Dry Eye and Curly Coat Syndrome

Tuesday was a sad day here in the Lloyd household. We got the dreaded DNA test results for Ellie. 
Here is the story:
A few months back we took Ellie and Cash in for their annual shots. Lo and behold the Vet noticed that Ellie had some pigment forming on the front of her eye and also had very low tear production. He put her on medicated drops for a month and on our return he said there was no improvement and it was very important that we took her to a specialist. Derek was Indiana at the time so I spent the day researching what could be going on with my little baby:( I ended up crying the entire time and didn't realize the stress I was causing her. I found her head the next day bleeding from her scratching so hard. 
Now, I know that the internet is a horrible thing. Because if you go looking for some kind of disease you will find it. But we have been very unlucky with vets thus far and I wanted to find a solution. I landed on something called Dry Eye and Curly Coat Syndrome. A syndrome unique only to Ellie's breed. I knew for sure that she had the dry eye part it was the curly coat that we wanted to test for. So I ordered it and sent it back in. This whole process took about a month and my emotions had calmed a little during this time. But after getting that email with a result saying she was positive I broke down. 
Here is how uncommon this syndrome is: In May of this year they tested 2,803 CKCS and of the dogs tested less than .15% were "affected". So our dilemma right now is how to treat Ellie when most vets have never even heard of the syndrome. I just want to be her superhero and save her from what pain this syndrome will bring. 
Now, I know I sound like a dog freak but I can't describe the joy that this little girl brings into our lives. We couldn't ask for a better dog. I hate imagining what life would be like without her and just typing this out makes me cry. I can hardly stand it. I have never experienced this type of attachment to an animal before. I guess it's because I don't really view her as an animal. If you knew her personality and looked into her eyes you would understand. Sometimes I forget that she can't talk. She really is my little girl. I have to learn how to stay positive and not let the uncertainty of her illness affect our happiness.

 Here is to hoping we can find a vet who will help us help Ellie.....

 The Lloyd's

Hello

Hello Blog World!

Derek and I have been wanting to make one for some time now but let's be honest making a blog is confusing!!!!
 I am pretty sure I have created and deleted about 20 blogs thus far!
But here we are... and now hopefully we can get the hang of it!
 I am thinking we'll use this blog as sort of updates on our life because well hello we live in Idaho and no longer use Facebook so we are kind of disconnected:) I also want to kind of share our journey with our new house and all the crafts we have been up to lately!
We bought our very first little home in February and have been busy ever since. Here is our sweet little home:

We have been having so much fun making it ours but didn't realize how much work it needed!!!!
Our life has been a little bit of a whirlwind. We got married last September and right after the honeymoon packed our bags and headed to Twin Falls where Derek's work relocated us. We have had so much fun here and I wish I could update everyone on the fun we have been having since we left Utah but that would take forever! So I'll start with today. My Birthday was on Tuesday and my amazing family came up for the weekend to celebrate. We had a blast. From kayaking in the canyon....

to having the most amazing breakfast of our lives at Buffalo Cafe. We also went shopping (with what little shopping we have here in TF) and everyone took me out to dinner for my birthday:)

The bishopric just so happened to plan Derek and I talking in church on that same weekend. Fancy that.
To be honest I was so terrified when I was asked to talk in sacrament. Since coming back to the church I have been so private with my testimony and I felt too vulnerable to share it with the world. I had always said I would always say no if I was asked... well I am a push over. However, I also felt prompted to talk. I am sure it was probably the most emotional acceptance of a calling Brother Manning had ever experienced. I experienced every emotion possible. But once I started writing I was surprised with all that I had to say. I was hesitant to share my story about falling away from the church but for some reason I couldn't leave it out. Writing it and actually sharing it in church last Sunday was a really incredible experience. I am proud of myself for going WAY outside of my comfort zone!
Oh and I was spoiled on my Birthday. I am lucky enough to be the proud new owner of these babies.... (Now all I need to do is learn to play!) ha

Until next time:)
The Lloyd's