This is an update to “My Story”. It is October 7, 2003. It has almost been a year since Tyche’s passing. I think about her often. I think about Thea just as much if not more. Thea was that once in a life time soul mate. Every full moon, especially those full moons that are deep orange remind me that she is still with me.

I have a female in heat here that is ready to be bred. Her name is Pepper Creek’s Jewel. She is a very nice looking fawn brindle. I was thinking about taking her to my Taurus. If there was ever a time to do a “study” breeding with him, this would be the female to use. I know where her mother is, who is 5 years of age. I know where two full blooded sisters are that are healthy. I am fortunate enough to also know the sire of Jewel, he is a 6 year old mastiff that is also healthy, and he comes from “Banyon lines”, and is a Champion. If Taurus was the cause of these seizures I would most definitely know by this litter. I did some thinking Sunday night, and decided to call some people that I know have “studs”. They also have one of my males from my litter. I started the conversation off by asking about my Chubbs. In a very silent voice I heard he is dead. I was stunned to say the least, because he had died about 4 months ago. They didn’t want to bother me, and are having a hard time dealing with this. I asked about the other males they have for stud, but the pedigree is a little to close to Jewel’s.

While thinking I better not use Taurus, I am not fully prepared for another disaster, I found out that Bishop, another male whom I knew was having seizures had past on Saturday. Needless to say, God answered my prayers in what I should do, and that is NOT breed Taurus ever again. This makes to date, 7 puppies out of a litter of 12 to seizure. Of that amount 5 are deceased. A very heart wrenching story, but one that must be shared and dealt with open and honestly. I would like to say that it gets easier, and at times it does. But for the most part I try to block it out. Then when I least expect it, that full moon appears, as it has this week. I can’t help but breakdown from time to time, thinking about the pain it causes people and their families.

My website was designed with the main goal of getting the word out about Epilepsy. I will still keep posting about this particular litter. However there comes a time, when as a breeder I must continue doing what I love so much. That means I must move on, never forget what happened, but help find the cause. With that I look at the great joy these dogs have brought me as well. They know how to touch our hearts.

Nov. 29, 2003: Another puppy, Max, was put to sleep. He had a wonderful home, and was well cared for when suddenly he just snapped. I guess it was his turn for seizures. This is 8/12 and the number keeps climbing. Another male in the litter had a seizure when he was mildly sedated to get his nails clipped. The vet is aware of the litter, and believes it was the sedative that “triggered” what he is already prone too. He has not had another seizure, but they are watching for all signs. The only dogs, not to have seizures, in this litter are now easier to talk about since there are only 3. They are Tyra, Brandy, and Jade. Tyra I see on a continuous basis.

April, 2004. It has been almost two years now since this whole nasty nightmare began. I still continue to do research everyday on mastiffs, and their pedigrees’s and still learn something new all the time. That is what being a good breeder is all about. Not walking away when things are bad. I will always be active in the Seizure Study, and will post when something new arises. I am proud to say that this has happened to me. It has made me who I am today. Moving on to happier times.

March, 2005. Many things have changed in our household. My daughter is doing wonderful, and is helping more with the dogs. She is “in charge” of a few things for the dogs. I have learned that Cleo, a female that had seizures at 3 months of age, has changed owners. I am glad that she has a wonderful loving home. She resides in Upper Michigan, with lots and lots of snow. Cleo has suffered from more seizures, and is on medication. Her new mom, cooks for her everyday, and the seizures are being controlled. Hopefully, with the love from her family, she will be able to live longer than most mastiffs with epilepsy. It takes a lot of time, and care out of people’s already hectic lives. Thanks Pam for loving her so much, and being able to do what you do.

Over the last year, I have met so many wonderful new people. As I have always stated, this has happened to me for a reason. I do not take any litter for granted, and I do so much research on health in the pedigrees when choosing to breed a litter.

I will continue to add news about the seizures, and WHEN new info is available I will be the first to share.