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Happy Summer Update!
Hi friends...I just wanted to give you an update on things in my world. I have been doing pretty good lately as foster Mom has reduced my steroid medication a bit lower, which has helped a little with my mobility issues. Being on steroids for the rest of my life, the loss of strength in my back-end is a side effect of the drugs. I wish I didn't have to take them, but being severely immune compromised, along with allergies and blindness, they allow me to have a quality of life that I didn't have before. My specialist doctors have tried many, many different things, but this is what is working.
I have a short summer cut and that keeps me nice and cool. I just love the air conditioning and fans. I do not like the heat...uggg. How do you stay cool? Do you get a short summer cut too? Foster Mom likes to wear flip-flops and shorts when it is hot outside.
There is one thing that we enjoy doing outside. We like to check on the garden to see how may caterpillars and butterflies are enjoying the plants. Sometimes the lizards go into the garden too. Oh...and a couple of times there were some slithering creature called snakes. Foster Mom is not happy about them, but they were harmless ones, thank goodness!
How is your first week of summer going?
~ Mirabella
Life is good...
Hi everyone. I just wanted to give you a quick update. Mirabella has been doing pretty good since our last update. She is fighting an ear infection as well as UTI's every couple of months. That is probably due to the steroids that she has to take to keep her comfortable, as they make her more susceptible to infections. She is still being bathed on a weekly basis to keep the skin infection in check. Mira's back-end is weak and she sometimes has trouble walking normal. She has a "Charlie Chaplin" kind of walk/gait. She just got groomed recently and we decided to give her a nice short summer cut for now. I will work on getting some new pictures up soon.
Thank You HEROES
I have so many heroes that have loved, cared and supported me. I could never express my gratitude enough for those that have given to help me be the best I can be. Hogan & Christine donated this stroller so that I could continue to go on walks and make special appearances at events. There are other anonymous heroes that donate as they can. You are all special and I greatly appreciate all that you give. ~ Mirabella
Miravac finds a kong!!!
One Saturday evening, as the Miravac was making her final sweep for scattered kibble a funny thing happened...she encountered a foreign object that chilled her already wet nose. Oh, I should probably back up to explain just what—actually who—is the Miravac. Miravac, more familiarly known as Mirabella, is our darling little foster with many, special needs. She is a beautiful, blind and severely immune-compromised Cocker Spaniel. Additionally she has environmental and food allergies, and has mobility issues; chiefly extreme weakness in her hind quarters which brings to mind an off-balanced Charlie Chaplin. Such a limp, coupled with her blindness combines to provide her rather comical persistent propensity to bang her head into the walls (no worries…our walls are still standing). So, Bella has some issues, of which, however, eating is NOT one. She loves to eat and sucks up kibble more quickly than we can throw it down! She revels in sniffing for her food in challenging food puzzles, food balls and wherever a kibble might be hiding. She has an excellent sense of smell and she uses it with abandon, enjoying the sniffing/eating combo so much that it has become our normal routine in feeding her.
All of that is generally funny enough for a night of entertainment, but on this particular Saturday night, my husband and I were looking for some quiet time and decided to break out what we’ve discovered to be a dog owner’s best friend—the Frozen Kong! So the Miravac runs into the cold hard frozen food kong and after mere moments of nose recon and a few quick flicks of her tongue, she determines she’s struck the mother lode!
Thus began yet another foster dog’s love affair with the frozen kong. Nowadays all it takes to get Mirabella to do her happy-happy joy-joy dance and have her face light up like a little child’s on Christmas morning is for me to open the freezer door and her hear the rustling of the plastic bags full of frozen kongs. She stands at attention at the freezer, just waiting for her turn. I bend down so she can smell the kong and she prances (to the best of her ability) and follows the frozen fragrance of her favorite food to her eating bed.
I can tell you that by being a foster family to many dogs has taught me a thing or two about the best equipment to use for those stressed out, unsure, scared and/or insecure orphans. And by far, the frozen-kong has been my go-to favorite equipment since the day I discovered its special powers. I usually have about 10 frozen kongs in my freezer at all times.
Even after years of fostering, our dogs still love them and we’ve not had a foster not love them, too. As an owner and a foster mom looking for some “relax-time,” I L-O-V-E them, too! ~ Debby – Foster Mom of Mirabella of Cocker Spaniel Rescue Austin/San Antonio (CSRA)
Mira goes to the Doctor for a check-up
Hi friends...I went to the regular doctor to get my yearly check-up, some bloodwork and a urine culture. Well, Dr. Daigle says that I am in pretty good shape considering that I am severely immune compromised and thought I was a doll. My bloodwork was pretty good, as we do have to monitor it since I have to take steroids. He said something about white cells being a little outside of the norm and thinks that it is from the ear infection I've had for 7 months and the possible UTI that I have. Everything else was good. You'll be happy to know I do not have any of those heartworms or tick diseases. OH, and my ear infection is almost healed. He told my Foster Dad that my other ear is so clean he could drink a malt out of it...too funny! We are waiting for the urine culture to come back and get medicine if needed. I'm so lucky to have such great Doctors! I have 2 Dr. Daigle's...that's right, they are married and share the information on me to help me be the best I can be. They are the best!
Foster Mom said something about really looking like a cocker spaniel now. I went to the groomer and she couldn't believe all of the fur! She gave me a cute cocker cut. I'll show you...
Comfort...what a wonderful feeling!
Hi friends & fans...I just wanted to let you know that I am doing well and I am comfortable. Yep...no itching, no clothes and no cone! Yipee! I've been hanging out with my foster family now for 10 months. I have to eat a special food, still have medications, and I heard foster Mom say that I really need a haircut too. I like my long fur...it is better than no fur! I had a great holiday, as you can see from the pictures. The New Year is upon us and I can't wait to see what it brings. Thanks for all of your support, gotta go, foster Mom is getting ready to get on the puter ~ Mirabella
Good news and not so good news...
Hi friends & fans. I know you've been waiting to see how I'm doing and I wanted to let you know that I am feeling pretty good right now. That is the good news. The bad news is, there is no cure for my failing health. You see, I've been to many good doctors and even some called "specialists" to figure out what is going on in my little body. My good friends over at the Central Texas Specialty Hospital have diagnosed as severely immunocompromised. My body can not fight off the normal things like viruses, bacteria's and other diseases. Not even when given massive amounts of the strongest antibiotics they have. The rescue was very sad to hear this. The good news is, I get to stay with my foster family as a special "hospice" foster doggy. I really don't mind that. I really love them and I have a feelin' they love me a lot too. We have to live each day, like it is the last and that's what I do! I will keep you posted whenever I can get on the computer (Foster Mom likes to hog it). Feel free to donate if you can, as I still need medications, special food and special shampoo. Ta-ta for now ~ Mirabella
Vote for Lick Perry, President 2012
Hi...just wanted to touch base and let you know that Foster Mom & Dad feel that I would be a great candidate for the Presidency race of 2012. Here I am meeting & greeting at Barkitecture 2011. I think it would be awesome and I if I am voted in, I will make microchips free for all pets! My motto is, "No more homeless pet"! Please feel free to donate to my campaign (CSRA). If you need more information, just contact my campaign manager (aka Foster Mom). Get out there and vote!
6 Months and counting...
Hi everyone, I am continuing my treatment with Dr. Daigle & Dr. Gimmler. They are very special to me. Although we haven't pinpointed exactly the cause of my health issues they are working very hard to figure it out. My hair is coming in very nicely and I even have some on my little nub! Foster Mom says that I am a very special girl and she is looking for a very special adopter for me. Also, I plan on dressing up for the Halloween festivities, so if you are around, I will be at Barkitecture on Oct. 1st (2nd Street District) and then on Oct. 22nd I will be at the Cocker Spaniel Reunion (at Westgate Austin Pizza). Come on out and support me and all of my orphan friends! Hope to see you soon! ~ Mirabella
We've Come a Long Way Mirabella
Hi friends...I just wanted to give you an update on my progress. It has been over 5 months that I was rescued by CSRA and things are really improving for me! Just take a look at the Before picture and then look at my pictures - 5 months later. It is amazing (just like my song)! All I know is that I am not scratching and itching all of the time anymore. My new skin is pink and not black elephant skin. Foster Mom says that my new fur is so healthy and beautiful. You see, I have had a serious skin infection for a long time and we found out it was resistant to most of the antibiotics used. I am taking a super-duper antibiotic and Dr. Daigle is helping me be the best I can be (and I love that she gives me lots of yummy special treats when I see her).
I know that my forever home is out there and Foster Mom said that it is going to take someone very special and experienced. I came into rescue with a cataract in the right eye, but about 3 months ago, developed a cataract in the left eye. So I can not see, other than contrast and shadows. My skin will have to continue to be monitored, due to allergies. I am on a special diet. I need a calm home that would love to have my love. I absolutely love to ride in the car and can help you navigate. I do not require a lot of exercise and a short daily walk (20-30 minutes) would be great.
Please let me know if you have any questions about me. Foster Mom can be contacted at getdebby@gmail.com.
Life is good! ~ Mirabella
4 Months Later...
Hi friends...I have been in my foster home for 4 months now and guess what? After seeing 4 different doctors, there seems to be some improvement. I wasn't quite sure what the doggy dermatologist meant when she said "I have never seen anything like this before!" Again, they poked me and collected stuff off of my skin and sent it to the lab. What they found out is, that I was not responding to other antibiotics because this infection was resistant. So, now I am on a super antibiotic and it is working! I've only been taking it for 6 days, but I can tell the difference. So can Foster Mom, and some of my friends at the Meet & Greet. Although I am still itching, it is less than before. Foster Mom says that she is starting to see nice healthy skin starting to appear. Our word for the next month is "hopeful". Please send healing vibes my way. If you'd like more information, please feel free to email Foster Mom. I'll keep you posted on how I am progressing.
~Mirabella
Butter My Heart
Silly Mirabella story...while buttering some bread last night, a little bit of butter flew off of the knife. Mirabella was right where she always is, close to the food counter waiting for something to fall. I saw that she was searching and just couldn't find that little bit of butter. She kept sniffing all over the floor. I couldn't see it either. Then I say something to her, she looks up at me with those beautiful soulful eyes, and right there on her snout is the little bit of butter! I just could not stop laughing, but by the time I went to get the camera, it fell off of her nose, onto the ground and she ate it. It was priceless! Silly girl ♥
Foster Home Update
Hi everyone...just wanted to let you know that we have had some skin tests done and it is confirmed "allergies". We have started an elimination food diet to see if that will help with the itchies. I continue with my vet approved treatment of medication & baths. I am looking much better and some of my hair is growing back. Foster Mom says, this takes time, so I am trying very hard to be patient.
~Mirabella
What's going on?
Hi friends and fans. I have been with Cocker Spaniel Rescue for 1 month now. A lot has been going on and I wanted to share it with you.
Have you ever had poison ivy or Chicken Pox? If so, then you know how itchy that can be. Well, that is how I feel most of the time. Luckily, Dr. B and his staff are helping to find out what is going on inside of my body. I have medications and a special shampoo that I am being treated with at this time. I am still itchy, but foster Mom says to be patient and that these things take time to resolve.
I'm looking for a family that will be able to continue my care. I am really a low maintenance gal, looking to be a co-pilot. I love to go for rides and help you with your errands. I am very well behaved too. I walk well on a leash, I'm house-trained, calm, sweet-natured, get along with respectful kids, dogs & cats.
My ideal family will be able to spend time with me in a calm environment. I'm not really the playful type...a more mature, sophisticated southern belle. Are you looking for a southern belle?
~Mirabella
Week One - Dr. B is my Friend
Hi friends...I just wanted to give an update on the week I've had. Boy, it was a dozy!
As you can see from the first picture in the slideshow, the first thing that foster Mom did was give me a much needed bath. Foster Mom said something about being a bit stinky, but I didn't think I smelled so bad . Anyway...that was Saturday night and I have to admit, I did feel better after my bath.
Sunday I got acquainted with my new foster brothers Ray & Rascal, also known as R & R. I loved getting lots of love and attention from my foster family.
Monday, I learned that there is a schedule to follow, but I did get to go on a car ride. I rather enjoy car rides! Monday night, my belly wasn't feeling so good and I vomited my dinner. We thought maybe all of the traveling did me in.
Tuesday I was scheduled to go and see Dr. B for a check-up, but it turned into a visit for my upset tummy issues too. I was a bit dehydrated and Dr. B felt I needed to get some fluids. So I got an exam, fluids and medication for the tummy issues.
Wednesday I didn't vomit, but I I had very loose stools. I just was not feeling so good.
Thursday I seemed ok in the morning, but in the afternoon, I started laying around again. I ate a little bit of dinner, but vomited several times. I was dehydrated again. Foster family kept a close eye on me and let Dr. B know that we would be back in first thing Friday morning.
Friday morning we went back to visit Dr. B and he gave me fluids again, along with some stronger medications. He said if they do not work, to come back on Monday morning. Well, I did eat and kept it down.
Saturday we just hung out at home for some R & R with R & R :) I was able to have several small meals and kept them down.
Sunday (today) I have had several small meals and have again kept them down. It feels good to eat again. Foster Mom says that I am getting stronger and hopefully we have beat this virus.
It has been one dog-gone week. Thank you Cocker Spaniel Rescue & Dr. B!
~Mirabella
PS - Did you see my "Princess" shirt in the pics?
Hi Friends...I'm the lovely Princess Mirabella, but you can call me Princess Bella for short. You see, I lived in a nice castle for 5 years with my Queen Mom. Queen Mom tried her best to take great care of me, but alas, she was running out of gold. Queen Mom felt the best thing to do was take me to the Royal Animal Shelter and maybe they could find me another family. We said our good-bye's with love in our hearts and tears in our eyes. "It is what's best", she said.
The Royal Animal Shelter is a nice enough place, but it wasn't the castle. They put a call out in the kingdom to see if any rescues had room for a Princess, that was house-trained, good with kids, cats, other dogs and as sweet as pie. How lucky am I, being rescued and in my foster home now!
Do you need a Princess for your castle? If so, let me know.
~Princess Mirabella
PS - It doesn't really have to be a castle. I'm a happy little girl just lookin' for love and a place to lay my doggy bed that comes along with me!
A little about Mirabella
Mirabella has allergies that we will seek further treatment for. She came to us because her family was not able to continue her treatment. She will not be ready for adoption immediately, but we will and are taking applications for when she is ready. Feel free to email me at getdebby@gmail.com for any questions that you may have.
If you'd like to help sponsor Mirabella for her treatment, please go to the website here:
We appreciate any help.
Thank you for looking.
~Debby (Foster Mom)
