Ziska, our 2nd EPI dog: Her journey has ended

[Donna Warmer]

Ten days ago Ziska lost her battle with degenerative myelopathy (DM), which is a horrible disease. She came to us weighing only 32 pounds at approx. 8-9 yrs old. She was severely emaciated and had no spirit due to malnourishment and probably being crated for 24 hours a day thus having lifelong UTI/bladder issues. We were only going to foster her and it was an uphill battle fighting to keep her alive b/c the rescue organization wanted to terminate her due to cost of emergency vet and hospitalization the first month we had her. Because of our prior experience treating Onza for EPI for 9 years, we felt certain that Ziska had EPI. With the help of the vet hospital staff, she "accidentally" got the TLi test, which was positive for EPI ! At that point, we were convinced we were the right forever home for her. Once we started her on enzymes, the turn-around was immediate! Ziska started gaining weight, came out of her shell, and stopped raiding the trash can. At first she didn't bark any and did not know what a dog toy was but that changed quickly. Seven months later on Valentine's Day, she got a 13 pound, 9 week old, baby brother German Shepherd Dog. This brought her out of her shell even more and her motherly instincts kicked in. At this point she was extremely gentle and patient with him, as he was a 'little monster' who grew up to be a 95 lb handsome boy who loved 'his Zissy' and had to be with her every minute. Two years later we noticed her back paws starting to knuckle under, which was the first sign of DM. Within 6 months she could no longer stand or walk with her back legs. Since she still has front leg mobility, we used a Help'em Up Harness and she would go for walks in her dog wheelchair/cart. Within one year she lost front leg mobility but still had incredible spirit and energy. She graduated from her cart to a wagon for walks and we were able to move her around and outside for potty breaks using her harness and an inflatable exercise peanut. This last phase went on for more than a year. In the last 6 wks we were having some trouble getting her to eat. By the end of January, she refused to eat anything with enzymes which created another problem which all of us EPI'ers know well. At this point we tried everything in vain - even using all the tricks on the EPI4Dogs page Camouflaging Enzymes. When she stopped drinking water we knew the time had come. Our vet, who has become our friend, came to our house which made the passing much easier and more personal. Ziska, even though she was small for a GSD (55 lbs), never showed fear or timidness towards any person or any other dog and loved each and every one of them she met. She was a blessing in our life and it was a privileged and joy to have her. Our motto with Ziska was and always will be "who saved who"! We are so thankful for EPI4Dogs and all the people that make it happen, the community of support it holds, and especially thankful for Olesia for making it all possible from the start. Donna & William Warner

[Olesia711]

Oh NO!!!!! I am so so SO sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to Ziska..... My heart is broken for both you, Donna and William.

You hearts and home literally gave a new life to Ziska against all the odds stacked against her and i know how she blossomed under your love. You were a blessing to her as much as she was a blessing to you.

Her story touched the lives of so many so much so, that she will leave a legacy of hope for years to come to so many struggling not only with EPI but DM.

I will always remember this picture, a picture of a true family, that you submitted to me when Epi4Dogs did the EPI presentation to veterinarians.

Forever in our hearts,

[jilbert57]

Donna and William,
I am so sorry to hear you lost Ziska. I rememberwhen you came on with Onza. You two are very special people with loving knowledge to help such special pups. My heart is with you.

Jill

[Tuckaboo Pam]

I am sorry for the loss you have experienced. May warm memories of Ziska fill the hole in your heart. She was lucky she found you. --- Pam

[Barb]

I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to Ziska. What gifts you have been to each other! Having gone through DM with Kip and then EPI with Kolby, we know the special love these dogs share with us. She is forever with you.

Barb

[wsantschi]

So very sorry to read about your Ziska. What special people you are to care for her (and, your other EPI pup too!) I hope she didn't suffer.

[Jean]

My heart is with you

we lost Kara to DM and I have a picture of her exactly like yours with her cart , and the lift em up harness was her best friend

love

Jeanx

[TrixEPIMama]

I'm so sorry to hear about Ziska. She sounds like a wonderful dog, and you like a wonderful human for her.

I'm relatively new here and it seems there's been too many deaths just in the short time since I joined. If there's any cause to be glad, I'm glad that so many lived long, happy lives and did NOT die of any complications from EPI.

I know what it's like to lose a beloved dog, and I wish healing to all who have suffered that loss and happiness to all whose four-leggeds are still alive and as well as EPI critters can be.