11.25.15
The Begging Game is Strong in This One
Post-op has improved life in many areas for Baloo, and I’d say we have plenty to be Thankful for tomorrow.
Someone has figured out that we’d doting on him, and is taking his best shot at destroying our “no food handouts for the dogs” rules!
Pllllllease? Can I have some? 11/22/15
Plllease? 11/22/15
Beyond realizing he has the world on a string, he’s been thoroughly enjoying micro walks, all about 10-12 minutes long. He absolutely loves hoping around in the yard, smelling smells, and watching the world pass by.
11/23/15
There are plenty of mornings spread out in warm California sunbeams, and evenings curled up on my bed, either with his buddy Maverick, or with me.
Sunbeams 11/22/15
Yin and Yang in my Snuggly Bed 11/23/15
We’re still holding off on that swim for now, but the incision site looks better every day. We do have life vests for the labbies, though we may end up with an upgrade for Baloo’s current scenario. When I lived on the ocean, my weekends were spent with my labs puttering around in a lil’ sailboat. They wore life vests, because no matter how calm the wind, the life vests were my backup plan if I were trapped, or they were. You can get caught in a line, or knocked out by a boom, or even have a random gray whale under your boat (true story), so it’s better to know the dogs will float until help arrives.
My black lab, Maverick, became a skilled crew over time, even learning my verbal commands to tack! Other sailors on the bay always got a kick out of his sail skills.
Baloo has earned his sea legs too, getting to go out in the boat a couple times when he came to visit me in San Diego, before I moved up north.
Thanksgiving 2010 – First Time Sailing
Thanksgiving Day 2010 – Baloo’s First Time Sailing
Saturday 11/28 is Baloo’s one month ampuversary, and my brother rolls into town, so there is a lot for Baloo to be thankful for, beyond the inevitable turkey trimmings we’ll slip into the boys’ bowls. We found a veterinarian in our hometown who is willing to start underwater treadmill therapy for Baloo in about a week, too, so with a little work he may become even stronger than when we started this journey! Here’s to the next step.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 28, 2015 at 12:05 am
Great update, so happy he’s doing well. I think the treadmill work is a great idea.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie (and Toby Two Toes—who wants Baloo to give him some hints about being a more effective beggar).
November 28, 2015 at 5:24 am
Thank you Denise, Bill, and Angel Ellie! And as for you Toby Two Toes…try some downward glances, a head cocked to one side, and catching that lower lip. If those fail, go for the puppy eyes…works every time 🙂
November 28, 2015 at 6:13 am
BALOOOOOO! I’m smooching you through the screen!! Love this dog!
Those eyes…OMD…this guy just melts my heart! I’d be giving you food handouts all day!
And the Yin Yang photo of Maverick and Baloo…PERFECTION!!
Thanks for such a delightful update…keep em coming!
HAPPY ONE .MONTH AMPUVERSARY! Steak and ice cream for yiu and Maverick!
And WOW! Love the interaction with the Whale…what a privilege!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
November 28, 2015 at 4:12 pm
What a great update!
I do love how those water dogs react when they get into the “tank” for their underwater treadmill work. Murphy considered the PT tank to be his own personal space and would scold any other dog who got into it. The first time he was in and the water started filling, you could just see the thought process going on…”Whoa! There is WATER coming in here.”
We got a Ruffwear Floatcoat for him (he was a rear Tripawd, but they work equally well for fronts). The floatation is not just over the back, but also under the belly. It really helps.
Murphy’s YouTube channel, Murphy the Three Legged Dog, has several videos of him doing his PT and also ones of him swimming in open water with the Floatcoat.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel…and the Labradork