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So, I've been dreading posting this as it is breaking my heart all over again, but our sweet, beautiful eleven-year-old Pixie died yesterday. Most of you knew she was blind, and she somehow got out of the yard day before yesterday. I looked all over the neighborhood for her, but to no avail… she managed to wander nearly a mile away before being struck by a car sometime yesterday morning, December 23rd, 2020.
Rest in Peace, my precious girl.
Please Note:
I DO NOT allow Pixie's photo to be used outside of DeviantArt,
without expressed written permission.
Here is why:
I have had people using our Pixie's photo on websites and various social media platforms as a means to guilt people into donating money to their organizations.
Now, whereas I am 100% for donating to animal shelters and rescue organizations, I do not like the idea of using our Pixie's photos to secure donations for these groups, because it implies that she was or is, either a rescue dog, or has actually experienced abuse, herself; a fact of which is extremely misleading. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Pixie was born to my rescued Pit Bull, China Rose, whom we rescued off the streets when she was pregnant with Pixie and her sister, Moxie.
That said, I just personally feel that with all of the precious dogs out there that really have been the unfortunate victims of mistreatment or abuse, or who have been abandoned, then using one of those sweet dogs would be so much more beneficial and effective, and would possibly even help said dog with getting adopted, due to the exposure using his photos in your campaigns would cause.
So, please do not use our Pixie in your fundraising/awareness campaigns on websites or social media, and thus imply that she is or was an abused or neglected dog and is in a shelter or with a rescue organization and in need of a "furever home."
Let's let a dog who really is in need of such, fill that spot instead, thank you.
You may use Pixie's photo in any social media campaigns that promote or inform people about the various illnesses and their respective treatments she has survived and gone through, including Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, and Glaucoma. So, for example, if you intend to educate people about the experimental Canine Distemper treatment that Pixie endured as I detail below, then you may include one of her photos with the posted information.
Now, whereas I am 100% for donating to animal shelters and rescue organizations, I do not like the idea of using our Pixie's photos to secure donations for these groups, because it implies that she was or is, either a rescue dog, or has actually experienced abuse, herself; a fact of which is extremely misleading. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Pixie was born to my rescued Pit Bull, China Rose, whom we rescued off the streets when she was pregnant with Pixie and her sister, Moxie.
That said, I just personally feel that with all of the precious dogs out there that really have been the unfortunate victims of mistreatment or abuse, or who have been abandoned, then using one of those sweet dogs would be so much more beneficial and effective, and would possibly even help said dog with getting adopted, due to the exposure using his photos in your campaigns would cause.
So, please do not use our Pixie in your fundraising/awareness campaigns on websites or social media, and thus imply that she is or was an abused or neglected dog and is in a shelter or with a rescue organization and in need of a "furever home."
Let's let a dog who really is in need of such, fill that spot instead, thank you.
There is an exception I will make about this rule:
You may use Pixie's photo in any social media campaigns that promote or inform people about the various illnesses and their respective treatments she has survived and gone through, including Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, and Glaucoma. So, for example, if you intend to educate people about the experimental Canine Distemper treatment that Pixie endured as I detail below, then you may include one of her photos with the posted information.
Who Am I
Hello, everyone… please meet Pixie, our precious, American Pitbull Terrier/Bloodhound Cross, who was born to our rescued American Pit Bull Terrier, China Rose, on April 27, 2009, making her currently 10 years young!
The earliest years of Pixie's life was extremely rough on her, seeing as she is a survivor of three major illnesses: Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, and Glaucoma. Two of these illnesses, Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper, are generally fatal.
A Brief History
At 5 months old, Pixie and her siblings, Moxie, Cisco, and Yogi, all came down with the 2C strain of Canine Parvovirus. This was a new strain of the virus which, at the time, happened to be immune to the standard DA2PPV combination vaccine consisting of the Canine Distemper, Adenovirus-1, Adenovirus-2, Canine Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza vaccines that are typically given to puppies and dogs, meaning that the puppies, unfortunately, contracted Canine Parvovirus, anyway, despite already being vaccinated. Sadly, two of Pixie's siblings, sweet Cisco and precious Yogi, passed away, while she and her sister, Moxie, thankfully survived.
Though, after she survived her ordeal with Canine Parvovirus, Pixie, in turn, came down with Canine Distemper that she contracted at the Vet's office who had treated her Canine Parvovirus. Since she had to be held back on being given the remainder of her puppy vaccines during her period of treatment for the Canine Parvovirus, as well as for a couple of weeks after, per the vet's orders, she was extremely susceptible to contracting the disease.
It is with unfortunate regret that I will say that this particular vet did not really impress us, all that much, to be honest. Read on to find out why….
You see, Canine Distemper is typically 99% fatal within just one week of contracting the disease. Our Pixie lived with Canine Distemper for 3 months, and survived! She had her first grand mal seizure (full body seizure) which is what had us taking her back to the vet, in the first place. She was also experiencing petite mal seizures (chewing gum seizures) where she appeared to be extremely disoriented and looked like she was chewing gum frantically while drooling uncontrollably.
At first, I thought she might have come down with Epilepsy, seeing how she was the right age to do so if she were going to get such a condition. However, Pixie's regular, albeit former vet, quite literally told us, "No, dogs don't get Epilepsy. She has Canine Distemper; you might as well go ahead have her euthanized, now. She is going to die, anyway, after all."
Yes. That is the remarks that had me saying that I do not care much for this particular vet. I am sorry, but not only do I know that dogs do, indeed, get Epilepsy—our dog, Roscoe, in fact, actually has Epilepsy, himself, but this vet just severely pissed me off with her "recommendation" to have Pixie put to sleep in such an unfeeling, callous way. Aside from that, though I simply refused to believe that, with all of our advances in modern medicine, both human and veterinary, that they haven't found some way to treat this neurological disease, by now.
So, off to the interwebs, I go!
Not taking very long, at all, after doing a bit of research online, I read out about an experimental Canine Distemper treatment that would ultimately end up saving our precious Pixie's life.
Dr. Alson Sears, a retired veterinarian formerly of Lancaster, CA., has developed a serum that can effectively treat, and save, a dog infected with Canine Distemper. Dr. Sears actually discovered the life-saving abilities of his unintended serum way back in the late 1960s, and purely by accident. While he was trying out an experimental procedure on a project he was trying to perfect, he ended up making a mistake when he following the protocols on some other project he was working on, instead of the one he should have followed, thus unintentionally, ending up with this serum that ultimately became the best, possible mistake of his career. Upon testing out his accidentally miscreated serum, dogs who were suffering from Canine Distemper were suddenly getting better because of this 'mistake.' Dr. Sears doesn't know how, nor why the serum actually works, and to research it to find out would cost him money that he simply doesn't have. Besides, the "why" doesn't really matter all that much, anyway… what does matter is how there is now a potential cure for a disease that was otherwise thought to be incurable!
After reading about this treatment, I emailed Dr. Sear's, directly, who then pointed me to Dr. Liat Zilkha, an Israeli-born vet right here in our great state of Texas.
Dr. Zilkha had to first examine Pixie, in person, to determine whether she felt she would successfully benefit from the experimental treatment, or not while also seeing if she thought Pixie could actually even tolerate the extensive measures that the treatment would entail. Basically, she needed to see if it was not already too late for Pixie, seeing how she has been infected with Canine Distemper for well over three months, by this point. Even though Dr. Zilkha is, indeed, in Texas, her clinic is actually located in our state's capital of Austin, TX, whereas we live over 160 miles east, in Houston, TX.
Having thankfully decided that Pixie should fare fairly well with the treatment, the first step required Dr. Zilkha to perform a Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Tap and withdraw some of Pixie's spinal fluid so she could create a special serum with it, and from the Newcastle Vaccine—which is a vaccine that is actually used for the treatment of 'bird flu' in chickens—that must be blended together with the antibodies found within donor blood from a healthy dog. The Newcastle Vaccine is first given to the healthy donor dog who then has his blood drawn from his carotid artery—which does not harm him, in any way, mind you; a donor dog's safety and comfort are paramount. Finally, after drawing the blood from the donor dog who was previously given the Newcastle Vaccine, the drawn blood is then mixed with Pixie's spinal fluid obtained from the Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Tap, before then being reinserted back into Pixie's spinal column.
Pixie responded immediately to her Canine Distemper treatment, just as Dr. Zilkha said would happen. She will also never need to be given the Canine Distemper Vaccine again, seeing as how she is now 100% immune from ever contracting the deadly disease, ever again!
For those of you who may be interested, a successful candidate for the honor of becoming a lifesaving, blood donor dog, must meet these specific criteriums: he or she must be a young, large-sized, healthy, mixed-breed dog weighing anywhere between 60 to 100 lbs, and be between the ages of 8 to 12 months old.
Sadly, we only thought that Pixie's health issues were behind us… we were greatly mistaken.
At approximately 9 months old, we happened to notice that Pixie's eye was starting to turn a milky-white, so we took her back to her regular vet, which was all we could afford at the time, due to the economic hardships of treating her Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper. This vet, whom I already mentioned not being all too fond of, misdiagnosed her as having a corneal ulcer and gave us a bottle of ineffective eye drops.
Seeing how these eye drops were not helping and that her eye was getting even milkier looking, I then took her to an animal Ophthalmologist who diagnosed her with having severe Glaucoma, and ultimately said that her eye must be removed, if we didn't want her retina to basically explode, only to cause unbearable, long-term pain. We obviously did not hesitate, at all, and immediately took her back to Dr. Zilkha, the vet who performed her life-saving Canine Distemper treatment, seeing how she knew Pixie's unique case and her more high-risk nature.
After her eye was removed she felt 100% better and was finally playing like a puppy again as her quality life improved, significantly.
UPDATE - OCTOBER 5, 2010
I'm completely overwhelmed by how many people fell in love with Pixie, it is heart-warming reading all of the sweet comments.
The Ophthalmologist feels that Pixie is close to being, if not completely, blind in her remaining eye. However, we still love her very much and will continue to be blessed by her charming self.
UPDATE - JANUARY 17, 2011
Pixie is completely blind and will have her other eye removed and a prosthetic put in. A lot of people will say we should put her down, but her quality of life continues to thrive. She really enjoys playing and wrestling with her sister and mother and she loves to play with her toys and cuddle with anyone who will hold her. She has a great life despite her disability. As long as she shows she is enjoying her life and is fighting, we will continue to fight with her.
It isn't my decision on how long she has, I am not God. I feel God has given her a fighting spirit for a reason and put her on this earth as an inspiration to many others battling illnesses. If a little dog can fight and not give up while not understanding what is going on, surely any human can do the same!
UPDATE - JUNE 7, 2011
Pixie's completely blind now and because the Glaucoma continues to increase her eye pressure causing her pain, her Ophthalmologist suggested to just have her eye removed.
She can't see anyway so honestly why have the eye there when it is hurting her? Her doctor never once mentioned putting her down as he has other patients with no eyes at all and they too have full and happy lives. Pixie is no exception. She may be blind but she has a great life with her sister and her mother who take care of her and include her in playtime. She uses her nose and ears to get around now as it is. Her doctor feels confident that with her being half scent hound (Bloodhound) which generally rely on their noses a great deal, that she is going to continue to thrive despite not having eyes.
So, as soon as I can afford it we will have the surgery and she will go from having a permanent wink to a permanent blink. But, we will obviously still love her just as much because we don't love her for her physical appearance. Although she will still be beautiful to us.
UPDATE - JULY 9, 2011
We were planning to have Pixie's eye, enucleated surgically removed and the eyelids sutured shut, but I got lucky and found a vet who performs the other option we were given for her at the same price as the so-called less expensive enucleation if performed by her primary Ophthalmologist. So, considering we could get the more cosmetic option of evisceration at the same price as an enucleation, which is what she had done to her other eye as her photo shows, we obviously chose the evisceration.
So, on Saturday morning, July 9th, Pixie had her remaining eye eviscerated, meaning that the contents of her inner eye (iris, lens, vitreous humour- the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eyeball, retina, choroid) has been removed and a prosthetic ball has been added to fill her eye in. We would have had the other procedure done and as I mentioned had already planned on it. But, I will not lie and admit that I am so thankful to God for leading me to an Ophthalmologist who did both procedures for exactly the same price and all we had to do was choose based on Pixie's needs.
After he examined her that Saturday morning he told me that he agreed with her primary Ophthalmologist. Either procedure would work just fine for her and that since he charged the same amount I only had to choose. He highly suggested I choose the evisceration due to her already losing an eye. With evisceration, only the inner eye is removed. The cornea and eyelids remain. So, by having her keep an eye at least we would be able to see when she is asleep or awake and we wouldn't startle her. So, we took his advice, plus we honestly really love her permanent wink. She is an absolutely preciously darling girl who can steal anyone's heart!
UPDATE - JULY 11, 2011
Just two days post-op and she is having a tremendous amount of pain. It is quite heartbreaking to hear her whimper, moan & cry. The doctor said that this procedure would have more intense pain for a while longer after the surgery, but that she didn't need an e-collar while healing. I disagree when she rubs her eye and cries very loudly and starts trembling. Also, she has walked into quite a few things she normally doesn't, due to still being affected by the anesthesia plus pain medicine. The doctor prescribed one 50mg Tramadol (Ultram) three times daily but a couple of times her pain level was so high that I gave her one and a half or even two. At least then she could get some rest.
When she doesn't hit her eye by walking into something then her klutz of a sister, Moxie, will swat it with her tail as she walks by poor Pixie. Man does that make her cry.
I know the vet said that an e-collar wasn't necessary but I put the one on her she wore after her last surgery just to see if it would help. At least when she walks the edge of the e-collar would hit before her eye so she then knew to stop and change her direction. It also kept her from rubbing it and hurting herself that way. Seems to help at keeping Moxie's tail at bay as well!
UPDATE - JULY 25, 2011
Pixie is feeling 100% better and is playing a lot more. Her pain is completely gone. She is back to being able to navigate around the house as she could before going blind. She is getting her appetite back as well since for several months prior to her procedure she'd be in too much pain from the Glaucoma which feels like an extremely severe, constant migraine headache. In just about a week we find out how she is doing and if her healing is going okay. A bit concerned with the amount of blood surfacing behind her cornea. Hope it is nothing bad.
UPDATE - JULY 30, 2011
Pixie went to her 3-week post-op check-up with her Ophthalmologist today and to be honest I was a bit concerned with how her eye appeared to be healing and was dreading that the vet may not have the best news for me.
We were told to expect "bloody tears" while she was healing and that since the contents of her inner eye were removed she would have blood seeping out from behind her eye. However, directly behind her cornea, you can see a thick ring of blood that seems to have collected there over the last couple of weeks. It doesn't bother her in the slightest but I was very worried that maybe she was getting some sort of infection despite her taking anti-biotic drops and anti-biotic capsules for 3 weeks after her surgery.
So, we meet with Dr. Rainbow (Yes, he has a funny sounding name but he knows his work and it kind of fits his bedside manner, he is extremely sweet and loves his patients very much), her Ophthalmologist, and he gave her a thorough examination. He then gave me the great news. Her healing process is exactly where it should be for 3 weeks post-op and she looks exactly as she should in regards to the way the blood looks in her eye. She is progressing beautifully!
Better news?
He discharged her completely from his care! She can also stop taking the anti-biotic drops! No more doctors visits... no more medicine... wonderful news!!
Than you for all of the comments, prayers and well wishes you all have given Pixie during all of her illnesses. We sincerely appreciate it very much!
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
Pixie's adorable little nose is bent all out of shape and she is not being a gracious host to 2-month-old Roscoe, the abandoned Plott Hound my brother found abandoned in a junkyard living in an old car with no food or water. As my brother's current residence does not allow pets he asked if we would puppy sit for him for a few weeks. Of course, we all knew he really meant "Hey, want another dog? Five just isn't enough!!"
The first day Roscoe met Pixie, Moxie & China Rose everything was fine. Tails wagged, butts were sniffed and all was a-ok in doggy world. And then came night time and Pixie quickly realized that this visitor intended to stay the night. And sleep in the same bed as her and her human mommy!!
That entire night Pixie refused to get in bed with Roscoe and I and dared to sleep on the floor. Like a dog! We all know Pixie is a people, not a dog!! Oh, the indignities!
The next couple of weeks the girls wouldn't let Roscoe play in any doggie games and that is all the sweet and handsome little guy wanted! It was heartbreaking to watch Roscoe carry a ball over to one of the girls and them either snarl at him or ignore him! Every snarl, snap or growl was punished, by the way! However, it got to the point where I had to bring out the playpen, aka "Puppy Prison" for Roscoes' own safety.
While in the playpen though Moxie at least sniffed him and acted friendlier, trying to play chase down the side of the pen.
Slowly all three girls are starting to accept Roscoe into the pack. He is just a little love and is such a handsome charmer and major cuddle-bug!
UPDATE - OCTOBER 25, 2011
Pixie and the girls have finally accepted Roscoe as a pack member. Even more adorable? Pixie has officially adopted Roscoe as her son! They are connected at the hip! Roscoe follows her wherever she goes and will wrestle and tackle her anytime he sees her... usually while she is asleep! This is great though as he is making it to where she doesn't sleep so much and gets more exercise.
I personally think Roscoe & Pixie needed each other! Roscoe was very young when he was found and Pixie is teaching him the in's and out's of being a dog... all the way down to her "pawing you" to get a treat. He is Pixie's protégé /apprentice! Pixie needed Roscoe to keep her from sleeping her life away. Plus, he plays with her AND Moxie and China Rose and will always include Pixie in a wrestling match.
Just the other day I saw the dogs in a "4 pup pile-up" with Pixie on the bottom with Roscoe straddling her, chewing on her neck, China Rose straddling Roscoe, chewing his ear, & Moxie straddling China Rose chewing her face while Pixie had a mouthful of Moxie's leg! I would have given anything to have had my camera with me!
UPDATE - NOVEMBER 15, 2011
Roscoe saved Pixie today! My brother was working on the fence in the backyard but left the gate open. He did not tell me so I didn't know and let Pixie & Roscoe outside together by themselves as I often do.
They were outside for about 30 minutes before I went to let them in. I called and called and they never came so I went outside to find the gate open! I panicked! You guys know that Pixie is blind; she could have so easily gotten lost, walked out into the street and hit by a car or have fallen down the barge ditch on the other side of the street from our house... I was freaking!!
I quickly ran outside to the front yard to look for them and found her being held up against the garage door by Roscoe who is only 3 months old now! I sincerely feel he led her to the garage when they got out because he knew she can't see. In my eyes, he saved my Pixie!
I can't imagine how scared a little blind dog would be to get lost. Roscoe is a little hero! Just another reason why I think Roscoe & Pixie were in need of each other.
I'll upload a photo of Roscoe soon, keep a look out! He's quite the handsome gentleman!!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Calling ALL Pixie supporters & fans!
As some of you may know, I am in the planning stage of writing a children's book about Pixie and everything she has been through and how strongly she showed just how much of a little fighter she is.
My goal is to write a book in Pixie's point of view, yes I will write it as if Pixie is writing it as I feel children would like that better. The book will have Pixie talk about all she went through emotionally when we all found out she was ill with parvovirus then distemper. It will focus on feelings of hopelessness and days where giving up doesn't sound all too bad but then how she decided that she wasn't a quitter.
I am also creating Pixie her very own website with a shout-board and/or forum so that her supporters and fans can interact and send messages to Pixie and family. I'm sure a few of you are going "she's a dog, she doesn't care about messages..." Well, maybe and maybe not. Every time I read messages from you guys directed to her aloud she'll usually stop whatever she's doing (I.E. Scratching, playing, walking around the room) and sit down, pointing her pretty little black nose at me and at least pretend to listen. So, you skeptics out there, show me proof that she doesn't care about what you all say to and about her!
Anyway, the website will include web pages for Pixie's biography, the book information & synopsis, photo gallery of Pixie photos, the shout-board/forum, & a contact information page.
This next section is where I'm asking for you, her fans and supporters, to come in! Per suggestion from a dear friend, I wish to include a tributes/dedications/FanArt page.
What does this have to do with you? Well, you guys are the ones who will be supplying these pieces for inclusion in the website, with full copyrights and credits complete with working URL to your deviantART profile or your website gallery of choice!
So, for those of you who want to participate, you are very welcome! Just post a URL to your "Pixie FanArt" right here, or you may even send the URL to me via note or you can email it as an attachment to me at ADamselinDesign@gmail.com.
Please add a note in your artist description that you are granting Casey L. Jones of DamselStock / ADamselinDesign the rights to display your Pixie FanArt on the under construction website, OneEyedPixie.com.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I've decided to make a stamp for those of you who are supporting Pixie with her on-going battle with Glaucoma.
If you support sweet little Pixie and wish to display your support on your profile and do not have a premium membership you may paste the following codes wherever you choose, but Pixie says she deserves to be on everyone's profile pages... spoiled little butt!
:iconsupportpixieplz::iconsupportpixieplz2:
Remember to COPY BOTH CODES just the way they are and do not put spaces anywhere!
Her Mommy and her Sister:
:thumb188952366: :thumb185761540:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you leave rude comments or are otherwise unkind, I will flag them or hide them. She is the sweetest little dog in the world. No, we didn't put her to sleep because as long as she fought to live and as long as God fought for her, we fought for her.
You can use the photo for your artwork granted that you follow my rules. The photo is a transparent PNG and thus will open in any graphics editing software.
STOCK RULES & TERMS OF USE
In Use:
:thumb182836856: :thumb198215564: :thumb253947518: :thumb320129392:
Image size
1738x1683px 2.17 MB
Comments547
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I’ve read the whole thing.Rest in peace,Pixie.I’m sorry for your loss.She’s in a better place now,not having to suffer through all of that.