Snowdrop is my very special little one. She came into my life when I received a phone call from my friend Tom. Seemed he had a tiny American Eskimo in his clinic who needed an experienced "EskieMom". Snowdrop was the sole survivor from a litter of pups. Her mom had hypothyroidism, and there was a good chance this little one would inherit the same problem.
Snowdrop, as soon as I saw her in that little cage I unlocked it, picked her up, and it was love at first sight. I never put her back in there, only into my car and home. She snuggled up and slept with me the very 1st night. Snowdrop has never been away from me for even one night (I slept in a sleeping bag in the vet's office with her cuddled up with me right after she was spayed).
Immediately, I sensed she was a very special little soul. Snowdrop was friendly and loved everyone. I was thrilled when she was accepted into a program to train as a therapy dog. Finally, after a year of training, she started visiting Elderly Folks at a Nursing Home, a Children's Hospital, and a Senior Center. We go to each place once a month.
After having Snowdrop for 2 years, she was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. She has taken Soloxine ever since, and seemed fine. That is until last fall when she became very quiet, quit playing and didn't want to go for walks. She started panting a lot, and her coat became very dry. I took her directly to Tom thinking she needed nothing more than an adjustment in her thyroid meds. Well, Tom suspected another problem. Something wrong that was beyond his knowledge. So, an appointment was made with a veterinarian at the UPenn.
Snowdrop went through constant adjustments of her thyroid medication, and finally, last spring, she was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. Seems her Pituitory Gland was sending a signal to her adrenal glands to keep releasing Cortisol, the same hormone a dog's system will release when he/she is excited. Only thing is, Snowdrop's system kept releasing this hormone without stopping. If left untreated, the problem would have done major damage to her organs, and she would have died young.
Snowdrop has now been going to the UPenn many times over the past year. She is a trooper, and is treated like royalty every time she goes there. She has been through numerous tests,. Sometimes coming home very sore. But Snowdrop's problems are under control for now, and with good medical care, meds, and monitoring at home, she could live a normal, happy quality life.
Snowdrop is my Very Special Little Lady. She is so sweet and loved dearly by me, and everyone who meets her.
I am happy to be the FurMom of this Special Needs Furbaby.
Ellie
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