I know that I am ever so grateful every time I walk on the field with my dogs. Working at a vet clinic, I am made all to aware of the various ailments that can come up and shorten a carrier – and sometimes shorten a life.
One of PSA’s great supporters and promoters has had an ordeal to overcome with her dog. Laurel Stone was shocked when her German Shepherd, Ari, was diagnosed with Addison’s disease.
Laurel pursued the very best diagnostics and later treatment. Today, Ari is a happy boy with many years left in his bones. However, travel and competition are big stresses for even the most vital dog. Laurel recognized this and although she loves to step on the field with Ari, she choose to do what is best for his in the long run.
Ari competed for his last time this past Saturday. Personally, I think he had a blast- being just barely in control. He loved the bite work. And Laurel allowed him to retire on a VERY good note.
Thank you Laurel, for allowing me to be a part of Ari’s career and his retirement!
Christie
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• Re: Laurel & Ari Posted by laurel Stone on 7/10/2007, 10:44 pm, in reply to "Laurel & Ari"
Christie - Thanks for your kind words! PSA changed my life and it was a fine thread that exposed me to it. (Thanks Paula)
Ari is a great dog and seemed
perfect for PSA. He was my first dog I worked in the protection sports, was very forgiving to my mistakes and always wanted to work. When he started having trouble getting up in the morning last January, the first diagnosis was Lumbar Stenosis, then mid January he was diagnosed with Anaplasmosis, a tick related disease. Then a few weeks later he was not eating well and one morning I woke up and he was in a coma. After I rushed him to the vet where he was given a 50/50 chance, I learned more than I ever wanted to about an Addisionian Crisis. He slowly came out of it and several days later came home for the weekend. The next week, no eating again and blood tests revealed that his liver numbers were 10x normal. More IVs. He now has to get a monthly Percortin shot and low doses of Prednisone to keep him going. Since then he stiffened up – Anaplasmosis again so once more being treated for that. In addition, he is borderline Pancreatic Insufficient and gets enzymes on his food and has some developed Spondylosis. Last year, Ari was 7 years old and in great shape. This year it seems like he’s 11. Training since December has obviously been sporadic and having the opportunity to trial him one more time was wonderful. And, in his defense, after I looked at the video of the bite during obedience I realized it looked like a Schutzhund escape bite to Ari so he thought he was doing what he had been trained for before PSA!! Kevin – Thank you for encouraging me today to write a bit to the list regarding Ari’s challenges. You’re right; it may just help people who run into health issues with their dogs. I can’t wait to see the photos you took.
Laurel Stone
Ari (Arsenal vom Keashaborn) CGC, Therapy Dog, BH, TR1, RN, PDC, TC, PSA 1
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• Re: Laurel & Ari Posted by Melinda Bilecki on 7/11/2007, 12:30 am, in reply to "Re: Laurel & Ari"
Ari is wonderful, and so are you, Laurel. I'm so glad to have gotten to know you and to have seen Ari work this weekend. Good luck to both of you and to the new member of your family as well!
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• Re: Laurel & Ari
Posted by RSMichelle on 7/11/2007, 11:35 am, in reply to "Re: Laurel & Ari"
Laurel,
Kudos to you and Ari! Best wishes for a comfortable retirement for Ari.
I love the photos that were posted of you both.
Respectfully Michelle, Ax & Enya
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[ Chicagoland Working Dogs ]
• Laurel, Say it ain't so! Posted by Kevin Walsh on 7/11/2007, 7:26 am
Ok, Ok we all need to retire some time .
I hope you all saw Laurel's post below about Ari. Here is an excerpt from a note I dropped her the other day, which describes my impressions of this nice dog:
Yes, I knew about some of your struggles with Ari's health. It's a testament to how much you love him that you have done such a good job in so many ways. I know that at some point physical constraints have to limit training. All the same I have been impressed with him both times I have seen him work this year. Especially at this point in his career. He was having a blast. Having fun, but really working too...Keep enjoying every day with Ari!!
Please enjoy these shots of their last trial together before a well deserved rest. As you can see, this dog can work (numbers 65 through 105 are of this trial.
PSA2 (tournament style so that placings occur even if no one achieved a leg)-
1st – Greg Williams w/ Jue
2nd – Laurel Stone w/Ari
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