An honorary Merit badge from Heaven

I doubt I ever told you my mom never made it to girl scout.. got kicked out of the brownies... it's a long but funny story. As it doesn't match the enclosed in spirit, it's best left for another day. I'll explain herein why I mention this.

In less than 2 weeks, I watched mom make a correct call on 3 dogs and 1 cat-for immune-mediated disease based on SXS alone. We really wish she was wrong. BUT WHY is it that she knew??

Prior to even their own vets?

Something IS wrong with this.. too many 'vets' EVERYWHERE are MISSING this. We hear it again and again. Some find out when it's too late. It feels like too many pets and their owners are paying the price. If we were NOT so busy being absolutely appalled, I trust we'd just be mad as hell.


It's kind of why we're trying to do something about it.
So I wondered if there is such a thing as an honorary merit badge to give..Mom says I earned mine even before I gained my wings. Then again by helping save a little dog's life at the 4th of July. Just by SHARING information. In some ways it is a wonderful world.
(It's in Mirra's diary entry (about Precious) if you care to read about it)

But now there are:
2 MORE Belgians, another Jack Russel and a cat!

IMTP, IMTP, IMHA & IMHA.. respectively.
How funny is that!?!.. respect has nothing to do with it..

Anything as evil and insidious as this disease is IS the opposite of respect for life..

I'm relieved to report that the cat is better after a tumor was removed from his spleen, the JRT much improved too (like Precious). All are on meds and most will need lifelong monitoring. Those that know more about the treatment for these diseases also know they are nearly as bad as the disease itself. There is no cure to date. Prevention is key! As so little research is being done there too, it's an incredibly sad plight.

So far these seem like success stories..(they're alive)..but those we know and keep watch over that live with these illnesses pay a heavy price-and not only literally. They are real heroes, guys.. there is absolutely nothing fun about living with IMHA or IMTP. Life is never the same. But perhaps there is a gift in there somewhere.. you may gain a new respect for life, about simple pleasures or the smallest gesture of kindess, about time and what even one day with someone you love means.
And from afar we watch their owners age before our eyes too.

Please say a prayer and keep a good thought for them. Having just looked in the mirror (another rarity) mom sees that she too has aged, considerably-in the last 14 months and 16 days.

I ask one more favor..as the holidays near.. please keep Mica's IMHA Research Fund in mind..by way of ecollage® art or outright. Even a dollar at-a-time adds up.

With thanks, m, m & m