Happy belated birthday Coby

Wow...I didn't even write on Cobys birthday! He turned 5 on February 18th!! I'm so blessed to still have my little guy here with me despite his GME diagnosis at age 1. He's still a happy, healthy boy!!

Happy New Year!!

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. No news is good news! Coby is doing GREAT!!! He now has his own yard to run around in AND 2 kitty sisters! His health is great & he's happy enjoying his very own yard. 

Happy Wednesday

Coby

Pictures

3 years ago....

3 years ago today, Coby was diagnosed with GME. It was one of the worst days of my life! He was given a death sentence, given days to months to live, a year at most. With great determination & strength we fought this disease & beat it! Thanks to Dr. Sisson & Coby's fighting spirit, Coby is in remission & healthier than ever.

Sweet boy

Spring update

I know it's been a long time since I've posted on Coby, so I'll quickly post an update. He is doing amazing & is very healthy! He loves Florida & taking daily 2 mile walks! He loves the sunshine & hanging out at the pool & beach. :-)

GME Fundraising

Here's a direct link for donating for the GME bracelets!!!

http://808multimedia.com/coby/

Raising money for GME research

The bracelets have arrived!!! All the profits from these bracelets (except shipping costs) will be donated to the AKC Canine Health Foundation's research grant for GME.  For more details on this grant, visit the website: http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1731.html

$10 for the first bracelets, $5 for each additional bracelet.

If you'd like to purchase a bracelet, please shoot me an email: jaimeschultz10@gmail.com.  I will email you all the ordering details.

Exciting News

Happy first day of February everyone! I have exciting news to share. I have ordered some silicone bracelets to support GME research. You know, those colored silicone bracelets that people often wear to support causes like breast cancer awareness, etc. These bracelets will be our "Fight GME" bracelets with all proceeds being donated to the GME research grant through the AKC Canine Health Foundation! Once I get the bracelets, I will post pictures & a link for ordering!! Stay tuned! Much love xoxo

Random weekend pics

Happy New Year

Another year has come & gone without any health problems for little Coby! Thank you GOD! He had a great year in Florida. Happy, healthy & ready for another wonderful year ahead in 2013. I've been focused on running the "Fight GME" Facebook page & will continue to make that priority this year. Many people dealing with GME have come together on that page, as well as the Yahoo GME group - please join both, they are both full of information & great support. I'll continue to update throughout the year on Coby!! 

AKC Canine Health Foundation & GME research

To help donate to GME research, please check out the link below to see my Heroes for Health Research page I created. 

http://k9hf.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?pxfid=1180&fr_id=1062&pg=fund

Below is a new research project for finding a cause of MUE/GME through a grant provided by the Canine Health Foundation. I have been in touch with the neurologist heading this project. I told him I wanted to help any way possible with his study! He needs NEWLY diagnosed cases, less than 1 week and an MRI must have been performed. If anyone fits this description, please email me at jaimeschultz10@gmail.com. 

01731: Potential association between altered gut microbiota and development of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE) in dogs

Grant Status: Open

Grant Amount: $31,104

Dr. Nick Jeffery, BVSc, Iowa State University

January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014

Breed(s): Chihuahua, Dachshund, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Poodle, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier

Disease(s): Meningoencephalitis

Abstract

This project is aimed at finding a cause of 'meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology', otherwise known as 'MUE', which is a summary term for diseases such as 'GME'. This group of conditions causes serious neurologic disease in dogs, especially small breeds, including blindness, loss of balance, seizures and paralysis - but the cause is currently unknown. A recent experimental breakthrough has incriminated bacteria in the digestive system as triggers for a similar disease in laboratory mice and rats. The main purpose of this project is to find out whether imbalances in the number or type of digestive system bacteria might also be a cause for MUE in dogs. If it was to be true it would open a whole new avenue of approach to treatment of affected dogs and might also produce information useful for treating neurologic disease in humans. To carry out this investigation we will analyze fecal samples collected from affected dogs for their content of bacteria. We will then compare the numbers and type of bacteria with those we find in fecal samples from unaffected dogs. Because we will be examining many dogs with MUE we will also be able to ask owners other questions about their dogs' recent medications and medical history to determine whether there are other risk factors that might be associated with MUE.

http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1731.html

Happy Holidays

Coby had a holiday costume contest this past weekend as part of the Christmas festivities in downtown Orlando at Lake Eola. Unfortunately, he didn't take 1st place. He took 2nd place, which was disappointing after all the hard work we put into this costume, but we'll do better next time! You know I don't give up & I believe Coby is the cutest dog in the world, so we shall keep fighting! lol  

 

Coby & his Christmas "float"

Coby & mom

Enjoying the beautiful December day 

Coby loves hanging out on the lake

2 years Prednisone Free

It's official, Coby has been prednisone free for TWO years now!!! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Today (& every day during the year), I am so very very thankful for Coby's excellent health! He continues to do very well. He's super energetic, loves to take daily walks & we've recently started running together. He's eating great & weighs almost 9 pounds! He's still as sweet as ever & remains my little miracle angel. I remain truly grateful & thankful for Dr. Sisson & everyone who helped us along Coby's GME journey. Every day spent with Coby is a blessing & every day I am thankful. xoxo 

Coby on Instagram

Happy Halloween

Coby was the Caiman (Alligator) of the Rainforest! He won 1st place in the 13th Annual Winter Park Pet Costume Contest as Most Scariest. lol 

Happy Fall