Whispers Garden. K9

22/08/2024

R.I.P. Spencer ❤️
You will be dearly missed and always hold space in our hearts!
💔💔💔

22/08/2024

R.I.P. our sweet Izzy girl!
Your generous spirit and all the love we shared will always hold space in our hearts and be celebrated til the end of our days.

Izzy’s Goodbye and Final Reflections : Post-Mortem Reveals Cause of Death
It’s been 3.5 weeks since we had to say goodbye, and I’m still struggling to piece together the fragments of my shattered heart and soul. Your kindness and support during this time have meant so much to Hugo, Chris, and me, and I want you all to know how deeply we appreciate it.
I’d like to share what happened, as I’ve tried to do throughout this journey to the best of my ability.
When I sent out Izzy’s early retirement notice on Thursday, July 25th, she was content and happy. She even barked at me—something she rarely did—because I couldn’t stop crying after making it official that we’d be training a new family member to take over for her. I think she knew I needed a little break. We spent the day cuddling and napping together. Her tummy was starting to improve with the new herbs we added, and we only had to go outside twice that night.
The next morning, Friday, we had one of the best walks we’d had in a long time. Izzy was happy, alert, and fully engaged in all sorts of games, with her wobbles at a minimum. I was so hopeful and optimistic…
After social hour that day, we hung out, and she seemed tired, which I assumed was due to the morning walk. Around 3 pm, she got up, came over to me, and started having seizures. These seizures were different from the previous ones, resembling a mix of focal seizures and vestibular disease symptoms—her head tilted, her eyes turned backward, and she experienced rapid eye movements. I called the neurologist and immediately began the cluster protocol, administering seizure medication. Although she briefly came out of the seizures, she would quickly start another. Her ataxia was so severe that she fell over while trying to p*e.
At this point, I had already discussed with the neurology team about bringing her in if it seemed necessary. The four of us got into the car and headed towards CanWest, but during the entire drive, Izzy continued to go in and out of seizures. Not even the nasal administration of medication seemed to have any effect.
Upon arrival, Dr. S. assessed her and was uncertain whether these were seizures or something else entirely. Izzy was admitted to the ICU, and we all thought that perhaps she had flushed out her medication due to her diarrhea. Despite the situation, we remained optimistic. Izzy even had her first solid p**p in two weeks right in front of the hospital before I handed her over to the ICU team.
I called at 10 pm that evening, and they informed me that the episodes continued despite her being on IV medication. When I called again at 5 am, they said the episodes were still ongoing, which is when I realized this was serious. I waited for Chris to wake up at 7:30 am, and by that time, I had packed food for her, assuming she might need to stay in the hospital longer, refusing to give in to the dark feeling that was creeping up inside me.
We were almost at the hospital when Dr. S. called. The news wasn’t good. We spoke for about five minutes, and I asked her to continue the conversation in person. It became clear that, whatever our next steps were in trying to help her brain heal or at least stop the episodes, we would need to add more immunosuppressants—medications that came with side effects Izzy was already suffering from. From the beginning, I had asked Dr. S. to prioritize Izzy’s quality of life above all else. Ensuring the best quality of life for all our pups is, and always will be, my top priority. I couldn’t agree to further treatment when it was clear that we would only be buying time, and that time would come at the expense of Izzy’s well-being.
I knew after that phone call where this would end, so I wasn’t surprised when we were led to a quiet room instead of the usual consulting room. When Dr. S. walked in, our eyes met, and we both knew… We had lost the fight. We discussed how Izzy had been during the night and morning, and it was evident that her body and brain were no longer responding to the medication. I thanked Dr. S.—and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life—for providing the best care we could have ever asked for. She is not only a brilliant neurologist but also a truly remarkable person, and I’m grateful to Izzy for bringing her into our lives.
They had to carry Izzy into the room because she could no longer walk. As soon as she saw us, she went straight into another episode. I moved her into my lap, held her paw, and she began to breathe calmly and sleep—no more episodes, just peaceful breathing in my lap. She was ready, though neither of us was, nor ever will be. You’re never truly ready to say goodbye to your four-legged friend, partner, soulmate, and wingwoman. But it is a true gift to be there for her, to help her feel safe, to comfort her, and to help her take her last breath pain-free and worry-free. For this, I am deeply thankful to Dr. S. and the entire team at Canada West.
I had discussed with Dr. S. my desire to have a necropsy performed to learn more about the condition that took Izzy from us. Science and research are fundamental pillars of my life; I believe in them and have personally benefited from studies, and I will continue to do so. The only way medicine and science can continue to advance, developing better treatments and cures for diseases, is through the knowledge gained from necropsies. Trust me, it was absolutely heartbreaking, but Izzy always loved working, teaching, and guiding others, and this allowed her to continue doing so even in her death.
Today, I received the post-mortem results. Izzy did not suffer from MUO (meningitis of unknown origin); instead, she had a neurodegenerative disease that specifically targeted her cerebellum. Neurodegenerative diseases are conditions where cells of the central nervous system stop functioning or die. These disorders typically worsen over time and have no cure. They can be genetic or caused by factors like tumors or strokes. In Izzy’s case, there was no tumor, and she did not suffer a stroke. While it’s impossible to say with 100% certainty that this was genetically caused, the fact that one of her littermates, Mocha, was euthanized in February 2024 due to similar symptoms suggests a genetic link. Dr. S. is asking for any of Izzy’s relatives who might show neurological symptoms—such as dragging of the paws, seizures, or ataxia—to come and see her. She has the complete medical histories of both Izzy and Mocha. I have passed this information on to the breeders.
What stands out in Izzy’s case is the rapid progression of the disease, which is uncommon for neurodegenerative conditions. Looking back, there was nothing we could have done differently or better. Does this help? I hope it brings some comfort to Dr. S., knowing she did everything right, and I believe Izzy’s case study will contribute to finding answers and hopefully lead to better outcomes for future dogs suffering from this unnamed neurodegenerative disease.
As for me, does it help? Maybe just a tiny bit, but it won't bring her back, and it won't heal my heart.
The pure, unconditional love and special bond we share with our four-legged friends bring us our best days and our hardest days. Yet, this love is everlasting. Izzy will live forever in my heart, and I know there won’t be a single day when I don’t feel her presence.
Even knowing the outcome, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to do it all over again because every single moment I shared with Izzy is worth this excruciating pain. We are incredibly fortunate to have experienced such profound bonds and the intense love that accompanies them. I am eternally grateful that Izzy chose me to be her mom, and I will miss her with every breath I take for the rest of my life.
She taught me so much! She helped so many dogs through our work together. She was the best little big sister Hugo could have ever wished for. Her love for him and her support during his health struggles will forever leave me in awe. My tiny, little wobbly roadrunner, who would come find me no matter how deeply asleep she seemed when I got up—she was always there. When she wasn’t working with me, she would supervise from the bedroom upstairs, sitting on the bed looking down into the yard, or sitting in the living room at the window, eagerly waiting for me to come and get her to help.
Her pure joy during our walks was unmatched. She loved life and didn’t waste a single second. She happily snored under my desk while I studied or did admin work, always ready to go as soon as I was. She never wanted to miss a moment with me. Oh, girl, how am I supposed to do this without you? But I won’t ever really be without you, because you are and always will be a part of me. I love you with all my heart and soul.
I’m sorry it took me this long to write this post, but I wanted to wait for the report so I could let you know what it was that took her from us.
Love, B

27/06/2024

19/06/2024

😍😍😍

09/06/2024

R.I.P. sweet little Miss Daisy! You will be dearly missed & remembered , especially by
Big Harley!

08/06/2024

Calling on all dog lovers to hold love & prayers of healing and a sp*edy recovery in your hearts for our very special little friend Izzy girl & her little brother/best friend Hugo!

Hello BDT Community,

I wanted to share an update about my 4-year-old Border Collie, Izzy.

As many of you know 2024 has been quite challenging so far with Hugo, our Boston Terrier, undergoing spinal surgery for tethered cord syndrome on February 8th and he is now almost back to normal.

Unfortunately, we are now facing another serious medical problem with Izzy. She began showing ataxia in her hind limbs on Tuesday evening when getting up from the bed. Ataxia in dogs is a neurological condition characterized by a lack of coordination and balance, leading to unsteady or wobbly movements. It can result from various causes, including inner ear problems, brain or spinal cord issues, and genetic disorders.

The condition worsened overnight, and by Wednesday morning, Izzy struggled to position herself in her dog bed and could not manage to get up the stairs. We brought her to the Canada West Veterinary Specialist Emergency Department, where they initially suspected THC toxicity. The team was amazing, and we felt well taken care of. With THC toxicity, you typically see improvement within 24-48 hours.

By Thursday morning, her condition had deteriorated significantly. By 9 am, she could barely manage half a flight of stairs, with ataxia affecting all four limbs. By 10 am, the ataxia had spread to her forelimbs, so I recorded a video to send to the emergency department. At this point, she couldn't walk more than a couple of steps without needing to lie down.

We arrived at Canada West for a neurology consult at noon, and by 1:30 pm, even her head was wobbly while she was lying down.

The neurology team, who knows us well from Hugo’s journey, performed an MRI and CSF tap. A CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) tap in dogs is a diagnostic procedure where a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the spinal canal using a needle. This fluid is then analyzed to help diagnose neurological conditions, infections, or inflammatory diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord. The MRI showed that her cerebellum is inflamed. The cerebellum in dogs is a part of the brain located at the back of the skull, responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and posture.

Her blood work was normal. Currently, the top two differentials are Neosporosis or autoimmune MUE. Neosporosis in dogs is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum. It primarily affects the nervous system and muscles, leading to symptoms such as muscle stiffness, paralysis, and neurological deficits, and can be particularly severe in puppies and young dogs. Autoimmune meningoencephalitis (MUE) in dogs is a group of inflammatory diseases where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and its surrounding membranes (meningitis). Symptoms of MUE can include seizures, tremors, incoordination, behavioral changes, and other neurological deficits, often requiring immunosuppressive treatments for management.

The challenge is that these conditions require completely different treatments—one needs antibiotics and the other immunosuppressants. We started treatment with antibiotics and a low dose of prednisone on Thursday evening while waiting for lab results.

Izzy needs to be monitored closely, and if she worsens, we need to go back right away and may have to risk suppressing her immune system. Blood tests, cultures, and CSF have all been sent for testing, but some results can take up to three weeks. While it's not tethered cord syndrome, it's another rare and distressing diagnosis.

Dr. Samarani, the neurologist, says we caught it early, which increases Izzy’s chances for survival and full recovery, but it’s the brain, and the progression has been terrifyingly fast.

Friday morning, Izzy was not worse. She seemed a tiny bit better, with much less ataxia during her first p*e at 4:30 am. After giving her the meds with breakfast at 5:30 am, the ataxia returned slightly but was not as bad as Thursday. By 12 pm, she was only a tiny bit wobbly and could sleep a lot. By 3 pm, she was okay, still had the “deer in the headlights” look, but the ataxia was minimal. In the evening, it got a little worse but nothing like Thursday.

We hope to get some test results soon. The CSF came back clear, showing how early we caught the inflammation, which is good.

Now it is Saturday morning, and she is moving a bit better again. The medications have stopped the progression, and she is calm and resting. Over the last 24 hours, I noticed that any sensory stimulation, like sitting outside in the shade sniffing the air, makes the ataxia worse again. It shows how fragile she is at this stage.

So now you know. My focus will be on Izzy, with Hugo’s and Chris’s help. We will follow all directions from the remarkable team at Canada West Neurology.

We are beyond grateful for the medical team we have. Canada West Veterinary Specialists are, without a doubt, the best. The level of care, knowledge, compassion, and expertise is unmatched. Even though this is scary, nerve-wracking, and heartbreaking, I don’t know what I would do without them. If we had not been able to get the MRI and meds on board this quickly, Izzy’s chances would have diminished by the hour.

I share this in the hopes that other dogs can get diagnosed early, as some of you might remember this post.

THANK YOU to the dear Canada West team, or am I allowed to call you family at this point since we have seen a lot of you in 2024? To all of you who have been sending messages and emails and texts, THANK YOU for your support! It means the world to all four of us! Hug your pups and tell them you love them! You never know what will happen. Don’t ever take it for granted to be able to spend time with them.

Love, Bianca

11/01/2024

06/01/2024

Decade Of Dedication: Celebrating 10 Tail-Wagging Years At Bianca's Dog Training And Behaviour Consulting!

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Cherished Clients,

As I stand amidst the joyful celebration of our 10th anniversary, my heart swells with gratitude. Bianca's Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting, once Bianca's Dog Care, has blossomed over the past decade, thanks to each and every one of you who has journeyed alongside me.

From the early days to the vibrant now, my mission has steadfastly been to enrich the lives of dogs and their human partners through empathy, communication, and respect. Your unwavering trust and support have fueled my growth, deepened my expertise, and most importantly, enabled me to bring joy and harmony to countless dogs and their loving families.

Reflecting on this milestone, I'm reminded of the memories, the hurdles leaped, and the triumphs we've celebrated together. Your stories, your furry friends, and your dedication to strengthening the human-canine bond have ignited my passion and perseverance every single day. And what days they've been! Each of the 3,650 has brought its own lesson, laughter, tears and love, with every pup (yes, Stanley, Miles, Luna, Izzy, and Hugo included!) teaching me something new. The journey of learning and growing never ends.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible family and friends who have supported me unwaveringly throughout my journey. Your presence and understanding have been invaluable to me, especially during the ups and downs, the late-night studying, and the countless hours spent responding to messages and troubleshooting with clients. I am eternally grateful for your patience and for putting up with my crazy schedule. A special thanks goes out to Chris , Hugo, Izzy, Stanley, Luna and Miles, who are ( and have been) putting up with me daily. They have not only accepted but embraced the fact that I am often pulled in many different directions. You have been my rock, my safe haven, and the ones who always have my back. Thank you for being there for me every step of the way.

As I gaze into the future, I am excited to see what comes next. I vow to continue delivering the exemplary service, cutting-edge training methods, and the warm, personalized care you've come to expect. Whether you've been part of this family since the beginning or have just joined us, know that your place in our story is treasured and crucial.

So, here's to the next decade of discovery, growth, and our shared adoration for our four-legged friends. Your involvement in Bianca's Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting means the world to me, and I can't wait to venture further with you by my side.

But wait, there's more! To keep growing, I must keep challenging myself, stepping out of my comfort zone to bring you new, exciting ventures. Hold onto your leashes because, by February/March 2024, I'll be launching my very first webinar! Hugo and Izzy are already wagging their tails in anticipation. Keep your eyes p*eled and your ears perked for these upcoming webinars. I am thrilled to embark on this new adventure with you all!

Love, Bianca

24/12/2023

❤

🎄🎁🐾Zeus,Disco, and myself wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year🎄🎁🐾

15/12/2023

My pups favorite day of the week!

13/12/2023

Andy & Cloe

30/08/2023

Park day!

25/08/2023

03/05/2023

Another great adventure for my pups!

30/03/2023

​CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA,
Fear Free Certified
AnimalKind by BC SPCA)
​​Family Dog Mediator ​L.E.G.S.®

29/03/2023

Shall we dance!

19/02/2023

Apallo! ❤

18/02/2023

The effects of neutering a dog too early changed the recommendation of when to neuter.

14/02/2023

My fur babies love their walk with Lisa every week!