Tori-Tori

The Letter (and the story) 2008

Many of you knew my dog Tori when I had her. I adopted her from the German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin. During the 2 years she lived with me, she was trained and she traveled with me many places including to the east coast to visit my family. After 2 years it became apparent that she would be happier as an only dog so I began the search for a perfect home. What I thought was a perfect home presented itself and she was placed her as a Psychiatric Service Dog with a woman who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Having suffered a lifetime of abuse, she was unable to go out in public by herself to do simple things like go to the grocery store or Shopko. We truly do take our lives for granted. I was told that before Tori, there were times in public that she would have a flashback, disassociate and end up in the psychiatric unit of the hospital. For 2 years, Tori was her strength and she was able to become part of a life that we take for granted.

Apparently Tori couldn't take the pressure and started to shut down. She was plagued with infections and simply decided that it was too stressful to go on. I'll never forget that rainy Sunday night in September that I received a call to "come get her" and finding a dog that was curled up in a ball in the corner of her living room, having no desire to interact, eat or probably even live. At my house she soon became a different dog. It didn't take her long to start getting back to her old self. Because I originally adopted her from the rescue, technically, she is their dog. We treated her for a urinary tract infection and thought it was cleared up. As time went on I realized it wasn't so she spent a day at the vet so they could really try to figure things out. When I picked her up the news wasn't good. My vet couldn't do anymore for her and his words were, "This is serious". She needs to see a specialist and surgery to remove folds of skin on her underside that are not allowing moisture to dry up resulting in continuing infections.

I did some research and the surgery at the Animal Referral Center is $1500 - $2000. The Rescue informed me that they could not afford the surgery and I was faced with the possibility of having to put her to sleep. I understand the limited resources and in a perfect world, the money would be there but it’s not a perfect world.

The next day I took her outside where she played like a puppy. (she’ll be 6 early next year) I took some pictures and posted them on her website. Tori-Tori I looked at those pictures and didn’t see a dog that should be put to sleep but rather one that should live. She doesn't deserve this... she has done so much good and essentially put her life on the line.

So, this is a plea. If we can get 200 people to donate $10 each, the surgery would be paid for. If this can be accomplished, she has a new home waiting for her where she will be cared for and be an only dog. All donations will go through the German Shepherd Rescue which is a tax deductible organization. You can pay online with a credit card but you MUST be SURE to note that it’s for Tori’s medical bills. Go to the home page and click the link where it says Tori Needs Help Also, donations can be made by check and mailed to

GSRAW Att. Tori's fund

PO Box 7354
Madison, WI 53707-7354

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at lstone513@gmail.com.

Tori thanks you!

Laurel Stone
Larsen, WI 54947

The Original Adoption 2002

Tori is one AWESOME dog....of course, you would just have to ask her that and she'd agree! My friends have dubbed her the "princess" and suggested I buy her a scarf that says "It's all about me!"

She got off to a rough start. It only took me a minute to realize that she had never been crated and the couch was where she thought she deserved to be. BUT since she barked in an unfriendly manner (this is an understatement) at all of my dogs, it was necessary to rotate dogs....and my other 4 wouldn't even come in her range of vision because of the reaction from her. At night, I kept her in a crate next to my bed and the second night she didn't scream at all as long as I was in sight. You know, I didn't realize that a dog could scream as loud and long as she did. This was clearly the worst thing that happened to her EVER! Day 3 was off to the vet to be spayed and I brought home a very dopey, friendly girl! . Later in the evening I realized that she was bleeding more than she should have been so, under my vet's recommendation, I spent the night on the couch with her (a real bonding experience) and off to the vet we went for the day but by this time she was ok. When I picked her up, she was wide awake and VERY happy to see me.

Skip a few weeks....a little obedience training and off to Petsmart to get a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) when she accomplished with ease....my other dogs were nowhere around which helped!! :):):) Then a stomach incident and yet another day at the vet. I joked that I'm sure she was thinking that it was a "day spa" for her to go to every few weeks. And then the first visit at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center for her orientation to be a therapy dog where she got along beautifully with the other dogs. At the first visit the tester/evaluator and I just watched with amazement as she entered patient's rooms and went directly to the bed to say hello and then from visitor to visitor. She was an absolute natural! So...after a total of 4 visits, she was registered as a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs, Inc. (www.therapydogs.com) along with my other dogs. In fact, my Christmas photo with the other 4 is posted on the site as is a photo of my first dog, Josephine.

Josephine was THE dog that got me into dog training and therapy dog work and was a special girl. She left us this summer when her kidneys failed. After several weeks of Tori being with me, it became apparent how much she resembled Josephine from the ears back. She walks like her and acts like her! (princess walk) In fact, everyone who sees her comments on the resemblance. Even when I took her to the groomer she commented on how much they were alike....and the reason for the groomer...Tori gave new meaning to "blowing coat" and I have 3 other long coats and thought I was used to hair!!

Well, after about 3 months, I felt comfortable in letting Tori with Ari, my alpha male. I put her with Teddy, my other male, and let's just say that didn't go well and Teddy is very dog friendly. He's the neutral dog I take with me when I test dogs for their CGC. AND I'm certain that I will never let her out with the other girls. BUT with Ari, after a bit of a scuffle, she realized that he WAS the boss (a very fair, sweet, benevolent one actually) and if she let him be boss, life would be good. She now adores him and follows him everywhere! These are my 2 dogs that I take to Schutzhund training with me. Tori is beginning tracking and thinks that food in the ground is so cool! She may not have enough drive to get a Schutzhund title but she certainly will get obedience and tracking titles. Even though her pedigree has lots of dogs with titles, she is pretty lazy and if the sleeve is presented to her is a fun manner, she's there, loves it and has a very good, calm bite.... but if she has to work for it, WELL....she is the princess, you know! I look forward to introducing her to agility equipment when it gets set up in the yard and see how she likes that. Oh, yes....she now runs to the van and jumps into the crate because it means we're going somewhere good...like training!

Tori has been a wonderful addition to my family and I feel blessed to have her. Thank you so much! Laurel

Hi! My name is Tori. (9/2008)

Reprinted from the GSRAW website 9/21/08.

UPDATE: SUNDAY (9/21/08)

What a difference a dog makes!!! I took Tori back to her foster home today after spending the weekend with me - in my dog-less home. The dog I thought was sad and sick and depressed sprang to life once she was in her own environment with her best friend Ari!!!

SO...... Tori definitely needs a canine companion. An older, mature male would be best.

After running around the yard for a while, she showed no evidence of her arthritis or of being in pain. She was a happy, happy dog. I was amazed at the transformation!

So Tori is READY for her new home!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reprinted from the GSRAW website 9/20/08.

I'm back! Some of you noticed that I was on the site for only a day and then taken off.... well, that's because I haven't been feeling so well lately and they wanted to find out what was going on before posting me.

So, I spent a yucky morning at the doctor (they poked and prodded me all over!) and they say I have arthritis in my spine, down by my tail. This makes sense why it hurts so much when someone tries to lift my tail! Which is what they were trying to do to look "down there" because it turns out I have a urinary infection too. The vet also said I have some arthritis in my knees too. Can you believe it? I'm only 6!!! They say that there are things that can help make me more comfortable though......

I also got to go to the eye doctor. That was kind of cool - they put funny dye in my eyes that made my tears turn green. They say I have cataracts. I can see - but I have a little diminished vision. The doctor said that while cataracts in GSDs don't usually grow - they can't be sure of that and don't know exactly what the future of my vision will be.

At my foster home I have a friend named Ari. You can see him with me up above. I really perk up when I'm around him and would really like to have a larger, mature brother in my new home. He has to be gentle, because I do hurt sometimes, but I sure do like to have a K-9 friend. I love humans too! Don't get me wrong!

So I need a special home. You see.... I have a lot of life left in me. I'm not done here yet and I just hope that since I have helped so many people in my life, that someone will now return the favor. I probably can't be a therapy dog anymore - but who knows once I feel better! I'll never be a jogging companion, and small children that might bump me or push on me would not be good either. But I am a good companion. No - a great companion. And just because I'm not perfect anymore.... well.... I still deserve a chance.

I'm the nicest dog you'll ever meet. You know - even with all of the pain and all of the poking and prodding the last few days - I never once even thought of snapping at anyone and they didn't even have to think of muzzling me!

I will let you know how I'm feeling as the days go by and things start to get better with my infection.

Stay Tuned!

___________________________________________________________________

Tori is a 6 year old GSD that was adopted out through GSRAW at only 1 year of age and is now coming back through NO fault of her own. Tori has been a certified therapy dog and was, for the last 2 years, a Psychiatric Service Dog. Tori is in the process of having some potential health problems identified, but we will keep you posted.

We would love to see Tori go to a home where she will be able to go back to doing therapy work, as this is what she LOVES to do. She could live with a larger male, but gets a little protective of her human with other dogs in general. Tori really believes she is a Princess..... and that she deserves to be treated as such. But just look at her!! How can you argue?

You can see an amazing photo album of Tori's life HERE.

A New Mom Maybe? (11/2008)

We'll keep you posted!

The February Update

January and February have been a bit rough for Tori. She was plagued by more infection (bladder and anal) and then allergies. She was on several meds, was biting at herself to the point of bleeding and then she started dribbling and became incontinent. It seemed like one thing lead to another and I'm the worst in the world for reporting medical news so I just have to pass along what I know. She switched the food to something for allergies.... not the best available because of the $300/month price tag but a very good alternative. It appears to be difficult for her to get up and down which could be the DM. When I spoke to Merle, she mentioned repeated visits to the vet for the poor girl but she definitely has good days and bad days. Sometimes Merle said it seems like the good days are more than the bad and then it changes and seems reversed. At this time, her quality of life is ok but it seems to me that this girl is not going to have a long one. I remember reading at one time that if a dog makes it past 7, it is likely that they will last into old age but that 6 to 7 year time frame is a critical time. I guess it’s like people who lose a battle to cancer or something else that shortens their lives at 40 to 50 years old.

So, Merle had knee surgery during February with complications so the first few months of 2009 have been a struggle in their household. Hopefully, when the weather breaks (and aren't we all hoping for that to happen soon), the two of them will get out again to go on walks and play in the yard. Tori really likes to roll in the snow. Perhaps with the allergies it feels really good.

Tori has adjusted to her new life and how do I know? When talking with Marilyn right before I lost Teddy, we spoke with Tori and she said that she's content in her new home and loves the people there. Merle told me that she has claimed the window seat and is quite comfortable looking out and waiting for her to get home from work or her son to get home from school. They have a huge front window looking out the front to the street and I can see how it would keep her occupied.

I sure do miss her and hope to get to visit soon. When I do .. there will be another report... until then... keep Tori in your prayers…I think she needs them.

Tori's new home!

Take me back to Tori's home page

January 8, 2009 – Tori seems SO comfortable in her new home. I’m amazed at how she gets along with the cats and the visiting dog. Her birthday party was great – well documented on her Birthday Page. There have been updated posted in December and now January and it seems like a monthly update would be the thing to do. It is SO evident that Merle and her son love Tori very much and there couldn’t have been a more perfect home for her….activity but not too much activity, people but not too many people and someone who has the medical background to understand Tori’s conditions and care for her. This post will be the end of this log and the next updates will be in the sidebar in a separate post! I’m all smiles…

December 8, 2008 - I can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since she went to her new home. Her soft crate was her comfort place for a few days but it didn't take her long to gradually start settling down in other places. Friday, November 30th, she had her first appointment with the vet in Madison and started a 10 day regiment of a daily shot of gentamycin for treatment of the pseudomonas infecton of her vulva. This type of infection I'm told is resistant to most medications and we were VERY fortunate to have a wonderful person donate enough gentamycin which would have cost hundreds of dollars for her treatment. This condition must be cleared up before any other procedure is discussed. Hip x-rays showed moderate hip dysplasia and also a chip fracture on her right leg which may or may not have to be corrected in the future. It was also discussed that DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) may be the cause of her rear end weakness but the only way to find out more would be with an MRI, myelogram or a spinal tap which would be very invasive and costly. NEVERTHELESS... I'm thrilled that she's in competent hands and that the resources are available to pay for her procedures. The rescue will hold all the money donated to her specifically for her care and medical bills! Things are really looking UP for Tori! .

November 28, 2008 - noon - We've settled into our old routine....feels good. Reports on Tori are good. Merle takes her for walks morning and night. Had some tummy problems but that's no surprise.... pumpkin cures everything! The miracle food for dogs. Vet appointment this afternoon in Madison....details later..

November 27, 2008 - 8am - I wake up... what's this 8am and ARI is on my bed with me. WOW that hasn't happened in months! Kobie and Olivia are walking through the bedroom and come up on the bed and it's QUIET!! WOW... I remember again why she needed to go to a new home! All the competition with the other dogs was stressful to her and therefore everyone else was stressed. All is good... Tori is an only dog again! And this time, she will be the one cared for rather than the other way around!!

November 26, 2008 - 10pm - My house is unusually quiet. It's pleasant actually. I explained to the pack that Tori is in another home now. They still look for her. Olivia and Kobie are doing a quiet happy dance. Teddy is thinking "thank god she's gone" but continues to check out each corner hesitantly. Brita must be thinking who will run the fence line with her. And Ari... well... my guess it that he's thinking "what...ever". We head to bed and again it is unusually peaceful - no barking from the crate that she was in next to my bed when she spotted Kobie or Teddy in the doorway. No Olivia slinking next to my bed so she can curl up on the floor out of sight of the witch (her thoughts not mine). Teddy actually gets on my bed for the first time in months. NOW, I remember why she needed to go to a new home. There is peace in the homestead again....

November 26, 2008 - 8PM - Update by phone: Everything going well. She plopped herself on her soft crate before it was open. She continues to eat anything that's handed to her. (Please note that I encouraged Merle to hand feed her what would normally be fed from a dish at first to help with the bonding process which is what I've done each time a new dog came into my household.) The cats are making friends and she's fine. I didn't know since I don't think she's been around cats at all. I miss her...

November 26, 2008 - 12 noon - It's like sending a child to college I suppose ...what shall I send along? ...what will make her comfortable? .....what might she need that isn't there right now? ....toys ....bed ...food ...more toys ...vitamins ......meds .....outdoor toys .....leashes ......collars .....books for new mom .....vet records ....her winter jacket ....oh... ....have I forgotten anything? Two big boxes so we load up the van and off to the McDonalds in Beaver Dam which we figure is halfway to Madison. I planned to arrive early so we would have some time together to share a double cheeseburger and fries... Tori had the cheeseburger, I had the fries... well ok.. she did have some of the fries also. New mom arrives and Tori happily takes MORE treats from her and willingly goes in the back seat of her car for more treats. (a question was later asked - does she fill up and say "No thank you, I'm full now, save the treats for later" .....nooo... the answer is noooo... feed her and she'll eat!) Some pictures are taken and I get in my van sobbing... (you know if you've been there) I drive home.

The January Update

A month has passed since the last update so here are some notes I’ve patched together from the information I’ve received from Merle.

(From a conversation about hydrotherapy) I have been thinking about hydrotherapy, but up until now, her infection has kept it on the back burner. it came to me that the UW vet school (one mile from me) is likely to have a hydrotherapy pool if the sub-specialize in orthopedic/neurological surgery/rehab. The infection was the thing for the time-being, so things look different now. My vet was quite adamant that Tori's knee was not as severe as she first thought, having had the chance to examine it while Tori was sedated. in addition, the neurological signs on awake examination were pretty strong, if not completely conclusive, in the absence of an extensive work-up (MRI, myelogram, etc). Claudia's partner independently came to the same conclusion a couple days later when we saw her on-call. On top of all this, I don't think the dead of (snowy,cold) winter is a good time to rehab from ortho surgery I do think hydrotherapy will do nothing but help Tori, no matter what her diagnoses are.

In regard to her diet for DM, it's pretty much as described in the 'vetmed' link you sent me. I use fresh, organic garlic and penzy's mustard and ginger, brewer's yeast from whole foods and I just started glucosamine/chondroitin from the health food store. I have been using up my own B-complex tabs, vitamin E caps and selenium. I give her (cooked in olive oil) edamame, carrots, apples, spinach, broccoli, brown rice added to 1/2 "wellness" senior dry food and 1/2 "natural planet organics' adult dry food. The antioxidants are important in human diet as well as dogs' and have been recommended to my friend with MS, the human disease comparable to DM. i throw in organic egg now and then, just because it's neat to watch Tori eat a hard-boiled egg whole and because i think eggs improve skin and coat, as well as carry all those fat-soluble vitamins. I just got a new canned food, which I have been using for treats and to bury her pills in called Merrick Mediterranean banquet. At $2.10/can after Sam's discount, I will probably limit her to 1/2 to 1 can per day. It's a veritable California cuisine in a can, but i am going to have to get the ingredient amounts from the sales rep. I have not looked into the more expensive supplements described in the link. I’ll l pursue that further if we hit a step-down or roadblock in Tori's progress.

I let tori do as much as she pleases, exercise-wise. interestingly, she seems to be more active an alternating days, resting on in-between days. Some days, she is all about playing and she has days when she is obviously hurting. She lets me know what she wants, and seems to want to push herself with more activity on days when she's capable of doing so. I do watch for over-doing, but the weather takes care of a lot of that, too. Her personality has come out the last week or so; she is so much more alpha than omega now, and I'm glad she is not just trying to please all the time. She backs off when we're firm and loves a good challenge, especially targeting, as we discussed. I think it makes her think without demanding a lot of physical exertion. On good days, she is really into tugging and also splashing in the snow, running around like a puppy. she initiates play, even taking out her tugs and toys.

I am able to occasionally get a look and a spritz (H2o2) at her vulva area, which is clean and dry and NOT the least bit smelly anymore. i took off her lampshade this week, as it's been quite a while since I've seen her lick her bottom or bother the spot on her L hip(which has healed up completely). Tori and the cats have entered into a non-aggression pact, largely ignoring each other, but are not above a friendly nose-to-nose now and then. She has developed a taste for catnip mice, which come out looking pretty much the same as they went in. The cats and I are working on a containment plan for the various cat toys which are embedded into our household. until that gets perfected, i figure cleaning up after Tori's visits to the backyard will continue to be fairly interesting. The cat litter pan problem has been solved, you'll be happy to know (I certainly am). I’m sure Tori still misses you, but i think she is finding more things about her new life pretty cool, too like the dog-next-door, Calvin (a rescued Samoyed). Their initial meetings have gone well,and she looks for him every time she goes out, often going up to his front door to peer in at him when he's not in the yard. The plan is to walk the dogs together as weather allows, and allow them to visit together in our yards, if all works out well. Tori got along fine when Steve, the rat terrier came to visit. Steve stays with us often when his family is away. Tori is letting me groom her pretty thoroughly, making me think her bottom is feeling no pain. She is much less on her guard about many things, now that I'm not giving her shots every day. she sleeps just outside my door at night, to date declining my invitation into my room. Everyone we meet responds so positively to her and she always responds in kind. She is definitely a people magnet. If her physical condition can be managed effectively, I would like to see her return to part-time work as a therapy dog. I can even get our mailman to give her a great personal reference!

So much for this report… thanks to Merle for being way more detailed about explaining than I could ever be!

Laurel

Merry Christmas!

A few years ago this was Tori and the rest of the pack.

Actually I still have those four and Tori is the one who has moved on.

Which dog, by the way, looks out of place??

That would be Tori!

Left to right.. Kobie, Teddy, Olivia, Ari and Tori

...what angels said...

Absolutely use the money for whatever Tori needs, that's what it is for, be it surgery, diet, vet bills, whatever. My main concern is that she gets well and has a forever home full of love! She deserves it.

Thank you for the update on Tori. Of course you can use the money in any way you would like!

OMG Laurel, ofcourse use it for whatever she needs. Even if all you are doing is keeping her comfortable. Thank you for the update and I hope that thing go better. She is lucky to have so many that love her and are pulling for her!

You may use my donation for anything that Tori needs, absolutely. ..... What a shame that such a wonderful dog should have had to go through such trauma of all kinds in her life. I am glad she has a loving foster mom Should some additional funds be needed down the road, please contact us again.

I'm glad to hear that Tori is in good hands with you as her godmother and her new foster mom. Please use the funds we donated in any way needed to aid in keeping her comfortable and hopefully on the road to recovery.

I am ok if my little contribution is used for Tori's care versus surgery.Thanks for your care and compassion!

Of course you can apply it as you see fit. It was donated to help Tori, not to subsidize any procedure in particular!

Thanks for the update on Tori. Please feel free to use my donation towards whatever care she need.I wish Tori the best.

Thank you for the update. You are free to use my donations as you wish. Anything to make this poor dog more comfortable. The donation was the easy part. God bless people like you that take time out of their life to help dogs like Tori.

The intent of the donation may have been for surgery, however, as far as I'm concerned, it was intended for whatever Tori's needs are. Please, use my donation in any way needed! Glad Tori's settling in with her new family.

Thanks so much for the update. I'm so glad that she has a good home right now and being so well taken care of. Definitely use my donation towards her immediate needs--I do appreciate you asking. I'll continue to keep Tori in my thoughts.

You may use the money for whatever purpose you deem appropriate.

Tori is a gift to all who know about her.

Thank you for your compassion and love - this story touches people.
God Bless and Merry Christmas

Thank you for the update. I really appreciate it. Why ---- would I want my money returned!

...great job with her. do what you need to. she is and angel and so are you. thank god for people like you and others. ....thank you time over and over.

I'm glad to hear she is going to be with someone to give her lots of love. Yes, of course the money can go to the rescue....it is called repaying old debts. You have done so much to help Tori...you should be commended.

I’m glad for the good direction all this is going at this point—one step at a time. Yes, use my donation for immediate needs. Keep us updated.

Of course, use the money to meet whatever she needs. Hope things go well.

I’m glad for the good direction all this is going at this point—one step at a time. Yes, use my donation for immediate needs. Keep us updated.

Please keep the money. I thank you for sharing Tori's progress with me. Use the moneys at your own discretion. Sounds like she is in good hands. I to was a nurse (retired) but the skills carry over in the animals I raise. ..... Take care keep in touch and let me know if I can be of further assistance.-

Of course use the money (sorry it wasn't more) in any way that is helpful to treat Tori's health problems. I truly hope that if she needs surgery, that she can handle having it.

All the best - to you and to Tori's foster mom. Have a wonderful holiday.

Absolutely! Please do use the money for Tori in any way you see fit. Give her a belly rub for me.

Sounds like Tori is a fighter. Please apply my donation as you see fit.

Of course my donation may be used for Tori's immediate needs/care. Tori is one lucky girl to have you and the people you know care for her. Warm regards, Laurel.

Hi, It's good to see Tori so happy! Hopefully this woman will keep her. It looks like they have a wonderful bond already.

Wow, what a story for poor Tori! I'm glad to hear she is doing better and in such good hands! You of course may keep and use the money for whatever is deemed necessary to make Tori more comfortable.

Am glad to hear that she is being made comfortable at least.....don't care how you use the money as long as it is helping her...........

It sounds like she's in excellent hands, and of course, it's absolutely fine that the donation be used in whatever way is most beneficial to her. Thank you for all of your work on her behalf.

What Angels Said

Thank you for the update on Tori. Of course you can use the money in any way you would like!

You may use my donation for anything that Tori needs, absolutely. ..... What a shame that such a wonderful dog should have had to go through such trauma of all kinds in her life. I am glad she has a loving foster mom Should some additional funds be needed down the road, please contact us again.

I am ok if my little contribution is used for Tori's care versus surgery.Thanks for your care and compassion!

Of course you can apply it as you see fit. It was donated to help Tori, not to subsidize any procedure in particular!

Thanks for the update on Tori. Please feel free to use my donation towards whatever care she need.I wish Tori the best.

You may use the money for whatever purpose you deem appropriate.

Tori is a gift to all who know about her.

Thank you for your compassion and love - this story touches people.
God Bless and Merry Christmas

Thank you for the update. I really appreciate it. Why ---- would I want my money returned!

...great job with her. do what you need to. she is and angel and so are you. thank god for people like you and others. ....thank you time over and over.

I’m glad for the good direction all this is going at this point—one step at a time. Yes, use my donation for immediate needs. Keep us updated.

Of course, use the money to meet whatever she needs. Hope things go well.

I’m glad for the good direction all this is going at this point—one step at a time. Yes, use my donation for immediate needs. Keep us updated.

Of course use the money (sorry it wasn't more) in any way that is helpful to treat Tori's health problems. I truly hope that if she needs surgery, that she can handle having it.

All the best - to you and to Tori's foster mom. Have a wonderful holiday.

Absolutely! Please do use the money for Tori in any way you see fit. Give her a belly rub for me.

Sounds like Tori is a fighter. Please apply my donation as you see fit.

Of course my donation may be used for Tori's immediate needs/care. Tori is one lucky girl to have you and the people you know care for her. Warm regards, Laurel.

Hi, It's good to see Tori so happy! Hopefully this woman will keep her. It looks like they have a wonderful bond already.

Wow, what a story for poor Tori! I'm glad to hear she is doing better and in such good hands! You of course may keep and use the money for whatever is deemed necessary to make Tori more comfortable.

Am glad to hear that she is being made comfortable at least.....don't care how you use the money as long as it is helping her...........

The December Update

Hi.....

I'm writing to update you on Tori's progress. I can't believe it's been over 2 weeks since she went to her new home. Her soft crate was her comfort place for a few days but it didn't take her long to gradually start settling down in other places. She's an only dog in a house of a few cats and is being cared for by a loving foster mom who is a registered nurse and knows how to take care of her medical needs

Friday, November 30th, she had her first appointment with the vet in Madison and started a 10 day regiment of a daily shot of gentamycin for treatment of a Pseudomonas infecton of her vulva. This type of infection I'm told is resistant to most medications and we were VERY fortunate to have a wonderful person donate enough gentamycin which would have cost hundreds of dollars for her treatment. This condition must be cleared up before any other procedure is considered. It's been a few days since the daily shots were finished and we're really hoping that it doesn't need to be repeated....first of all because it's hard on Tori and secondly, it will cost $300. The inflammation has also been reduced by the use of prednisone and she seems comfortable with tramadol 2-3 times a day, on top of the prednisone.

Hip x-rays showed moderate hip dysplasia and also a chip fracture on her right femur. She also has a cruciate ligament tear in her right knee. The vertebrae shown in the X-ray look healthy - no arthritis or fracture, which could also account for spinal cord compression at that level of the spine. Good news/bad news from that - this may make Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) as the source of her rear-end weakness more likely. It was discussed not wanting to put Tori through an invasive work-up, such as myelogram, spinal tap or MRI. All would require sedation. General anesthesia and surgery in general are not well-tolerated in the presence of DM, much like for humans with MS. Her hip dysplasia is not severe, so in the absence of the DM, she would be a candidate for repair of her right knee crucuiate ligament tear. An examination under sedation revealed the tear not to be too bad. We discussed treating Tori as if she had DM, as she has the muscle loss, ataxia, wide stance and general uncoordination and endurance loss associated with the disease. We will consider operating on her vulvar folds or on her right knee only if her neurological status is stable and either the knee or her vulva cannot be managed conservatively and is very seriously affecting an otherwise acceptable quality of life.

In the absence of surgery, the current plan is to do everything we can to keep Tori infection-free and comfortable. Her current home plans to start a special diet that is believed to be very good for dogs with DM. Much like the special diets that some people with MS follow, the diet has been shown in most cases to slow and sometimes stop the progression of DM. Tori's "Guardian Angel" adores her and will do everything she can to make sure Tori is as healthy as she can be and has the best quality of life possible.

Tori's medical bills since she came back to the rescue are already approaching $1000. The money that was generously donated will be in a separate fund specifically for Tori. Because my original letter indicated that the money would be used for surgery, I'm asking if you would agree to having your donation be applied to the her immediate needs, payment of her medical bills and to help with her special diet which is NOT a cheap nutrition regiment.

Since Tori's surgery isn't in the immediate future and you intended your donation to be for that, if you would like it returned we will reverse your credit card charges or return your check. If I don't receive a reply email from you indicating that you would like to be reimbursed, I will assume that it will be acceptable to use your donation for her immediate needs. The generosity of people, some I don't even know and from 13 states, truly did save her life and touched me deeply. Without the money, there would have been no vet appointments to get her on track, no expensive medication and no plan to keep Tori as happy and as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, while avoiding tests and interventions which may be more uncomfortable and possibly detrimental than beneficial to her.

Thank you and have a wonderful holiday!

Laurel Stone

Kim McIntyre - GSRAW representative

MerleAnne Merkel - Foster Mom

Tori (www.torigsd.blogspot.com)