My Gandalf
I should have described Gandalf more!
He is a border collie (blue). The avatar pic is a drawing I did of him for my vet…the vet also has a couple of paintings in his surgery, and even has a huge photo of him on the side of one of his hospitals…you can see his picture (a few years old now) on their website (Marion hospital).
Yes, my vet and all the other vets and nurses at the hospital know gandalf and love him.
He’s the most beautiful soul, with the prettiest face–it’s like he’s an old soul, wise.
I’ll take some photos tonight at sunset–we always walk (him in his buggy) along the coast (not on the beach…that would be torture unless he can get out, and I just think one big swim a day at the moment is enough).
He’s 7, 8 at the end of March. He has been working as a hearing dog for me since he was 8 months old. He is incredible. I get vertigo, and he picks it before I do. So of course at the moment I can’t work out whether he’s worrying about me or he needs something. I guess you now can understand how much he means to me.
Last week I stopped his anti inflammatory, previcox, but gave it again today. I think he’s going to keep needing this to keep his front legs from getting sore. No tramadol today. I gave tramadol yesterday just because I couldn’t work out if he needed it or not…he’s so stoic. He just sometimes gets quiet. And then he hears my neighbour…oooohhhh and off he goes.
So, today is day 13.
He was back on antibiotics last tuesday (now finished) because it looked pink under his incision on his underside. Didn’t want to take any chances.
He walked (actually, ran) out of the clinic 3 hours after his surgery. I had to put a lead on him. But he was seriously going to get out of there! I was sobbing and laughing (terrible combination) and there were hugs all around. He hasn’t yelped or fallen over once.
So I guess I should just relax. But it’s so strange and worrying, especially after 5 failed operations.
I’ve been feeding him steamed/lightly boiled chicken breast with carrot (tonight it is purple carrot) and homegrown zucchini. I’ll sprinkle a bit of joint guard on this just before he eats. I’d been giving him this so he had a “low residue” diet, but wonder whether I should be giving him something different. I obviously will need to keep his weight down (he’s currently 23.1 kg).
People around me look at him and say “he’s doing so great don’t worry about it” and I guess that’s the right thing. But I just want the best for my boy and don’t know if I’m doing the right thing….
I’ve been sleeping on a very thin of foam on the floor (so same level as all dog beds and last week swapped it for my mattress…which Gandalf easily gets on now…but will have to rethink my bed…it was very high, and he used to jump up onto a blanket box to get on to it. I gotta say it’s hard getting up from the floor….any suggestions here….:) I know dogs aren’t supposed to sleep on beds, and he doesn’t…much….just likes to come up for cuddles before going to his own bed. And if I’m not around, he gets on my bed.
thank you so much Becky, for your welcome. I think I accidentally deleted the post…damn I want it back…..:)
gandalf is so very handsome!!!! we are just now catching up on your posts. sounds like both of you are majorly brave, and facing all these challenges head on. glad he is doing well after the amputation, it’s so scary, but it’s best for us to be brave and not scare our tripawd brothers and sisters with our fears and tears. hope you guys get to the beach more, and we are anxious for more pictures (we love pictures…). welcome to the site, and let us know as you guys progress!!
charon & spirit gayle
Gandalf sounds like a very special dogs! You drawing is wonderful!
He must be thrilled to have that leg/hip pain gone. Yay! We’re all close to our furbabies, but being a helper dog would, I imagine, make you even closer. I’m sure this is a tough time for you, but it sounds like you’re doing great!
The bed thing is a problem, because if she jumps off the bed and hurts her hip or remaining legs you’ll really have trouble. I would suggest making a very special bed for her on the floor right next to your bed. During the day, perhaps put her bed in another space (family room?) and close off the bedroom. I know it’s sad if your used to the cuddles, but she’ll get used to it and it will be safe.
Best of luck with continued recovery!
Wags and Slobbers
Judy and Baby