Above and Beyond
Sometimes the answers we need can only be revealed by special expensive tests while our dogs are still living--or by post mortems. These owners and their beloved companions made the extremely difficult choice to allow a necropsy to be performed. As a result, even in death they contributed to the future health and well-being of our beloved White Shepherds/white GSDs.
If
your dog is a candidate especially as a result of rear-end or spinal
problems, please contact Judy Huston. The White Shepherd Genetics
Project will help you make arrangements and will pay for the
procedure. judy@wsgenetics.com
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KYRA - Loved by by Judy Huston
Kyra
inspired and motivated my involvement with the health of our White
Shepherds. When she became ill with Lumbosacral Stenosis and
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, I had an even greater desire to do my part
to improve the health of our fantastic breed. When she died almost
three years after surgery, her beautiful spirit encouraged me to take
her body to Michigan State University to learn all we could to help all
our white dogs. Thank you my beautiful girl for all that you gave us
and for all that you gave me. |
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JAZMOND - Loved by Pam Hovind
Jazmond
was pregnant. Shortly before her due date she began experiencing
problems. She was immediately taken to the vet. An ultrasound showed no
live pups. An emergency ovariohysterectomy was performed, but Jaz died
on the operating table. Dr. Padgett was called and arrangements were
made to have a necropsy. She was 7-1/2 years old and is loved and
missed by her mom, Pam.
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ICE - Loved by Linda and Larry Rossick
Linda
called Judy when Ice began to have difficulty getting up and was
becoming incontinent. The family consented to a necropsy at MSU and Ice
was one of our first opportunities to look for Degenerative Myelopathy
and Lumbosacral Stenosis. Dr. Padgett reviewed the report and
determined Ice had LS and Intervertebral Disc Disease. She was nine
years and three months old and dearly loved by her family.
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RAJA - Loved by Tiffany Tittl
Raja
had been showing signs of rear-end weakness and Tiffany had decided
that when the time came, Raja would do her part for the betterment of
the breed. It turns out that Raja died suddenly from acute rupture and
hemorrhage associated with metastatic Hemangiosarcoma. During necropsy
it was found that she also had “old dog” degenerative myelopathy and
Intervertebral Disc Disease. Kudos to Tiffany—it was a very brave thing
for her to take her girl to MSU. Raja was nine years and eleven months
of age. |
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STORM - Loved by Gloria Erskine
When
Storm began to get sick, his mom, Gloria, called Judy to let her know
what was happening and to say they wanted do their part for the White
Shepherds by allowing a necropsy. Storm also had a Hemangiosarcoma and
Intervertebral Disc disease. Through the necropsy we were able to
confirm a couple of conditions and learn about a few more. Storm was
loved and is missed by his family. Storm was eleven years and eleven
days old. |
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EMMA - Loved by Joe and Lucille Jasinski Pedigree Emma was as beautiful, smart, and sophisticated as her name sake, Mrs. Peel from the TV show "The Avengers". Emma was so easy to train, looking sleek and beautiful 24-7. I wanted a big male and decided on this petite female, and what a decision it turned out to be. She competed in AKC obedience, never disqualifying in any show, and always placing in the top four. In 1997 she was ranked #19 in the U.S. in Novice B and earned a HIT in OPEN B at a German Shepherd Specialty of Bk and Tans. She is sorely missed by all who knew her and were lucky enough to see her perform. Necropsy Full Report |
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PAT - Loved by Terri Vest
Though
I have a number of dogs, Pat was very dear to my heart. He was my
protector, assistant, loving and loyal companion. He was the son of my
"Lady" - from the one litter we did. He had a gentle nature about him
that I'll never forget and will cherish my time with him forever. After
losing him Nov. 2005 to a spinal issue and a few other things as it
turned out - his last sacrifice was to help the genetics list in their
effort to track these awful illnesses. His feeble form is now strong
again in the meadows and I know he'll be waiting for me at the bridge.
You'll ALWAYS be in my heart! |
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FRIEDA - Loved by Pat Malinowski
Frieda was always at my side. She never was anything but a perfect little girl. Her 3 litters were well taken care of and showed her temperament. McCoy was a big pup and she couldn't deliver him without a C-section. We had to end her life after a bowel obstruction. |
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KAYTE - Loved by Bette Gordon
Kayte
was the 1st born of the 1st litter. Her name, Akaytez, (Greek for
'faithful friend') was very apt. She was always very loving and willing
to please. An excellent babysitter for subsequent litters, she would
even stop daddy Trapper from going in to see his babies (just in case).
Very agile, she could jump the baby gates from a stand. She loved to
loll on the sofa and wave at you. Mesenteric torsion took her away.
Necropsy showed she had some EPI and possibly IBD. Thank you for all
the beautiful memories and miss you Kaytz! Love, Mom
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CHANCELLOR - Loved by David and Linda May
He came into our lives on November 19th, 1995. It was an instant connection. As we watched him grow, he enriched our lives beyond belief. He was the most loving talkative dog we’ve ever had. He loved playing tricks on our black female German shepherd. He was a lover, a leaner and our companion. In this picture, he is doing his “Joe Cool” stance. Even with his Degenerative Arthritis, IBD, and Degenerative Myelopathy, he always had a smile. We truly miss Our Lil’ Man, you will always be a part of us. Chance was 10 years old.
Love, Mom & Dad |
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BLIZZARD - Loved by Bette Gordon. Sire Pedigree Dam Pedigree Blizzard was the only male in the litter and was very determined to stay with me. He was so friendly to people when they came to visit but would either hide or climb up on my lap when people came to get a pup. He was a friendly outgoing boy who was always so attuned to me. In his last couple of years he kept fighting to stay with me because I needed him . What a trooper!! I still love and miss him. Necropsy Full Report |
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REKA - Loved by Mary Anne Prinkkila-Rogers From
the minute I knew Reka existed she became my soul mate. She filled a
hole in me that I didn't know I had and changed my life. She was a once
in a lifetime dog that I would have given my right arm for. In May of
2005 she showed symptoms of rear foot drag that escalated into a
dragging rear end that could barely walk. My vet (Dr. Kalinowski)
diagnosed her with Degenerative Myelopathy. She was a dog with dignity
and vigor and when she looked at me and had had enough, I let her go to
the Rainbow Bridge. Despite the pain of bringing her body on a three
hour drive south to the U of MN, we (her breeder/my best friend, Judy
Grumdahl & I) knew that she might offer some answers for German Shepherds. She will live in my heart forever . . . |
