I have been blessed with my black Labrador for the past 8yrs. Got him at a rescue when he was about 2 months old. He is truly a once in a lifetime dog. I mean no disrespect to my Akita I had for 13 wonderful years but the relationship I've had with Riley since day 1 has been well, like I said, once in a lifetime. Anyone who's read the book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" will understand when I say Riley loves to watch tv. I love watching him watch tv. He looks identical to the dog on the home page only now he is quite gray in the muzzle and his little eyebrows. He's had physical struggles including facial paralysis of the left side which in the beginning made him so sick he refused to eat thanks to the vertigo. I was terrified he had stroke but brain MRI proved negative. He's gotten used to the vertigo or it went away, not sure but he still cannot blink that left eye. About a month ago his back legs became completely paralyzed so the vet confirmed he'd blown two spinal discs. We had the surgery and he has the ability to walk again and does quite well. For anyone with a dog having issues getting around I cannot recommend enough the "Help Em Up Harness". I am so blessed to have the funds to have been able to give him the medical care he's needed. I am praying I'll still get another two or even better four more years with him. I am so in love now with the breed.
Hello there and welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have had your struggles with Riley. How does he manage just now? Is he back on his feet ok? Enjoying life? It's tough when our dogs are ill. Jac
Welcome, Riley sounds a very lucky dog to have you as an owner and the care you have given him and also you are lucky to have such a 'once in a lifetime' dog, they certainly make our lives worth living.
Welcome from Hattie 10 years and our rescue boy Charlie 6 years. Dogs really make our lives so special. xx
He's doing really well...has some trouble initially getting up and with balance but we are happy with the outcome and he seems to be very happy too. I'm blessed with a job that I can take a half hour each day and return home to let him out of crate. I would give him free roam so he could access the dog door but we have a pool and I'm terrified he will fall in until his balance improves. He is a non-swimming lab, nobody gave him the memo that he is supposed to love the water. Neither of my dogs like our pool. We live in Florida, a pool is a must but both dogs will lie directly in the sun. My Akita did the same thing. I used to think he would self-combust but the heat must feel good to them.
