Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Sierra - 5 Year Anniversary

On May 27, 2003, my then newly adopted alaskan malamute, Sierra was diagnosed with AIHA and ITP (Evans Syndrome). It was 6 months before her red blood cells climbed to low normal levels. Those were scary times as you all know well. She is still here and celebrated her 6th birthday in February this year. I never dreamt she would still be here 5 years later. She is still such a puppy at heart and gets seriously excited (I call it losing her mind!) whenever we go for a walk, or she sees her friends (human & a few select canines). She still even gets excited when we go to the vet. Though she is still on medication (cyclosporine) and has experienced a few other health issues, she still is the happy, exhuberant girl I fell in love with 5 years ago. And in spite of the challenges health-wise, she is doing very, very well. We walk, we play - she loves her toys and loves to play, especially her "I dare you to take it away" game, also known as "I'm way faster than you" where she drops a toy at your feet and waits until you make a move to pick it up. 9 out of 10 times (probably more) she wins ... only to drop it at your feet again for yet another round. I hope for those who are struggling and fighting this disease, there is response and recovery. I hope for those whom this disease has taken your loved one, peace in your hearts, knowing that your special one knows, truly knows, he or she was and is well-loved and without a doubt, loved-well in return. In April 2005, I was thrilled to have Sierra posted as a Success Story on Meisha's Hope. When Sierra was first diagnosed, I found Joanne's website and it gave me hope throughout those times and also to this day. Sierra gives me hope as well. She always has.

Ronda So Cal

Way to to Sierra! Very kind words Rhonda, It really gave me a big smile. Steve

Steve VA

Rhonda, Congrats to you and Sierra. I am sure your story will give a lot of hope to those still fighting. I am so happy to read that she is having a great doggy life. Hugs to you both. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Ronda, so glad for you and Sierra. It sounds like Sierra was very young when she was diagnosed as was my dog. We just celebrated our first anniversary and your story gives me hope that we may have a few more. Thank you. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Thank you for the update on Sierra. It is stories like hers that the rest of us need to hear. Gives us hope. Mary and Toby

Mary Indiana

I don't why I had a feeling to come on this board today, maybe it was your post on the Race for Hope article. What a surprise to see your post and you already know that I celebrate on a daily basis the continued health of Sierra. It's been a long time since I have been here but should come more often and give encouragement. I lost Dakota my Malamute in Sept 2003. Ronda and I are friends and get to see each other periodically and the beautiful Miss Sierra. Sierra and Dakota were related through some of their lineage, and we have had discussions on that. But today we celebrate Sierra and her continue health. You keep going you beautiful red headed Miss.

Paul California

Ronda -- Thank you for posting about Sierra's 5th anniversary, because these success stories mean so much to all of us. It was so sweet how you described how Sierra enjoys every day. The two of you are inspirational. Best wishes for continued success.

Brenda VA

you have brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face! Such wonderful encouraging news and tender sentiments to those that have suffered losses to this disease. thank you - jeanne

Jeanne texas

Dear Ronda, Congratulations to you and Sierra! Such a wonderful update. All the best to you for Sierra's continued good health. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Just a note to mention that Sierra's Success Story at the Meisha's Hope Web site has just been updated. You can read Sierra's Story at this URL: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/archives14.htm Sierra is the April 2005 Success Story Thanks Ronda and Sierra for providing HOPE and encouragement to so many!!

Joanne MN

This thread was discussed between 29/05/2008 and 02/06/2008

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