Well, it's official - Grace has DM

Although the only true diagnosis is post-mortem via necropsy, Grace's DM DNA test came back as "affected/at risk" which means her symptoms are most likely DM. Of course, there are other things that can be going on in addition to the DM, so once she's done with her current round of antibiotics for her UTI and re-test to confirm that her UTI has cleared, the neurologist wants her to take a round of Pred to see if there is any improvement in her walking. If none, then there most likely is nothing else causing her symptoms but the DM.

It's not a surprise, but I really was holding out hope that her DM test would come back as negative. I'm still in the angry stage - angry that my girl has to suffer from this. Angry because I know what will happen in the future. And angry because I don't know how long we have left with our Grace.

I'm so sorry. I was hoping you'd get a different diagnosis, but was expecting this. It's a hard place for you, I know.

What a rotten deal - and, of course, you have every right to be pissed as hell about it.

But, I can't help but think that there is a reason Grace is with you. The number of people that could help a pug along through such an ordeal, as you did with Makayla, is so slim. Grace needs you.

I am so sorry Rachel

I'm so sorry Rachel. this isn't fair.

I'm sorry, that just sucks.

No other words to explain it other than it just plain sucks. I think we were all holding out hope that the results would come back negative.

I'm sorry, Rachel, this sucks.

Oh god, I'm so sorry Rachel.

Nothing to add except I'm so sorry, Rachel.

I'd be angry to, I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I wish there were something I could do to change it.

Oh Rachel, life is so not fair!! I am so, so sorry you have been dealt this blow. But, while I know it does not make things any easier, it truly is a blessing for sweet Grace that she is in your care. You are her angel in so many ways. Hugs to you and prayers for peace and strength.

Dammit. I'm so sorry Rachel. That just sucks.

Not what we were hoping to hear. And yes, Grace is a very lucky girl to have you. It sucks large, though. Mrs. Freebush is in my prayers.

I'm very sorry.

Oh Rachel, that just sucks. However, Grace is very, very lucky in the fact that she has you as her person. You'll love her and take care of her the way you did with Makayla. I know it's hard but she and you were given to each other for a reason. You both will be in my prayers.

I'm sorry Rachel. It's just plain unfair. For you and for Grace. I'll be thinking about you guys and hoping the pred helps some. Given what she's been through, though, I'm sure whatever time she does have with you is more than she ever thought was possible.

Thank you all for the thoughts and kind comments. I do believe things happen for a reason - I just haven't yet come to terms with such rotten things happening to my girls. And I had just hoped we wouldn't go down this road again so soon after losing Kayla. But I am thankful we have Grace - I know there aren't many people (other than everyone on this forum!!) who would care for her the way she'll need as her disease progresses. And so for her sake, I'm glad she has us - after such a shitty start in life, she deserves nothing but the best and that's what she's always had with us and what she'll continue to have for however long we have left with her.

I know it's going to be a tough several months in this house - it's tough to come to acceptance that this is our fate and I know I'll have plenty of tearful moments to come. But I also am thankful for the twisted "blessing" that DM is - it forces us to live in the moment and be grateful for every day. It took me a long time to realize that after Kayla got sick, but I was so glad when I learned to just live for today with her. And that's what I'll do with Grace - just enjoy every day and remind myself that she's not pitying herself, so why should anyone else.

As Donna has said over the past few months, I don't know if I'd make it through this DM journey if it weren't for of my wonderful PA friends.

Wow, that does totally suck as said! You have a wonderful attitude about it, but it does still suck! I am very sorry. :( I was so hoping it wasn't this.

Oh Rachel, I was hoping the news was better. It just sucks, especially considering what she has already had to endure and overcome.