In Milo's Memory

Hello Everyone-
A new web page in Milo's honor is online called In Milo's Memory. Please visit to see photos and videos from his life, as well as updates on the journey to find his successor.

http://www.giveforward.com/inmilosmemory

Milo- 7/14/2004-9/9/2011

Hello everyone,

Since the last post, Milo took a terrible turn for the worse, and he was honorably discharged this morning. We had found out his epilepsy was caused by elevating toxins that were in his liver, and the doctors couldn't reasonably operate to save him. He knew something was wrong, but he tried his best up until the end.

Thank you all for reading about his life and how he affected all of us for the better. He can finally rest after a job well done.

Goodbye Milo...

Back home from PA!

I'm back home at last after our road trip to Pennsylvania! We got home last night, but it took all night and all day today to rest up and get back in the swing of things. Now, I can recap our trip:

The first day, we piled into a van and over nine hours later, we arrived at the first hotel. I mostly slept and played with my chuckle during the trip down. The nice people at the hotel gave me a doggie bag with a treat, bags, gloves, and a sign for the front door that says, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie". Isn't that nice? I had my first experience with room service. It's a lot like the delivery man from home. Unfortunately I forgot my collapsible dog bowl in the room- I guess I'll have to get another one!

The second day, we accompanied a friend to a service dog organization for an interview. We just thought we were going to be waiting outside, but we got to go in too, and got to see a demo dog from their program. He was so smart- he picked up things, opened doors, and even showed off some hearing tasks! I got to show how smart I was and tried my hardest to ignore that dog! We saw the kennels where many more dogs were, including pups from Cedarwood, where I'm from! I might have been looking at great-grand nieces and nephews!

After our visit, we struck out again, but we decided to stop in Connecticut for the night. The second hotel was nice too, and the personnel were super nice! I picked up a nickel and a paper card, and the receptionist was beside herself. She ended up giving me a bag of treats and a frisbee/rope toy! We got to unwind a little in a human lounge, where all the people had beer or wine. None for me, thanks! Everybody was really interested in me though, and what I did for work.

The third day, we packed up and headed back up'ta Maine. We made two stops. First, we went to the Clean Run Warehouse, where their dog supplies were available for sniffing out. I didn't get to actually try anything, because if we did and didn't want it, some other doggie would be expecting something new that I already used! Becky got to feel a cooling bed that doesn't use water or electricity. We didn't get anything then, but we definitely have a better idea of what we want for a special day! We then stopped at this ice cream place in Mass called Herrell's. There were so many flavors to choose from, everyone was nice, and nobody seemed to look twice at me for being in the store!

After what seemed like forever, we did get back home. I got a surprise when I walked in the door- someone took away my OLD feed station and put in a NEW feed station and dishes in it's place! This one is screwed into the wall and stainless steel, a snazzy look for our home! More good news- I find out that I was chosen as a recipient for a donation of 180 pills of the medication I'm currently taking! Somebody didn't need it anymore, and those pills aren't cheap, so it's great that I was mentioned as a donee! Thank you, nice donator person!

You can probably now imagine why it took us so long to regenerate after our trip! I do need to go to my kennel and regenerate for the night, so I'm logging off. More adventures to come!

My ordeal, two week suspension, and upcoming trip

I'm glad to be back logging again after two very long weeks! A lot has happened, and I didn't want to talk about anything until it was done with, to not unnecessarily stir up readers.

Here's what's been happening. If you have been following my posts, you will have noticed I have been to see several vets in my lifetime, often for recurring reasons. Everybody has had an opinion as to what the cause of my symptoms would be, and none of the diagnoses were correct matches. We were told a couple weeks ago that I may have epilepsy, and I was placed on a medication commonly treated for seizures. Now, these are not grand mal seizures or anything- they are more subtle than that. That was why no one thought of it until now. These episodes were increasing, so it finally came to light. Anyway, the medication I was on had some really adverse effects. I was dragging my hind toes and losing my balance. It got so bad that I fell out of a door down two big granite steps! We were told I needed to see a neurologist ASAP because of what rough shape I was in.

We were referred to a hospital closer to where we live, and some wonderful doctors were there to help me out. They understood the severity of my situation, where I have a job to do, and it's not great to be having problems with seizures while working. So I had my arm shaved and they stuck an IV in it, then I got tired and don't remember anything after that until I woke up again. The doctors performed an MRI on my brain and spine, and they said they didn't find anything bad. Everybody was really upset while I was sleeping- even the staff fought tears. They really thought I wasn't going to make it through the day. After three and a half hours under anesthesia, I did wake up, but I was upset! They say anesthesia affects everyone differently. Apparently, I moan a lot. I wasn't in pain, but I sure was disoriented! I wanted to be home in my donut bed, not wobbly and full of sleepy juice! The doctors gave us a few new medications and told us that I was not to work for two weeks.

During that time, I gradually stopped moaning and started to regain my mobility. I needed to be helped up the stairs at first, but now I'm back to my old self. Even though I dislike having to be on daily medication and temporary antibiotics (in case of infectious disease that the MRI didn't catch), they really have helped a lot. If they solve four years of mystery issues, we're happy!

Today I had my re-check, which is why I'm finally posting this experience. The doctor did some tests, and I'm not dragging my toes anymore, and I haven't had a detectable seizure since the start of the new medication. Since the medication is helping, they did confirm that I have epilepsy. Don't worry though! I've had this a long time and managed to do my job and enjoy life up to almost seven years without aid- imagine what I'll be able to do now! The doctor was happy to tell us today I was able to back to work! It was getting really boring at home, and I can only practice finding the exit so many times (which I've really gotten the hang of!). We had to celebrate, by going to Planet Dog of course! I got a really cool toy that makes a funny sound if it shakes. It's called a Chuckle, and the best part is it holds food! I definitely recommend this toy, even though I've only had it a few hours. I also got three BIG bully sticks, which have been cut to make twelve regular ones. Any size is great though! We stocked up on some old and new treats as well.

Next week, we are going on a road trip to Pennsylvania! This has been in the works for a while, and we are happy to keep our plans. A friend is driving down and asked if we'd want to join. This is our first long trip as a team, it'll be fun! When we get back, I'll report on my adventures on the road!

I'm learning a new task!

Well, it isn't exactly *new*, but it was hard to teach and hard for me to understand in our old apartment. The plan is that I'll be able to lead Becky out on cue. Right now, that cue is "Exit", but when I get good enough at it, that cue will be silent. Then eventually, I'll connect the sensory overload signals with leading her to an exit- hopefully. We just started working on it again yesterday.

I saw the bait pouch come out yesterday afternoon and I interpreted through body language, "ohboyiknowwhat'scomingi'msoexcitedlet'sstarttraining!" Even though I was more than willing, I wasn't exactly sure what I was supposed to do. I follow her hand outside the doorway, I get a treat. Outside again, another treat. Then, after my treat, I hear the word exit. Soon enough, I learn to go through the door from far away. After that, my harness was put on and With Becky hanging on to my neoprene handle, I learned to lead her out! I'm getting good enough that I can lead her outside from another room!

As fun as training is, you eventually have to stop for the day and let everything absorb so you don't overload. That's what I'm doing now. I'll have to keep everyone posted!

My Doctor's Appointment

Hi everybody!
I'm in a much better mood today! We went to our consult this morning, thinking I was going under and having a Cystoscopy. I am pleased to announce that is not the case. I no longer have to take the big ol' nasty horse pill I was on three times a day, hooray! However, they do believe all the stuff I've been dealing with is neurological. This means I will have to visit them again in a couple weeks and I will have to try a new, different medication. We'll learn more about the true root of my troubles then.

I had another ultrasound, which came back normal. The perk is I have a shaved belly, so around a third of my hot, heavy fur is a memory (until it grows back). It looks a little funny, but I can lounge around on tile floors with my nice, cool, bald belly- aaahhh!

We went out to lunch, so I'm no longer on vacation. Vacations only last so long, right? I was really happy to work again, though! When we got home, I got to play ball in my backyard- one of my FAVORITE things to do! After being held down on my back for a half hour, shaved, poked and prodded at, it was high time for something fun! What some of your favorite things to do?

I'm not feeling good at all...

Hi friends,
I haven't been doing so great these last couple days. You see, I've battled chronic UTI symptoms and ear infections for four years, and it's about time I find out exactly what is causing them! These bouts were infrequent and treated with medication, but now we must take a step further in my treatment.

This Tuesday I am going for a consult about a Cystoscopy. Basically, I'm put out (but not put to sleep!), and a camera explores inside my body to find out what is the root problem. The medications I've been on haven't been working for me, so this was what was next. If you've been reading my entries for a while, you may remember that I had an ultrasound. I'm going to go to the same place, which is good because they know my case.

These episodes cause me a fair amount of pain and discomfort, so for right now I'm putting my feet up. Would YOU want to work if you were in pain? Yesterday, I got some nice pain pills that help, but they make me sleepy. I try to fight it, but I still succumb to sweet slumber.

Yes, for right now I'm on vacation. More like "sick leave", but vacation sounds a lot nicer! I feel okay today, versus a couple days ago. I got to sit out on the patio with my special bowl and my yummy veggie pops. The sun came to say hello, so I got to soak up some rays too. Of course, it's no vacation without your friends around- Becky and Sawyer keep me company and cater to my needs (and wants!).

So, I'm going to continue my vacation and have a nice sleep. Hopefully things will go well Tuesday!

Visit My Cystoscopy Page!

Our Eye Exam Outing

Today we participated in the 2011 ACVO Eye Exam Day. This is a special event held each year for service dogs who are currently working, providing free eye exams. This is important for the well-being of both us dogs and our people. They rely on us, and we rely on our eyes (and other organs). We had to travel out of state for this, so we met up early with our hearing dog friends Rusty and Savannah and traveled down together. Everybody got to be together in the exam room as we got our eyes checked. All three of us had to keep still while the doctor wore a funny contraption on his head and shined a bright light in our eyes. I am happy to report all three of us have great eyes and no vision problems! A big thank you to Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital for participating in this program!

On our way home, we stopped at a Dairy Queen and had ice cream at the picnic tables nearby. It was quite chilly out, but at least us dogs had our fur to keep us warm. It was too cold for the humans to finish their ice cream outside, so we retreated to warmth of the car.

Now we are home, cozy and ready to rest. We need it after an eventful day like today!

Meeting Friday

Hi everyone!
Today we went to the mall to meet up with our fellow service dog teams. I got to see my brother Tom and my friend Barley. But when I got out of the car, I saw something else! A little, golden ball of fur in an in-training vest. I found out his name is Friday, named after Black Friday. He's a golden pup in training to take over for my dear friend Logan, who recently passed away. He's a relative of hers too, grand-nephew, I think. Puppies can be quite the whippersnappers, but Friday slept through all the ruckus in the mall. He was quiet and well-behaved; his future looks pretty bright. I like him- I think we are going to be friends!

A chair was dragged at the Food Court and it made an awful loud/high pitched noise that made Becky cry. I got right up and did my pressure work, and the effects kicked in pretty quickly. A lady called me over to her and distracted me. She was told not to distract me, and I went right back to work. When you see a service dog, make sure your humans know not to whistle, baby talk, call, or touch them. It can be dangerous, especially for dogs whose owner's direct safety is in their paws. I never know when I will be needed and must be at-the-ready at all times.

Later this afternoon, we played ball in our backyard with the Chuckit. What a cool thing that is! It would fling the ball far away, I would run after it, and bring it back (well, most of the time). I worked up a bit of a sweat, so I got a yummy treat. Along with a cool drink of water, I had three homemade veggie pops! Yum! In case you are interested, here's how you make them:

• Puree vegetables of choice, no onions of course. We used carrots and celery.
• Add plain, non-fat yogurt and puree again.
• Put in the freezer and be patient.

They are healthy, all natural, and a great treat on a sunny afternoon!

Home at Last!

We are finally home after our weekend in Massachusetts. We saw a few of our friends, but it sure is nice to be home. I worked pretty hard, alerting and pushing my weight down many times. I missed a chance to alert and help her today after a scream, so Becky was a little disappointed. Usually, I take my head and nudge her hands if she is standing. She asked me why I didn't do it, and right after I had my chance to redeem myself when we heard another, worse scream. I ended up jumping up on her chest! While it was surprising and normally I would never do that, she needed me and I needed to tell her she required my pressure work, which I could not do while she was standing. She ended up sitting on the floor while I did my pressure work. I was paid with some pieces of yummy raw duck!

I told everybody I would review the hotel we stayed in. It's a bit of a story, because at first one of the ladies didn't understand that I was a service dog and not a pet. We were told we had to stay in a patio room on the first floor and had to sign a pet disclaimer form. We had to be firm and explain that I am not a pet and we did not need to sign any forms. At first, we checked into a room we were given on the first floor (the humans thought it would benefit both of us anyway). Although we didn't meet any, we could hear barking. I was out of sorts and it bothered Becky, so the humans asked if we could move. It's not that I do not like other dogs- it's just while I am working I need to not be distracted, and most other doggies don't understand that I can't say "hi". After some more explanation and meeting some other staff (who were very educated on SDs), we were moved into a non-pet room and everybody felt much better. We even got a nice note from the lady at the front desk. As a service dog team, one of our jobs is to educate the general public about dogs like me, and we know that not everyone will immediately understand. Everyone was very nice though, and we both enjoyed our room and our stay. I give the Crowne Plaza two paws up- we definitely recommend it for both service dog teams and pet owners!

After two exciting days, we both can finally rest at home. This was the first time we had to leave our new apartment for this long, and leaving Sawyer alone. I think he missed us, and we missed him. I'm going to have to log off, because we have woken up at 5:00 am two days in a row- very hard for someone with a sleep disorder. That being said, it's time to rest!