July 30, 2007
On July 21st, as promised I took the old boy back to his place
of birth, Santa Barbara. And, just as in times past as soon
as he could smell the ocean air, he got excited! When we
got down to his old hang out, Hendries Beach he practically dragged
me down to the sand. Unfortunately, within 100 yards of the
parking lot, the damp, cold sea air got into his joints and his
hind right leg simply went limp. So, he crawled into the
water and just let the waves lap over him. It was heartbreaking,
but I knew I did the right thing. You could tell he was so
happy to be in the ocean water, if for only one final time. We
were also able to spend a little time with a few of the people
I used to work with who remembered Jordan as a puppy. Needless
to say, there was not a dry I among them. On the way back
home, we stopped by to visit my mom’s gravesite, where I
took a photo of Jordan in front of my mom’s marker. Sad
yes, but a picture I will always treasure.
This past weekend was exceptionally tough for us. Jordan
has gotten to the point where he seems to sense he is getting very
old and has gotten to the point where he gets “scared” if
he can’t find me. He was practically immobile Saturday
morning and it was a real struggle for us to get around his “run” at
the Bonanza High soccer field. So, I decided it was time
to have “the” talk with his vet, Dr. Kristine Ziegler
at Sahara Pines Animal Hospital. After giving my boy the “once
over,” Dr. Kristine said: “I don’t think
it’s time, but we’re getting close. But, this
IS Jordan and he’s surprised us before!” She
gave me some things for an irritated eye and for pain, should that
become something of an issue. Dr. Kristine does not believe
that Jordan is in pain and that he still seems to be of sound mind
and generally happy. But, his back side is really deteriorating
and I will not let him suffer.
This is a very difficult time for me. I know you all have
been down this road. I’m sorry to have to pass along
this depressing news. However, Jordan is more than just
my best friend. He’s also a beloved member of the community
and I want everyone to know what is going on.
July 20, 2007
Jordan
(like many of our pets) is not handling this summer heat very well.
His mobility has suffered to the point of him having to have another
enema this week in addition to his Adaquin and steroid injections.
His feeling a little better this morning but is still having trouble
getting around. But, “Dad” is gonna try to get the
old boy back to his place of birth, Santa Barbara one more time
over the next few days. I’m hoping that the smell and site
of the Pacific Ocean will brighten my sweet boy’s spirit,
if just for a little while.
May
21, 2007
While he still has the “droopy” right eye and some
cosmetic issues with “age warts,” Jordan is still very
happy and lives to come to “work” here at Channel 3
each weekday morning.
That being said: On Friday, Jordan had an “accident” in
the studio and apparently was in the way of one of the studio cameras. While
this is never an issue with MOST employees here at Channel 3, there
are a FEW people here that decided to make an issue out of these
minor incidents. (Unfortunately, we have a few new employees
and even a few long-term employees who still don’t quite
understand what my boy means to most of us.) It also came
to my attention subsequent to this event that some viewers are
calling (not talking to me) to express concern about “having
to watch Jordan get old on TV.” (Quite simply, Jordan
believes his “job” is to come here to work each day. It
gives him a sense of purpose and belonging. To deny him that
ritual would, in my opinion be the same as a death sentence.)
Anyway, what I’ve done is this: 1) I’ve
installed a secure leash in the studio when we’re busy in
the morning. And 2) I’ve made it quite clear
that the only two people qualified and authorized to address Jordan’s
medical situation are Dr. Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines Animal
Hospital and yours truly. (Since any doctor is not going
to discuss a medical case with a stranger, that pretty much leaves
me.)
Finally, if you DO have any questions about Jordan, either email
me at jfredericks@kvbc.com or
phone my direct line at: 657-3422
Sincerest regards,
John Fredericks
April
11 ,
2007
Yesterday morning, as we were getting ready for work, I noticed
that Jordan’s right lower eyelid was drooping noticeably. I
wasn’t sure if he had gotten something in there or it was
allergy related. Unfortunately, it is something more serious. According
to Jordan’s vet, Dr. Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines Animal
Hospital, it is most likely something called “Horner’s
Syndrome;” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horner's_syndrome a
neurological event that affects nerves that control eye and facial
muscles. We suspect this is just another symptom of something
that has been affecting Jordan’s nervous system for some
time: (Most likely a brain lesion or even a benign tumor.)
The good news is that this is primarily a cosmetic issue and there
is no related pain or discomfort. The bad news is that there
is a very high likelihood that the symptoms are here to stay.
But, he’s still a happy boy and looks forward to coming
to “work” each weekday with me here at Channel 3. Thanks
to Dr. Ziegler and to you for your care and prayers.
January
18, 2007
Happy New Year!
Wow! What a year 2006 was for me and Jordan. Plenty
of high points and a few (unfortunate) low points, as well. As
many of you know, Jordan suffered a few medical setbacks during
the middle part of 2006. Also, during the fall months he
started having some more problems with his hips, back and leg muscles
and developed some continence issues. But, thanks to the
loving care from his doctor; Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines Animal
Hospital, he’s getting around as well as can be expected
for a “senior” Labrador Retriever.
Jordan has been on Glucosamine and Antioxidants for years and
we’ve now started to include routine injections of Adaquin. (A
much more powerful joint lubricant.) And, as he gets ready
to celebrate his 13th birthday January 30, 2007 I want to extend
my sincerest “Thank You!” to all of you who have been
his “friend” since we moved to Las Vegas in 1996.
Finally, as many of you know, I have decided that 2007 would mark
the last of the Paws Across America calendars. Many of
you have asked “Why?” Well, to be painfully honest,
I just don’t want to promise something I can’t guarantee
anymore as far as future events. But!!! “Never
Say Never Again!” Right?
Our Best Wishes to You and Yours for a Happy and Prosperous 2007!
August 21, 2006 - A note to Jordan's
Fans:
Friday night (after returning home from dinner) we found Jordan
on the living room floor unable to stand. He also seemed
bloated and was experiencing extreme discomfort in the stomach. (My
immediate concern was “bloat:” An almost certain death
sentence in larger/older dogs.)
We rushed Jordan to the Las Vegas Animal Emergency Hospital on
West Charleston where we immediately greeted by their caring staff
who rushed Jordan into an exam room. After several anxious
moments Dr. Keeny (a wonderful doctor on duty) came in to let me
know that it WASN’T (thank God) bloat but, plainly visible
in the e-rays, Jordan was extremely constipated. (A result
of age and lack of mobility.) She injected him with some
fluids to help stimulated fluids and I was permitted to take him
home, with the instructions to take him to my vet in the morning
if he had shown a dramatic ability in moving his bowels.
Saturday morning Jordan was once again barely able to get up and
move around and was only able to “go” just a little
so I took him to Sahara Pines Animal Hospital and, upon looking
at the x-rays, Dr. Kristine Ziegler determined a enema was necessary. (She
also suggested we get more aggressive treating his arthritis with
routine injections of a supplement that is much like, but much
stronger than Glucosamine.) Well, the “operation” was
a success! (If you know what I mean.)
The next morning, Jordan was able to go on his weekly “run” and
was fetching the ball like a guy much younger than his 12 ½ years. I
can’t tell you how much I respect the folks at our local
Emergency Hospital AND Jordan’s vet of so many years; Dr.
Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines Animal hospital.
Dr. Kristine says “right now let’s just focus on getting
him through this Summer.”
Folks, Jordan IS feeling better and is back to “work” this
morning. However, I've come to realize that this latest
episode is simply another in a progression in a series of events
that can only have one ultimate outcome.
Thanks so much for your support all these years. I hope “our” boy
has many, many more wonderful days, weeks, months and…… to
come. In the meantime, say a prayer for all of our wonderful
four-legged family members. God has blessed us with their
companionship.
Sincerest regards,
John Fredericks
June 8, 2006 - A note to Jordan's
Fans:
Early this week Jordan suffered what his doctor's
describe as a "significant neurological event" characterized
by a substantial decrease in motor skills. Most notable was
his inability to walk properly, raise his head and a dangerous
increase in body temperature.
He was rushed to Sahara Pines Animal Hospital where his vet, Dr. Kristine
Ziegler immediately got him on fluids to decrease body temperature. He
also underwent e-rays and blood work. (It's never a good sign
when your vet comes into the exam room crying. However, Dr. Kristine
has a true love for her work and for Jordan and was not
optimistic (to start) about a possible recovery.)
Once stabilized, Jordan was transported to the Neurology Center (on Craig
near Rainbow) where he underwent a 2 hour exam by Dr. Kilburn. It
was the opinion of the wonderful staff at the Neurology center that Jordan
had suffered some type of trama to the spinal column near his neck area. However,
given his advanced years and the fact that he had major surgery almost
exactly one year ago, surgery is no longer an option. In fact, an MRI
was ruled out because no matter what it might reveal, surgery is simply
not an option. So, it was decided that the best course of action
would be to simply get his breathing back to normal, get him on some
anti-inflammatory medication and manage his mobility and pain.
Of significant importance: Both of the two most significant setbacks in
Jordan's life have come when I've been on vacation, when he was taken
out of his normal routine and (most significantly) when the temperatures were
hot. So, secondary causes are considered most certainly to be stress
and heat.
There is good news! Jordan has shown substantial improvement in
the past 24 hours and is walking with just a slight limp and (most probably
due to the pain medication) is able to sleep for significant periods of time.
I want to thank everyone at Sahara Pines Animal Hospital and the Vet's Neurology
Center for the caring, compassion concern and treatment of my beloved best
friend. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Kilburn and Dr. Jarboe and
the Neurology Center and Dr. Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines. (In her words: "I
thought we were at THAT day. But, it looks like we get to put it off
a while longer!")
And, thank YOU the local pet lover for your love, prayers and concern
for my boy all these years. With your support and the Grace of God, Jordan
will be back to work this Monday, June 12th.
Sincerest regards,
John Fredericks
May 3, 2005 - Secret Weapon
Hi friends,
Jordan’s physical recovery has been nothing short of miraculous,
thanks no doubt to the hundreds of cards, e-mails and phone calls
we’ve received from all of you!
However, I think you might like to know about a “Secret
Weapon” that I am CONVINCED has contributed to Jordan’s
longevity. (As many of you know 11 is considered “old” for
many larger breeds. Incredibly though, when Jordan had his
surgical consult, the physician said he was otherwise “strong
as an ox.”)
For going on 3 ½ years, Jordan has been taking an antioxidant
from a call called “Oxyfresh.” I truly believe
that these tablets that he takes each day have improved the quality
of his health/life dramatically. How do I know? Several
years ago Jordan’s hip dysplasia was really impacting his
mobility (during Winter months) to the point that he was having
trouble just getting up in the morning. (Even with the Glucosamine
he has taken for years!) I was introduced to a local Oxyfresh
distributor who STRONGLY recommended that I get Jordan on these
antioxidant tablets. I did and within TWO WEEKS his mobility/range
of motion were practically normal! And, ever since I RARELY
have to give him Glucosamine or anything else for that matter (unless
his allergies act up!)
If you’d like more information about Oxyfresh, here is the
web address:
http://www.oxyfreshww.com
If you order ANYTHING be sure and use the contact: Paws
Across America (all proceeds to go Jordan’s charities.)
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for my boy!
Sincerest regards,
John Fredericks
April 22, 2005 - Lost Light
As many of you know, Jordan suffered a significant setback following
his surgery of April 7th. (He had a seizure shortly after
coming back home on the afternoon of the 8th.) He spent the
next 24 hours in the care of the LV Animal Emergency Hospital and
his vet, Dr. Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines Animal Hospital. On
the afternoon of April 9th (Saturday) I went to see him at Sahara-Pines
and Dr. Kristine told me: “John, Jordan needs to go
home.” Puzzled, I asked her what she meant. “He
needs to be with you in familiar surroundings. We can’t
do anything more for him right now except hope and pray he continues
his recovery.”
I’ve got to tell you that I was actually SCARED to take
Jordan home at that time because I didn’t know what I would
do if he suffered another seizure. However, I have absolutely
faith and trust in his doctor and did what she instructed: I
loaded Jordan up in the back of my Pathfinder and headed back home. It
was during this trip that I noticed something that had been gone
for some time: A “twinkle” in my boy’s
eyes. Several blocks from the vet’s place, I looked
into the rear view mirror and saw Jordan sitting up and staring
at me. I was immediately struck by a light in his eyes that
I realized had been missing for some time. I was shell shocked
with two immediate emotions: Jordan had been “missing,” and,
Jordan was “back.” And, at that moment I KNEW
that I had made the right decision by going ahead with Jordan’s
surgery. I remember smiling for the first time in what seemed
like days. My sweet boy had turned a corner and was on the
road to recovery.
Someday, (hopefully) way down the road, the light will once again “leave” my
boy’s eyes and he will make his journey to wait for me this
side of Rainbow Bridge. Many of you have experienced the
pain and sorrow that will one day find me. It will, quite
simply, be the darkest day of my life. However, thanks to
God’s love, wonderful medical care and your prayers, I will
always be able to cherish that certain moment in time when my sweet
Jordan found his “lost light.”
April 19, 2005 - Jordan Continues to Improve
It is now 10 days post-surgery and Jordan continues on his road
to recovery. His breathing is closer to what it was 3-4 years ago
and is no longer “labored.” And, although he continues
to sleep (as most older dogs do) much of the day, his waking hours
are dramatically more active than just before his operation.
Our continued “Thanks!” to all of you who have called,
written or e-mailed your thoughts and prayers for my boy’s
recovery. Also, I want to again express my gratitude for the excellent
care afforded my sweet boy by the wonderful folks at Sahara-Pines
Animal Hospital, the Las Vegas Animal Emergency Hospital and surgeon
Dr. Jeff Geels.
Sincerest regards,
John Fredericks
April 11, 2005 - Jordan returned to work on what his doctor says
is “limited duty.” He’s feeling much better
after Friday’s setback and continues to show remarkable improvements. (Pneumonia
is the biggest threat for the immediate future.) However,
his road to recovery is still a long one and his diet and exercise
program has been severely restricted.
Should you see us out in public, by all means say “HI” but
PLEASE, no treats! Doctor’s orders!
Thanks for all your continued kind words of support and prayers.
Kindest regards,
John Fredericks
April 9, 2005 - Jordan Suffers A Setback
Shortly after Jordan came home yesterday (following his surgery
on Thursday) he suffered from what his doctors think was either
a siezure or minor stroke. He was rushed back to the LV Animal
Emergency Hospital late yesterday and was monitored throughout
the night by Dr. Inkstrom and her wonderful staff. I had
the chance to spend about an hour with Jordan this morning and
he seems to be breathing much better and it exceptionally responsive. However,
Jordan has a long way to go.
His personal doctor, Kristine Ziegler of Sahara Pines Animal Hospital
will be monitoring his condition throughout today, (Saturday) and
we will make the decision later today for him to either come back
home or go back to the emergency hospital for another night.
Please keep Jordan in your prayers. He needs them now more
than ever.
Sincerest regards,
John F.
April 8, 2005 - Jordan Is Out Of Surgery
Jordan "made it through the procedure with no problems," according
to Dr. Jeff Geels, a Board Certified Surgeon, who was assisted
by Dr. Dan Ulichny of Sahara Pines Animal Hospital. Both
Dr. Geels and Dr. Ulichny say that Jordan is now beginning the
process of waking up after the anesthesia wears off and then he
will be transfered to the Las Vegas Emergency Animal Hospital for
monitoring throughout the night.
While Jordan is by no means "out of the woods," in the
words of Dr. Ulichny: "50% of the tough part is now
behind us."
I want to thank Dr. Geels, Dr. Ulichny, the staff at Sahara Pines
and the LV Emergency Animal Hospital for their continuing efforts
on my boy's behalf.
Finally, I want to thank ALL of you who have taken the time to
offer your words of comfort and support.
With your prayers, Jordan is starting a long, successful road to
recovery.
God Bless You,
John Fredericks
April 8, 2005 - Jordan To Undergo Surgery Today
At 1:00PM today (Thursday) Jordan will undergo a three hour procedure
to open a passage in his larynx. (Jordan suffers from a
condition known as “laryngeal paralysis”) If
successful, this procedure will allow Jordan to breathe more normally.
All surgery is risky. This procedure riskier than most
given its delicate nature and Jordan’s advancing years. However,
without surgery, Jordan will not likely survive another hot Las
Vegas summer. (These conditions worsen during hot weather.) I
am confident I have made the right decision to go ahead with this
surgery. Make no mistake; Jordan will be under the care of
the best surgeon, doctor and surgical assistants in the area. I
also believe in the power of prayer. Jordan needs your prayers
today.
My sweet boy has come to mean much to this community. I want to
thank you for welcoming him into your homes these past 8 ½-plus
years.
Finally, Jordan is also the closest thing to a son I will ever
have. Please take a moment today to say a prayer for my boy
and wish him Godspeed.
Sincerely,
John Fredericks
April 4, 2005:Special Message From John Fredericks
Hi folks,
Jordan stopped breathing this past Saturday due to a condition
called “laryngeal paralysis.” Fortunately, he
was with his doctor Kristine at Sahara Pines Animal Hospital. She
was able to revive him and call for a surgical consult. It
seems this condition is common among older dogs and certain breeds,
including Retrievers. I’ve included the following link
with more information:
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/respiratory%20disorders/laryngeal%20paralysis.htm
The surgeon has recommended that Jordan undergo a procedure that
will help open his larynx. While surgery is ALWAYS risky,
I am going to go ahead with the recommendation and the procedure
will be performed sometime this week.
At this time, Jordan is resting comfortably and is feeling much
better thanks to his doctor and the wonderful people at the Las
Vegas Animal Emergency Hospital. We are truly blessed to
have so many wonderful caregivers in our area. I can’t
recommend enough the folks at Sahara Pines: 876-7580 and
also (in times of emergency and overnight care) the LV Animal
Emergency Hospital.
I have never asked for anything of you. But I must now. If
you can find it in your hearts to say a short prayer for my sweet
boy I will be forever in your debt. I am simply not ready
to let him go just yet. I believe that God still has more
work for us to do together.
Kindest regards,
John Fredericks
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