Bo is just about to reach his 30 day anniversary from when he had his surgery. We made it through the holidays! I was even able to travel with him by car to spend Christmas with the family. It has been an effort each day to keep my emotions together and be strong for him. Initially he slept alot and stumbled often. Runners were put in places throughout the apartment for traction and I modified his diet to a high protein low carb diet. I had a soft cone at the house but never applied it. He seems uncomfortable enough to have to deal with navigating with a cone around his neck!
I also started cataloging recipes I find on the internet and will be posting on this blog. Whatever new creations I come up with that he has given his lick of approval will be shared with you!
Overall, he is doing well. I was able to stay home and care for him for the last 2 weeks of December which has made it easy to notice all his little milestones: like when he walked to the street corner (eventually we improved to around the block and recently made it to the park, check!!!! Another milestone was when he walked over to his treat cabinet to ask for a snack, check! Or the moment he wanted to get back on the couch and snuggle with me, check! His first full teeth smile when I came back from running to the store (PRICELESS).
He can now run and seems more coordinated when changing directions. When on grass at the park, he drops down onto his back a wiggles back and forth. Its so amazing to see those paws up in the air and watch him let loose, happy doing things he used to do that made him feel good.
Also wanted to mention that in preparation to receive him at home after surgery I bought several items that I have found invaluable. The first is a coat. I researched many brands but this coat from Ruffwear (http://www.ruffwear.com/Cloud-Chaser-Soft-Shell-Dog-Jacket?sc=2&category=42917) was exactly what I was looking for. The top part has a protective shell (good if you live in polar vortex states like we do). The bottom is a kind of under armor material that also lines the inside. Bo lost his front right leg so all I have to do is slip is other leg in and there is a zipper that zips along the entire length of his body. Easy to get on and off. This coat has protected him from the rain, snow, wind..cannot say enough good things about it. The next item I got Bo was a soft crate. Like with the coat there were many kinds to choose from. (http://bit.ly/1ae57Q3) I needed something large enough for my beast and it had to fold down and be portable. Bo has never been crated so I was worried if he would take to it. Well that concern was quickly dismissed because as soon as I brought it home and popped it open, in he went. Hist first few weeks post surgery were mostly spent napping in his crate. I could go out or shower in peace knowing he was not in danger of falling in the apartment and injuring himself. Finally, I bought Mushers (http://musherssecret.net/). Its a natural safe wax made from a blend of several food-grade waxes. A friend had told me about it once but had not tried it until now. In the evenings, as he rested, I would sit with him no the carpet by the Christmas tree lights an massage his pads with Mushers. The next morning, after just one treatment, his pads felt like those of a newborn puppy. He did not have overly cracked or dry pads but they were rough. Its great for his feet and he loves the extra special rub down he gets.
