Sirius’ Journey with Addison’s

In my last blog, I shared the heart-wrenching discovery that my beloved Sirius may be battling Addison’s disease. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I’ve always believed in the power of natural healing, trusting that with the right care, her body could find its balance again.

Two weeks ago, I decided to add milk thistle to Sirius’ herbal regimen. Milk thistle is renowned for its liver-supporting properties and given the connection between her raised liver enzymes and thyroid symptoms, it seemed a natural choice. My hope was that by strengthening her liver, Sirius’ body would start to heal more effectively.

Then, a week ago, I introduced ashwagandha into her routine. Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen, known for its ability to balance cortisol levels and support the adrenal glands. I was initially hesitant, considering its potential to lower cortisol, but after more research, I realised it could help regulate her body’s stress response—exactly what she needed.

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Within just two days, Sirius was a different dog. Her energy levels surged, and she seemed genuinely interested in life again. While I believe the ashwagandha played a crucial role, I also credit the steady foundation built by the previous weeks of herbal support. Her body had already started to get stronger, allowing the ashwagandha to work its magic.

In addition to her herbal regimen, Sirius is fed a complete raw food diet, which provides her with a balanced and nutritious base for recovery.

Beyond the visible changes in Sirius’s energy and engagement, I’ve noticed subtle yet significant improvements in her overall health. Her teeth, once yellowed with plaque, are now noticeably cleaner, and her breath has lost its previous odour. These changes suggest a reduction in oral bacteria and better dental hygiene, likely aided by her raw food diet and improved systemic health.

Moreover, Sirius’s bowel movements have transformed. Gone are the days of her passing small pellets while restlessly moving around. Now, she comfortably squats and passes more substantial motions, indicating enhanced digestive function. These shifts not only reflect physical healing but also increased comfort and well-being in her daily life.

But healing is a journey, not a race. I’m taking things slow, giving Sirius the time, she needs to naturally adapt and heal. My approach is to strengthen her from within, rather than rushing to mask symptoms. This way, her body can find its balance, leading to long-lasting wellness rather than temporary fixes.

Last weekend brought a moment that filled my heart with joy and renewed hope. I was in the garden chatting with a neighbour when a couple walked by with their new puppy. As any dog lover would, I couldn’t resist the chance for some puppy cuddles, I mean it’s the law. As I approached, the puppy’s owner, Liz, asked sympathetically if I had lost Sirius, knowing how poorly she’d been. I smiled and pointed down the path to where Sirius was standing proudly on a 2.5-foot wall, her tail wagging with enthusiasm.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Sirius, who had been so slow and limping, leapt down from the wall and hobbled, as fast as her painful shoulder would allow, towards us. Liz’s husband even remarked on the height of the jump, especially considering Sirius’ shoulder pain. But what brought tears to my eyes was what happened next. Sirius, who has never shown much interest in puppies, approached the little one with her tail wagging, sniffing nose to nose. Then she sat down, looked at Liz, and flashed the biggest dog grin I’ve ever seen.

This wasn’t just a moment; it was a milestone. To see Sirius so happy, full of vitality, and engaged with the world was a testament to the progress she’s making. It’s moments like these that remind me why I chose this path of natural healing. It’s not just about physical health—it’s about bringing back her zest for life.

As we continue this journey, I’m planning to add meadowsweet to her regimen for its natural pain relief. I’ve already started tincturing it and will introduce it once it’s ready. Meadowsweet has a notoriously bitter taste, so I’ll need to get crafty in disguising it in her food!

For now, I’m grateful for every small victory and for the amazing strides Sirius is making. I’ll continue to monitor her progress and adapt her care as needed, always aiming for gentle, sustained healing. Thank you for following along on this journey with us—your support means the world.

Please note , these are my personal observations with my dog. While my vet is aware of my herbal approach, Sirius is not on any other medication. I can’t advise on or treat anyone else’s pets; this is simply the path I’ve chosen for Sirius’s care.

Stay tuned for more updates, and here’s to Sirius’ continued recovery!