The Good News

Roxanne at Galveston beach earlier this summer.

Dear Friends, We thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and concern for Roxanne.

Our visit to Aggieland was wonderful.  The skill and kindness of the people at this wonderful veterinary school absolutely amazed us.

The good news is that we can say with confidence that Roxanne is healthy and well... no cancer, no horrible degenerative disease, no herniated disk that needs surgery, no problems with her blood or any vital organs.  Roxanne has had absolutely everything tested from the base of her skull to the base of her tail.  As a result, she looks a bit like a crazed groomer tried to do a poodle cut on her, realizing half way through that she was a Golden Retriever...  Thankfully, her hair will grow back.

While we did not receive a definitive reason for Roxanne's lameness, she has been diagnosed with two distinct possibilities.  One is that she is recovering from Lyme's Disease.  The second possibility is much more broad and considered more probable.  It is called peripheral neuropathy, which causes progressive nerve weakness and, thankfully, often stabilizes.  Our Aggie vets were encouraging, feeling that Roxanne's recovery from being totally lame several weeks ago was a very good sign that she has, in fact, stabilized.

The vets at A&M told us that Roxanne may never regain her full strength or hike with us more than a short distance.  However, they also said that with muscle-toning exercises, she should be able to improve.  Hope springs eternal.  Swimming will be the best exercise that she can do... and, of course, our water dog loves to swim.  As a result, we are seriously considering a modified road trip... a lake-hopping excursion out west, designed specifically so that Roxanne can swim as often as possible.

While some may consider this as a sacrifice, we are overjoyed!  We'll take Calypso, our blow-up boat, and cruise blue waters.  Maybe we'll even make it to the Oregon shore to connect with our niece who is thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail for a cause (see http://www.hikingtogetkidsoutside.org/).  While we're not certain how far we'll get (or when we'll leave), we will be doing one of the things that we love most... enjoying the majesty and beauty of this glorious planet, particularly the U.S. of A.

We feel so completely blessed.  Ruffingitx3 may well be on the road again as a threesome!  God is so GOOD!!!  Our praise to His glory and mercy!  :)

We'll keep you posted...

P.S.  With all the waiting time that we had in College Station, we can assure you this:  If you're ever in Aggieland, the George Bush Presidential Library is well worth the trip!