Max is resting comfortably outside. His rear leg seems to have a little more strength today. His front is not good, but if his back can keep improving, his mobility will be difficult, but not impossible.

He got up and tried to walk a few times today. That is so very encouraging. I was in despair because he seemed to be just not caring enough to get up. But i think maybe i was rushing things. I do hope we can continue to see improvement every day.

He is so alert, so bright. It’s nice to see that his mind is clear, and his vision is good. There has been no muscle involvement with his face at all. So maybe it was not a stroke? Who knows. We might have to do the MRI. It’s pricey, (1500-2000) but I think I need to KNOW what it is. You can’t make informed decisions if you don’t know what it is you are deciding!

I sure hope things continue as well tomorrow!

Max is giving us reason for optimism. He has dragged himself around the house a little. Nothing major, but it’s a good sign he’s TRYING! His left front leg is the most gimped, but the rear one he seems to be working a little harder with… it’s something anyway. At least he is ready to try to get moving again! He seemed willing to not even try to move yesterday.

It makes me so happy to see him making the effort! He is alert, and when I came downstairs this morning (Pam took the “night shift” sitting up with him) he started to wag his tail, which has not been all that active! That was good to see too.

We’ve been putting a harness under his chest and supporting him to try and get him to walk, and he’s made an effort, but just won’t do his “business” outside (or inside!). So if doesn’t do something soon, we’ll have to take him back to the vet for “draining!”

But, I’m a little more hopeful today.

We heard from the vet a few minutes ago. He said that Max’s blood work was VERY normal, so that’s a very good sign.

He told us that it was early, and we need to give Max some time to heal. We might not see any improvement for a couple days. So, we’re gonna be positive!

Max is very lucid. He is not glassy-eyed or confused or anything like that. He’s wagging his tail now, which he was not doing closer to the event.

He does not seem overly agitated, which I’ve seen in other dogs who are unhealthy. In fact, he’s very calm, and if you looked at him, he appears to be fine, until he tries to move.

He ate his breakfast, so his appetite is still there. All good signs.

Thanks for all the emails guys. We’ve read them to Max and he’s embarrassed about all the fuss! haha

We’ve just returned from another vet. We wanted a second opionion from our regular vet. I admire this new vet so much, so much more professional and caring than our other vet. So very thorough…. Such a nice man, and such wonderful helpers he had. But I’m afraid the prognosis is very poor, however.

Max is comfortable, at the moment, but if we move him a certain way, he yelps in pain. He was unable to really recognize us early this morning, and did not react to hearing his name called, but seems more alert now. We’re going to try a round of steriods in an effort to improve muscle control to his left side. Right now, he is unable to move his left side, front or back legs.

We need to see some improvement in his mobility. He can’t just lay on the rug forever. There is some flexibility, and range of motion in his legs, so that is some cause for optimism. But he doesn’t seem able to control them at all.

Overall, it is very heartbreaking.

Alicia – I am very sorry, but I do not think Max will last the week. You need to get in touch with us, soon, if you want to see Max to say goodbye.