Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Jacqualyn
At-A-Glance
I’m Jacqualyn, and I want to personally welcome you to Miss Prada’s journey—a heartfelt tribute to a pup who changed my life and taught me more about love, healing, and determination than I ever imagined. Miss Prada is now 13 years old, and her dog health journey is nothing short of miraculous. Diagnosed at just 4½ years old with A-Typical Addison’s Disease and IBS, she’s overcome more in one little lifetime than most dogs ever do. Her story has become a beacon of hope for those navigating chronic conditions or seeking holistic pet care solutions.
Miss Prada’s Dog Health Journey
Now, if Miss Prada had thumbs and could type, she’d be sharing this herself. But since she’s currently curled up like the queen she is—wrapped in her favorite blanket, keeping a watchful eye on me from her favorite spot—I’ll speak as her humon (that’s “human” in pup-speak) on her behalf.
You see, Miss Prada isn’t just a dog. She’s my heartbeat, my teacher, and my best little blessing in a fur coat. Her journey is full of grit, grace, and a bit of diva sparkle—and I’m honored to tell it for her. 🐶💛
What A Dog Health Journey It Has Been
She’s lived through:
- Years of misdiagnosis
- 11 unnecessary medications
- Life-threatening flare-ups
- And most recently, congestive heart failure
Through it all, she’s still here. Still sweet. Still spoiled. Still Prada.
And every single day that she wakes up wagging her tail and giving me that “I run this house” look—I’m reminded just how far we’ve come.
This isn’t just a story about illness—it’s a story about fighting back. About not settling for guesswork. About digging, praying, and pushing until you find what your pet truly needs.
💛 If your fur baby has been labeled with “just a sensitive stomach” or you’ve heard “it’s probably just anxiety” more times than you can count… trust me, we’ve been there.
🐾 Our Story Begins – Holistic Health Care
Back in 2012, life threw me a major curveball—and into that chapter walked a tiny Havanese puppy with bright eyes and a healing spirit. She was named Prada by the breeder, and I am so grateful I kept her name. I had no idea she would become my emotional support, my teacher, and my shadow.
What started as love at first sight became a life-saving bond that neither of us could have predicted. Our dog health journey has been emotional, exhausting—and worth it.
Misdiagnosis In Pets – What We Were Told
When our pets are sick, we trust the experts to guide us—but what happens when the answers don’t add up? For years, I kept hearing the same explanations for Prada’s symptoms. They sounded reasonable on paper, but deep down, I knew something was being missed. Like many pet parents, I wanted to believe the initial diagnosis and trust that we were on the right path. But as time passed, the symptoms got worse—and so did the gut feeling that no one had figured her out yet. Here’s what we were told in those early years…
At First, It Was All Blamed On:
- A sensitive tummy
- Separation anxiety
- Pancreatitis
They told me she was “just a nervous pup.”
But I knew something wasn’t right. At the time, we were living in Florida. Out of nowhere, Prada would start vomiting blood and having intense diarrhea. It was terrifying—and it became our new normal.
I’ll never forget that Thanksgiving. We had just spent the holiday with family, and when we got home, she suddenly went limp. Lethargic. Dehydrated. Unresponsive. Once again, she was misdiagnosed. And for four weeks straight, we went to the clinic daily—hydration packs, meds, guesswork, repeat.
On the last night, something shifted. The on-call vet—who had been quietly watching Prada’s case—finally stepped in. She pulled her chart and said what no one else had:
“Your dog is in grave danger. You need to get her to the University of Florida tonight.”
That call saved my baby’s life in more ways than one, not to mention how it saved me.
My sister and I packed up, prayed hard, and drove six hours through Alligator Alley in the middle of the night. We arrived exhausted, scared, and hopeful that someone—anyone—would finally figure it out.
Because here’s the truth: Misdiagnosis in pets is real.
And if something doesn’t feel right in your gut… it probably isn’t. You know your dog. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.
By then, Prada had been prescribed 11 different medications—for a 9-pound body that was just trying to survive. She was overwhelmed. And we were spiraling. BUT SHE IS A FIGHTER & I AM TOO.
Eventually—after four and a half years of questions—we found the truth:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- A-Typical Addison’s Disease
The Right Diagnosis That Transformed Our Dog Health Journey
I fought for her. I kept asking. I refused to settle. And finally—finally—I found doctors who listened.
Who cared enough to run the right tests? Who saw more than just symptoms… and saw her.
Miss Prada was admitted to the ICU at the University of Florida, where she remained for four days. A team of more than 12 dedicated doctors worked around the clock to stabilize her. She had to be fully detoxed—her tiny body overwhelmed by the 11 medications she’d been given up to that point. She was never alone. Someone stayed by her side 24/7. I wasn’t allowed to see her, but they called me every single hour with updates. They treated her like she mattered. Like her life was worth saving.
And that made all the difference.
I Am Forever Grateful To:
- Dr. Ian Brooks – University of Florida Veterinary Small Animal Hospital
- Dr. Drew Doucet – Kent Veterinary Clinic, Louisiana
- Dr. Katherine Mathes – now with Allen Family Veterinary Clinic, Texas
Because of their insight, compassion, and commitment, we finally got off the merry-go-round of misdiagnosis—and onto the long road toward natural recovery for dogs.
Finding the right vet is critical — not just for a diagnosis, but for your peace of mind. It took years, faith, and a team who truly cared to save Miss Prada’s life. If you’re still searching for someone who listens, read my guide on Finding the Right Vet to learn what questions to ask and how to choose a veterinarian who will treat your pet like family. 💛
Her Health Plan – Natural Recovery For Dogs
Thanks to this dream team and a lot of prayer, Miss Prada’s daily care is now simple, manageable, and tailored to her needs. Her plan isn’t just medication—it’s part of a holistic pet care strategy that includes daily routines, nutrition, and emotional support.
The Protocol
- Monthly injection for Addison’s
- Daily prednisone
- Daily probiotic
Gone are the 11 meds. Gone is the confusion, and in their place—stability, strength, and sass. She may still need a monthly injection and daily meds to stay balanced, but now every part of her care is intentional, informed, and actually working. No more guesswork. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. And best of all, we moved back to Texas…
Prada isn’t just surviving—she’s living life on her terms. Cozy spots, scheduled snuggles, and a diet that doesn’t betray her belly. We finally found our rhythm—and it made all the difference.
“Always get a second opinion. Sometimes a third. It might just save your pet’s life.” jacqualyn
The Holiday Crisis: When She Couldn’t Breathe
About 20 months ago, just after Christmas, we faced our darkest night. While visiting family in Louisiana, Prada suddenly couldn’t breathe. I rushed her 45 miles to the nearest emergency clinic. She was placed in an oxygen tank and kept there for 24 hours. The next day, she was evaluated by a cardiac specialist who worked directly with Dr. Mathes to review her entire medical history.
Another Diagnosis On Our Dog Health Journey
Congestive Heart Failure
I was bracing to say goodbye. My heart was shattered. But she wasn’t done yet. By the grace of God—and Prada’s unstoppable spirit—she rallied. The specialist stabilized her just enough for me to bring her back home to Texas.
The New Normal
Dr. Mathes carefully adjusted Prada’s meds, and together we’ve managed her condition ever since. She can’t jump anymore. She has some slow days. But she’s still eating, drinking, and wagging her tail. She’s still here. And that’s enough for me.
What She Eats (and Loves!)
Years ago, we fed her a special homemade diet—but her conditions required more precise control.
Today’s menu:
- Prescription kibble (small bites, gentle on digestion)
- Probiotic powder, added to food or water
- Hydrolyzed protein treats (her favorites!)
She may have special needs, but her meals are still delicious.
Lifestyle, Monitors & Comfort
To help her thrive at home:
- I keep the stress low
- I use a Blink camera monitoring device to check on her while I’m away
- I spoil her with thoughtful gifts and pet gear
This girl may be medically complex, but she’s also a diva. And divas deserve comfort. But she’s MY DIVA and that is all that matters!!
🐾Bonus Tip From One Paw Mom To Another
Don’t stop at “OK.” Keep pushing until your pet is actually thriving—not just surviving…
Whether switching their food, asking for a different Vet, or a second opinion – make certain to do your research. PetMD is a trusted site by Chewy was very helpful to me through the years. It could very well assist you and might be a move in the right direction. Most importantly, trust your gut… your voice is their best advocate.
What I’ve Learned as a Pet Mom
Prada’s journey has taught me:
- Never accept the first diagnosis if it doesn’t sit right
- Push for specialists
- Ask questions—even uncomfortable ones
- And most importantly: follow your gut instincts
If I hadn’t…I might have lost her long ago.
Our Hope for You
If you’re facing scary symptoms, a new diagnosis, or long nights wondering what’s wrong—please know this: you are not alone.
Prada has beaten:
- Misdiagnosis
- Chronic illness
- And even heart failure
She is a miracle—and if you’re reading this, I believe miracles are possible for you, too.
Final Thoughts from this Ma
We don’t know what tomorrow brings. But today, she’s 13, she’s eating, she’s sassy, and she’s my whole world.
In Miss Prada’s later years, I turned to gentle, plant-based support that brought her comfort when she needed it most. Bailey’s CBD for Pets became part of her daily care—helping her find calm, balance, and ease in each precious day. If you’d like to explore what made such a difference for her, learn more here.
She is—and always will be—the heartbeat at my feet. 💛
With love,
Jacqualyn & Miss Prada 🐾
Curious about holistic healing for people, too? Explore our Health & Wellness hub for tips that benefit the whole family—two-legged and four-legged. 🐶👣
Have a Story Like Prada’s?
If your pet has faced chronic illness, misdiagnosis, or a miracle recovery—we’d love to hear from you. 💛
👇 Share your experience and inspire others:
Thank you for reading Prada’s journey. We hope it helps you feel seen, supported, and inspired to advocate boldly for your fur baby. 🐾
Gentle Comfort Tip: Aging pups deserve peace, too. Discover a gentle, vet-approved CBD oil that helps ease tension and supports daily balance for pets like Miss Prada. Find out more.
