Picture of Byron Swimming

[NKlein]

Hello, all,

I only post on Newf.net sporadically, but this site was instrumental in helping me through the puppy years when we brought Byron home 7 years ago!

Last fall Byron was diagnosed with GME, an auto-immune disorder that attacked his spinal cord. He suddenly became paralyzed in his rear legs and has not recovered (nor will recover) any ability to walk. It's been 10 months since Byron last used his rear legs.

We decided to fight for as long as we could, and for as long as Byron wanted to. Byron was on prednisone for about 8 months, did two rounds of chemo per month and was on other drugs. Eventually we had to take him off of all meds, as they were doing more damage to him than the GME.

While Byron's GME is still progressing it is VERY SLOW and Byron is doing well! He's a very happy boy with light in his eyes, his appetite is great and he enjoys using his whelels We do hydrotherapy with him every week and he enjoys that. This past weekend, we decided to take him to the beach and he swam aorund like a champ. I just wanted to post a pic!

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Glad to see Byron doing pretty well. When I saw the name on the post, I was wondering if you got a new pup, or I missed something on the progression till I read the text.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

I would love to see more of him! He sure looks like he loved it!

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

I think of Byron often (your GME and "When you can't agree" threads were so touching) and cannot tell you how pleased I am to hear an update on him and see a picture of him swimming, living his life and enjoying it. You and your husband have to be among the most dedicated, loving, selfless dog owners in the world. You all are always in my thoughts :hugs: What a joy to see!

 

[dumainedogs]

I'm trying to imagine how you cope with a paralyzed newf. Betty my corgi's been down for quite awhile. But, she weighs 25lbs.. and even then it is a lot of work. I am so impressed by your ability to find a way to make this work and keep him going is laudable and miraculous. Big hugs to Byron.. Thanks for the update and picture. I'm sure swimming makes him a very happy Newf!

 

[Tricia2]

You go BYRON! Glad to hear he's adjusting to his different abilities and enjoying a refreshing swim. I was at Stoddard's Neck a few weeks ago and I thought about you guys. Give him a big hug from his neighbors down the coast a bit. Looks like he took his dip in the bay side of Duxbury beach, I spy Powder Point Bridge in the background!

 

[rayt]

Go, Byron! We had a frenchie that was semi-paralyzed (no use of her hind-end) for over 7 years. She happily lived until she was 12.5. Simone loved her wheels, but she was not a great swimmer - I think her head weighed her down.

 

[Annetteb]

I think about Byron and how he is doing so thanks so much for the update!! He looks like he is having fun in his element.

Glad he is enjoying life and has your love and diligence, you are very special dog parents...

 

[mulenag]

*happy tears* This is so wonderful to see and read! I am so happy you are still getting quality time with your boy!! You and Byron are never far from my thoughts.

 

[twright1231]

Thanks for posting about his progress. So glad he is adjusting and happy.

 

[RiverTheNewf]

This is really very special. Thanks for sharing.

 

[2Paws]

Ah....bless his heart and bless yours too. This is wonderful to see. I'm glad he's enjoying life and you are enjoying him.

 

[hsemko]

I am so happy to see Byron enjoying himself. Big (((HUGS)))

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

Nicole, it's so good to see Byron enjoying a swim. ((HUGS))

 

[Pregreen]

Thank you so much for posting an update. I think of Byron often and I'm thrilled to see him doing so well.

 

[Ocean's Edge]

That is so wonderful
*big hugs* to Byron

 

[Carole Macomber]

What a story! I thought I was having a bad day...but now I am so inspired. Thank-you for sharing

 

[takemebacktotulsa]

Getting the diagnosis must have been heartwrenching. But it's incredibly inspiring to hear that he's happy and doing so well. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work!

 

[NKlein]

You are all so amazing--I didn't even think you'd remember Byron, but the outpouring of support brings a tear to my eye!!

Christie, honestly caring for Byron was harder in the beginning, both physically and emotionally. I had to modify my work schedule to care for him, which was a challenge. But using his "Help 'em up" harness, I can get him in and out of the house without my husband's help. Emotionally I was constantly questioning if his quality of life was suffering too much. Now that we've had time to adjust, it's much, much easier for ALL of us, including Byron. The only thing that might be a small bump in the road for us is that I'm pregnant and due early next year, but we know we can work through that!

Tricia, good eyes!! What's funny is the bay side of Duxbury beach is where Byron swam for the first time when he was a small pup, so it's a special place for us. And I'm sorry to have missed you at Stoddard's! I just met another newf owner (who is a coworker) for a doggy playdate a few weeks ago. I'm there fairly often with Bo--it's a great summer park since Bo can swim as much as he wants on those hot days. I hope to see you there soon!

Becky, I think about you a ton. I hope you are doing well and thanks so much for your thoughts. You've truly been so helpful to me through all of this.

Again, thanks to ALL of you and I promise to post more pics. I have some from hydrotherapy and some others of him in his wheels on my laptop at home. He's doing great in hydrotherapy--he's up to 25 minutes per session, an all-time high! It doesn't really help with his back legs, but keeps his front legs nice and strong. Plus he loves it, which is the main reason we do it

 

[Erika]

Byron melts my heart