Gillie’s Birthday Rounds!

Gillie the Pem, who has degenerative myelopathy, turned 13 on Monday, August 13th. To celebrate this remarkable occasion, Peggy H. invited Gillie’s Auntie Pat along on the day’s rounds, to photograph Gillie with the wonderful people who keep her going. 

“At North Texas Animal Rehabilitation in Dallas, Jennie and Crystal pose with one of their star patients. Twice a week Gillie exercises in their water treadmill, and once a week does floor exercises powered by treats. Regular exercise is one of the best things one can do to help her DM dog.”

“At Dr. Karen Ave’s office in Addison, Gillie receives acupuncture, electrostim, massage and chiropractic adjustment. While DM is believed to be painless, Gillie’s seven or more bad disks are another matter. Don’t let your baby Corgis jump on and off the bed! Dr. Ave is on the left, applying electrostim to acupuncture needles while assistant Karen distracts Gillie with, you guessed it, treats. Lots of treats. This is Gillie’s favorite stop. Wonder why?”

“Gillie with her friends Verjean, Karen and Dr. Ave. Notice Gillie is looking at Miss Verjean, who gives the best treats ever – string cheese! It just doesn’t get any better than that!”

“Our last stop was Centerville Road Animal Hospital in Garland, to have Gillie’s claws Dremeled. We were sorry not to see Dale, who normally holds her for her pedicure and whom Gillie loves even without treats, but he was on vacation. We did get to see Kim and Dr. Julie Stanek (holding Gillie) . That’s me, Gillie’s proud Mom on the right. Gillie is Dr. Stanek’s first DM patient to survive the diagnosis, and she has done many hours of research to understand problems Gillie presents. Dr. Stanek has saved Gillie’s life several times already.”

 

“Update! We slid by Dr. Stanek’s to discuss Dr. Ave’s proposed exercise program and Gillie’s latest antibiotic. Dale is back! Now look at that handsome fellow and try to tell me he doesn’t love her dearly!”

“Thanks to these people and their un-pictured associates, Gillie is still here and braving the North Texas heat, which is much better than last year but still vicious. She can barely sit up and finds it difficult to roll from sternum to side. She relies upon her people to ensure she’s comfortable.”

“I’m getting better at interpreting barks. We finally have the perennial UTI under control. Dr. Ave has some exercise ideas to strengthen Gillie’s core involving a wobbleboard, a peanut, non-slip material and a human Pez dispenser (that, of course will be me). Fortunately my Gillie is still a sweetheart and loves people, most other dogs, and respectful cats, and of course is game for anything involving treats. Best of all, she still smiles at the people she loves . . .