Thanks Nancy. That's exactly how I feel. Whether it was meant that way or not... it's how I feel. And I wasn't going to post this... but I actually left the computer with tears streaming down my face. I never cry but when it comes to the well-being of my dog, I care about him so much and I just want to do what is right for him and us. I think I just need to take a break from YT for a few days.

Nancy, does this make you feel better? Pointing at me? Seriously? You have taken this further than where it should have gone....but I am putting and end to it now. I seriously will not post on this again because it is off topic now.

Brit you are young and this is your first dog. We had a discussion not long ago where you pretty much told me you knew all there was to know about nutrition. I have years of experience and simply am saying what I think and what I have learned. You and the rest of the people on this thread can have whatever opinions they want of me. I said what I said to HELP. Take it and use it...or trash it. Simple as that. I never name called...never..and NO I was not just addressing you. I saw people suggesting edible chews that I disapprove of. They can cause all sorts of problems. But..that is NOT what the thread really should be about...it is learning how to help you get Jackson well and keep him that way.

I know no other way to help someone but to say the truth about what I know and believe. If it hurt your feelings, I am sorry...it was not meant to be that way. I never passed judgement on you...heck one of my pups was just in the hospital....it happens. I see you as someone who really cares about her pup...nothing more/nothing less. You have done a lot for him this week.

Brit, please don't feel like anyone else is judging you... We all know you are a caring owner just trying to do what's best for Jackson. I could see how this would be disturbing if you hadn't taken Jackson to the vet yet, but we all know (or most of us) that you are trying to educate yourself in the best interests of Jackson.

What I find really disturbing is the way some people choose to berate and belittle other members when they are just trying to be good pet owners. I have to say Ladyjane, I'm honestly disappointed in you :thumbdown

Never did I act like I knew all there was to know about nutrition. I had/have some strong opinions... maybe yes. But I was always willing to learn and take in new information. And I recall saying multiple times in a recent thread that I did not judge those who fed certain diets for the better sake of their pets and that I would feed it if it came down to a matter of keeping my pup alive and thriving.

To me, it is a lot more than that. Not to get too personal but I was almost 16 when my 5 year old brother died. We were best friends, despite the age difference, and to be honest I did not feel a sense of any sort of happiness until Jackson came into my life 2 1/2 years later. It was an instant connection, not to sound completely cheesy, but there's just something so special about him. We really truly just clicked form the beginning and from the first day I had him, I knew I had to protect him. He's really not just a dog to me, he is so much more than that... he gave me responsibility when I so greatly needed it, he gave me a love I had never felt before (and probably won't until I have my own kids), he's my best friend. Obviously we all feel this way about our pups or we wouldn't be here on YT. But it's not even a simple matter of me "caring" for my pet and doing what is right. There will never be another dog like him for me in the rest of my lifetime. I will love other pets somewhat the same... but in a different way.

Thanks so much, it means a lot to me!

No Linda, I admire you more than you will ever know, it doesn't make me feel one bit better to ever correct you, but I felt what you did was wrong. Sometimes people can't even hear you if you come across so strong. I'm not one to yell at people for writing harshly, but Brit's a long time member here and needs our support. I believe just because so many people here do think so highly of you, that you have an even greater responsibility to be kind when someone is going through something like this..

Well suffice it to say that after that thread I was shocked to learn that you were feeding table scraps. I thought Jackson was on a healthy diet by the way you had posted.

So...here we are with a sick Jackson and people are on here suggesting things for him that concern me. So...I was simply saying it is scary. I stand by that.

If you or anyone else wants to make something else of that...that is your problem. I am here to help people. I really tried on that other thread to offer advice and my thoughts and was pretty much shut down.

I guess I will keep my thoughts to myself in the future with certain people. I am not on YT to be persecuted for trying to help people care for their pups.

If you think I am so wrong, report it.

I am not unkind. How dare you.

Well, I thought he was on a healthy diet, too. I honestly did not feel he was getting very many table scraps but I suppose that's the beauty of hindsight. Looking back, he was obviously getting too many. What I thought was little pieces here and there, was obviously still just TOO much. And to be completely honest, all of our families dogs and any dog I've ever known as consumed people foods and have shared foods with their humans and I never knew it to be such a huge problem. It was something I'd never experienced issues with before. Obviously one learns after mistakes are made.

I am not exactly sure which thread you are talking about where I "shut you down" but I don't recall doing that. If I did, then I do apologize. Obviously I, along with a lot of people, have learned quite a bit in this last week or so. I do remember recalling my one time use of the word 'never' because I realized I was wrong right away. Just searched and found my quote in a SD thread: I value your knowledge and information. I do not think you should withhold from offering advice or help. But I do think it would come across better if maybe there was some more compassion there, maybe, if that's the right word. I appreciate the fact that you have been through this multiple times and dealt with lots of sick pups but the fact of the matter is, MOST people don't, including me. This is a first for me... and alot of people who come to YT for help. So to almost be talked 'down' to instead of just nicely trying to encourage or teach, made me feel really really really terrible. More so than I already felt. And the fact that I feel like you don't even really care that much for making someone feel that way. And I know you said it wasn't your intention but I am just saying how I felt.

I haven't been around much, but this thread caught my eye and I actually read the WHOLE THING. Now I'm worried about Zoey's favorite bullies! Great...one more thing to fuss and fret about, lol.

Kidding aside, I think Jackson is an amazing dog. I went to your YouTube channel and couldn't believe how much your little guy sparkles with the pure joy of living. Amazingly, he made me laugh, even though I'm awake at this crazy ridiculous hour. He IS special...you can actually see it in your videos. I swear he's got more bounce than 10 dogs. With all the heart that boy has, I know he's going to be just fine...with your loving care.

You're BOTH so lucky to have each other. :) :) :)

Brit, I just want to tell you how much I admire you and the way you're handling this. You're asking great questions and actually listening to the advice you've been given both by your vet and by those experienced with pancreatic pets. You are trying and learning, and that means everything IMO.

I also want to thank you for sharing Jackson's experience AND all of your questions with those of us who don't know much about pancreatitis. Jackson is such a popular little boy on YT that I don't doubt you've had many members like me following this thread. ;) When you ask a question about a chew/treat and another member explains why it could be harmful - we ALL learn from it. The same is true for all the discussions about diet that Jackson's story has generated. I think a lot of us, me definitely, have learned a lot in the past several days. Thank you.

Hugs to you and Jackson,
Bonny

I know nothing about Pancreatis but my first yorkie Ichabob became a diabetic at age 3 yrs. Ich was fed the best food both canned and dry, pig ears, chicken chew sticks, a little table food (my hubbie) you named it he had a taste. after we found out he was a diabetic our whole life change, he had to have shots twice a day, was fed only sd w/d canned and dry, his only treats were his kibbles, because if he got anything else his blood sugar would go sky high. we started out going for blood drawn 3 times a week ended up after 4mos going once a month.
I guess what I am trying to say is we all learn from this, we adjusted he was the same old Ich after as he was before, nothing change in is life style because he was a diabetic he still chase the geese trying to run them out his area, rode on the tractor, took trips, camping, hiking he just had to have shots twice a day. ever thing else was the same as before.
don't beat yourself up because of hind site, I been there it does no one any good, you learn and go forward and onward.

Brit, everyone knows how deeply you love Jackson and that is why you see the level of concern on this thread. Please don't take opinions on diet as judging you personally or questioning your level of care for your doggy.

People questioned why I didn't take my doggy to a specialist and I know they did it out of concern for his eyes and not because they think I am a bad caretaker or person. I was also questioned about the medications and protocol and I had to eat my words about never using an eyedrop with steroids. That's okay because I know people here want my dog to have eyes.

No one wants to see Jackson relapse or worse. I interpreted LJ's comments as exasperation over all the talk of chews and foods that she knows would/could put Jackson back in the hospital -- not just now or until he recovers from this episode, but in the future.

She also repeated her feeding philosophy that if it isn't necessary, she doesn't feed it because it isn't worth the risk. Everyone has strong opinions on diet, including you, and food is always a huge topic of very emotional debate because everyone wants to do the right thing for their pups.

I also have to agree with LJ that our feeding habits are more often about ourselves rather than our doggies' needs. I too am guilty in that regard. We all need to ask ourselves relative to everything that goes in our dogs' mouths if we are nourishing and rewarding them, or are we harming them? Is this food or treat really necessary?

Everyone understands that this is a huge change in lifestyle and experience for you. No one is suggesting living in a bubble or living in fear, but the reality is that every morsel of food that goes in Jackson's mouth could have serious consequences. That applies to all of our doggies, but more so to dogs once they have suffered their first bout of pancreatitis.

Relax and take care of yourself. You know how our doggies pick up on our stress and anxiety. Keep things simple. One day at a time. :hug:

Brittany, Jackson is very special, and so are you. That is so clear from everything you've shared. You two are an amazing team and I'm sure you will figure out what he needs to stay healthy and have a happy life. Hugs to you both.

BTW, Max is on a diet to take off the half pound that he gained when his activity was restricted. I think it is much harder on me than it is him. ;)

I can't add any education value to the thread, but I do wish Jackson continued success and good health. It's been so hard for you Brit:(

I agree with this completely.