Month: February 2011

It’s been three weeks since Rudy joined the tripawd pack and I’m happy to report that he’s been feeling good! Those first few weeks that everyone talks about seemed to go so slowly and it made me over analyze everything. Now I’m trying to think more like Rudy and embrace the little things that make life so good:)

Me and my hubby have since gone back to work, we’ve gotten back into somewhat of a routine and things now seem to be in fast forward. How does that happen?! In the evenings we drive Rudy to the park. He hops around, sniffs around to find any scent of critters that had been there before him and has even tried to roll around on his back. But mostly we just hang out in the grass and hope that a doggie buddy will come by to say hi.  Rudy had a blast the first day we saw some neighbors and their doggies! Rudy showed everyone his moves by showing off his three legged gallop!

I don’t know if it was the lack of sleep that caught up to me, but this past weekend I broke down and cried.  I cried tears of relief, joy, gratitude and I’m sure there were several other emotions mixed in there. I feel so lucky that my Rudy has been such a trooper through all of this change. I was so scared, I didn’t know how he would do, I didn’t know how I would do! I feel so lucky to have such a great dog who loves everybody and everyone loves him just as much. I feel so lucky to have found the support from other tripawds parents who have shared their stories of the dogs they love.

Rudy has made me laugh more than I imagined during this time. The day he got his stitches removed he seemed to be showing everyone at the vets office.  He decided that he had to go hopping around the whole office to make sure he didn’t miss anyone! Yea he knows he’s a rock star!

Today was day twelve after Rudy’s surgery. I’m happy to report that he’s doing great:) Yeah! Although we are still riding the waves to recovery, we’re all adjusting in a positive way. My Rudy dog I love so much has progressed a little more with each day.  From going up and down the stairs like a champ, to just getting up to go bark at the mailman! All the medication did a number on Rudy’s tummy.  My chow hound is now very selective in what he eats. But he’s eating chicken (his favorite) again with no problem. Go figure! As the protective momma, I’m still sleeping on the couch to be near my goofy, just in case! I know, to much right?!

Rudy in the morning sunlight

So a few days ago I decided to buy a product called ‘comfy cone’ kinda like a cone of shame only flexible. I though it would be more comfortable for Rudy.  And besides he doesn’t seem to be interested in the incision anyway. He leaves his incision alone when we are around because I think he knows that he’s not allowed to lick and pick at the stitches.

So here I thought I was doing my Rudy a favor by making him more comfortable.  Not so fast. Well this is where our dogs are smarter than us! We come home from work to find that he figured out how to take this ‘comfy cone’ off so that he could pull out a small piece of the stitches and lick the area clean of all the dried up stuff on his incision! I could see in Rudy’s face that he knew he’d done something naughty, but how could I get mad at him?! It’s certainly not his fault! We know who’s fault it is!! I’m sure that this is a wonderful product for doggies that aren’t as determined to remove it as mine!

We have an appointment this week to remove Rudy’s stitches. We’re all happy about that milestone, one of many:)

Rudy is sound asleep.  Poor guy has had a hard time finding a comfortable position the last few days. I hope he takes advantage of today, since I go back to work. I am so grateful that I was able to take a week off of work to be with Rudy during this time.  It’s probably not the smartest financial decision but it’s the smarted decision I could have made for my big goofy. He looks at me with those amber eyes and I can see in his soul that he’s thankful that I’ve been here helping him adjust to this new life. This past week I don’t think I’ve slept thought the night once since his surgery, but neither has he.

Today is Rudy’s day to recharge.  He’s getting so good on his three legs! He’s such a champ on the stairs and I was so worried about that silly stairs. Food is still kinda a challenge, but I know that will change. Lots of love and attention seems to go a long way. I’m so proud at how far my Rudy’s come in this short time:)

Have a good day!

~J