My Little Buddy

A week from this past Thursday, we had to put Brody down. Around 6 AM that morning, my night nurse and aunt Sandy, both heard him making a couple of loud yelping noises. When they went to look at him in his bed, he was still sleeping, so they thought he just had a dream. When it came time for breakfast, he didn’t go over to eat it. Later when I went over to look at him, he didn’t look at me or wag his tail, which was very odd.

Sandy took him out of his bed, and he was walking very slowly and side to side. She looked up some symptoms, and one that stood out was possibly a stroke. We decided to have him go to the vet since he wasn’t acting like himself. They took some blood work and did an ultrasound on him. About 45 minutes later, she brought him back and said, “it is in good.”

When I saw him, I could see the pain and sadness on his face. Sandy put Brody on my lap then let me know what the vet said. Apparently, he had many tumors throughout his body and in the morning one of them ruptured; from that point there was internal bleeding, and by the blood work they could tell that he had cancer everywhere. 

Sandy told me the options the vet told her: I could have him home with me, but he probably would only last through the night or there is a medicine he could take where he may live 3 or 4 days. I chose the 3rd option, to put him down right away because I did not want him to suffer any longer. 

The role Brody played in my life as a companion dog, causes me to grieve, not only for the loss of him, but his emotional support. Adjusting to the fact that I’ll never spend time with him again is painful, and I know it will take a lot of time to adjust. He was a special dog; we shared a bond and affection like no other. He is also missed by my family, caregivers, and everyone’s life in which he touched.

It’s taken me some time to write this blog post because I’m still grieving. His presence in our house is greatly missed. I was in such a routine with him that I’ve caught myself during certain times. I still look at the time at 5 PM, his suppertime. I still want to call him when I’m going from room to room. I also know it will hit me even harder when springtime comes and it’s warm enough to go for a “walk and roll.” 

I know there will never be another “Brody”, but at some point, I know I’ll come across another dog to be a companion to me. I miss my little buddy so much! 

Jenni

A poem I wrote about Brody:

My Companion Dog

My mom takes me for walks

pulling on the leash to makes her wheels go faster

I’m dependent on her to give me affection and protection

I look into her blue eyes, hopelessly devoted

she is my family

I’m a dog, I’m fun, all I want to do is have fun 

when she is sad or crying, she really messes with my mojo 

That’s when I like to jump all over her, lay on her lap 

comforting her until she gets over it and takes me outside

for the most part, I love the simple pleasures of life 

One thing about me is I don’t judge 

if she makes a mistake, I forgive her

if she forgets something, it’s no big deal

when she has doubts, I will politely disagree

I see her for what she really is, pure awesome!

I know how to make her feel guilty

I just sit in front of her or at the window 

she knows what I want, mostly some attention

I know how to speak English, just not verbally

sometimes I choose to ignore her 

My favorite thing to do right now is sleep

I’m most comfortable tucked in tight places

I also like to sleep in my bed, on the couch or 

floor with something covering my face 

The more hidden I am the better

His favorite spot on the couch

Brody loved fresh laundry!

And his beds!

What have I been up to?

Hello everyone!

I have lots to share. The biggest news is that I got my cast off my leg last week. I went in and my orthopedic doctor took my fourth cast off, then I got an x-ray. She said that it’s healed enough that if I was walking, she would recommend me to start bearing weight on it. Hopefully nothing else will happen to it or any other of my bones that would cause setback at ABLE. I’m going back in about a month to get another x-ray to see how it’s healing.

If you’re reading this and are not from Minnesota, the weather here has been cold for October. It’s supposed to be fall, although it was so cold this past week that it snowed. Good thing it only lasted the morning and then warmed up during the middle of the day for it to melt. I wasn’t taking Brody out much because of the weather and the cold, except for today.

I’m still perfecting my poetry writing (thus the reason why I haven’t blogged much lately.) I also haven’t written much for my book. I believe the imagery and metaphors I’m using will help in my book. My mom and I did an interview today for the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund and it will be a YouTube video coming soon. In my last post, I shared their first video. I’ll post the link on my blog when it becomes available.

I’m hoping to write more blog posts about other things than just updates about me. 

Jenni

Here are a few more poems I’ve written:

Hiding Behind the Clouds

Two clouds pass another on a wisp of wind

revealing a ball of fire showcasing its rays

casting shadows on the earth below its plain

Moving swiftly, beautiful, and bright

diverging left then right without a word said

peeking into different lives from far away

Unlocking the key to an ancient mystery

accessing countless times of troubled pasts

sifting through a treasure trove of memories

Holding visions while trusting processes

powered by motivation to seek answers

the two clouds produce inspiration from above

A Scene from Heaven

Numerous colors paint the forests’ floor,

as hummingbirds flutter in the distance

and frogs croak on sunlit lily pads

warm breezes wander between flowers

Wind whizzes around dark tree trunks

shadows appear amongst overhanging limbs

between the kiss of falling leaves

glimpses of patchy sky seen breaks through

The vibrant trees stick to their boundaries

casting show stopping colors on the flowing river

that rumbles through the path it’s created

picking up every evidence of being there

If October never existed

No days so still, so kindly sincere

such reverential quietness in the air

Voices so crisp with integrity

Leaves switch to yellow, orange, and red

Gold in its pocket full of recollections

reminding me of ambient occurrences

Times so pleasant as a fine October

if it never existed, I wouldn’t be alive

as my birthday lands on the 19th

When the light is sweet and heavy

permanence takes its bitter shape

folding amongst natures hugs

Another Update

I’m still recovering from my spiral fracture on my right leg. I have gone to the orthopedic doctor three times so far since it happened. The first appointment was an x-ray and to put my cast on, then they wanted me to return in two weeks. The second one they cut my cast off, took an x-ray and said it needed a few more weeks. So, they put another cast on and wanted me to come back in three weeks. When I did, they took my cast off and took another x-ray, and determined it hadn’t healed at all from when I first fractured it. 

They put a cast on again and told me to come back in another 3 ½ weeks. It’s been a little over a week since then, so I’m not sure what to think when the next appointment comes around. Hopefully it’s healed at least some, because the next option is to put pins in to hold it together, so it heals faster. I’m not looking forward to that, if that’s the case. I’ve been modifying ABLE avoiding exercises that use my legs.

I also have been using a lift to get me out and back in my chair instead of manual transfers. When I first started, and they told me they were going to do a manual transfer, I was scared. I’d never transferred that way before I have only used a lift. It was going good until my last two injuries on my legs (bursitis in my right knee, and the spiral fracture I’m still healing from.) Using a lift does take longer than manual transfers, although it’s a safety route.

I’m praying for no more injuries! Other than ABLE, I’ve been getting outside as much as possible. Unfortunately, Brody isn’t feeling all that great. He wasn’t eating well for a few days and wouldn’t let anyone get close to his mouth. He went into the vet to get his teeth looked at. They said he has a lot of tartar, gingivitis, a loose tooth, cracked teeth etc. So, because of his bad teeth. In September going to have surgery and have multiple teeth pulled along with a deep clean. We’ve now been soaking his food in water, and he’s been loving that.

Now when I take him out for walks, he doesn’t like to walk the whole way. When he stops going and just looks at me, I put him on my lap. He lays down and then I go as far as I want! Although, the temperature outside has been quite warm and humid lately. It’s hard to go too far and I try to stick to the shade, so I don’t get to warm. That’s one thing that’s difficult about being a quad; when it’s cold I’m cold and when it’s hot I’m hot. 

Since we are approaching August, usually temperature in Minnesota only gets warmer. My favorite time of year is fall, not just because of the weather being cooler, but the leaf color changes are nice to look at. My sister and niece, Avery have birthdays this month. I always look forward to buying things for other people, especially for holidays.

As I said before, I've been on a binge of writing poems. I write one almost every day, mostly for contests on the site: All Poetry you can check out all the poems I've written by clicking on the link before this. Although others I've just posted for people to read. I thought I would share more of what I've written within the past couple months. 

Feelings of Hope

Letting my emotions flow within my veins, 

like water seeping through cracks in wood.

Enlightening me to share my sense of calm

with others until dawn meets the horizon.

Silence echoes across open land in sight,

while my mind reaches a height of stillness.

Beneath my feet feeling single grains of sand

navigating their way through open valleys.

The wind finally rests as thoughts of healing

begin to enter the realm surrounding my being.

Change

Within a moments time, 

my body changed like a 

caterpillar transforming

into a striking butterfly.

Life throws curveballs

letting me know how much

it can push itself, until

my breaking point. For the

instances that I am lonely

are far too many to count.

There are times in my past

where I felt like giving up,

because it’s easier than dealing

with being paralyzed from the 

neck down, on a ventilator.

Like a puzzle, I just pick up

pieces of my broken body,

slowly putting them back

together. Realizing that my time

here on earth is worth living

to its fullest. Despite my troubles

where I’ve slipped and fell, the 

path to my destination is clear.

My spirit flickers a faint light,

like a candle in a slight wind.

Since my near-death experience,

I now realize that the loneliness

within my mind has dwindled.

Changing pages has given 

me a chance to gain confidence,

preserving a future to survive.

By stepping out from behind the

shadows, I grant myself permission

to share my story with others.

Breathe In

Within two decades of moments lies dangerous

thoughts of reacting to a future unknown

Emotional insides twist with anticipation as feelings

inside my paralyzed body seize on-demand

Affecting my ability to move amongst beings

as every effort beyond has a cause with no feeling

Showing loneliness upon difficult times of struggle

like being on a ship with no lifeboat aboard

In spite unimaginable living in shadows of pain

stricken underneath me like light turning to dark

I now realize my past hatred of a time troubled accident

has dissipated into the air I breathe through my vent

Reminding me of myself despite my tight grasp

binding down at this moment however looking afar

What I’ve now become although whom I will be later

surrounding happiness above distant thunder clouds

Springtime Wonders

Blue sky shows above as the rays of sun shines on my face 

feelings of glow as the wind whispers in my ear ever 

flowing through the trees as the next season appears

all around as soothing scents of lilacs, hyacinths, and daffodils

start to grow in the ground and buds began showing

it is as if the world is telling me to be silent 

while the red cardinals flyby singing to each other 

with their sweet sounds of whistles flow amongst

my shoulders become relaxed as I feel a sense of calm

through the change of seasons while white winter wonderland

begins slowly disappearing as the temperature raises 

melting the snow away beginning to showcase spring 

blades of grass poking through the old crackled dried up

dead brown leaves laying in a bed below from last fall 

all seasons showing their stories right in front of my blue eyes 

the smell of petrichor produced by wet rocks after

raindrops fizzing as they splashed down caring an aroma

fills the air which makes me sneeze because of allergies 

although the light breeze slowly floats through leading it away 

while new spotted white fawns begin to show themselves 

their mothers protecting them when strangers come near 

showing them the ways around how their life is supposed to be 

while dad with pointed racks of antlers watches for predators 

that come near as the snow-covered water frozen from 

low temperatures, starts to melt opening-up as water begins

flowing making space for green mallards and geese finding 

their mates, other animals able to drink swiftly as the sun gets higher 

opening sky as its warming the nature in every corner 

the crickets make their calling, the bees start buzzing 

the black spotted red ladybugs land on my arm tickling me

My Knee… Again

Madi and Brody

So… I injured my right knee again. This time, it’s my actual knee that is twice the size as usual. I got an x-ray Monday and saw the orthopedic surgeon earlier today. Based off the results, my primary doctor said “there are no new fractures, although there is a new moderate knee joint effusion. There is a fair amount of fluid around the knee.” He highly recommended that I go to the orthopedic urgent care yesterday to get it evaluated.

Although, since there was no fracture, just fluid, it means that I probably injured it somehow or something to that extent. I decided to make an appointment to see the orthopedic surgeon today instead of waiting all day in urgent care. It would be first come, first served basis so I wouldn’t know how long I would be waiting there. It would all depend on the other people and their injuries who came in.

I think it happened on Friday during ABLE. I’m not sure exactly; could have been during a transfer or an exercise I was doing. Even though I have limited feeling, my knee started hurting that night. That’s also when the swelling started. Also, when there is a pain somewhere within my body, it reacts by muscle spasms in that area or location.

Before I got the results from the x-ray, I thought I had fractured or broken something. I thought the size of my knee was just fluid and a little swelling. The whole weekend I was alternating between ibuprofen and Tylenol along with icing it every hour or two for 15 or 20 minutes. I googled “how to keep swelling down in knee” and this was the result it told me to do. My nurses working also said it would help.

My appointment was at 2 PM, I used transportation to get to my appointment, and I got there about ½ an hour early. I waited, and they didn’t call me to a room until 2:15 PM. My ride was set up for 3 PM and the doctor came around 10 to 3. I was worried I wouldn’t make it before that time, but it literally only took 10 minutes for the doctor to explain what happened and what to do about it.

To sum it up, he said that the fluid would simply “go away and heal itself” within 3 to 4 weeks. He also said that I could do “mild range of motion on my right leg, depending upon how it feels.” Also, according to him, “I can go back to ABLE within a week or two depending on how it’s healing.” This was all great news to me, but I wish it could’ve been over video and instead of waiting so long.

Before COVID, appointments were strictly visit only. Now a lot of them are either over the phone or video, depending. I like that I have the option to choose, for convenience of course! These days it’s a little bit harder to get out of the house for something they can easily be done at home.

Writing my book and poems is still consuming a lot of my time. I was wondering, would anybody be willing to be interviewed for it? I’m looking for prospective along with stories and dialogue. Just email me at jtic20@gmail.com.

Jenni

Guest Blog Post by Brody III

I’m enjoying the weather right now, although it’s getting a little hotter and I don’t like to overheat. It makes me pant and I can’t go as long on walks with my mom. Plus, I’m getting a little older, and I’m unable to go as far as I used to when I was a pup. I turned nine in December.

Bailey and Casey

My mom’s dad’s dog and my best four-legged friend, Bailey passed away earlier this month. He was a black lab. I will miss him so much! My mom misses him also. Although nothing can replace him, I now have a new best friend. His name is Casey, and he is a pocket beagle. He is six months old and just my size. When he comes over, we love to play in the backyard. He plays with all my toys and lays in my beds. Since I’m older than him, I only like to play for a little while. Then just like humans I like my space and time to myself.

I’ve been enjoying my time lately by sleeping on the couch, going for walks, and playing with toys. I only chase after a toy once, but I don’t know how to play fetch. My favorite thing is getting attention from anyone who will give it to me. I love to be petted and scratched on my back. Although, I only like it for a little while, and then back to more independent time on the couch or in one of my multiple beds. I find it comforting to bury my head against my bed, couch or under a blanket.

Me Sleeping on the Couch

Brody

New Life and Holiday

On October 26, 2020, my sister gave birth to another healthy baby girl. She was 11 days early, 8 lbs. 8 oz., and her name is Madilyn. Her big sister Avery, now 7 years old loves to hold and play with her. I’m an excited auntie who is now proud to have 2 nieces to spoil. I have shared some pictures below.

Me holding Madilyn. I have the same picture of when Avery was a baby.

Big sister Avery holding Madilyn. My dog Brody loves babies and had to be in the photo!

Madilyn smiling; she is now one month old!

This year is going to be a little different with Thanksgiving. With COVID 19 going around, the governor of Minnesota shut down all restaurant and bars, along with limiting gatherings of 10 people or less. We usually host Thanksgiving and there’s usually at least 20 family members. Although we’re just going have my sister, her boyfriend, my nieces, my aunt Sandy, my mom and me for dinner.

It’s a little different with such a small amount of people, especially since we usually serve such a big meal on Thanksgiving. Although I’m thankful to have family around, supporting and helping me when needed. I know not everybody this year has that, especially since the pandemic.

I’ve been busy with both of the Bible study groups that I’m in. Like I stated a couple posts ago, since I started both groups, I sort of put aside my blog posts. For one of my groups we read certain verses and answer questions that go along with it. It’s thought-provoking and engaging, but between the 2, it’s a lot of reading.

Jenni

Update on Me

The past few weeks have gone by fast. Back in July, I talked about how I joined a Bible study group that meets once a week. Since starting, I have really enjoyed reading the Bible. Every story has a meaning, and it can be applied to life in different ways. I decided to join another group that also meets once a week but on another day.

This one is different in which instead of reading the Bible in a year, we are just studying the book of Genesis and it only goes until December. It is also more involved. There are lectures to watch, notes to read, and questions to answer along with the reading. I like both group studies, as they keep me busy. Probably the reason why I haven’t written a blog post for a while.

I have still been trying to get out every day, walking Brody. It’s been really nice outside, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. It even got to 80° the other day. I’ve been enjoying the fresh air and change of scenery from my house. All the trees are starting to turn orange and red now that it’s fall. Pretty soon winter will be here and with all the snow it’s hard to go out. Not to mention when the temperatures drop below freezing.

Fall Colors in Minnesota

Brody and I on a Walk and Roll

Since quarantine started in March, I have only left my house a hand full of times. Because I am on a ventilator, I’m at such a high risk if I get the coronavirus. That’s why I’m so cautious about being around other people and going to places that may be overcrowded. I suppose I could go to a park or movie where I could social distance myself from others. I do have a couple of doctor’s appointments coming up in October and November so I will be going out, but it’s nothing like doing something for fun.

I have still been in a lot of neck pain. When visiting my neurosurgeon last month, I got an x-ray of my neck to see if everything looks okay. He also wanted to see if there was anything bone related that could be causing my pain. But when he looked at it, he didn’t find anything. In fact, he stated that the plate that he put in when I had surgery to remove a bone spur in my neck was holding stronger than he initially thought it would. I would’ve had to have another surgery to do a bigger fusion if it wasn’t. He said that my pain was probably just due to strain leading to tight muscles, especially because I can only move from my neck up.

Also, I’ve still been having trouble sleeping and with edema. My sleep doctor doesn’t want to give me anymore medications for sleep because I’m already taking a lot. I did get a prescription from my primary doctor for anxiety, which has helped a little bit with sleep. That’s one thing that keeps me up at night. He also referred me to a specialist within the University of Minnesota Fairview offices that can take another look at why I might be retaining fluids. I had a phone call with a doctor and he’s going to look over every test I’ve done and every medication that I am on to see if he can figure it out.

Other things that have been keeping me busy are playing games, watching movies, and painting. Yesterday I painted an abstract picture with lots of colors on it in which I posted below. I also shared a few pictures of Brody. He is quite the favorite around the house!

Avery and Brody

Brody on My Bed

Brody Sleeping on his Toy

Abstract Rainbow Painting

Jenni

Guest Blog Post by Brody II

I’m back to share more. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the nice weather outside when my mom takes me for a walk. I like to pull on the leash to make her wheels go faster. I rely on her to give me affection, protection and everything else. I like to look in her eyes and am hopelessly devoted to her. She is my family.

I’m a dog, I’m fun, all I want to do is have fun. When she is sad or crying, she really messes with my mojo. That’s when I like to jump all over her, lay on her lap and comfort her until she gets over it and takes me outside. I love the simple pleasures of life for the most part and don’t really care what she does as long as I can be with her.

One thing about me is I don’t judge. If she makes a mistake, I forgive her. If she forgets something, it’s no big deal. If she ever has doubts, I will politely disagree. I see her for what she really is, pure awesome!

I know how to make her feel guilty. I just sit in front of her or at the window and she knows what I want; either some attention, to play, or go for a walk. Also, I know how to speak English, just not verbally. Sometimes I choose to ignore her if I have no interest in what she’s saying. 

My favorite thing to do right now is sleep. I’m most comfortable tucked in tight places. I also like to sleep in my bed, on the couch or floor with something covering my face. The more hidden I am the better. Here are some pictures:

        

Brody

Guest Blog Post by Brody

This is a guest post written by none other than my dog Brody. I thought I would share it with all of you. He gives a great insight into the life of a dog and information about himself.

Hi everyone! My name is Brody and I am 8 ½ years old. I’m a Chinese crested powderpuff and I come from a family of show dogs. I have hair on my head shaped like a crest and my skin is covered in pink spots. My mom is allergic to pet dander, so it’s a good thing I’m hypoallergenic which means I don’t shed. Although that means I need to be brushed daily and taken to the groomers to get my hair cut every so often. 

I love my mom so much! I wait for her patiently, comfort her through hard times and disappointments, and romp glee at her homecomings. I am a registered companion dog for her. I’m gentle, happy, loyal, loving and totally devoted. I follow her everywhere she goes. Also, I have a sensitive nature and don’t like to be separated for long periods of time. 

    

 

I have my own bed and it is my favorite spot to lie in. Sometimes the sun comes in through the window and shines brightly on me, heating me up. I can’t believe I have this whole pillow all to myself! Some other places I like to lay are on the back of couches, on my mom’s lap, and snuggle in her bed.

My favorite thing to do is go on walks with her. I know exactly when it’s time to go; whenever she pulls out my leash and says: “do you want to go for a walk?” Then she attaches it and me to her wheelchair and off we go. In the winter, I like to wear sweaters because they keep me warm. Even though I like my walks, I prefer to spend the remainder of my time indoors 

mostly sleeping.

Some other things that bring me happiness are cuddling, being pet and brushed, playing with toys, and chewing on bones. I really enjoy being around kids, mostly because they are my size and usually friendly towards me. I also know how to do some tricks! I can dance, sit, lay down and even smile when asked.

I’m security/control manager of the house. This includes my mom and all the other people that come in and out of it. I do not always welcome strangers in the yard or house. If I see them I either growl, bark, hide, or run to my mom for safety and assurance. Although, I like to chase after squirrels and I’m not afraid to run towards the turkeys or deer in the yard! 

Brody

Stay-at-home Order

Brody tired from our walk today!

On Wednesday, our governor Tim Waltz gave a two-week stay-at-home order between the days of Friday, March 27 and Friday, April 10 (it’s now been extended until April 30). The order is intended to slow the COVID 19 across the state and minimize its impact. It’s a dramatic step that requires people to stay home unless absolutely necessary. It’s a far-reaching measure that is drastically impacting Minnesotans in the way in which we work, play, learn, go about our daily lives and communicate with others. Although it’s reported that by doing so, we are saving tens of thousands of lives by staying home. As of now, United States cases surpass 200,000 and death toll rises to 4300.

I know my last post was about the coronavirus, but it seems like our lives are consumed with that right now. I’ve been doing my part still by self-isolating myself but still having full-time caregivers along with PCAs, massage, physical therapy and acupuncture. The reason they are still able to come is because their work is considered critically essential and so am I, given my situation (healthcare and public health). They aren't required to carry any sort of paperwork when traveling to and from work, just urged to voluntarily comply with the orders set in place.

Luckily the weather here has been nice, so I try to get out every day. Aside from the couple of days where I went outside in the rain! I was desperate to get out of the house. Whenever I've been on my walks, I seem to pass more and more people enjoying the weather and getting out of her house as well. Other things I've been doing are binge watching Netflix, going on my computer and cleaning off random spaces in rooms. I suppose this order is both good and bad, given all of the things that are getting done that wouldn't otherwise despite the illness.

People are allowed to do many things outside or at home-as long as it follows safe distancing recommendations (6 feet apart). As far as getting necessary supplies and services, individuals can obtain food, gas, or carry out. Other things deemed necessary are care of others, displacement, relocation, funerals, and tribal activities.

Jenni

Getting outside

Brody soaking up the sun!

As I’ve said before, my dog Brody loves to go on walks with me. I attach his leash to my wheelchair, and he keeps up with whatever speed I go. My top speed is 7.6 mph, although usually I just use that to go down the street and back where I’m still in my nurse’s view. They don’t run with me that fast, just Brody!

Even though it’s just the end of February, the weather is starting to warm up already (over 30°F). I was able to go outside this past weekend and am planning on going out later today. Although this week it’s supposed to get colder and then warm up again after that. I’m hoping that we don’t have too many more days where it’s cold because one of my favorite things to do is go outside and enjoy nature.

Jenni

Brody Update

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Brody. He had his last session of physical therapy today and they said that he is doing better than expected. They gave him clearance to do short walks a few times a day along with his exercises. Here’s a video of him during water therapy:

Jenni

My Dog Brody

At the end of a blog post in August I wrote "Over the past couple of weeks my dog Brody was acting different. He wasn’t wanting to eat at times, go outside for walks, and looking a little down. We took him to the vet, but they didn’t find anything physically wrong. They prescribed him with some antibiotics, pain pills, and stronger allergy pills than he was on before. Over the past couple days, I’ve noticed he’s been feeling better. I’m glad that it wasn’t anything serious."

I thought it was just a phase he was going through; not wanting to jump on things like furniture. Although last Sunday morning I noticed that it was much worse; he was not able to walk anywhere with all 4 legs. Basically, he was using his front legs and dragging his back half across the floor, with the inability to pick himself up anywhere. He wouldn’t come over to his dish to eat and was struggling.

We took him into the emergency Vet clinic that day where they examined him. They told us they thought he had a herniated disc in his spine. Not completely sure where it was or how much of the spinal cord it was affecting, the only way to see was with an MRI. In order to get one, she had to take him to the University of Minnesota, which has a separate clinic and the ability to do one on him.

It showed that Brody did indeed have a slipped disc, where it was, and that surgery was the only option for fixing it. It was pinching his spinal cord, paralyzing him and causing loss of feeling. After contemplating about the odds of a 50-50 chance of recovery, we decided on going for it. Not long after, he went into emergency surgery where they removed most of the disc that ruptured.

The surgery wasn’t a "quick fix", which the doctor said was very common. They told us that it could take up to 2 weeks for him to regain feeling and movement. Although just after 6 days of recovery and physical therapy, he started moving his legs, walking a little bit and regained bladder/bowel control! It was a huge sigh of relief and prayers well answered. We picked him up from the University clinic yesterday.

He has strict instructions of limited yard time, walking distances and overall movement for the next 4 to 6 weeks. This is even after he gains strength and ability to move more. I’ve heard people say that dogs tend to look like their owners, but never take on the same disability. I find it ironic that out of all things he ended up with a spinal cord injury, just like me. I’ll keep you updated as he progresses over time.

Jenni

Follow-Up Post

I want to say I appreciate the comments I received from my last post about searching for feedback. It helped me realize that my blog helps more people than I knew. Also, I don’t always have to hear feedback to know people are reading what I have to say. Just the fact that I’m sharing my story, even if it affects only one person, is very satisfying.

This past month has gone by so fast. I’ve still been doing very well as far as my health. Last month I talked about how my right knee is healed although I’m still having left knee pain. The first time I had an MRI on it, there were signs of a torn MCL. After seeing the orthopedic doctor, he wanted me to get some images to see how it was healing. The injury hasn’t healed any more. He also found that I have some muscle atrophy and my kneecap is slipping out of socket. He recommended a different knee brace than I was using, and it’s been helping with pain.  
 
August 11 was my sisters 30^th birthday and August 16 was my niece Avery’s 6-year-old birthday. Avery had a birthday party this past weekend at an interactive indoor play area. The next day we celebrated both of their birthdays together.

Over the past couple of weeks my dog Brody was acting different. He wasn’t wanting to eat at times, go outside for walks, and looking a little down. We took him to the vet, but they didn’t find anything physically wrong. They prescribed him with some antibiotics, pain pills, and stronger allergy pills than he was on before. Over the past couple days, I’ve noticed he’s been feeling better. I’m glad that it wasn’t anything serious.

Jenni

Before and After

My dog Brody turned 7 in December. I can’t believe how quickly time flies. He doesn’t show any signs of slowing down and still plays with toys every so often. I still try to take him for a "walk and roll" whenever I get a chance. It depends on the weather and how I’m feeling respiratory wise. Lately it’s been nice outside with temperatures close to 50°F.

One thing that’s difficult with taking him during this time of year is that the snow starts to melt. Because he’s mostly white, his hair tends to get dirty quickly, especially if it’s long. I’ve mentioned before that as a Chinese Crested Powder Puff that he has hair not fur so it grows. We take him to the groomers to get his hair cut every couple of months or so. He also gets a bath and is nails trimmed.

Since it was winter, cold and wet I couldn’t remember the last time he got a haircut. That is until last week when he got a good spring trim! I’m not sure if he likes going to the groomers or not, but when he comes home, he gets so excited. Sometimes he acts like a puppy again and runs around then tries to get on my lap like he’s thanking me. Now when I take Brody outside, he doesn’t get as wet or dirty. I posted photos of him before and after.

Brody before

Brody after

Jenni

Registering Brody

This is his photo ID that I have to carry around with wherever we go.
It's a picture of Brody when I first got him.

 

I got my dog Brody September 2012 when he was about 9 months old through a breeder. On December 20 Brody turned 6 years old. He actually comes from a family of show dogs but didn’t meet the cut. Although I got him at a slightly older age, he still adapted well and was all ready set up for a home environment.

Since I got him, he’s always been my side, a companion who’s helped me through some tough times. Over the years, Brody has adapted to my disability. He knows when something’s wrong with me and also provides comfort if I am in need of a little TLC. He’s also been great for helping me with independence and getting out of the house more. I love taking him for walks outside around the neighborhood, no matter what the temperature is.

Even though I didn’t initially get him for this purpose, I recently certified him as a companion dog. Now I can take him anywhere with me as long as I have his vest on and card with me. There is a difference between a companion and therapy dog. Companion dogs usually don’t work. Instead the principal service that companion dogs provide is simply companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. While service dogs are trained to behave flawlessly in public, companion dogs may or may not be as well-behaved.

Companion dogs don’t need to have special training, although Brody has some behavioral issues. In order to better help him with some of his anxiety along with coach me with training methods, I recently hired a private trainer to come to my house. My hopes are to get him comfortable with other people and dogs. She is going to work with me to get us ready for him to go out in the public. I’ve already learned some things about him that I didn’t realize before.

For example, I always thought he had aggression towards other people and dogs because he was protecting me. He barks at other dogs, strangers and people walking in the woods. Although she told me that he actually has "fear aggression" which means that he is afraid so he goes into a mode of needing protection by barking, nipping, and even hiding next to my wheelchair. Instead of trying to protect me he was looking for protection from me.

The trainer gave me some tools to work with him in order to listen to me better so that I have more control over situations that occur. Hopefully over time I will be ready to bring him places outside my home without hesitation or having him fearful. I’ll update everyone throughout on how the progress is going.

Jenni