Jack Russell Terrier with Spinocerebellar Ataxia

[HolyMolyBand]

We currently have a puppy with Ataxia. He is currently at the stage Hogan was at the end of your video. We were wondering if you could share with us if Hogan experienced any pain toward the end of his life? We are trying to discern how to best provide comfort for our dog. Thanks

[hopkinsrn077310]

@HolyMolyBand I am sorry that your puppy has this very heartbreaking disease. Hogan was 14 months old when I had him put to sleep because it was so hard to watch him struggle and suffer. I don't think he was in a lot of pain, but since his mind was not affected, he was increasingly frustrated.

[hopkinsrn077310]

@HolyMolyBand I am sorry that your puppy has this very heartbreaking disease. Hogan was 14 months old when I had him put to sleep because it was so hard to watch him struggle and suffer. I don't think he was in a lot of pain, but since his mind was not affected, he was increasingly frustrated. I strongly encourage you to contact the Jack Russell Terrier Research Foundation and consider donating your puppy's tissue to them to help find a marker for this disease.

[andrewmarcus91]

Btw I am sorry you lost your dog

[andrewmarcus91]

Ok so more important than dog research, I just lost my uncle to this, and my.dads dieing of it, we need to put the pets aside and help people first

[beautyofsweden]

part 2: little fellow as Hogan;) I dont know if his status today but watching your last updates the series of videos from 7 April 2011 he looks very tired and the ataxia seems to take over his body. Hope you will be by his side and he will stay in your heart and mind forever! Sending you love and strenght.

[hopkinsrn077310]

@beautyofsweden Hogan was a very special dog, and I loved him very much. I learned a lot from him, and gave him the best life that I could, while trying to educate people about this terrible disease. With this being a hereditary disease, more care needs to be taken by the breeders to research the pedigree before breeding, so this doesn't continue to happen. More research needs to be done to determine a marker and identify carriers of the disease, too.

[hopkinsrn077310]

@beautyofsweden part 2: Unfortunately, Hogan is no longer with me, but he will remain in my heart and mind forever! He was a real trooper, and got a rotten deal with life. Thank you for your kind words.

[beautyofsweden]

@hopkinsrn077310 Sending you a big hug! When the sun shines from the skies Hogan running with ease with that sparkle in his eyes!

[beautyofsweden]

Hi, its so hard to watch someone you love gets weaker. Hogan is a very happy dog and I think you capture is very educational to everyone. Because ataxia is heredical everyone should take extra notice and put effort in breeding dog without the geene (sorry for my English, Im from Sweden). Looking at Hogan as a puppy I can see signs of ataxia at three different sequenses but noone would look for theese signs if they wasnt aware he akready had ataxia (mind the slippery floor and a very playful

[hopkinsrn077310]

I'm so sorry to hear about your puppy! It is a big deal and very devastating for you, as the owner! Don't let the insensitivity of people who are ignorant bother you. You know, and I know that you love your dog, and will do what's best for her. And know that she loves you too, very much, and she depends on you to care for her and love her. Enjoy her while you can, as you know, the disease will continue to get worse unfortunately. Cherish every day you have with her.

[LINKINPARK594]

@hopkinsrn077310 d : - ]

[LINKINPARK594]

My puppy Eden has cerebellar ataxia when i first found out i just cryed . It still makes my eyes well up when i think of him haveing this problem . my friends at school all think that i am makeing a big deal over nouthing they don't get how bad it is . I know that this might sound horribull but i am glad in away that i am not the only one out there with a dog that has this problem and that some people out their do actually know what i am on about and i can talk to them its a grate comfort .

[wauwse]

I am the lucky owner of 4 Parson Russells. 2 years ago I lost Jessy, my favorite to an intestine disease. The worse is being so powerless to help him, isn't it ? I wish Hogan many happy hours and you tons of courage ! Sabrina

[hopkinsrn077310]

@wauwse Thank you for your kind words. This is a very devastating disease, and watching my puppy decline more and more, knowing he will only get worse doesn't make it any easier. More research needs to be done and awareness needs to be raised so more dogs, as well as owners don't have to go through this, and this disease can be stopped. I'm very sorry for your loss of Jessy.

[4everLoveMe]

Aww so cute T_T

[hopkinsrn077310]

@4everLoveMe Thank you for viewing. Hogan is a great dog, and we are taking one day at a time. This is a terrible disease that I hope they can find a marker for someday soon, as no dog or owner should have to go through this

[xazngiirlx]

@hopkinsrn077310 hey have u tried stem cells in china? it might be worth a try, i've researched it and apparently theres a significant improvement, i hope that hogan lives on, god bless him, stay strong for another 3 years, i am a 16 year old girl from australia, wait 3 years because when i graduate i want to do medical research and the first thing i want to look at is a cure for spinorcerebullar atrophy, live on, be strong, i love you hogan

[hopkinsrn077310]

@xazngiirlx

[esiuolj]

Aww! Hogan is such a precious dog, he has absolutely gorgeous markings! Such a sweetheart.

[gloriasalinas1]

How lovely to see how dedicated you are to your beautiful dog. Your're both so precious, keep up the good work!! xx