Dear parents and former housemates,

As you know, we have been living with our little dog James here at Jansveld for almost five years. Although we are, hopefully, in the prime of our lives, James has been struggling a bit lately. The holiday period proved very stressful for James, with constant changes and new faces. By the end of the holidays, James did not seem like her old self and she developed symptoms like, cystitis, back pain and a smelly coat. The latter as a result of an inflamed anal gland combined with washing herself.

We intervened immediately when we noticed that James was behaving differently, even her tail was no longer up. After two doctor's visits, it was concluded that James would be given antibiotics and an anti-pain and anti-inflammatory course. In the process, she would have to rest for a total of six weeks. So, unfortunately, no playing with balls, frisbees, sticks or other dogs. Not to mention climbing stairs.

Meanwhile, we are almost two weeks on, including ten days of the antibiotic/painkiller cure. At the moment, James' tail is going up bit by bit, but she is not quite the same yet. In a day even the cure will be over and we are cautiously waiting for a positive (final) result. From the advice of the animal hospital Evidensia in Nieuwegein, any sign of happiness in James appears to be a step in the right direction. All this, of course, provided we can continue this line of resting and sparing the stairs. James will be carried up and down every flight of stairs from now on. The princess on the pea is nothing like it.

But our worries are not over yet, her condition is still very tense and as for her back, we will probably have to schedule another visit to the doctor. Indeed, if these symptoms do not disappear within the remaining four weeks, photographs will have to be taken. In the worst case, even one or more scans. We have also been looking for better feed. Every little bit that contributes to improving her health is welcomed. All these outings by and for James, apart from the excitement in the air, were also a bit on the pricey side. Doctors just love pennies.

Reluctantly, therefore, we would like to ask you for a small contribution so that we can give James the fun life she deserves. Below is a link to the page where a donation can be made. We will forward all updates on our sweet girl and everyone is of course welcome to come and have a cup of tea with James. Should you also have any questions, tips, comments and/or remarks, we would love to hear from you.

Lots of love, appreciation and thanks on behalf of James and all the boys here at Jansveld 41.