BLOG DISCLAIMER

**DISCLAIMER** Please note: I am not a veterinarian, and the purpose of this blog is solely to educate, provide resources, and share Reo's story. In this blog, I will present research and information on the theories of SARDS to which I subscribe, along with my own narrative. If you think your dog may have SARDS, or adrenal exhaustion/Plechner Syndrome, please seek veterinary care right away!

If you are just beginning your SARDS education, I suggest you start with the blog post from August 22, 2011 entitled "SARDS Resources". If you'd like to know our trials, tribulations, and joys from the beginning, start with "But first...Reo!" and click chronologically on from there.

If you would like to read my suggestions as to how I would approach treatment for a newly-diagnosed dog, check the November 16, 2011 post "If I had another SARDS dog" (and then read my blog more fully for appropriate context).

Though we have decided to suspend Reo's retinal protection supplements in September 2012 (see September 16, 2012 post "Decision for Reo") due to the fact that she had very little remaining vision, I am still strongly supportive of our treatment approach, and know that it changed Reo's health and longevity in a positive way. Feel free to comment and ask me any questions - I am happy to help if I can!

Update: Reo became an angel on October 21, 2014. She had a profound kidney infection, causing acute kidney failure, and she was unable to recover. The contributing factors to her decline are covered in my February 16, 2015 blog post "Farewell to Reo".

Though I do not regularly update this blog any longer, much of the information is still relevant (though some of the links may be out of date). Feel free to join the conversation at "SARDS Dogs United" on Facebook.




Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Reo is an angel now...

It's taken me weeks to write this post, and I do have more to say, looking back on the events that transpired over the past several weeks...but for now, just a tribute to her:

January 03, 2001 ~ October 21, 2014. Today, our beloved Reo earned her angel wings. Jagart's Thalo Vermilion Reo - sassy gal in the show ring, original squirrel patrol, loyal and loving companion all of her days, ghostface killah to her toys, most courageous dog I've ever met. She traveled with us to 28 states, making her more traveled than most Americans, I am sure! She overcame so many health obstacles in her life, never let her blindness stop her from her independence (or from bossing much bigger dogs around!), and in her last years was an inspiration to thousands of dogs and their owners around the world by raising awareness for SARDS (a legacy I will continue in her memory for the years to come). Full of fighting spirit her whole life, she was betrayed by her little old lady body in the end. Her kidneys just could not hold out while we tried to heal the infection and get her endocrine issues back on track.

Our home feels empty, we have holes in our hearts, and our Leigh is without her lifelong best friend. I miss her so much already - I cannot yet believe she's gone when I still feel her warmth on my chest. Thank you, sweet Reo, for teaching me to be a better person and dog owner. You gave our family so much joy and so many laughs over the years, not to mention valuable dog owner lessons. We are inspired by your strength and courage, and will keep your spirit alive in our hearts and in joyful memories for the rest of our days. I won't be able to sit in the afternoon sun without thinking of how much you loved it.

In the words of Duran Duran...which is forever "your" song...
"...You know you're something special and you look like you're the best...
Her name is Reo and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
And when she shines she really shows you all she can
Oh Reo, Reo dance across the Rio Grande..."

Run free, sweet Reo! There are so many squirrels and chips waiting for you on the other side - maybe your sib Mikaela will help you hunt! Don't forget your loving family down here on earth - we'll be reunited again someday - but until then, we'll look for you to visit us in our dreams. All our love, always. Lynn, Sean, Leigh, Tula, and Capone. ♥ ♥ ♥