Phoenix is a no-go for launch

A few nights ago, Phoenix's sick symptoms returned, though not as severe as they have been in the past. Over the last several months, he has had recurrent bouts of intestinal upsets. Many tests later, we discovered that he has Inflammatory Bowel Disease and lacks the ability to absorb Vitamin B-12, a vitamin responsible for the metabolism in almost every cell.

This sickness scares me every time he gets it. As my Dad puts it, I can't use Phoenix as he is intended (a guide) when he is sick, for I am always wondering if he will get sick in a public place or whether he'll be well enough to do his job and keep me safe. I'm also reluctant to take a nine-hour plane ride with him, knowing that he may not be able to "hold it" the whole way to Ireland and safely out of the airport.

I spoke with the veterinary and training staff at Guide Dogs, and they recommended that he stay here in Chicago. As the vet put it, "This has been going on a long time and I would expect unless conditions change dramatically it will continue as long as Phoenix is active." We currently believe that stress is a large part of why he keeps getting sick, so by leaving him here in Chicago he will hopefully be able to de-stress, relax, and have his symptoms improve. It will be a bit of an experiment, too, for we will be able to see whether the problems are a result of internal medical complications, diet, or stress.

I'll be taking my trusty (and dusty!) white cane to Ireland with me, and that should give me just as much freedom and mobility as if I had Phoenix. It will be hard to leave him here, though, since I've been with him virtually 24/7 since July of 2005.

Luckily, Ginger came yesterday to outfit my canes (yes, plural -- one is a backup) with new tips. It's always nice to have friends with fun toolboxes and senses of humor (or, humour--I have to get used to spelling English English!).