Raider 3 years of Living Life Large with Addison's!!

On Oct 19, 2006 Raider was diagnosed with Primary Typical Addison's Disease. He came to us on May 30th 2006 as someones throw away.. I ask you does he look like a throw away... No answer needed as far as I am concerend. My initial plan was to find him a good home, I already had 2 Labradors and did not need a third. Well at least that was the story I gave my husband.. You have to tell them something right?
There is a long story about how he came to us but that's for another day.

I fell head over heels in love with this boy and there was no way I was giving him up.
We got him on May 30th and he was sick on and off all summer, but nothing serious, the Vet put it down to him eating things he should not have, he is a Lab after all.. But then he refused food and I knew deep down something was really wrong. A vet visit and several calls over 4 days and he was still no better.
On Oct 19th 2006 in the afternoon the 4th day when I came home from work to check on him he did not meet me at the door. I was scared... I put Raider in the car and took him to the clinic and I had to get help to get him in.
One of the senior Vets was on duty and she immediately knew he was very ill. Very quickly she told me he either was in renal failure or he had Addison's and she felt strongly it was Addison's. She told me Addison's was treatable and all i could think of was President Kennedy had it.. Weird what comes to your mind.
He was treated very aggressively and about 12 hrs into treatment he peed. I was never so happy to see a blanket peed on.. I cried. Not long after that he was able to stand again. But for the most part he laid with his head on my lap and rarely moved. He was started on Florinef the next day and he responded so well.

Well three years has gone bye and he is now on Percorten and a very small daily dose of predniosne. We only stayed with Florinef for 7 months as Raider did not do well on it, it never properly controlled his lytes even when he got to 2.2mg a day yes that's right ( 22 tablets ).
But percorten has been a miracle for him. It got immediate control of his lytes and I got my boy back... Here's to a great Vet, one who listens, and values my opinion.

So many people told me to have him put down when he was diagnosed ( many made very rude comments, and you know who you are ).. telling me it is "just a dog" and not worth the money.. But he is MY dog and it's my money and I don't tell anyone else how to spend their money.

I would not change a thing, Raider and his Addison's has taken me on a wonderful journey. I have met fantastic people ( you know who you are ) and many wonderful dogs, all with Addison's who live healthy lives!!

Raider I love you so..