Celiac Cost Me Everything

[YoloGx]

I am so happy for you!

My friend Joan picked up a poor dog nearly dead and without hair years ago and that little dog became the joy of her life and the neighborhood. It is amazing what a little TLC can do. There is something special about a dog in need and her or his new owner.

No doubt the gluten free dog food will do wonders. I like the grain free kind the best. Perhaps some cod liver oil too and gluten-free B vitamins? Many like brewer's yeast, however I don't know how gluten-free that is...

If she has mange, I found using borax with apple cider vinegar and castille soap is the best (as well as safest) remedy there is. Also excellent against fleas and mites--even chiggers.

I am certain that Maggie will be your devoted, loving dog for all her lovely, sweet life.

Bea

[DottieB59]

Oh this is wonderful! As a pet portrait artist--these are the stories I Love to hear!!!! Congratulations to both of you. I don't know which of you is the luckiest!

[fierce bunny]

Hi,

First time to post. Just realized for sure what is happening to me and appreciate the forum. So very sorry for your loss. Been through it with pets and kids. I focus on people who enjoy my company.

[Marz]

Glad you found a new friend May she give you many years of joy and love!

[Skylark]

Ravenwood, I just got on the board and saw this. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, especially since Pooh was such a steadfast companion.

I'm VERY glad to hear that you've found another furry friend (or she found you) and things are looking up.

[ravenwoodglass]

We got through the first night. She will be tethered to me until the older cats get used to a new face in the family. She needs a crate for her safety right now if I am not home and to get her used to it for traveling. Still plan on visiting the kids but she will be 'surprise' who goes with me. She may already be crate trained but if not we can put up with the 'whines' until she is.

She is a pillow chewer, and here I thought it was my shoes that would be in danger, but some redirection and lot of soft toys will help with that. I will post a picture soon. Well off to give breakfast, a morning walk and to go and make her 'legal'.

[sa1937]

What a heart warming story, Raven! She was meant to be yours. You have a lot of love to give and I bet she does, too. I also have a Maggie...a 10-year old golden retriever/yellow lab mix that I got when she was 8 weeks old. I can't bear to think of the time I will lose her.

My Maggie hated her crate right away, too. When she was little, I used to throw her toys into the far end of the crate when we went to bed at night. If she wanted anything to play with when she got up, she had to go into that "dreadful crate" to get them. I left the door open and soon I found her going into her crate for no reason whatsoever. Now when I leave, she gets so excited when I ask her if she wants to go into her crate. It's her little den and she loves it. I know when I leave, she is safe and so is my house. Right now she is in her favorite place...right at my feet.

Best wishes to both of you...and yes, we need a picture of her.

[lucia]

Ravenwoodglass, my heart broke a little when I read your first post (I hadn't seen it before). As hard as it was to read, I'm still glad you posted - for my own selfish reasons. We're usually so focused here on the future which is great since the optimism here is affirming and contagious. But, like you, sickness has taken a lot from me - fibromyalgia in my young adulthood and now this autoimmune condition that I call gluten intolerance which led to a total breakdown of health 1 and 1/2 years ago from which I am still recovering. I have my moments of despair too when I contemplate all my losses, so to see that from someone else makes me feel less alone.

When I read through the rest of your posts on the thread and saw how in your grief you were still able to reach out to another suffering creature, I was amazed and inspired by your courage. Yet, I've seen that here so many times in your posts, and also been the recipient of your gentle care. That sweet creature is very lucky to have you in her life. We all are here too.

[IrishHeart]

Raven,

I was thinking about how perhaps Pooh has directed you to Maggie? Not sure if that sounds crazy or not, but I was thinking this morning...my 10 year old calico Maeve took ill suddenly last August when I, myself, was quite ill and in horrific pain (did not know it was celiac yet) and we had to put her to sleep. I was in gluten stupor and agitated out of my mind, barely sleeping every night. I grieved so hard for that little rescued cat we had adopted from the shelter 10 years before, right after 9-11.

The next day, a cat showed up under our bushes---sitting in the same spot Maeve used to sit!!---and she was in rough shape. Mangy coat covered in burrs, ticks all over her, cuts on her face and paws, obviously hungry (as she was catching and eating anything she could find) and looking pretty emaciated. We caught her licking the ash on the BBQ grill pan one day!!--poor baby.

I was not ready for another pet. No way! I was still mourning Maeve, violently ill and anxiety- ridden and burning from nerve pain and muscle weakness. I was crying every day from the pain I was in... But something kept me thinking--perhaps I am supposed to care for this kitten?? We had some food left, so I started feeding her and leaving her water. She hung around all day but disappeared at night. We would hear her crying outisde our windows in the morning.

After some detective work, we found out she was a neighbor's cat, but she was not taking care of her. (we thought she was a kitten--but, no she was almost 2 years old!) No wonder she preferred our house--she was hungry anhd needed lovins!!

One day, as she cried and cried outside in the pouring rain and mud, I could take it no more. We brought her in, cleaned her up, nursed her many cuts, removed the ticks and put a flea collar on her and fed her. She had been vomitting and after she stopped, she ate and slept solidly---snuggled in one of our laps--- for 2 days. No one came looking for her. She perked up and seemed better.

In the coming weeks, she was here more than she went home. My husband was already attached to her and very upset at the way she was treated by her owner and I admit, I had been thinking of keeping her --the hell with the neighbor!---and naming her Stella or Bella...Long story short, the neighbor finally gave her to us after we offered her money for her. Imagine my surprise when the neighbor revealed her name was ...Bella.

Just meant to be, I guess.

Bella has been "ours" since last December-- and as I slowly recover from the devastation celiac brought to my body, she has been my companion. She gained some weight, her fur is beautiful and thick and she lives happily on GRAIN FREE food

Bella saved ME. She was the extra push I needed to keep searching for answers to my health puzzle when I was so low....I had been looking for an answer for nearly 3 years when she came into my life and I was at the end of my rope....I guess I just believe in the restorative powers of loving care. Animals give unconditional love and even when friends and family have not been as attentive or considerate, my pets have always been a source of love and companionship--and PEACE.

Enjoy Maggie, dear Raven--I am very happy for you BOTH!! Cheers, Irish

[Bubba's Mom]

It sounds like your new companion is the perfect fit? You both will help each other.

I've read that a lot of Celiacs are attracted to each other, even before knowing they are Celiacs. Maybe that's one of the things that brought you two together?

Shortly after we lost our beloved Basset Hound my husband and I went to a shopping mall. They had an "adopt a pet" event going on. I wasn't ready for a new pet, but we decided to just have a look. We saw a Blood Hound puppy(about 5-6mos old) in a cage. Most of his fur was gone, one eye was swollen shut, and he had pustules on his face, neck, and back. (sounds cute huh? ) He had been left in a box outside of the Humane Society. They treated him for the worst case of mange they had seen, but his hair hadn't grown back yet. He just looked pitiful. We fell in love with him!

We adopted him and found he has numerous allergies, which contributed to his hair loss and itching issues.

It took a lot of soothing baths, a grain free diet, and lots of love, but he's gorgeous now. His coat is just beautiful and he's a real sweetie pie. He helped me through my grief and I helped him get healthy.

He's terrified of going into our basement..and won't go down those stairs for any reason. He just stands at the top of the stairs if I go down, shaking like mad. He gallops up and and down the stairs to our second floor though. I sure would like to know what happened to him as a puppy.

You may never know your new friend's full story, but be assured she is lucky to have you in her life! Have fun getting to know each other.

[kathleenp]

I'm so sorry you lost your best friend. I know what it's like to lose a pet that means so much to you. You are an awesome influence on this board. So glad you found a new friend!

[notme]

raven:

lookit the love for you in this 'tribe' ((((hugs)))) from me, too - and so much appreciation for the HUGE help you have been to so many of us on our crazy journey. i am not much of an animal person. that being said (also very allergic) my daughter left for college last week and 'dumped' her cat here with the agreement that he would live outside. well, he got beat up EVERY NIGHT because he is a wimpy housecat. so i let him in. we have had dogs but i can't stand cats. guess who the stupid thing follows everywhere??? yeah, i took him to get fixed, shots, etc. sleeps on my t-shirt. only comes if *I* call him... got him a brush, i am teaching him tricks. argh.. he's just so damb cute....

i told her when she gets her degree she is TAKING HIM BACK. LOLOL that's when she told me that her ultimate plan includes getting her doctorate. i'm screwed. (look at him chase that laser pointer - tee hee hee hee ! )

much love,

arlene xxoo

ps - my mom's dog was named 'maggie' i used to tell her there's some poor little girl called 'spot' because the dog stole a *people* name hahahaha

[IrishHeart]

raven:

lookit the love for you in this 'tribe' ((((hugs)))) from me, too - and so much appreciation for the HUGE help you have been to so many of us on our crazy journey. i am not much of an animal person. that being said (also very allergic) my daughter left for college last week and 'dumped' her cat here with the agreement that he would live outside. well, he got beat up EVERY NIGHT because he is a wimpy housecat. so i let him in. we have had dogs but i can't stand cats. guess who the stupid thing follows everywhere??? yeah, i took him to get fixed, shots, etc. sleeps on my t-shirt. only comes if *I* call him... got him a brush, i am teaching him tricks. argh.. he's just so damb cute....

i told her when she gets her degree she is TAKING HIM BACK. LOLOL that's when she told me that her ultimate plan includes getting her doctorate. i'm screwed. (look at him chase that laser pointer - tee hee hee hee ! )

much love,

arlene xxoo

ps - my mom's dog was named 'maggie' i used to tell her there's some poor little girl called 'spot' because the dog stole a *people* name hahahaha

Oh, Arlene,

Thank you for the laugh!...hon, as Shakespeare wrote "methinks the lady doth protest too much" ---I fear you're hooked now....you may SAY you "can't stand" cats, but you sure sound like this little guy has softened your heart!! tee hee

Enjoy him!!

Cheers, Irish

[ravenwoodglass]

i told her when she gets her degree she is TAKING HIM BACK. LOLOL

I bet by Christmas she won't able to pry that cat from your arms... "Here she comes, quick go hide the cat!!!!..."Uh he ran away and don't go into the back bedroom with the four locks on the door oh and that meowing sound is a recording we got to make the mice think we have a cat. Ignore it"

Maggie is settling in well. She hasn't had a single accident in the house and was already crate trained. She is bonding okay with the young cat and my 26 lb kitty will now walk up to her if he can see I am holding her harness. The oldest kitty is still just being very cautious.

Maggie must have had a rough life even from the beginning as she comforts herself by 'nursing' on pillows. Thus she now has lots of soft toys and this morning I didn't wake up to a very soggy pillowcase with numerous holes. I did however wake up to her licking my feet under the covers. She is quite the burrower.

I am weaning her off the grain food and I got 3 different kinds of grainless samples at the health food store today. The first, chicken and rice was not much of a hit. She ate around it. We shall try the beef tommorrow.

Life works in mysterious ways sometimes. My heart is mending although there will always be a piece of it missing. I can't thank you all enough for your kind words and support.

[Jenniferxgfx]

I'm so sorry For your loss!! It's so sad to lose a family member. *hugs*

I'm sorry you don't have support from your family, too, especially when you could use it most.

Your posts and comments have been such a huge help to me, emotionally AND physically. Thank you for being here.

[Jenniferxgfx]

A 26lb cat? That is awesome

[ravenwoodglass]

A 26lb cat? That is awesome

He is built like a barrel. You should see him trying to clean his tail. It just can't be done but it is great fun to watch him try. Funny thing is he eats less than either of the other kitties.

[ravenwoodglass]

Raven,

I was thinking about how perhaps Pooh has directed you to Maggie?

Well we all know what you get if you turn the word dog around. If a door closes a window opens as they say.

[cyberprof]

I bet by Christmas she won't able to pry that cat from your arms... "Here she comes, quick go hide the cat!!!!..."Uh he ran away and don't go into the back bedroom with the four locks on the door oh and that meowing sound is a recording we got to make the mice think we have a cat. Ignore it"

Maggie is settling in well. She hasn't had a single accident in the house and was already crate trained. She is bonding okay with the young cat and my 26 lb kitty will now walk up to her if he can see I am holding her harness. The oldest kitty is still just being very cautious.

Maggie must have had a rough life even from the beginning as she comforts herself by 'nursing' on pillows. Thus she now has lots of soft toys and this morning I didn't wake up to a very soggy pillowcase with numerous holes. I did however wake up to her licking my feet under the covers. She is quite the burrower.

I am weaning her off the grain food and I got 3 different kinds of grainless samples at the health food store today. The first, chicken and rice was not much of a hit. She ate around it. We shall try the beef tommorrow.

Life works in mysterious ways sometimes. My heart is mending although there will always be a piece of it missing. I can't thank you all enough for your kind words and support.

Try Evo - my dogs love it and it is grain free.

[bartfull]

Raven, I am so happy for you and your new pal! Every ending is a new beginning, and thank God our hearts have an endless capacity for love. I know God answers prayer too, because I, and so many others here have been praying for you.

Now, I want you to know that on top of all the help and advice and encouragement you have given all of us here, you have just put a HUGE smile on my face with your good news! May He continue to bless you both!!

[domesticactivist]

I'm really late coming to this thread but just wanted to add my well-wishes. <3

[mushroom]

raven:

lookit the love for you in this 'tribe' ((((hugs)))) from me, too - and so much appreciation for the HUGE help you have been to so many of us on our crazy journey. i am not much of an animal person. that being said (also very allergic) my daughter left for college last week and 'dumped' her cat here with the agreement that he would live outside. well, he got beat up EVERY NIGHT because he is a wimpy housecat. so i let him in. we have had dogs but i can't stand cats. guess who the stupid thing follows everywhere??? yeah, i took him to get fixed, shots, etc. sleeps on my t-shirt. only comes if *I* call him... got him a brush, i am teaching him tricks. argh.. he's just so damb cute....

i told her when she gets her degree she is TAKING HIM BACK. LOLOL that's when she told me that her ultimate plan includes getting her doctorate. i'm screwed. (look at him chase that laser pointer - tee hee hee hee ! )

Nah, you're not screwed, you're hooked!!

[IrishHeart]

Well we all know what you get if you turn the word dog around. If a door closes a window opens as they say.

I hear you, sweetie and agree totally!

My Gracie was my baby. I still miss her being underfoot. Still look for her sometimes....it's been over 7 years! She was "up my butt" even though she had almost 7 acres she could have run around on. A real lover---everyone loved my Gracie Girl. A 75 lb. doofus of a black lab who thought she was a Lap dog....I got custody of her in my divorce--- there was NO question she was MINE! and my new hubby loved her so much!! His cat? Not so much

When I was cooking, she would lay there and watch every move and wait......

You are doing the best thing you could have done to heal your heart...opening your home and your arms to a new companion. Best wishes to Raven and Maggie!!!!

Irish

[txplowgirl]

Oh Raven, I haven't been on here in a few days. I just seen your post. My sincerest sympathies for your loss and i'm happy to hear about the new addition. I have 2 cats myself, One is almost 20lbs. He's big, fat and lovable too. I've had the both of them for 7 years now, Zetters and Tom. I'll have to post a pic of them sometime whenever i can ever remember.

I can remember when I first posted on here over 2 years ago, you were one of the first to respond to me and give me hope. Whenever I tell anyone about Celiac.com you are the one person I tell them to look up because you have been through the "Wars".

You have and always will be an inspiration for me. Take care and enjoy your new friend.

Txplowgirl

[cap6]

I am so sorry you lost your little friend. A pet is a member of the family. I lost my little cavalier in Feb and still grieve for her. My heart hurts for you and my thoughts are with you.