's such a strong and wonderful girl that I'm sure she adjust and be fine. Those extra meds will help her tons. Lots of healing vibes to her from me.
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Millie and Walter said...

Sorry to hear about Amber, but I know you will do everything possible to make her transition as smooth as possible. Keeping paws crossed that Max is spared.

Cindy & Millie

Unknown said...

We are so sorry to hear about Ambers eyes. Hope she gets to see us for a long time yet!
Lovies to Amber, Miss Mindy

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

Also from the mom - know what you mean about sitting down to help then realize something else needs your attention. With that said, I am so sorry to hear about Amber - wish we could adjust as well as our dogs. POTP that dear Amber can keep her sight as long as possible. And so sorry to hear about Benji - he was such a sweet looking boy.
Kim

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Oh DEAR SWEET AMBER... I know that you will be totally Well Cared for.
Sending WELLNESS WISHES for Anna Rose and Miss SARAH.

Pippen said...

Amber, we have our paws crossed for you!

Sam and Pippen

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Sending Lots of Golden LOVE to Amber. Crossing my Golden PAWS. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so sorry to hear this news. Amber. Our paws are crossed that you can keep your sight for a long time to come!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Jo's World said...

Hi little Amber!

I was sorry to hear about your vision problem and I will hope for a little miracle for you that it doesn't develop. Or at least develop very slowly. You are such a clever girl, you will think of some ways to live with it.

Cheers, Amber,

Jo, Stella and Zkhat

rottrover said...

Oh Amber, the saddest thing is that you won't be able to look at yourself in the mirror and see how bootiful you are! As a doxie, your nose will be an excellent guide through life. Sending love and rottie kisses.

-Bart and Ruby

Murray's Mouth said...

Best thoughts and wishes with ALL you have been going through. You will all come through this and be stronger for it.

Random Felines said...

we are continuing to send purrs and we know that no matter the final outcome, Amber will be strong :)

Ruby said...

Oh noes. Sorry to hear that my dear friend. I suggest you get mirrors in every single room of your abode, so you can admire your lovely self while you can still see that beautiful face! I will be keepin' my paws crossed that you will keep your vision for, like, furever!!!
I'll be keepin' your Moms in my thoughts, too. It must be hard for her to hear such news.
I know you all will be brave and fearless in all of this. Because, you are AMBER DE WEENIE, and you are amazin'!

Kisses,

Ruby

Doxie Rod said...

So sorry to read about Amber's diagnoses. Praying that her eyesight holds up for as long as possible! It seems like it was caught fairly early and can be delayed with your supplements. Praying for your whole family as you deal with your recent life events.

Dexter said...

Amber, as long as it isn't causing you owies, I think that you are going to handle all of this better than your mom. I'm sending my extra special labralove her way to be strong and don't fret overly about little Amber. I know it is a lot to take on, especially after little Benji making his final journey so recently.

Kisses,
Dexter

NanaNor's said...

Hi, Will be keeping Amber's eyesight in prayer and peace for you too. It is hard when our beloved furbabies grow older and have issues with their health. I know you are well acquainted with how to deal with blindness, but it is never easy.
Happy Sunday.
Noreen & Hunter

KB said...

I'm heading off to read the website that you gave us about PRA. But, first, I wanted to mention that I have a couple of friends who have dogs with PRA. One lived for 14 years without going blind! Another has had it for years, and is still doing fine.

I hope that Amber has the good luck of my friends' dogs. I'm so sorry about her diagnosis, especially while you are grieving Benji. We are thinking of you. POTP coming your way.

PoochesForPeace said...

We r sending POTP for Amber that she can enjoy her eyesight as long as possible and has an easy transition when the time comes that her vision starts to fade. Hope things start looking up for u all soon :)

Bobbie said...

Oh I am just so sorry to hear about this!! This is the 2nd bloggy friend I've had in the past few weeks that has been losing their sight. The other, is doing okay now and has a very positive outlook. Gracie and I PRAYED every day for Samson.. and now we will be praying for the beautiful and funny Amber!! You are right... this is harder on us I believe than on our pups. WILL BE PRAYING!!

Dachshund Nola said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this! 16 paws crossed here
Nola

Life with Wrigs said...

So sorry to hear about Amber's progressive retinal atrophy diagnosis. It's great that her night vision is still okay. We hope that the supplements and aspirin will help her maintain for a long time to come! As you say, dogs adjust to blindness better than we dog parents. Sending best wishes and positive thoughts your way!

Susan and Wrigs

Reuben said...

Oh goodness, those is some very sad things. I is so sorry about your Benji; and on top of that, lovely Amber has sicks too.... well, you gots to give her as many good things to look at as you can. Most of Amber will want to spend a lot of time looking into her mama's eyes. You is doing a great job of slowing down the vision loss though, I know Amber has a great appreciation for everything you gives her.

love,
Reuben

White Dog Blog said...

No matter what, the White Dog Army is at your side to guide, support, comfort, cheer on, share with...love! Amber, YoYoMa has the same condition. Good nutrition and supplements will help a lot. Sending positive thoughts and healing energies...always.

Cotton said...

I can't believe I'm just hearing this now :( so sorry, I have been worried for Benji, the C and old age totally doesn't go well!
But Amber too? I hope she gets better and hope the supplements work
Cotton

Matilda the Boxer said...

We're keeping you in our thoughts! I know you'll adapt to everything with grace, but I hope it takes a while!

Hey, if a doggie goes blind, do you get a guide human?

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are all sending our best purrs to our amazing Amber. I know that she will do fine since you are giving her all of the best things. There as a blind dog that lived here before I came and I understand she did amazingly well. Love ya Amber!

Bassetmomma said...

POTP for Amber. Lots of positive vibes being sent her way that she keep her sight as long as possible. Glad everyone else is doing well. :)

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are so sorry to hear about Amber's vision problems. We hope she can maintain some level of sight for a long time. But Mom says she will do fine even after because she knows her way around your place and has a home filled with loving humans who will help her. We hope the meds work well and that she isn't uncomfortable.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh Amber mom and I are so very sorry to read that you are having sickies in your eye. Of course we will send lots of purrs and hugs to you and hope you see some very good results from your current medicines. I tell you one thing though sweet friend you are stylin in those shades.
Hugs madi your BFFF

Ruby and Penny said...

Hi Amber.

We are sorry that you have an eye disease. We will be sending tonnes of doxie vibes your way. Hope the meds let you keep your vision for a long, long, looong time.
Love Ruby & Penny

Remington said...

That is scary news, my friend....you are in our thoughts and prayers....

K9 Katastrophie said...

Oh Amber, we are so so sorry. We are praying for your eyesight. Mommy knows a nice lady who has that problem.

Lord, please let sweet Amber have good vision for as long as possible. Thank you for her and her wonderful family. In Jesus name, amen!

Licks,
Ruthie

animal lover, quilt lover said...

I SURELY KNOW HOW IT IS TO BE LOSING YOUR EYE SIGHT B/C I AM TOO!!!
I will pray for both of us. Thanks for your visit!!!
Circle is doing it for me!!!

Just Mags said...

With the full plate you all have had we certainly see no reason for you to apologize for not posting. We are sorry to hear the news about Amber. Will keep her and all of you in our thoughts and prayers. You are right that blind fur babes adjust well and it is we who love them so much that don't do so well we worry so much about our sweeties. Hugs and nose kisses

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

We are sending our bestest thoughts and crossed paws that Amber keeps her sight as long as possible!

Smileys!
Dory and the Mama

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

We are sending our bestest thoughts and crossed paws that Amber keeps her sight as long as possible!

Smileys!
Dory and the Mama

Sweet William The Scot said...

Amber your news makes me very sad. I pray with the medicine it will keep total vision loss away for a long long time.
Thanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot

Uji, Angel Izzy, Ziggy, Angel Bean, Angel Hiro and Momma Tea said...

Ohhh Wee is praying so, so, so, so hards fur Miss Amber and sendin her our bestest healin vibes . Wee nose dats no matter wots comes Miss Amber is in da bestest hands pawssible.
Big Lovs to yoo all

Da K Krew
xxxxxxxxxxx

Stewey said...

Oh my - you sure have had a challenging time lately. I'm very sorry to hear about Amber's vision problems. I've got my paws crossed for positive vibes for Amber.
Stewey

Hilary said...

I am so sorry about benji....

I am sending plenty of good thoughts, and prayers all your ways

Anonymous said...

Aww, sorry to hear this about Amber! That disease is common in Cattle Dogs, their parents are tested for it. Thankfully, Riley isn't affected. Of course, her bad hips and knees make up for it! I think I would rather deal with knee surgeries than her going blind though, so I really feel for you. I'm sure Amber will adjust well to it, it's amazing how adaptive dogs are. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for your well wishes for Riley! I WILL have to have a talk with her about blowing out her knees! She's too crazy, I think!!! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Elyse and Riley

animal lover, quilt lover said...

I hope I can keep them alive!!!
Maybe I will keep one. i really really don't want 3 cats, just 2 would be just right.

Backcountry Brodie said...

OMD I missed so much (coz mom hogs MY pooter all the time). I is so sorry about Benji. It do be so sad fur them to go but happy to has had such a good life with you.

Paws crossed that the eyeball stuff fur Amber keeps here eyeballs werking fur lots longer!

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

You know we've got all our paws crossed for you, Amber. And you have a house full of seeing eye dogs, should the need arise.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Glad Mona's mom is recuperating. Hope she is doing well.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oops, we meant to say how sorry we are about Amber's diagnosis.

Ziggy Stardust said...

My paws are crossed for sweet Amber and I am sending a batch of magic bubbles right away. Mommy is saying a prayer.

Loveys Sasha

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I send love to your sad hearts at this time when things do not go so good.
Thank you for your kind thoughts of love and healing for my mommy
love
tweedles

animal lover, quilt lover said...

While the kittens were at the vets a woman came in saw the kittens and said she would like to have them when they were older and she left her mane and phone ##. So if all works out they already have a home to go to!!
Thanks for your visit!!

ShellePenn said...

Many positive thoughts coming your way.. :) We are so pleased that Miss Amber and Mr. Max have you as their parents. :) You definitely have great love and care to give!


Have a great Friday and weekend!!
Shelle, Milo, Dixie and Newby,
http://simpaticodreams.blogspot.com/

HoundDogMom said...

Sending hugs and drool for Amber. We are sorry to hear this but it sounds like you are doing everything to slow the progress down. Sniffs, The HoundDogs

Anonymous said...

Amber darlin I am so sorry! The notification from POTP must have landed in my spam :(

Sendin my pawsonal healin vibes to you sweetie!

Your buddy Roo