Young Living Raindrop Therapy

In December of 2007 I was introduced to Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils.  I began using the oils for pain related issues and was amazed by their effectiveness.  Bruno was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy right around the same time that I started using the oils.

I sporadically began to use various oils on Bruno for different symptoms or ailments.

When I first began to apply the oils to Bruno he was indifferent.  As I became more knowledgeable and confident using the oils, their effectiveness on the resident German shepherd became more and more obvious.  As time passed, I believe that Bruno understood the oils made him feel better.

I had researched the benefits of Gary Young’s *Raindrop Technique for myself and during this process I ran across success stories and testimonials involving animals.  I wanted to try a raindrop session on Bruno but never got around to seriously looking for anyone in my local area to perform this on my big guy.

As fate would have it, Shawn, a good friend of mine had recently incorporated Young Living Oils and the Raindrop Technique into her massage practice.  Shawn had a couple of raindrop seminars and a half dozen animal sessions under her belt when she agreed to work on Bruno.  I was comfortable with Shawn working on Bruno because he was already familiar with her.

The session took place on Sunday September 12, 2010 at my house.  Shawn brought a friend Gayleen along who is intuitive and an energy healer.  Meet and greets were performed and we let Bruno settle in on his favorite rug.  As Shawn began to prep, Gayleen piped up out of the clear blue with “why?”  “Why what” I asked?  “Why, he is asking me why?  Why is she doing this?”  There were knowing looks among all and not much to say as I fought back tears.

Shawn began to systematically apply oils down Bruno’s back and gently massage them in.  Very shortly into the session Gayleen moved, distancing herself from Shawn, myself and Bruno.  Gayleen stated the intensity of Bruno’s pain was making her physically ill.  Shawn and I exchanged glances but said nothing.

Initially Bruno was tense and guarded.  After about five minutes or so he began to relax.  As the oils began to take effect and Shawn masterfully worked her hands over Bruno, his breathing slowed and he went into a deep state of relaxation.

The hands on session lasted about twenty minutes.  It was intense, emotional and I was physically drained from it.  Needless to say, the rest of the day was not very productive.  Bruno was Mr. Mellow in between his numerous naps while I began to process the day’s events as well as the overall big picture.

Tough decisions would soon need to be made.

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*The Raindrop Technique combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc., in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment.  It is designed to bring balance to the body with its relaxing, mild application. It will also help to align and clear the energy centers of the body without using force or excessive pressure.

September 2010 is best described as a hard, emotional month.

September arrived and over the course of the past month I had seen no physical improvement in Bruno.  He was still managing to get around and function but he had slowed down even more.  Our regular monthly session with Dr. Yamate came and went.

My assessment of Bruno’s current condition was as though all of the symptoms and complications of Degenerative Myelopathy, arthritis and old age that we held at bay over the past few years had angrily surfaced with a vengeance over the past few months.  We had successfully fought the battle but the war was not ours to win.

I knew the time I had left with Bruno was not long.

Long hot July days soon rolled into hot August nights.  A follow up blood test for Bruno’s thyroid came back with good results.  The thyroid medication was working and Bruno’s thyroid levels were in the normal range.

Dr. Yamate treated Bruno for his acupuncture during the first week in August.  The big guy may have been slow to rise but he was playful and glad to see her.  At the end of his session I asked Dr. Y for her honest opinion of Bruno’s status and future.  Dr. Y was optimistic.  She pointed out that his intestinal issues had cleared up, his thyroid was again functioning normally and he was mentally aware and alert.  She also pointed out that he still had the “want” factor.  He wanted to eat, he wanted to go out, he did not want me out of his sight, he wanted attention, he wanted to play, etc.

Dr. Yamate told me that she had witnessed other dogs in better physical conditions just “give up” and rapidly deteriorate.  This was not the case with my big guy.  He was a fighter!  Dr. Yamate also reassured me that she had a few more tricks up her sleeve.  Now that it seemed internal issues were resolved the new treatment plan was to focus more on pain and mobility.

Due to our walks being eliminated, Dr. Y showed me a series of exercises to perform on Bruno’s rear legs, feet and pads.  This would keep his back legs active and help to stimulate his nerves.  Time would be the judge if this would help his mobility.

Dr. Yamate’s sessions were always productive and positive.  During this particular session she attended to Bruno and his needs but she also unknowingly lifted my spirits.  Her confidence and optimistic view squelched any doubts and concerns that I had been recently experiencing.

Dr. Yamate was not ready to quit, Bruno was not ready to quit, and I was not about to quit on either one of them!

During the first part of July I met a woman who is a wise, old soul.  We had never met and were conversing about various subjects when somehow the topic of Bruno came up.  I briefly described his current condition and treatment.  She asked me his age and then out of the clear blue asked me if his thyroid had been checked recently.  I thought back to his last round of tests which were in December 2009.  This woman suggested that Bruno was feeling a bit off because of a slow thyroid.

Dumbfounded, I called Dr. Yamate to share my odd encounter.  Dr. Y checked Bruno’s records and confirmed that his last screening was seven plus months ago and his thyroid had tested in the normal range. We both agreed that a new screen was not a bad idea.

On Saturday July 17, 2010 Bruno and I completed a quick appointment at our western veterinary’s office for a senior screen.   On Monday the vet called to report that everything but the thyroid had come back in the normal range.  Bruno’s thyroid level was low.  My vet commented that she had looked through Bruno’s chart and could not find what thyroid medication we currently had him on.  I told her that Bruno was not on any medications and I reminded her that up until now, I had been treating him through the use of herbs and acupuncture.  There was a brief moment of silence from the other end of the phone connection.

A few days later I picked up thyroid medication for Bruno and we added another bottle to his counter top collection.

The week following Bruno’s fall was a difficult one for me.  Bruno had recovered but had not fully rebounded physically.  This was a hard reality check for me and I had several mini break downs throughout the course of the week.

Bruno was getting around under his own power but his backend had weakened and it was becoming more difficult for him to control.    It was obvious that he would no longer be able to maneuver through the dog door so he was reliant on me to take him outside for bathroom breaks.  I allowed extra time in the mornings before leaving for work to accommodate our newest routine.  We both accepted this and he seemed to understand that on work mornings we were on a schedule and he promptly took care of his business with no lollygagging.

Our afternoons and evenings we continued to spend time outside but our routine walks were a thing of the past.  Even the short distances to the garbage or to the mailbox were too much for my big guy to handle without effort which resulted in exhaustion and his rear right leg dragging.

As much as I tried to restrict his physical surroundings and limitations I could not control the desire and want of his mind.  If I went to the fetch the mail or toss the garbage I would briefly be out of sight from our front yard.  As I headed back I would find him headed towards me disobeying his “stay” command.  He still mentally wanted to make the trek and I know that he still considered himself my protector and did not like me being out of his view.

On another occasion he sprang into action after a squirrel that had been antagonizing him and bravely creeping closer and closer into our space.  I saw what was transpiring and could read his thoughts and body language.  I told him to “leave it” but he had finally had enough and in a flash rose up from his down position and took off after the squirrel.  His initial quickness took me by surprise and as he attempted to chase after the squirrel, his once strong fluid gate had turned into a clumsy, awkward bunny hop.  The squirrel scampered up a tree and Bruno collapsed with satisfaction.

Bruno’s body was deteriorating and failing him but his mind was sharp with mental clarity and the desire of younger, healthier days.  This is a hard thing to watch happen to anyone you love.   I was struggling with this emotionally and I know this was tough on Bruno mentally.

The new big picture was this:  Stay positive, be realistic, keep Bruno as comfortable as I can, and deal with whatever was next to come.

June arrived and the weather had turned hot.  I hoped that warmer weather eased joint aches but overall Bruno’s condition had not improved; he was starting to struggle with his balance when going in and out of the dog door. Dr. Yamate had faithfully administered Bruno’s acupuncture session early in the month.  Stimulation was increased, new herbs administered and we modified Bruno’s diet a little.  Dr. Yamate remained optimistic and aggressive.

Bruno and I were spending a lot of time outdoors and I was cautiously monitoring his activity level.  He was occasionally and unexpectedly beginning to stumble on occasion.  It was as if he was tripping over his rear left leg and then catching himself.  This did not go unnoticed but there was nothing I could do.

Sunday June 27^th, 2010 is the day Bruno fell and everything changed.  The day started off routinely for a weekend.  We got up, both had breakfast and went outside for some fresh air and to just hang out and enjoy the morning.  I did some odds and ends and around noon the big guy was itching to get out and take a walk.  I decided to take Bruno out before the day got any warmer.

We headed out and went a short distance to a grassy shady area that was our destination point.  Once there the day was like any other normal outing.  Bruno sniffed around, marked the area (the best he could), chewed on his beloved bumper, monitored any and all people or traffic with a watchful eye and rested in the shade.

It was time to head back and Bruno was in front of me leading the way when “it” happened.  Bruno fell.  His back end completely collapsed and he went all the way down.  He immediately rose up on his front end but his back end did not respond.  I was quickly at his side telling him to stay “down”.  I saw panic in Bruno’s eyes and I quickly began to reassure him that he was okay.  I knelt down next to him and spoke to him softly while gently stroking him.  I felt around on his backend and rear legs but got no indication from Bruno that he was in any pain.

I lifted his backend and supported him as we forged ahead.  We quickly made it to a grassy shady area and Bruno chose to take a break.  We were more than half way home and our front door was in view.  We rested for a few minutes before making a beeline into the house.  Once inside, Bruno collapsed in the entryway.

I brought Bruno some water but he was not interested in drinking any.  I helped him up and guided him to the living room where I got him onto his favorite rug.  I brought out my Young Living therapeutic oils.  I placed a calming and relaxation oil on the inside of his ears and on the pads of his feet.  I then used a mixture of oils for pain and rubbed down his backend and rear legs.  I lightly massaged and stroked him while telling him how much I loved him and that he was okay.  The oils began to take effect and Bruno finally started to relax.  He stretched out on his rug and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

I turned on television and positioned myself to keep an eye on my baby boy.  Bruno slept soundly for a couple of hours.  During this time I quieted my thoughts.  I am not sure if I was in denial or fear but I did not allow my mind to go to all of the “what if” scenarios that I had played out so many times before.  When he awoke he sat up and then, to my amazement, stood under his own power.  He wobbly walked over to his feeding station, had some water and then returned to his rug.

The big guy looked at me inquisitively as if asking what I had planned for the rest of the afternoon for entertainment.  I do not know what he had in mind but we were definitely going to keep things indoors and low key.  Dinner time rolled around and he was eager to eat.  I took him outside to relieve himself and he had firm bowel movement.  It was starting to appear that the day’s events may have been more stressful for me than him.

Come evening Bruno was moving a little slow but his backend was becoming more stable as the hours passed.  I took him out for another potty break before retiring for the evening.  Our day had started out normal and had ended fairly normal.  I prayed that what had transpired in-between would not become a reoccurring event or something that we would have to accept as a “normal” part of our routine.  On a positive note Bruno demanded his routine treat that night and he was right on schedule.

Bruno 05/23/10

Due to unforeseen circumstances Bruno was unable to see Dr. Yamate until May 23^rd.  We were about two weeks past due for a session and we were out of herbs and supplements.   His back end was very unstable and it was obvious to all who saw him that Dr. Yamate was a need not a luxury.   Bruno was tiring easily and once tired, he was starting to drag his rear left  foot scrapping his nails along the ground.  This is a common symptom of Degenerative Myelopathy.  Due to his decreased energy level I had cut down his activity level but mentally the old guy was alert and strong.

Needless to say, we were both glad to see Dr. Yamate.  Days following his acupuncture session he tightened up in the rear and regained his balance.  His energy level remained about the same and I shortened our daily walks.  I could tell this irritated him.  He mentally wanted to take the longer routes and would try to steer me in their direction.  I compensated the walks by taking him outside in the front yard.  The weather was nice and in the evenings he could lie outside and observe the neighborhood activities.

I regularly reminded the big guy that our journey together was a marathon not a sprint.  It was okay to be slowing down and taking things easy.  I spoke this in truth but we both knew in our hearts that he did not want to take it easy.  I did not want to admit it but old age and Degenerative Myelopathy were becoming more and more apparent.

I had to keep myself together so I could keep Bruno as strong as possible.  I could not think worrisome thoughts and keep processing all of the possible “what ifs”.  No point worrying about what has not happened.  Together we would focus on today, and take one day at a time.

Bruno Chillin' In His Truck 4/2010

On May 8, 2010 I returned to the vet’s office with a stool sample to follow up on Bruno’s coccidiosis.  The results came back negative so another round of antibiotics would not be necessary.  The antibiotic Ponazuril had done its job and I felt that Bruno’s bout with diarrhea was over.

I now hoped that the bout with Coccidiosis was the cause of any and all abdominal or digestion issues and/or discomfort.  Bruno was giving no obvious indications one way or the other so I would have to wait for time to tell.

Snow Day in Tahoe 4/2010

Saturday April 24, 2010 was a beautiful spring like day with high’s forecasted to reach the low 70’s.  Bruno had finished his antibiotics and was feeling better.  His diarrhea had cleared up and I was no longer supplementing his diet with rice and other binding foods.

I had nothing planned for the day and wanted to get Bruno out of the house.  On a whim I decided to load up my boy and head east for an impromptu snow day.  It had been years since I had taken Bruno to the snow and there was no guarantee that he would be up for the trip come the following winter.

We headed for the hills and within a few hours we were in the vicinity of Lake Tahoe, California.  It was a beautiful sunny day and the remaining snow would soon be gone and forgotten for the season.  I found a secluded area and together we trudged around playing in the snow and enjoying each others company.

Me & My Boy!

I was careful to pace the big guy and keep a watchful eye over him.  I did not want him to over exert himself so at least one of us had to use good judgment.  Bruno enjoyed himself and it was a good change of pace for the both of us.

Bruno was reluctant to load back up into his truck but he was tired.  We had come and we had played but it was time to leave the cool mountain air and beautiful scenery.  We leisurely made our way back home.

Once home, unloaded and settled in, Bruno wolfed down his dinner and stretched out for an evening nap.  We were both worn out from the outing but it had been a great day spent together.

Bruno with Bumper 04/2010

The following week Bruno’s tummy woes still continued.  His diarrhea had improved but I attributed this to his diet more than anything else.  His back end had tightened up after Dr. Yamate’s acupuncture session and I was optimistic that his pain had been eased from the appointment.

The big guy was doing okay but he just was not quite himself.  On Friday April 16, 2010 I arrived at my western veterinarian’s office with a fresh stool sample in hand and dropped it off.  The following day I received a phone call that test results were in.  The good news was Bruno tested positive for Coccidiosis which are parasites in the intestines.  The bad news was…bad news?  As far as I was concerned there was no bad news.  This would be an easy “fix” solved with antibiotics.

As I drove the short distance to the vet’s office I wondered how in the heck Bruno had contracted coccidian parasites.  Nothing had changed in our routine of locations and places we walked and hung out.  Bruno had never been a dog to dine on feces (his own or others) and had not recently taken up the delicacy.  My experience with coccidiosis, up until now, was that any form of this parasite was very common with puppies.  As these thoughts crossed my mind I dismissed them as quickly as they had entered.  How Bruno had contracted the parasites was irrelevant at this point.  A diagnosis had been found and a solution was obtainable.  I felt confident that antibiotics were going to work and my baby boy would be feeling better in no time at all.

My vet wanted to put Bruno on a strong dose of Ponazuril but they did not have any on hand.  An order was placed and in the meantime I left with Albon to get something into his system and working.  On Tuesday April 20th I picked up the Ponazuril with dosage instructions of twice a day for two days.   Another bottle to add to Bruno’s kitchen counter top collection.

A stool sample done weeks earlier would have saved a lot of discomfort, time, money and a few sleepless nights.   In hindsight, I kick myself for not doing a stool sample sooner but there is no point in dwelling over it.  The lesson learned from this experience is that the easy solution can sometimes be easily overlooked.