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Read the press release on this video.   If you would like to order this video, send a check or money order for $29.99 plus $5.95 shipping and handling (PA residents add 6% sales tax) to:
Sheba The Quad Dog Productions
P.O. Box 102
Grapeville, PA 15634-0102

The video Caring For A Handicapped Pet: A Holistic Approach copyright 2002 by Sheba The Quad Dog Productions is now available to purchase! The holistic treatments were inspired by:
Magnapak Magnets offers magnetic products for your pets.
Coastal Pet Products and Out International are two wonderful companies making pet products.  They specialize in wee wee pads which are great for incontinent or handicapped pets.
Prayers For Pets is a great site where you can get prayers said for your pets.

The Pet Loss Grief Support Website is a wonderful support group to help you in the difficult times of losing a pet.
Karen's DM site is dedicated to her dog, Spanna. 
Go to Marjorie's Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group that is dedicated to her dog, Jack Flash.  It is filled with information on DM.
The DM List Roster-Crusaders Against DM is a support group for people who are owned by dogs with degenerative myelopathy.
Read heartwarming stories of Pets With Disabilities where you'll also find a group of people to share information  with.
Read about Trixie, the paraplegic cat stricken with spina bifida.
Wheelchair Dogs is a support group for the caretakers of dogs that are wheelchair bound.  It is filled with compassion.
The Handicapped Pets site is filled with information for disabled pets and a support group for the owners of these special animals.
Visit Shirley's Wellness Cafe to learn more about holistic health care for pets and humans.  It is filled with valuable resources.
Further information is available.
Sheba had developed pressure sores as a result of being immobile.  I was able to completely heal these wounds with infrared light.  To aid in the healing process, I used a non-toxic gel on these wounds.  I use the same gel for Sheba's oral care.
Here is Sheba on her Tylift.  I simply keep her beds on the Tylift to keep her comfortable.  Notice the bandana on Sheba's back...I put a few drops of Halo insect repelling essential oils to repel insects.  As a result, I no longer give Sheba, Jerry Lee and Trouble flea drugs.  I also do not give heartworm prevention drugs, although I do get my dogs bi-annual heartworm tests.
SHEBA, MY QUADRIPLEGIC DOG
This is Sheba last year before she became a quadriplegic.  June 28, 2000
I Love You, Sheba.
Best Friend
Disclaimer:
The following is a true story about my dog, Sheba.  The information given here is not intended as a substitute for any treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.  If you suspect your pet has a health problem, I urge you to seek competent medical help.
    This is the true story of a search for a cure for my beloved friend, Sheba.  Sheba was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy in July of 1999.  Degenerative myelopathy is a spinal cord disease that has no cure.  It is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans, as the myelin sheath around the spinal cord deteriorates, causing the nerve fibers to die. Early symptoms of the disease include dragging of one of the rear legs.  A veterinarian or animal chiropractor can do a simple test by bending the given paw back to test for nerve damage.

    Sheba began a protocol consisting of high doses of antioxidants in August of '99.  With the symptoms progressing (which included rear left leg dragging and falling down), I took Sheba to get an MRI to see if her nerve damage was a result of a disk problem or tumor.  The MRI revealed a protruding disk in the L7-S1-S2 (lower lumbar) area.  A dorsal laminectomy was performed.  This is a procedure where the top portion of the disk is surgically removed, allowing the nerves to pass freely over the disk without being pinched.

    Expecting Sheba to be able to walk again after the surgery, we had very high hopes as the surgeon had assured us that the procedure was successful.  During  Sheba's recovery time the next couple of weeks, there was very little improvement, if any.  Sheba began deteriorating at a rapid rate, despite the daily physical therapy, diet, supplements, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture treatments she had received.  My husband or I walked her with a towel for support.  Realizing Sheba was soon to lose the use of both rear legs, we ordered her a cart (doggie wheelchair).

    SHEBA LOVED HER WHEELCHAIR!!!!!!!!!!  Because she still had the use of her front legs, she could run around all over the yard and play with my other two dogs, Jerry Lee and Trouble.  Although discouraged that Sheba would never walk again, I was content that she could get around in her wheelchair.

    After taking Sheba to various specialists, it was agreed that Sheba's problem may have been the result of a disk or tumor in the upper (thoracic) part of her back.  I made arrangements to have a second MRI on Sheba.  To my surprise, the MRI was done on the exact same location as the first one!  It revealed that the disk was still bulging but the doctor assured us that Sheba's symptoms were a result of degenerative myelopathy because there was supposedly ample room for the nerves to pass over the corrected disk.

    I looked into other forms of treatments for Sheba.  I learned and began doing color light tonations with crystals as well as infrared light therapy and magnetic massages.  I also began using homeopathic remedies, flower essences, glandular supplements, herbs, natural diet, and continued the chiropractics, acupuncture, and physical therapy.  I read many books on optimal health and alternative medicine for pets.

    I began getting titers for Sheba as well as my other dogs.  A titer is a blood test to determine how strong the antibodies are to a particular virus such as parvo, distemper, etc.  Because the titers are normal, I quit getting the vaccines for my dogs.

    Sheba's condition seemed to stabilize for awhile.  She was able to get around in her first cart for a little over a year.  By the time Jan. 2001 rolled around, Sheba was getting weaker in the front legs.  By Feb., we bought Sheba her second cart, which was for a quadriplegic dog.  The cart did not work for Sheba so my husband and I re-designed it to accommodate her.  She got around in this cart for a couple months, but began deteriorating at a rapid rate again.  We currently pull Sheba around by means of a Tylift.

    Although Sheba is a quadriplegic, SHE DOES HAVE A QUALITY LIFE!!!!!  We take her in the swimming pool for exercise and to get her off her bed.  She also receives so much love and attention.  The new supplements she's on have been helping her, as her bloodwork reveals optimal ranges for everything being tested.  It seems like the new magnets I'm using on her are helping her to sleep better.

    Although she is a quadriplegic, Sheba still loves to play with her football. She can toss it and catch it.  She loves to hear me sing and play the guitar.  That is great therapy for her.  You have to see her to believe that she is truly happy.  Sheba has no pain because of the nerve damage.  Although I know she does not have much time left, I'm doing everything in my power to keep her quality of life comfortable and happy.  It is very expensive doing all these things for Sheba, but I love her and will do anything for her.  After all, she'd do the same for me.  If anyone reading this has any suggestions that could help Sheba, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

Written by Debbie Kazsimer
   
   
Sheba and Trouble:
Double Yawn Exposure
Here is Sheba in the quadriplegic cart that my husband and I re-designed.  Notice I cut up my son's wet suit to use as a sling.
Jerry Lee playing with Sheba
Trouble playing with Sheba
Sheba enjoying being outside
Sheba when she was younger
Please take a moment to sign the guest book.  Your comments are appreciated.  Thank you.
Sheba and Trouble outside
Here is Sheba on her Tylift.  I simply keep her beds on the Tylift to keep her comfortable.  Notice the bandana on Sheba's back...I put a few drops of Halo insect repelling essential oils to repel insects.  As a result, I no longer give Sheba, Jerry Lee and Trouble flea drugs.  I also do not give heartworm prevention drugs, although I do get my dogs bi-annual heartworm tests.
SHEBA
She was a cute little pup, so pleasantly tame.
I brought her home and gave her a name.
"Sheba" became my very best friend.
So faithful and loyal 'til the very end.

She'd frolic and play and steal your heart.
Yet she was protective from the very start.
Her favorite pastime was playing ball;
Football, tennis, any kind at all.

The years rolled on and Sheba got older;
A large German Shepherd, I could no longer hold her.
She still liked to play and run all around,
Singing and howling was a daily sound.

Yet one day I noticed an abnormal gait...
That is the way that she walked was not very straight.
Her rear left leg was dragging behind her.
She soon could not walk as DM would soon find her.

DM is a spinal cord disease, an unwelcome nightmare.
Yet I was determined to provide Sheba with the right care.
I ordered a wheelchair for Sheba to use.
She could run around again like a lit fuse.

As her symptoms progressed, paralysis followed.
I took her to specialists with hopes that were hollow.
They said..."there's no cure; put her to sleep.
Her life will be short, you'll do nothing but weep."

But this is not the response I wanted to hear.
So I searched on my own to help someone so dear.
My heart led the way to extending Sheba's life.
The quality was so great... without any strife.

Two years later DM has taken its toll...
But Sheba's new cart allows her to stroll.
Although she is weaker, she has a heart of gold.
Her unconditional love cannot be sold.

When I look into her eyes, I can surely see
Her gratefulness for giving her life quality.
The smile on her face still says it all...
"Thanks for keeping faith in me... and for playing ball."



Copyright 2001 by Deborah Kazsimer
Sheba had developed pressure sores as a result of being immobile.  I was able to completely heal these wounds with infrared light.  To aid in the healing process, I used a non-toxic gel on these wounds.  I use the same gel for Sheba's oral care.
Further information is available.
Visit Shirley's Wellness Cafe to learn more about holistic health care for pets and humans.  It is filled with valuable resources.
The Handicapped Pets site is filled with information for disabled pets and a support group for the owners of these special animals.
Wheelchair Dogs is a support group for the caretakers of dogs that are wheelchair bound.  It is filled with compassion.
Read about Trixie, the paraplegic cat stricken with spina bifida.
This website is Copyrighted 2001/2002 by Deborah Kazsimer.
Read heartwarming stories of Pets With Disabilities where you'll also find a group of people to share information  with.
May 15, 1991 - December 29, 2001
The DM List Roster-Crusaders Against DM is a support group for people who are owned by dogs with degenerative myelopathy.
Go to Marjorie's Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group that is dedicated to her dog, Jack Flash.  It is filled with information on DM.
Karen's DM site is dedicated to her dog, Spanna. 
Prayers For Pets is a great site where you can get prayers said for your pets.

The Pet Loss Grief Support Website is a wonderful support group to help you in the difficult times of losing a pet.
Coastal Pet Products and Out International are two wonderful companies making pet products.  They specialize in wee wee pads which are great for incontinent or handicapped pets.
Magnapak Magnets offers magnetic products for your pets.
Special thanks goes to Tami from the Crusaders Against DM support group for making this beautiful memorial to my angel girl, Sheba.
                  Thank You , Tami.  I appreciate your kindness.
The video Caring For A Handicapped Pet: A Holistic Approach copyright 2002 by Sheba The Quad Dog Productions is now available to purchase! The holistic treatments were inspired by:
Sheba, I miss you, Angel.
Read the press release on this video.   If you would like to order this video, send a check or money order for $29.99 plus $5.95 shipping and handling (PA residents add 6% sales tax) to:
Sheba The Quad Dog Productions
P.O. Box 102
Grapeville, PA 15634-0102