This my first pic post, and these are just snapshots. I saw another post of shepherd puppies and had to put my boy on the web. I hope nobody is offended by my posting out of pride. I will try to have some talent in my next post.
There is a sad story behind the lab. She has a condition called muscle myopathy, it only allows her to run for maybe 2 minutes at a time before she can no longer hold her weight and she is only 6 months old. It is hereditary and requires the gene from both parents. It is not supposed to be too degenerative and we can only hope. They love each other like like nothing else. It is really sad to see her collapse after 2 minutes of play. I live in Michigan and it has already started snowing, the cold causes her muscles to cramp up even quicker when playing. It will be extremely hard to do, but we may need to adopt her to a family in a warmer climate.
I am so sorry to hear about your lab. Skeletal Muscle Myopathy (HMLR) is a terrible condition but from what I have read, it stabilizes when the dog is between 1 and 2. Sadly the only treatment is to keep them warm and limit their play/exercise ... which is very hard to do w/ a young high energy lab. Thanks for all the care you have given her. I've had labs and Shepherds my whole life and they are some of the finest dogs. If you decide to adopt her to a family in a warmer climate, please let me know. I might be able to provide a good home for her (northern California) with my GSD and Goldens, or else I know of several people who may be able to provide her w/ the care she needs. Ideally she should stay w/ Cody and your family, but if you find that isn't the best thing for her, please let me know.
Suzie has some pretty cool winter cloths coming soon. We are hoping that they will help keep her warm when she goes outside. She pretty well with inside play like wrestling, it is the running that takes her down fast. She has a very slender frame due to her condition and is only at about 35 pounds at 6 month, but she has no problem putting her 80lb brother in his place. He is so good with her. When they wrestle, he normally stays in the down position and takes a good beating. I almost think he understands her condition as he is usually the one yelps mercy when she has a death grip on his face.
Cody has a pedigree with Russian and German blood lines, and Suzie was a shelter pup. Suzie's mom was a shelter dog that was adopted before her pregnancy was noticed and the father is unknown, we are guessing a Yellow Lab. The shelter helped them with the adoptions of the pups. Mom had all the appearances of a Golden with the exception of being jet black. I have been told that black Goldens are referred to as a "Flat Coat Golden". She bore 10 blacks and only 1 blond. She has the most precious temperment and it would pain us dearly to have to find her a warmer home, but we will not make her suffer for our own sake. I will keep you in mind if we ever come to the grave decision to adopt her out.
If you can shed any light on the "Flat Coat" theory, or have any experience with HMLR please shoot me a PM and I will give you my email address to take this off-line.
