This is the Face of DM

This is my Blitz, now age 4. DM is short for Dermatomyocitis, aka Sheltie Skin Syndrome. It is not to be confused with mange, and it is NOT, I repeat NOT contagious. It is hereditary and unfortunately Blitz won the lottery and got one of the worst cases to be had. Along with hair loss his disease also involves the muscles and at this point in his life his rear is weak. He can still do the stairs but he has to think about it first.
I only had two weeks of his puppyhood to enjoy him before he became ill. First it was a scab on his head, then it hit hard and fast. After the skin biopsy and the firm diagnosis of DM his breeders and I were devastated. His case was so severe the specialist - who worked with Texas A&M in the beginnings of his diagnosis - only gave him two years to live. His puppyhood was a constant of visits to the dermatologist clinic, the vet, many many rounds of drugs and steroids and more drugs to counteract the effect of other drugs. There were so many pills to be taken on a daily basis half the kitchen counter was covered with them.
But you know what? Through all he had to endure, being a dog, it was he who taught me to buck up, stop crying, and enjoy life. I remember the moment well. He was still a tiny puppy - very sick - and I was carrying him with the laundry in a basket to do the wash. Tears were pouring from my eyes as I looked at my puppy covered with lesions. He licked my face and looked in me in such a way that I was thunderstruck by the wisdom shining from his eyes. We shared that look for a moment, and I haven't cried for him since.
Oh yes, my heart hurts for him. He's an amazing, brilliant, devoted and very talented dog. He could have been amonst the best of them in the Obedience ring. But he's shown me there is so much more to life than a brilliant performance in Obedience: he is a brilliant performer in LIFE. Because of his upbeat attitude he has beat the odds and is still here, two years past he was supposed to be. And even though his looks may take you back a bit, inside beats the heart of the most beautiful dog you could ever meet.
Each dog comes into our lives for a reason, and Blitz came here, I believe, to help us remember that every day is to be greeted with great joy and wonder, no matter what the cards have dealt us. Through these difficult past couple of years his lesson has helped me remain strong.
I've attached his only and only YouTube video of him doing a fun match at the age of 10 months. He was in remission and feeling and looking pretty good. I'm so glad to have this video reminder of how much he and I shared our mutual passion of Obedience, and now, our mutual passion of life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI2M7tACT90