And have just remembered a dog I knew, went on to be a Field Trial Champion after having both elbows done.
That's fabulous, Mabel's ED is severe for me a nice walk in the country is a wonderful thing. I've already enrolled her on a Scentwork course in October fingers crossed we are going to be able to go on it. That would be something worth celebrating, our dogs really are the most amazing creatures in the face of adversity, and such a comfort to me to see there is a life after restricted exercise.
I'm just catching up here and have read the whole thread... oh! What a journey you have been on, Claire and Mabel. My thoughts are with you both and am delighted that Mabel has had the op and is in such wonderfully loving hands. What a lucky and plucky girl! Keep strong and get really fit soon, Mabel, so you can enjoy your beach hut holiday in September. xx
Just catching up also, I've been so occupied with Denzel, it sounds like you are in total control and Mabel is on a slow recovering but the operation went well. As I've kept in mind since yor advice one day at a time and I can't believe how quick is going! Thoughts are with you and Mabel and hope she is back up to speed very soon.
Thank you, @Denzeldog really glad the time is passing I think once you establish a routine that suits you it makes life more bearable. Once he is on his normal walks again you will get so much joy. After last year I've never taken walks with my girl for granted again, always living in the moment. Even enjoying the rain on my face. Mabel is okay today she is very quiet but she's quite a quiet girl anyway. We had an absolute nightmare last night. She woke after a fairly longish sleep and as she got out of bed to walk she collapsed. We managed to pick her up but she was completely unable to bear any weight on the right leg. I immediately rang the emergency number and as everything else appeared normal they said to sit tight and let her sleep as they thought she had possibly lay funny on the operated leg, but they were there for me if I felt we needed to take her in. Apparently with this type of surgery you can get the odd blip in recovery. I just couldn't breath with fear I was beside myself I lay on the sofa all night watching her. She got up this morning and walked fine for her. (Still a very bad limp but not excessive, this is her normal for now which will improve). OH sent me out this afternoon for a little retail therapy. I was in two minds whether to trust him. He has his strict instructions, and he knows what happens if he doesn't follow them
It's now two weeks since Mabel returned home from surgery. She is doing nicely progress still incredibly slow but we are heading in the right direction. Wound has healed nicely which she hasn't licked once. She's still on 5 mins walks for one more week which aren't proving the nightmare they were last year as she really can't manage much more. The PTS sleep comment has certainly worked on the inconsiderate general public, she has even started ignoring some people and dogs. Her she is with her new game, and I can see from the photo she is starting to weight bear more on the right leg.
I'd seen it on another thread on the forum (I think, definitely on the internet somewhere) hidden under some of the tennis balls are bits of cheese. She has to remove the tennis balls with either her nose or mouth to get the treat. I had an old muffin tin and bought 12 tennis balls for £2 from my local ironmongers. It's turned out to be the cheapest activity toy she has but her favourite. I've just added another dimension to the game where by she also gets treats if she collects the balls off the floor and puts them in my lap.
Such a gorgeous girl. I have only just read your thread. What a nightmare you've been through. We have such high hopes for our dogs, don't we, only to be dashed by misfortune. Mabel is so lucky to have you caring for her. I look forward to hearing all about her recovery.
We do indeed, I waited two years for her, as I missed the previous litter because I was travelling. Dad is mountain rescue and mum is just bouncy and incredibly active. I was going to do search and rescue with her, agility, PAT list was endless. Now I realise in life all we need is our health and everything else just falls into place. She has been a monster this morning, running and jumping. I've adapted the long line (well cut it and tied it round my waist) and she is now secured to me. Super excitement she tried to do a Hoolie bum tuck. Could be a long day
Sounds all too familiar. We waited for Snowie, too -- not as long as 2 years, I think it was 10 months from when we started looking. We had first pick of the yellow boys. My husband was looking forward to a running partner. I was thinking agility, doing long hikes in the mountains, and being on the beach for hours on end. With Snowie's bulging disc and tendency to overheat he's not been on the beach proper (we sometimes go onto one that has very firm sand, more rock pools than anything else) for this entire year. Definitely no agility (haha -- what was I thinking? He'd stop at each jump to mark it!). And definitely not built for running on a pavement for any length of time -- when he runs it's at his pace, he stops when he wants, he races when he wants. And he gets so hot that we must be careful to ensure he can always cool off, so long hikes are out, and even short ones must be around water. So far he has become a great sports buddy for my husband: they lie in front of TV for ages watching cricket, soccer, and whatever else is going. You adapt. And then they surprise you with the hoolie bum tuck -- I can imagine your heart must've stopped! Hope your day hasn't been tooo long!
@MF it wasn't such a long day after all, we played numerous games as all she wants to do is play with the tiler who is desperately trying to finish my kitchen. I stopped her in mid flow on our afternoon stroll as she was about to bum tuck a butterfly . Poor Snowie and his bulging discs, such a painful thing to suffer from. Although you paint a very happy picture of life with him, sounds to me you are all very lucky to share a life together.
