Epi4Dogs

I also would agree to stick with what is working, 4 B12 caps.
I am so glad your pup is thriving.

Jill

That makes a lot of sense, thank you guys so much! I’ll keep with the 4 for now then.

This is probably a really stupid question, but because he’s still a growing puppy, would that also maybe contribute? Like it makes sense he still needs 4 capsules now since he was 30 pounds lighter when he started on them? The vet thinks either he was a lot younger than the shelter thought (which would make sense as he very likely has some giant breed in him), or his development was delayed by nutrient deficiencies and some of it is just taking place now that he’s healthy and growing again. He’s still losing his baby teeth though!

In other news, ever since he became stable Johnny has actually been in training as my psychiatric service dog! I train animals professionally so I’m training him myself - obviously his health and comfort always come first. That being said, he has the perfect temperament for it and honestly he’s done amazing, I think he’s just about one in a million and I’m so lucky to have found him. He’s contributed so much to my quality of life already and I think we make a good team, the two of us

Johnny is so darn cute! Looks part heeler.
I am so glad he is working out for you as a service dog. How wonderful. Keep the pictures coming

Jill

Awwww Johnny is adorable These dogs do tend to have a much stronger bond with their humans than other dogs do. Even though my German Shepherd is not a snuggler (I would give ANYTHING if he would snuggle) he's definitely my soul mate and my bond with him is stronger than I've ever had with another dog.

Beautiful pictures! Johnny is stunning.

That is wonderful that he will be your service dog. EPI dogs can do just about anything once they are stable in their treatment. Congratulations!

Barb

Hey you guys!!! It's been awhile so I am back with some updates on Johnny! He has reached his optimal weight and his B12 is finally maintaining where it should be! We talked with his vet and switched him to weekly B12 injections awhile back and he seems to be doing a lot better with those. We did switch him to a food with grains and that seems to have resolved the lingering issues we were having with diarrhea and gas so I guess he is one of those that just does worse somehow with grain free.

In other news, Johnny has been doing wonderfully as my service dog - the progress he has made is actually incredible, and far beyond what people told me would be possible even if he weren't a rescue. He has given me so much of my life and independence back. I've had a few people in the service dog community give me grief for "working a disabled dog" but honestly, he seems just as capable to me, not to mention that he seems to enjoy the work and I never ever force him to do anything if he doesn't want to or isn't feeling up to it that day. We also spend lots of time just having fun at the park or hiking! He has discovered a love for anything to do with water and swimming!

And, we sent in a Wisdom Panel and just recently got it back in! I sent off an Embark DNA test also and can post results here when they come in.

Johnny tested as 50% Saint Bernard, 12.5% Siberian Husky, 12.5% German Shepherd, 12.5% American Staffordshire Terrier, and the remaining genes were a bunch of mixed breeds that couldn't be discerned. Super interesting! I wish I knew whether his siblings ended up with EPI too!

Here are some recent pictures, including a couple of him working!

What a great update! Thank you.
So interesting to find out your pups make up wow 50% St. Bernard. Huge dog!
I love the pictures and so glad you are each rescuing each other and having a wonderful life!

Jill

How great to hear that Johnny is doing so well! Please don't listen to folk who have criticized you for making him a service dog. I'm sure he loves every minute of it.

Oh My goodness ... what a fabulous update!!!!!!! Not only did you find the right balance of the EPI protocol in treating Johnny, hea is doing well now AND he has become a wonderful service dog for you.... Now that's what a call a fabulous " TWOfer"

I also looked back at his baby pic from Jan.... he sure has GROWN.... a lot! Big Boy

If you wouldn't mind, and if you have the time..... i think it would be lovely if you would write a little piece about Johnny... how he was a rescue, had health issues, was diagnosed with EPI, you worked thru that and he is now your service dog..... in short... an EPI dog can be ANYTHING - -EPI does not have to hold them back!
Include a few pictures... email it to me at: [email protected] and with your permission, we can post Johnny's story on our FB page.....(if you are okay with this). His story might really give hope to those that folks who are new to dealing with EPI........................

Johnny is stunning! Yea for both of you!!! Thanks for the update, Mackenzie.