Vandy update

This is mostly for Robert and Gloria's benefit, but I also want to share it with others as well. We bought Vandy from Robert and Gloria a little over 14 years ago and we have loved every minute we've had with her. (Well, almost every minute...there was the time --- oh, well, it's not important, now!)

Vandy's health has not been all that great this year. Especially the last 6 months or so. We have now confirmed that she has laryngeal paralysis.(www.marvistavet.com/html/laryngeal_paralysis.html) You can definitely tell she has difficulty with her breathing. She breathes with her entire body and makes wheezing sounds. The specialist I took her to said that as the weather gets warmer, she will have an even harder time with her breathing. He told us she might be fine until April or so, but it would be unlikely that she would make it through the summer heat considering her breathing problems.

That was so sad to hear. She is definitely showing signs of aging, but nothing other than this to indicate she is ready to be put to sleep. We could elect to do surgery for $2,000, but he said this surgery results in pneumonia for a lot of patients and other complications could arise. At 14 going on 15, Greg thinks it is best to let nature take its course. My brain agress, but my heart does not. We are just giving her more loving every day and trying to enjoy every day that we have with her. She has been the sweetest thing and it will be heartbreaking the day we have to say goodbye to her.

Robert and Gloria, if you want us to bring her out to see you, just let us know!