Wilma

I catch a lot of flack regarding my deep affection for my animals, okay..all animals. But I really do not care.. My three dogs make me happy, keep me somewhat sane,and love me no matter what mood I am in on any particular day.

They each have their own distinct personality. They are my second generation of "children", not replacing my own two children, but keeping the loneliness from them being grown and away

down just a few notches.

Wilma is my oldest, at five years , she has been my constant companion. I was there when she was born in my closet to her mother, Rosie, the best little dog in the world. My husband and I nursed her back to health when she had Parvo as a young pup. The Parvo is a very cruel disease, that her mother unfortunately did not survive.

Wilma has been there to "nurse" me when my kids left home for college and then marriage. She layed by my side while I was recovering from a hysterectomy and countless jaw surgeries.

She listens when no one else is available and absolutely loves Alabama football! Roll Tide!

Wilma has been having troubles on and off with her immune system( due to Parvo), lately with what I thought was allergies. Today, I took her to vet, because of some skin lesions that are covering the upper and lower sides of all her paw pads. I have tried everything to get rid of these horrible and painful things. She does have some allergies, but she was diagnosed with

Pemphigus. In humans , it is called Lupus. She received a shoot today to try to get lesions under control. I was told even if they go away, they'll more than likely come back within a month. It will be a continuous cycle of trying to get and keep her in remission, until eventually we will not be able to. There is no known way to completely stop this disease from developing, just try to slow it down.Right now she is just itchy and inflammed, so for now I have hope of possible remission. I will be doing all that is in my power for her to have a lot of years to go, but she needs your prayers.

I love you, Wilma.