My 15 yo Jack is not doing well. She got an infection that she is having trouble fighting. Three weeks ago you would have guessed that she was 5-6 years old. She was in very excellent health. This is my most precious Valentine's gift from my husband 15 years ago.

I have always joked that I will need my allotted three days family funeral leave when something happens to Corky. I am not ready!! please send good thoughts her way. She is seeing the vet Thursday afternoon again.

Thank you.

Prayers for your Corky Okie!

I'm sending furry thoughts your way Okie.

Prayers coming immediately. I know what it's like to have an ailing older dog. Please keep us posted on Corky's progress.

Big kisses from my pups to yours!

More prayers for Corky.

Ms. Corky's blood work came back okay, so this hasn't made her kidneys any worse. Tomorrow the doctor is going to take a culture of an infected spot for analysis. She's been through a round of antibiotics and then a 14 day antibiotic shot. But little infection spots are popping up and erupting all over her little body. She's at least 1/3 bald right now (Cor was a long haired Jack before they started shaving all over her.).

Hopefully they will identify the problem and find the antibiotice that will kick this infection in the patootie.

Could it possibly be her thyroid? Our collie had hair loss and scabbing as a symptom of hers. Our basenji just got lethargic and very fat.

Tyroid? No kidding? I'll have to ask about that. I called to see if I could take her home for the night and bring back in the morning but they said no.

Okie - how's Corky doing?

We are waiting the the test results from a biopsy and skin culture. Doc said he wouldn't be surprised if this came back showing that Corky has an autoimmune disease where her body is now rejecting her skin as a foreign object. He has no clue why this would happen at 15. She is totally shaved like one of those hairless dogs. She is covered with sores from nose to tail. Doc says if he correctly diagnosed that it should respond well to periodic cortisone shots.

Friday it was so bad that I really thought that maybe I was supposed to let her go, which would have been so hard, since right before this she was still so very active. I know she is 15 but I swear now she is no way near ready to go. My girl is a feisty and sassy one.

We did finally got her to eat Saturday nite after 4 days of no food. Go figure - grilled pork chops. She now has to eat whatever "dad" is eaing. My hubby shares his meals with her. Baked chicken last night. Cooked hot dog for breakfast this morning.

Okie - I feel your pain and pray that you will be able to help her - and I totally understand about wondering if 'it's time'. We're there right now with the greyhound - and so soon after losing our old sheltie.

Please keep us informed on Corky's progress. There are so many animal lovers on this site - and they are very supportive. I'm praying that your Corky has many happy years ahead of her.

Thank you and right back atcha! I've been feeling your pain for a while, with your babies.

Prayers for all of your beloved animals.

Still waiting for the test results but Ms. Corky is doing so very much better. She is eating and sleeping comfortably at night. She moves so much better and no more pitiful head hanging. Almost back to pre-sick condition (if you diregard the fact that she is now hairless with scabs - sorry for that picture).

Thanks everyone for the support. I know she's 15 and won't have her forever but I knew that this wasn't her time and we needed to fight for her. I was right. Momma's doing the happy dance.

Yay Ms. Corky! I'm so glad she's improving. It's a great feeling when our old guys are feeling good.

Okie, so happy for you and Ms.Corky! We have a 16 yr old pup we can't bear the thought of losing either. You're a good momma for fighting for her.

YAY! So happy to hear the good news. I hope she continues to feel better.

^^Vet in Training. Vet has now ruled out autoimmune and did new blood work today to check thyroid. Will know something more on Wednesday. Bless her poor bald and scabby self.

Any more news on Miss Corky?

They are now saying Thryroid. I am going to pick up her pills today. Cross your fingers.

The piills are inexpensive and work great. Yay that it's something so simple and treatable.

Sounds like things are improving for your little girl. Good news!

Great news - my 6 jacks are wishing her a speedy recovery.

It is very close to time to let our Sweet Pea go. She has not been well the last few days. Tests show that her liver and kidneys functions are off the charts in a bad way. She barely eats enough to keep a flea alive.

She will be 16 in mid-January. Please send good thoughts. This little darling has been an important part of our lives for almost 16 years. She was a Valentine's Day gift to me from my husband in 1997. She was 5 weeks old at the time. We are not dealing well with this at all.