Pilot Of Ice Pond
August 2025

Hello Pals!
Here we are in the dog days of summer, and I’m happy to report -things are good on the Ice Pond. After a health challenge that took us by surprise I’m doing well and adjusting to some new medication. Not to get all boring about my health, I will tell you a little bit about this experience. While sitting on the porch with Hoobro my face started to have strange movements and twitches! Mum thought I ate a bee and was getting stung! When it was clear I didn’t eat anything Hoobro declared “this is not right” and indeed, he was correct! I was about to set out on a medical journey that ended with a diagnosis of myoclonic focal seizures. Doesn’t that sound scary? We were all scared, but I think I was the least scared! You know, it’s impawtent to stay very stoic for the Hoopeople.



I was taken to the Piper Veterinary Hospital in Middletown Connecticut that has a neurology group. We learned that seizures in dogs can be caused by many of the same things that cause seizures in people. I even had a doggy MRI to see what was happening in my noggin. Since I am getting up in years, according to the doctors (pfft!), and we knew I wasn’t poisoned, exhibiting other indications in my blood tests, and didn’t have outward symptoms of a stroke, the more likely cause was the potential for a brain tumor. EEK! Fortunately, my MRI revealed that the old Pilot noggin looked good with possible evidence of having had a slight stroke.



There was no conclusive cause found and while dogs my age don’t generally “come down with” epilepsy, it appears I have this seizure condition now. The good news is that I am being treated successfully with a low dose of phenobarbital medication, and I haven’t had any more seizures. It’s taken a bit of time to adjust to the medication, and I’m feeling quite myself again thanks to Neurovetty, Dr. Hammond and all the wonderful people at Piper Hospital! Learning about my medical condition was a stressful process but I was confident I would be ok, and I am! We learned that facial twitches, staring, biting at the air, and facial tics can be an indication of something serious.

So now, with the hot and humid summer upon us, I have taken up residence on the air conditioning vents, snoozing on the deck and taking walks in the evening where I look forward to gazing at the most beautiful poodle in the universe our neighbor, the lovely Sophie poodle. Our trance-like stare is a source of amusement for the Hoopeople - but we know how beautiful we are. He he he…



As you can imagine wildlife is afoot on the Ice Pond and we had some very serious raccoon drama a few weeks ago that required a visit from the Department of Environmental Protection… Fortunately all is well, but not so much for the coon, who was very ill - more about the Ice Pond critters next time!

Before I sign off, I want to thank my Hoobro for all of the care and levelheaded thinking he helped me and mum within the last few months. He did all the driving to the medicals, he sat with me, went to all of my appointments, carried my stuff, picked up my prescriptions and researched all the medical info - for he is a very analytical Hoopeople. He’s the best Hoobro and I sure do love him.
Until next time,
your old pal,
Pilot