As The Seasons Change

“Gotta have faith in the way that He moves

As the seasons change... Baby, by now 

we've been through it all...”

(Seasons Change by Jagged Edge)

I've been thinking a lot about comments often spoken regarding dog breeding. Maybe some of these have become nothing more than a cliché to some; “Breeding is not for the faint of heart; if you are a breeder long enough you'll see everything; when you make a decision to breed your girl, ask if the pups are worth losing the life of the mother, etc.” Kinda of like medical jargon. You hear the dreaded word pyo and although you may have never experienced in 24 years of breeding, you know that it's out there. You know there is open and there is closed. You know that open is the lesser of two evils. And then one day without warning you hear the word mentioned in a long distance phone call from a dear friend . Within hours you not only learn the difference between pyo and cystic endometrial hyperplasia but you suddenly live the reality of the diagnose of the latter, the treatment, and the aftermath of living in a temporal and sometimes surreal world.

There are times breeders, dog owners, and anyone who loves their pets will need to completely trust the professionals while also trusting heart, gut, and above God with a true life and death decision. John and I have experienced this reality as most breeders and dog owners have. Today I am once again trying to make sense of a situation that is beyond comprehension.

Julie had been saying for days that our beautiful little Brittany girl Thistle's eating pattern was off and that she was not acting like herself. Look up any major medical emergency and you will see that not eating is one of the major symptoms something could be wrong but with Brittanys they can be so fussy sometimes it is easy to discount the serious potential that is lurking behind lack of appetite.

Julie took the initiative and managed to squeak Thistle into her vets office during a routine visit for another canine family member. Among other things blood work showed elevated iron values, an ultrasound showed something questionable, the dreaded “P” word was dropped and suddenly plans were made for a 3 hour drive south for a consult and second opinion with Dr. Jennifer Estle DVM, reproductive specialist at Broadview Animal Hospital.  We all met at the hospital and clearly Thistle was not herself. Following a brief consultation Thistle was admitted, whisked away and prepped.

First order of business was shaving a patch of hair on a front leg to prepare a port for IV fluid administration and all necessary medications.  The records from Thistle's primary vet were sent down and previous blood panels and the details of the previous days visit there  helped confirm 'something' was going on.  This was all extremely helpful for Dr. Estele and the Broadview team for the necessary second opinion we all were seeking.

As a breeder you also may be dealing with a situation that involves a well loved and valuable breeding animal or perhaps one that will become a part of your program in the future if all goes well. For me, the relationship of beloved pet and constant companion always comes first and foremost. If that same animal ends up being the best your breeding program has ever produced, if they win accolades, awards, and recognition which you never dreamed possible resulting in plans for a future extraordinary 'pairing do you put these considerations above their health and well being? Absolutely not. I would be a damn liar to say those things don't matter but they do not matter enough. Ever. And not at all Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Within 48 hours, a second ultrasound, additional tests and x-rays the “something questionable” resulted in a decision for an oviohysterectomy on Thistle who is officially known as GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH. She is a girl deeply loved, beyond belief or description. A girl who superseded our greatest expectations in a remarkably brief amount of time regarding her impact upon the Brittany world. But more importantly, her impact has been tremendously healing for the grieving heart of a dear friend whose soul mate now resides with God.

Uncertainty. We've all been faced with it for any number of reasons. But uncertainty leads to doubt and second guessing. There was no room for that nor vain imaginations leading to the worst that could happen. And the worst COULD happen based on what was being discovered.  There was only be room for complete faith in God because even in the most difficult storms, and the most heart wrenching of situations He's in control. We stayed in a private corner of Broadviews expansive lobby and began our vigil by reaching for each other's hands and praying for Thistle. In fact my way of coping was to write. I had brought my laptop with me to be able to keep a long distance eye on Pippin and her pups at home.  Most of this post was written while Julie, John and I were anxiously waiting for news of the outcome of Thistle's surgery.

Just as surely as the opening comments of this blog are not to be taken lightly by a breeder, neither should the promises of God be taken lightly. By anyone. But especially for those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ. Which we do and many of the ATB family as well. I call Him my Savior, my friend, my Lord, my comforter, my redeemer, my healer. I trust Him. Even when absolutely nothing makes sense. Like now.

For where the medical emergency brought with it such a depth of uncertainly, it is within the safety of the harbor of the love of God and faith in Jesus that the certainty is found. He sees the beginning to the end. He's been here and He brings to the light those things which have been hidden. The unknown that was taking place within Thistle, our precious beloved Brittany girl had been brought into the light and into the Light. Her life was saved in the most expeditious manner possible. And with the decision to save her was the no-brainier decision to perform the oviohysterectomy. At first cut it appeared that her ovaries were perfectly healthy. As they were removed however the uterus revealed cysts of pus. There was also scarring scene at the site where the placentas previously were adhered from her first litter of pups back in March. Experienced surgeons on the team were perplexed for what they were seeing had not been seen before! Thistle's first heat since whelping ended the last week of August.  Although the timing was medically perfect for pyo it was not attributed to that. Thistles uterus and two biopsies from her liver were prepared to be sent to the pathology experts.

There were other complications which are still being resolved and we have additional results to await but every reason to remain positive. There shall be no roots growing here of doubt, unbelief, or fear. Only the fruit of the Spirit which bring and speak life even in the darkest of nights or the brightest of mornings.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday are all a blur.  But today is a bright Sunday morning because Thistle is finally back home.  She is once again with Julie and recovering from her spay due to complications related to CEH (cystic endometrial hyperplasia NOT Pyo).  Thistle's liver values have been slowly dropping back down.  Speculation includes the possibility of having eaten poisonous mushrooms at some point, or even the possibility of a rodent treated with arsenic.  Thistle's appetite and spunk have been slowly returning following 3 days and nights of intensive care at Broadview.  (Can you even imagine a non-spunky Thistle the Pistol?)

Before anyone says 'what a shame' to have to spay such a valuable breeding animal it should be said that Thistle and any of our dogs are first and foremost valuable because of 'who' they are. From couch potato to accolades galore, champion of our heart or champion of an official record there is no measuring stick that compares the value of greatest to least. Not in my book anyway. Our medical team consists of several wonderful vets and not all are at the same facility but they do all know each other in one way or another. And those who were personally and professionally involved did not make the decision lightly but we made it without hesitation. 

Breeding is not for the faint of heart.

If you are a breeder long enough you'll see everything.

When you make a decision to breed your girl, ask if the pups are worth losing the life of the mother.

And sometimes quite honestly, being a breeder absolutely sucks.  But even as I wrote those words, I glance over my left shoulder to see the evidence of life, the proof that it must and will go on, another miracle as seen in the brief video below.. Our path may take a turn and changes bring us in a new direction.  Our plans, hopes, and dreams may take on a different shape. And that is as it should be.  No matter how deep pain or doubt is, and regardless of what struggles bring us to our knees, we know All Things Are Possible, Only Believe. And that's most definitely not a cliché. (It is a Promise with a capital "P", it is God's written Word and found in the book of Mark, in chapter 9 verse 23.) "All Things Brittany" is included within that promise.  Hope, faith, and love these three but the greatest these is love.  And Thistle is greatly loved!!!

Pippin, Eleta, Amie, and Kiba are all doing great.  Eyes open, moving here there and everywhere, they are three weeks old tomorrow morning at 3 am.  Desires of the Heart, bringing comfort to mine. Just like their big sister Thistle has brought and will continue to do for all who love her.

UPDATE Tuesday October 28: If you got this far we would ask you to please continue to pray for Thistle as we await the pathology results of her uterus and a biopsy of her liver. She is doing better but not out of the woods yet. Additional bloodwork from Monday reveals we remain cautious. We greatly appreciate those who have taken time to reach out and say they care.

UPDATE Wednesday October 29:  From Julie - We have a playful Thistle who was enthusiastic about breakfast this morning. God be praised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

UPDATE Friday October 31: Julie called and todays blood tests show good white blood cell numbers, liver values do continue to drop but would still like them to be lower.  Awaiting pathology results.  Thistle is rebounding and very playful, animated than ever!  Can't keep a good girl down.  Our Thistle the Pistol is baaaaaaaaaack!!

THISTLE THANKSGIVING UPDATE  Thank you for those who have continued to pray for Thistle's well being.  It has now been over 4 weeks since Thistles emergency surgery. Since then she has been on heavy duty medications and her blood work and liver values have been monitored closely.  In the hands of the medical time in Hermon, Maine and Rochester, NH the finest of animal medical professionals are involved in her healing and recovery.  She's not out of the woods yet but her spunkiness and love of life have returned.  Thistle is more like herself and there has been improvement. Julie has dedicated herself to the care and well being of  Thistle and I know it's been an exhausting time for her.  We hope you will continue to pray for Thistle and for Julie. There are still questions which need to be answered. Above all, we keep our eyes fixed on all things above, upon the Lord, for He is our ever present help in times of trouble.  In ALL THINGS.

UPDATE - 2 YEARS LATER - October 27, 2016 -  Thistle continues to be monitored on a regular basis for abnormal liver values.  Thanks to Julie's diligence and outstanding care, everything has leveled out to a certain point leaving many to believe that Thistle's normal is a 'new normal'.  The greatest suspicion of all has been that somehow this all resulted from a tick borne disease however there is nothing to substantiate that suspicion completely. Thistle is on medication and a special diet now, she's vibrant spunky, active, hunts and participates in flyball.  Love you Thistle and we thank God for each day of your spectacular life! 

Video: Pippin and puppy, October 2014