Thursday, December 17, 2015

Body Here, Personality Missing


We haven't said anything about what has been happening around here lately, but Sam has not been doing well.  It has been a roller coaster ride since he had two seizures on the weekend of December 5 - 6.

Yesterday Jan took Sam to the vet.  Mr. Doug was a big help.  He cleaned out the tailgate part of his van for Sam's bed.  Mr. Doug kept offering to lift Sam in and out but he's not supposed to be doing any heavy lifting and Sam is currently 69 pounds.  So Jan figured out how to lift Sam in and out.  It turned out to be much easier using the waist-high tailgate part than it would have been the passenger section.

A physical exam and blood work shows Sam is physically a healthy dog.  Neurologically, it's a different story.  He has had a "vascular incident"  - most likely a stroke, possibly vascular bleeding.  He is blind in the left eye and his brain is not communicating well with his left side at all.  He does respond to voices but his brain is slow to process.  He isn't too sure where his feet are.  He has little response to touch on his left.

He wanders around until he is exhausted and collapses.  Jan took him outside at 1 a.m. the other night. and spent half an hour watching him walk around the yard as if he had no idea where he was.  At 3 a.m. she had to extricate him from a small space where he was trying to squeeze between the wall and the cat tower.

Yesterday morning she wondered how a big dog could get lost in a small house.  He was found in the bedroom closet (the door was open a crack) where he had lodged himself sideways.  His reverse and left turns are not working well.

As we typed this, Sam wandered into Marcus's crate for the first time.  He has been afraid of the confines of the crate. He went in crooked and got stuck.  Jan opened the second door on the side and managed to maneuver him inside so she could walk him out backwards.  He dropped down and stretched out.  A few minutes later he was most of the way out, with one paw "stuck" - the front left paw.  Jan had to lift it for him.

He isn't eating full meals but he is eating.  He's not in any pain.  His body is here but his personality is missing. This might reverse itself.  It might not.  It's one day at a time.

Meanwhile, Jan is exhausted from lack of sleep and an overload of stress.  With one of us ill, the whole crew is stressed and we have been acting up a bit more than usual.  

After 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan suddenly realized she had not paid our utility bill.  If not paid by 5 p.m., it would cost another $25.  $25 is rather precious around here.  Thank you, Miss Johnnie, for giving her a ride so she didn't have to hike to town.

And, Mr. Mark, we can't thank you enough for your help!

Come to think of it, we have a lot to be thankful for this Thursday.

Please forgive us if we missed sending you our ecard.  If we did, please pick it up on our Christmas Cards 4 U post.






Today is Thankful Thursday.  Stop by PepiSmartDog to see what he is thankful for this week and to join the blog hop.

It is also Thoughtless Thursday, hosted by Ruckus the Eskie with co-hosts Love is being owned by a Husky and M.K Clinton.

105 comments:

  1. Oh, MY:((

    Sam please get better, I and my furmily are pawyering hard fur you.

    My kitty brofurs are purring fur you, too.

    Sending lots of POTP, hugs ad love.

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  2. We are sending you lots of love, hugs, & purrayers.

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  3. I'm so sorry Sam is going through this, and Jan. I'm sending lots of purrs your way.

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  4. Hari OM
    OMDness.................POTP x 87 from my side for Sam and for Jan and for effurybuddy at 'the farm'.... you all don't need this stress during the Christmas Holiday. Blessings and hugs and wags and whiskeries (and extra hugs for Jan)... YAM-aunty xxx

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  5. Jan, we're sending Sam, you, and everyone else, all our purrs and purrayers. It's so like human aging, isn't it? :-( Hugs to you.

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  6. Oh gosh, I hope Sam's condition improves ...sending lots of love and support to you and Sam. Keep us posted

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  7. Poor Sam. We're sending purrs and prayers that this will reverse itself. Hugs to you all.

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  8. we are purrring very hard for poor Sam.

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  9. OMD OMD SAM!! WE are terribly sorry to hear this... OMD OMD we are sending you POTP and a bunch of LOVE... and our hopes that this clears up.

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  10. Oh my goodness dear Sam. We are so sorry. It is so very difficult to see our beloved animals ill. It is hard on all fronts and we are purring for a miracle. WE hope things improve for Sam and for you too Jan.

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  11. Sam...we had no idea! We are all so sorry to hear that you're having a few problems. BUTT I NOSE that Jan loves you so much and she and all your brothers and sisters will take really good care of you.

    PawHugs!

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  12. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you Sam
    Lily & Edward

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  13. Dang, we are so very sorry that Sam is having such difficulties. My Dad says he understands as he went through that with one of the doggies that came before. Love and hugs from all of us.

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  14. We are so sorry. Such a thing is so hard to watch! We sure hope it reverses itself and Sam gets back to normal or at least an improved state. Paws crossed for him! Do you want us to put him on the POTP page for you?

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  15. We are all so sorry to hear. :( Sam, Jan, and the gang our in our prayers.

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  16. Oh no!!! Sending you love, prayers, pug hugs and Christmas magic!!!!

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  17. Oh, Sam I am so sorry you are not feeling well! I'm sending you my bestest and strongest healing vibes and POTP. Lots of hugs to you and Jan. Crossing paws for a speedy recover back to 100%.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Furiend

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  18. Oh Jan this has to be so hard, we are praying that sweet sam finds his way back home to you, but we really believe in our hearts that he knows you and loves you, he is just a little lost right now. WE are praying for you all, I know it has to be hard on his sibs also. POTP...works miracles here in bloggy ville....hugs a bunch, stay strong, we are right beside you...stella rose and her momma

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  19. Dear Jan and Sam - we are sending pug prayers and POTP. We hope that Sam will improve as we know how hard it must be to watch him struggle
    hugs and prayers
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  20. dood....we send de manee blessings of St Francis two ewe that thiz seizure stuff doez knot happen again & yur bak ta yur ole self in noe time....we R troo lee sorree....we hope therz sum thin that can be done....ta help ree pair de damage.....sendin hugs N loves two ewe, jan & yur familee....♥♥♥

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  21. Jan, my heart is aching for you. I hope and pray Sam will be OK and that there will be something, some way to help him recover ...
    Love and hugs, Ann

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  22. Poor guy, I will be praying for you Sam.

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  23. Awww poor sweet Sam - we send many hugs and gentle purrs to all of you and we pray that Sam gets better! Take care
    x

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  24. dear boy Sam. purrs and healing energy are surrounding you

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  25. Poor dear. This must be tough on the both of you! We are sending our love.

    the critters in the cottage xo

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  26. We're sending purrrrrrrsssss and lots of prayers your way, Sam.
    {{{{hugs, too}}}}

    Love, Marilynn, Grace & Company

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  27. I am so sorry for you and Sam. My Golden Retriever also suffered a stroke and it is so very heartbreaking to deal with the aftermath. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. ♥

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  28. Thinking of you Sam. Plus and prayers and healing vibes to you.

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  29. hello funny farmers its dennis the vizsla dog hay me and saya ar sending lots of tail wags to yoo all and most espeshly to sam for his persunalitee to come bak the way it wuz!!! wag wag wag!!! ok bye

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  30. Oh Sam we are so very very sorry...bless your heart. We know Jan and your siblings are worried. Sending kitty kisses and mom hugs to you all
    Madi and Mom

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  31. I am so sorry Sam is going through this, and you too, Jan. We send purrs and prayers for his recovery.

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  32. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and all of you.

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  33. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and all of you.

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  34. We are sending many prayers and hugs for both Sam and for you...

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  35. Oh Jan...i am so sorry for Sam..such an unfair thing to happen to a beloved poochie..we do hope that as days go by he has some improvements in his neuro's...these anipals are so precious and every time one is unwell or injured we all feel the pain..sending our love and POTP to you all...and gentle hugs...Bev xxx

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  36. Well, we are praying for Sam, and for all of you. I am relieved that you have some helpful neighbors, Jan. I hope they continue to assist.
    Tell them thanks loads from Rosemary Miles and Pierro.
    Hopefully he will have some recovery over the days,
    Continue to encourage him to move, and talk with him, Keep him in the present, but rest is good too,
    Love and Prayers

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  37. Sending tons of purrs for your friend! We know how hard it is to see our buddies in need. Purring. - Love, Alana and Crepes.

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  38. We are sending you lots and lots of AireZen and POTP, Sam!

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  39. We are sending purrs and prayers, and Mommy is sending healing thoughts for Sam. And hugs to all of you.

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  40. Oh no Jan, so very sorry to hear Sam is having so much trouble. We'll get purrs and prayers going here with the hopes that it helps. It makes it even worse being so close to Christmas, when things are also busy and various places closed for Christmas/New Years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you a big HUG too.

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  41. Jan, I am so sorry about Sam! Sending lots of prayers and Austin send megapurrs! Keep us posted! xxx

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  42. So sorry to hear about Sam; I know he couldn't be in better hands. Hoping Jan can get some rest. Sending hugs your way.
    Noreen and Hunter

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  43. Oh Sam. I'm glad he isn't in pain and is still eating. I can't imagine how stressful this is on all of you. I hope his condition improves. Thank goodness for good friends and neighbors!
    Purring and praying for you.
    xxoo
    Maggie

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  44. Praying For Dear Sam... and Praying that Jan gets some rest, too.
    Purrz, Katie Kat.

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  45. Feel better Sam our furend. It's always worrisome for the whole pack. Sending love from Florida.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  46. We are sending purrs for Sam, and the rest of you. It can be difficult to come to a new normal.

    Cody and Gracie

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  47. I'm so sorry to hear that Mr Sam is not feeling well. We're sending our strongest purrs & wags that he is doing better soon.

    Jazzy Cat & Callie Woofie

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  48. I am so sorry you and Sam are goign thru this. We had a dog we found that had a stroke and he recovered complete - dogs can do that better than humans as long as nothing else goes wrong. Purring big time that Sam recovers too. I am sure having a big dog not quite with it is a lot of work!

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  49. Praying for Sam and all of you. Many years ago one of my dogs had a stroke, but she did recover and lived several more years ! Keep your hopes up !

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  50. Oh poor Sam! We're sending lots of gentle purrs and positive vibes to Sam and to Jan.
    (((Hugs)))
    Buddy and Slash and Karen

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  51. We are so sorry about Sam. We sure send tons of purrs and prayers in hopes he will feel better soon. There are miracles out there so hopefully he will be all right.

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  52. So sorry to hear about Sam. Sending kind thoughts from the humans and purrs from Charlotte.
    Hugs,
    SS

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  53. OH we are so very sorry about this sudden illness! I know how awful it is to see such drastic neurological changes in a dog. It is so saddening. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers! I hope something wonderful can be done to restore some of what used to make him "Sam"...Please know that you are the best mom to him and will only do what is best for him.

    Thinking of you.

    The Painter Pack

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  54. We are sending tons of purrs and lots of love for Sam, from all of us at Angel Prancer Pie.

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  55. So sorry to hear about Sam. We are sendings purrs, prayers, love, and hugs to everyone. Sam is a strong pup! We are purring for a recovery and turnaround! XOXO

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  56. Yo, Sam! We are sending lots of purrs and purrayers your way friend

    Elvira, Sneakers, Friday...The Opinionated Pussycats

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  57. Oh Jan, we really are so sorry to hear this. Sending Sam our biggest purrs, prayers and good thoughts, our paws are crossed for a recovery for him. Lots of love to him and to you, thinking of you both.

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  58. Can we send you and Sam all our best love. We hope things will be OK for your wondeful boy.

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  59. So sorry to hear about Sam, sending lots of purrs, prayers, nose kisses and love for him to get well and for you to get rest sweet Jan. Warm hugs, Maggie, Pooh and Chancy

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  60. Oh my sweet Jan...I am heartsick to read that your precious pretty boy is in such distress~ THIS is so heavy on your heart right now...I understand, I really do. We love our furs so much and when they are ill we are too....
    purrrring real hard that he recovers soon and all will be well again in your world.
    Much love, Karla

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  61. Dearest Jan, I am so very sorry about Sam. I know the pain of seeing them ill. I am praying for you and he and all of your furkids. XXOO

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  62. We are so sorry for what poor Sam is going through. We are purring and praying for him. (((hugs)))

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  63. We came to give you our big, big purrs. Sweet Sam, I am so sorry to hear he's not doing so well. We will keep you all in our thoughts.

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  64. Oh no, we are so sorry to read this. We had no idea. Poor Sam, and Poor Jan. And all this came about from seizures??? That scares us a lot. We hope that time will help Sam heal and be himself again, but not too much time. Hugs to all of you.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  65. We haven't been blogging much, but we heard about Sam and just know how worried you must be! We are hoping you can nurse him back to health and have him find a quality of life that is ok, even if he's not as able-bodied as he was before. Giving him a tincture of time is ok and we hope he improves as the days pass...

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  66. Quinn has her paws raised and I have my hands folded and both our hearts are sending love to all of you. Take care of yourself, Jan, and we hope Sam gets more cognizant of what's going on and gets better and better.
    A special candle is lit tonight for Sam.
    Funny Farmers, take care of Jan and Sam!

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  67. POTP to Sam and a hug for you. What a trying time. I hope Sam recovers with a bit of time.

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  68. Sending all of you and especially Sam our very best purrs and purrayers. We so hope that perhaps, as many Humans do, Sam will begin to recover from his stroke. We are glad he is surrounded by so much love. XOXOXO

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  69. We are so sorry to hear about Sam. It must be heartbreaking to see him feeling so "lost." We'll be praying and purring that this does reverse itself. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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  70. Oh, we are so very sorry to hear about Sam. Healing purrs and positive light headed Sam's way. And <3 and hugs for all of you.

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  71. We're purring and praying for Sam. We hope he has a full recovery. (((hugs)))
    The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

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  72. We are so sorry to hear this news and are sending you prayers of comfort. We pray for a full recovery as well (((hugs)))) DakotasDen

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  73. We Beaglebratz r late with our POTP but we still send it just the same. PLEEEZE Sam, u git better soon an'Jan, u NEED tue take good care of yourself-we know how our mom worriez when one of us iz not well. Our mom wantz us tue send both of u her prayerz an'git better wishez tue - fer BOTH of u.
    Lord Shiloh an'Lady Shasta of Beaglebratz Manor

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  74. We came to bring Healing Pawkisses and Purrayers for Body to feel better soon :) <3 <3 <3

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  75. We are purring and praying for Sam to come back to himself, and for all of you at this time!

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  76. Lots of prayers for Sam and for Jan and all of you while you go through this stress. Praying for healing for Sam

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  77. Sending lots of POTP and big luffs and hugs
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  78. I want to join the huge crowd of your fans to say I'm praying and sending tons of POTP for Sam - it has to be horrible to feel confused all the time even if you physically feel well and you just can't get your body or your head to cooperate! Hopefully this reverses itself so Sam will be more capable of figuring things out for himself but thank heavens he has help right now......we do hope things settle down for you Miss Jan - has to be very hard with so many to look after and the "head guy", Sam, needs so much of your time. Hope there are lots of holiday blessings in spite of the difficulty for ALL of you.

    Love, Sammy and Mom Pam

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  79. We send you tons of good energy and supporting purrs to go through this stressful situation. Purrs

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  80. Purrs and prayers of comfort are on their way from all of us to you and Sam, Jan. We hope for the very best so he can enjoy the holiday with you all. xx

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  81. Jan, we are so sorry to learn of Sam's CVe, he's a lovely lad and we know you are doing all you can to help him. We are sending huge rumbly purrs and love to you both.

    Luff
    Mungo, Jet
    & Jane The Ape xx

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  82. Oh my goodness, I am so sorry!!! Sending my love and prayers your way!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  83. This is so sad and at a difficult time of year when so many are happy you have Sam to worry about. We send purrs and prayers to Sam the family and you Jan that it may help him get better as soon as possible.
    If it help my sister had a pup who had a stroke last year during a dental. He was unable to move and needed hand feeding but over the course of some weeks turned the corner and has a good life now. There is hope.
    Love, Purrs and Prayers
    Timmy, Dad Pete and Family

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  84. Prayers for Sam's health and prayers for Jan for strength, courage, patience, wisdom, and rest during this time. These challenges are never easy, but at a busy time like Christmas they seem even harder. Peace and God Bless.

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  85. Sending many prayers to Sam, you, and your entire family. I know this must be difficult for you, and especially this time of year, but I can tell from your post that you are handling Sam's care and all of this wonderfully. You'll be in my thoughts.

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  86. We are so sorry and will be praying it reverses itself and Sam is back to himself soon!

    xoxo,
    Ginger, Matt, Matilda and Bell Fur Zoo Mom

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  87. We are so sorry this has happened. Weez sendin' lots and lots of purrayers.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  88. Oh Jan, we are so sorry for Sam - please know all of you are in our thoughts, hearts and purrayers. We believe in the Power of the Paw. Hugs, love and kitty kisses to each one of you.

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  89. Oh gosh that was just a heart-rending description of Sam to read, Jan, being so disoriented and getting "stuck." Oh gosh. I'm praying for you and Sam that this reverses itself. Meanwhile it's obvious that you have an over the top number of friends who really care!

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  90. We're so sorry to hear about Sam. We're purring for both Sam and Mom Jan.

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  91. We are sending purrs and prayers and great big Noodle hugs...

    Noodle and crew

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  93. I truly am so sorry to hear Sam is having health issues. I will keep him in my prayers and hope he will get better soon.
    Deleted first comment a I had typo in it.

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  94. We're so sorry to hear about Sam - lots of purrs and prayers are coming over for you all.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  95. Many purrs and prayers daily for Sam and for you.
    ~ The Bunch and Mom Bobbie

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  96. We're sending big healing purrs to Sam.

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  97. So sorry Sam is going through this. We know it must be so hard for you. We are sending our best healing purrs.

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  98. We is so sad to hear Sam is having health issues. We is sending all our purrs that he will be able to overcome this. Lots of hugs from mom bean to Jan too; she knows how worrying it is when one of the furbabies are sick.

    Sasha, Sami, & Saku

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  99. Khyra's Mom here...

    Sorry we've missed the latest on Sam - we'll be sending our very best healing vibes South -

    Hugz&Khysses From Your Pals In PA!

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  100. We are sending gentle headbutts, and prayers to all of you. Especially Sam and Jan. We know this can be stressful but embrace every moment you have together. We are sending powerful prayers that things start correcting themselves. Again gentle headbutts and prayers heading your way.

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  101. I'd read in a note from Ann at Zoolatry that Sam needed a little extra purrs and paws and just now have gotten around to get the scoop.

    Oh, Jan, and Sam and all, we're so sorry to learn you're really in a fix. What a wonderful human mom you have who can take care of you like she does. We'll be adding our purrs and headbutts and prayers to help toward recovery. Phillip, Christopher, Brody, Hope and Mom Karen at Kittens n Things.

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  102. we're a little behind on our reading, but I'm so sorry to hear of Sam's struggles. You're doing an amazing job keeping up with Sam. Make sure you're taking care of yourself, too. You'll be in our thoughts!!

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  103. PepiSmartDog: I am so sorry to read this about dear Sam. It must be very stressful to see him like this. Praying he will make some improvements as a little time moves on..(((HUGS))) You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Sorry I’m late getting here but thank you for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop each week. Really enjoy your posts! *waves paw* :=o)

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