Well, Rita has been the usual trooper she is! You wouldn't know she had just had such a big surgery. She's got a great personality! There's no doubt she's a real trooper with whatever is handed her own way.
This weekend we've put ice packs on her leg a couple of times to help with the swelling. Her leg is pretty red, but the swelling has gone down quite a bit. She's on a pain pill and antibiotics. Luckily, she loves treats so we've had no trouble giving her meds.
She goes for 6 laser treatments to aid in the healing process. Tomorrow is her first one. The treatments are pretty quick, but it takes like 45 minutes to get to the vet, so it's a little inconvenient. But, hey, it's just a little ride and she loves to go places! This is why she has such a great bond with HIM, she's used to being his little pal, and they have been inseparable -- and will be for the next 7 or so weeks!
We miss you guys so much...
Puppy Pals -- just hanging out together!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Home from surgery
Well, we opted for Rita to go ahead with the ligament surgery. Now, we've got 6 laser treatments over the next 2 weeks. Can you believe we're scheduling laser treatments for the DOG?
Rita's a special case. She's no doubt the unplanned addition to our pack. When she was found HE swore he would never take care of this dog. Well, 4 years and $5K later, we couldn't imagine our life without her. She's had a rough life, a bad case of heart worms to start with. Once we had the heart worms fixed, we had metal screws put in her leg to fix where it had been broken. Then, when the screws did not stay in place, she went through another surgery to add plates and more screws. This did her so much good! She could walk, run and play and move much easier on all four legs. Around the time of the hurricane, we noticed she was lifting her good rear leg completely off the ground. She would occasionally use it, but not for long. Often I think it would only come close to the ground, without putting complete pressure on it. So, once the hurricane excitement was over, we made it back to the vet. This time he offered a second specialist. We were not happy that the first had to do surgery twice on her broken leg.
We dropped her off yesterday and around 3:30 they called to say she had made it through surgery well. She was very swollen and they would do the first laser treatment this morning. Once that treatment was done, they would determine if she could come home. We were very happy to pick her up at 11 AM today. She was bouncing with energy, as beagles do. It will be a difficult 8 weeks. Her activity should be very limited for the next 6-7 weeks -- outside only on the leash, never allowed to run free or play with her pals.
Her leg is incredibly swollen. The incision is very large. These are the best stitches I've ever seen! The doctor did an awesome job closing up. We have our first fall cool front and that leg must be cold -- they shaved almost her entire leg! She's certainly on her way to recovery, and hopefully this is the last major medical procedure she will undergo. I didn't have the heart to take pictures of her today, but I will soon.
Rita's a special case. She's no doubt the unplanned addition to our pack. When she was found HE swore he would never take care of this dog. Well, 4 years and $5K later, we couldn't imagine our life without her. She's had a rough life, a bad case of heart worms to start with. Once we had the heart worms fixed, we had metal screws put in her leg to fix where it had been broken. Then, when the screws did not stay in place, she went through another surgery to add plates and more screws. This did her so much good! She could walk, run and play and move much easier on all four legs. Around the time of the hurricane, we noticed she was lifting her good rear leg completely off the ground. She would occasionally use it, but not for long. Often I think it would only come close to the ground, without putting complete pressure on it. So, once the hurricane excitement was over, we made it back to the vet. This time he offered a second specialist. We were not happy that the first had to do surgery twice on her broken leg.
We dropped her off yesterday and around 3:30 they called to say she had made it through surgery well. She was very swollen and they would do the first laser treatment this morning. Once that treatment was done, they would determine if she could come home. We were very happy to pick her up at 11 AM today. She was bouncing with energy, as beagles do. It will be a difficult 8 weeks. Her activity should be very limited for the next 6-7 weeks -- outside only on the leash, never allowed to run free or play with her pals.
Her leg is incredibly swollen. The incision is very large. These are the best stitches I've ever seen! The doctor did an awesome job closing up. We have our first fall cool front and that leg must be cold -- they shaved almost her entire leg! She's certainly on her way to recovery, and hopefully this is the last major medical procedure she will undergo. I didn't have the heart to take pictures of her today, but I will soon.
Friday, October 17, 2008
October 17
Some how my computer binked and this didn't get posted....then, I avoided the computer all weekend...so here's what I wrote last Friday, but some how did not post.
Today's one of those days. It's a little gloomy here this morning, but I hear the clouds should break and the sun will shine. I'm a little sad. Today's my maternal grandfather's birthday. He's not with us anymore, so it's a little sad. Sad because I miss him, of course. But, I know better! It's also a very good day -- a day we should be eating German Chocolate Cake and Pecan Pie. I think we always had both for his birthday.
I wonder what he would think of the things going on in the world, or the country, or even our own little family. He was no war hero -- he was denied due to a heart condition that would make his life short they said. Well, his life was shorter than I would have liked, but it fulfilled his purpose in life. (He promised he would take care of her until her dying day, and six weeks after that, he went to catch up with her.)
He paid his bills, lived with as little debt as possible and kept those dear, near to him. He was not materialistic, one day I'll share pictures of their home he built with his own hands. He worked hard, three jobs sometimes. He was a worker man, no doubt. Hard work never killed anyone he would tell us. At the dairy, he would open things up and get things started for the day. Then, he would tend his own land and livestock. Then, at night, he was a janitor at one of the local schools.
I, of course, thought they were rich -- I mean, he had all of this land! We lived in the city, in our little house, with our little yard, and our little dog. He had acres and acres, cattle, pigs, chickens, peacocks, and a dog or two! Mom would tell me, that we could only have one dog because they were expensive, needed lots of room and we could not take care of more than one. He had to be rich -- he had all that room and could take care of so many animals! He had his truck and a tractor. They almost always had a Hershey's candy bar or M&M's in the fridge for us. Not to mention my grandmother would keep the cookie jar well stocked when we were coming. Then, I remember going into town and buying soda's. What a treat that was! There was always a RC or Big Red coming my way on a visit to them. My folks never kept those "luxury" items on hand.
What I remember most, is his love of life! He was so much like Daniel. I still think that is what hooked me into Daniel. My grandfather was always laughing, and always so happy. I hope I can hold on to that love of life and feeling of happiness he always gave us. It was always great to see him, and while he never asked for us to come visit, he always thanked us for coming to visit, and said come back to see him anytime. I'm glad I did visit when I could, and would give anything to be able to visit with him again.
Today's one of those days. It's a little gloomy here this morning, but I hear the clouds should break and the sun will shine. I'm a little sad. Today's my maternal grandfather's birthday. He's not with us anymore, so it's a little sad. Sad because I miss him, of course. But, I know better! It's also a very good day -- a day we should be eating German Chocolate Cake and Pecan Pie. I think we always had both for his birthday.
I wonder what he would think of the things going on in the world, or the country, or even our own little family. He was no war hero -- he was denied due to a heart condition that would make his life short they said. Well, his life was shorter than I would have liked, but it fulfilled his purpose in life. (He promised he would take care of her until her dying day, and six weeks after that, he went to catch up with her.)
He paid his bills, lived with as little debt as possible and kept those dear, near to him. He was not materialistic, one day I'll share pictures of their home he built with his own hands. He worked hard, three jobs sometimes. He was a worker man, no doubt. Hard work never killed anyone he would tell us. At the dairy, he would open things up and get things started for the day. Then, he would tend his own land and livestock. Then, at night, he was a janitor at one of the local schools.
I, of course, thought they were rich -- I mean, he had all of this land! We lived in the city, in our little house, with our little yard, and our little dog. He had acres and acres, cattle, pigs, chickens, peacocks, and a dog or two! Mom would tell me, that we could only have one dog because they were expensive, needed lots of room and we could not take care of more than one. He had to be rich -- he had all that room and could take care of so many animals! He had his truck and a tractor. They almost always had a Hershey's candy bar or M&M's in the fridge for us. Not to mention my grandmother would keep the cookie jar well stocked when we were coming. Then, I remember going into town and buying soda's. What a treat that was! There was always a RC or Big Red coming my way on a visit to them. My folks never kept those "luxury" items on hand.
What I remember most, is his love of life! He was so much like Daniel. I still think that is what hooked me into Daniel. My grandfather was always laughing, and always so happy. I hope I can hold on to that love of life and feeling of happiness he always gave us. It was always great to see him, and while he never asked for us to come visit, he always thanked us for coming to visit, and said come back to see him anytime. I'm glad I did visit when I could, and would give anything to be able to visit with him again.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Goodguys 08
We drove up to Ft. Worth this weekend for a car show.
Here's a few pictures...
One of my favorites would have to be this little truck. I try not to like things of this shade of orange, but this one, I just can't help!
I couldn't help but notice the little Mini. We saw him cruising around both days we were at the show.
This was our ride. Last year we put it on a trailer and hauled it up there. It was a ton of extra work, we still had to wash the car when we got there and the MPG was terrible in the truck. So, this year, it was just us and our show gear. We drove it up and had a great time!
Of course, getting to park in the winner's circle the second day made the trip even better! Here's a picture of the award. (Not the actual plaque, because the actual award had misspelled words.
That explains at least a little of where our time has gone lately. I don't know why, but when we take a trip, it is just so much work. We spend the week before trying to get ready, and the week after playing catch up. Is this how it is for everyone? Probably not. We do make sure the entire house is clean, including the cars. Usually the dogs all get a bath, too. When we leave, we generally have a house sitter to deal with all of the dogs, and we wouldn't want to leave a mess for them. I think it's HIS OCD that gives us so much extra stuff to do -- he had 3 check lists last week. One "To Do", one "To Pack" and one "To Buy". I am always amazed at his attention to detail...and then when Saturday morning came and he went to put on his shoes and remembered he didn't pack his shoes, yes, I was laughing all day! ;)
Here's a few pictures...
One of my favorites would have to be this little truck. I try not to like things of this shade of orange, but this one, I just can't help!
I couldn't help but notice the little Mini. We saw him cruising around both days we were at the show.
This was our ride. Last year we put it on a trailer and hauled it up there. It was a ton of extra work, we still had to wash the car when we got there and the MPG was terrible in the truck. So, this year, it was just us and our show gear. We drove it up and had a great time!
Of course, getting to park in the winner's circle the second day made the trip even better! Here's a picture of the award. (Not the actual plaque, because the actual award had misspelled words.
That explains at least a little of where our time has gone lately. I don't know why, but when we take a trip, it is just so much work. We spend the week before trying to get ready, and the week after playing catch up. Is this how it is for everyone? Probably not. We do make sure the entire house is clean, including the cars. Usually the dogs all get a bath, too. When we leave, we generally have a house sitter to deal with all of the dogs, and we wouldn't want to leave a mess for them. I think it's HIS OCD that gives us so much extra stuff to do -- he had 3 check lists last week. One "To Do", one "To Pack" and one "To Buy". I am always amazed at his attention to detail...and then when Saturday morning came and he went to put on his shoes and remembered he didn't pack his shoes, yes, I was laughing all day! ;)
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