Life is nothing, if not amusing....we're thrilled here and doing the "happy Hick is pooping dance"!
Yea...another big milestone for us today. Hick lead DH down to his favorite poop spot (if you look at the photo of Hick in our backyard in the snow it's down past DS's sandbox...Hick's a creature of habit! Holly, on the other hand, can't stand to be parted from us and will do her business on the paving stones so she can hurry back up to be with us) and did what we've been waiting for...at last!
Only problem was that when he came back into DS's room, he sort of spit up...I wouldn't call it a full vomit...more like a burp plus...probably brought on with all the water he's finally drinking.
After that, he acted like he wanted out, and so DH took him back out again, and he just wandered around the yard a bit and then out on the deck since I was out there watering. He wanted to go down the deck stairs, but that's a BIG no-no for a long time.
I'll take some pics tomorrow of Hick standing, and maybe even get his "war-wounds".
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Waterworks working!
If you know what I mean!
DS & I got home from the game (Travs losing 0-1 in the 7th if anyone is interested), and an emergency orthodontic appt (that turned into a follow-up that somehow didn't get scheduled), and while we were gone, DH took Hick out, and says he tinkled forever! Finally!!
When we were leaving the ball game,DH had called and said that Hick had finally drunk water on his own, and after we got home, and DH was bringing Hick inside, Hick lead him to his usual water bowl and drank a bunch.
He got up and was wagging his tail when DS & I got home...and he looks more like his usual self. :-)
He's putting weight on the leg and getting up and down. I swear, yesterday was much worse than I'd expected, but it's okay, considering how much better today is. I can see that in another few days the challenge is going to be keeping him calm and restrained.
I'd called the ortho vet this morning, since we were a little concerned about him not drinking. It said in our instructions to call if it was over 6 hours...and it was...but I figured what we added to the tuna, and what I dribbled on his leg, must have counted for something. Dr. Dew called me and said adding water to the tuna was fine and didn't seem overly concerned...yet. And now we don't have to worry.
I also asked about the pain meds, since Hick really seemed to be hurting this morning, and I gave him his meds (prevocet) a little early. Dr. Dew said the meds should last a day but we can give a little early if needed.
Things are definitely getting better, though.
I also want to thank everyone who has been keeping our special dog in their thoughts and prayers. We appreciate it!
DS & I got home from the game (Travs losing 0-1 in the 7th if anyone is interested), and an emergency orthodontic appt (that turned into a follow-up that somehow didn't get scheduled), and while we were gone, DH took Hick out, and says he tinkled forever! Finally!!
When we were leaving the ball game,DH had called and said that Hick had finally drunk water on his own, and after we got home, and DH was bringing Hick inside, Hick lead him to his usual water bowl and drank a bunch.
He got up and was wagging his tail when DS & I got home...and he looks more like his usual self. :-)
He's putting weight on the leg and getting up and down. I swear, yesterday was much worse than I'd expected, but it's okay, considering how much better today is. I can see that in another few days the challenge is going to be keeping him calm and restrained.
I'd called the ortho vet this morning, since we were a little concerned about him not drinking. It said in our instructions to call if it was over 6 hours...and it was...but I figured what we added to the tuna, and what I dribbled on his leg, must have counted for something. Dr. Dew called me and said adding water to the tuna was fine and didn't seem overly concerned...yet. And now we don't have to worry.
I also asked about the pain meds, since Hick really seemed to be hurting this morning, and I gave him his meds (prevocet) a little early. Dr. Dew said the meds should last a day but we can give a little early if needed.
Things are definitely getting better, though.
I also want to thank everyone who has been keeping our special dog in their thoughts and prayers. We appreciate it!
A Great Start!
I slept in DS's room last night. I'd put the mattress on the floor to ensure that he wouldn't be tempted to jump up (I don't think he would, but then I didn't think he got on the couch and caught him getting down the other night...) This is a BIG no-no. Even having the box spring on the floor seemed a bit high, so it went into the cat room for storage.
This morning, I heard movement and turned on the lamp. It was Holly. DH had planned to banish her from the bedroom side of the house, like we normally do...unless it's storming...she's developed a dislike of storms...mainly since she knows I'll let her come in by us...SMART dog! I told DH that he couldn't do that since, BH (Before Hickory) she acted out a lot...she hates being separated from us, and I also said she'll sleep where I am probably.
I turned the light back off but then heard something again. Light on and there was Hick, standing up, moving around...I called to DH, and when he got near Hick there was a tail a-wagging! We're getting our Hick back!
Hick was moving really well, and so we scrambled around to get the guerney sack (the cut open canvas tote) under him since he did nearly slip in the garage last night, but DH was supporting him and the leash, and took him out. Nothing doing out there. We brought him back in, and he flopped out on the pillow in the family room. We fed him a small can of tuna that I watered down, and then DH mixed some dry food in with it.
Hick's tummy is just a-gurgling, so it shouldn't be too long before something happens. I imagine he's a little afraid of moving in a way that hurts. I know after my c-section, just the wind up to a sneeze would hurt so bad that it killed the full-out sneeze completely.
DH is home today, and I'm off this morning to the Travelers (minor league ball team) game with DS, the 3rd/4th/5th grade classes, and the rest of the 7000 folks they're expecting from other schools! ugh!!
It's a great start to the morning, and now we can hope for some regular urination and a poop!
This morning, I heard movement and turned on the lamp. It was Holly. DH had planned to banish her from the bedroom side of the house, like we normally do...unless it's storming...she's developed a dislike of storms...mainly since she knows I'll let her come in by us...SMART dog! I told DH that he couldn't do that since, BH (Before Hickory) she acted out a lot...she hates being separated from us, and I also said she'll sleep where I am probably.
I turned the light back off but then heard something again. Light on and there was Hick, standing up, moving around...I called to DH, and when he got near Hick there was a tail a-wagging! We're getting our Hick back!
Hick was moving really well, and so we scrambled around to get the guerney sack (the cut open canvas tote) under him since he did nearly slip in the garage last night, but DH was supporting him and the leash, and took him out. Nothing doing out there. We brought him back in, and he flopped out on the pillow in the family room. We fed him a small can of tuna that I watered down, and then DH mixed some dry food in with it.
Hick's tummy is just a-gurgling, so it shouldn't be too long before something happens. I imagine he's a little afraid of moving in a way that hurts. I know after my c-section, just the wind up to a sneeze would hurt so bad that it killed the full-out sneeze completely.
DH is home today, and I'm off this morning to the Travelers (minor league ball team) game with DS, the 3rd/4th/5th grade classes, and the rest of the 7000 folks they're expecting from other schools! ugh!!
It's a great start to the morning, and now we can hope for some regular urination and a poop!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Perking up!
Hick's definitely perked up. DH got home and at about 5, we took him out, and he definitely seemed to be walking better. I'm guessing he's not so loopy from the anesthesia.
Just as I was doing this he hopped up and made it clear he wanted to go out. We're not sure if anything happened...but he seemed to want to think about it.
I went to the Art Show at school while DH stayed w/ Hick, and then I ran to Walmart for more tuna and some rugs. DH fed him some more tuna (3 cans today), and after I got home, he ate the big spoonful of peanut butter w/ some dog food mixed in. He still won't drink, but we mixed some water in with it so he is getting fluids.
The highlight of the day (besides seeing Hick moving around a little better) was coming home and seeing a big sign taped by the front door that says "Do Not Disturb!"
Today was crazy for doorbell ringing. The gutter guys rang at least 3 times, someone selling something ("hi, do you know about XYZ business?"), and someone selling something part II...UGH!! DS made the big sign, and I can only hope it works. :-)
We'll take Hick out before bed, and then I hope he sleeps thru the night. I think tomorrow will be better...
Thanks for all the good wishes from everyone and for checking in on us.
Just as I was doing this he hopped up and made it clear he wanted to go out. We're not sure if anything happened...but he seemed to want to think about it.
I went to the Art Show at school while DH stayed w/ Hick, and then I ran to Walmart for more tuna and some rugs. DH fed him some more tuna (3 cans today), and after I got home, he ate the big spoonful of peanut butter w/ some dog food mixed in. He still won't drink, but we mixed some water in with it so he is getting fluids.
The highlight of the day (besides seeing Hick moving around a little better) was coming home and seeing a big sign taped by the front door that says "Do Not Disturb!"
Today was crazy for doorbell ringing. The gutter guys rang at least 3 times, someone selling something ("hi, do you know about XYZ business?"), and someone selling something part II...UGH!! DS made the big sign, and I can only hope it works. :-)
We'll take Hick out before bed, and then I hope he sleeps thru the night. I think tomorrow will be better...
Thanks for all the good wishes from everyone and for checking in on us.
Tuna to the Rescue
Put some tuna in front of him, and Hick perks right up and laps it up. I can't get him to eat any food, take any water (I'm still dribbling a little on his foot when he's in eating mode), and now he's not interested in peanut butter (but maybe it's because I've laced it w/ dog food).
DH is home, and ILs have taken DS to piano lesson, Wendy's, and then to school for the Art show. DH said that I should go to school, so he'll be staying home w/ Hick. I'm going to give Hick the rest of his second can of tuna (I figure any food is better than nothing), and maybe I'll water it down a little this time then DH and I are going to take him out again. It's just the worst...worrying that he'll fall, watching him lose his footing, his wimpers and cries...I just hate that he has to suffer like this...I hope tomorrow's better...
DH is home, and ILs have taken DS to piano lesson, Wendy's, and then to school for the Art show. DH said that I should go to school, so he'll be staying home w/ Hick. I'm going to give Hick the rest of his second can of tuna (I figure any food is better than nothing), and maybe I'll water it down a little this time then DH and I are going to take him out again. It's just the worst...worrying that he'll fall, watching him lose his footing, his wimpers and cries...I just hate that he has to suffer like this...I hope tomorrow's better...
Tricking water in
DS got home and was quite upset by the state of his dog. I went to do some other things and came back to find him crying, "I just wish none of this happened."
It's hard on all of us seeing Hick this way and not our big goofy boy who'll put his head down and wiggle his entire body, with that tail wagging so hard that sometimes he can barely stand up!
I tried to give him some peanut butter, but he didn't seem interested. DS held it, and Hick did like a bit and got some on his leg. He still wouldn't take water, so I ended up trickling a little on the front leg he was licking between his licks.
I've put some of his food in with the peanut butter, so when I offer him some again he'll get a little regular food.
It's hard on all of us seeing Hick this way and not our big goofy boy who'll put his head down and wiggle his entire body, with that tail wagging so hard that sometimes he can barely stand up!
I tried to give him some peanut butter, but he didn't seem interested. DS held it, and Hick did like a bit and got some on his leg. He still wouldn't take water, so I ended up trickling a little on the front leg he was licking between his licks.
I've put some of his food in with the peanut butter, so when I offer him some again he'll get a little regular food.
Going out again...still hard
FIL arrived about 1:30, and Hick was still lying on the gurney bag, and he seemed to get up pretty quick, and I noticed a little piddle leaked on the carpet under where he was standing...and I was also "relieved" (bad joke I know) to see something come out...even if it was on the carpet.
He got out into the grass pretty well but then just stood there. He hasn't drunk any water and has only eaten a can of tuna (doesn't seem interested in his food but I'm glad he took the tuna...figure I'll offer him another part of a can in a bit).
We brought him in, and he's resting again. FIL sat w/ him while I showered. Hick's not going anywhere, but I don't want to risk it...esp. with the gutter guys here.
MIL will be here at 4:30 to take DS to piano and then to school for the Art show at 6. DH is due home at 5:30, and then we'll take Hick out again, but I'm not sure if we'll both be able to go to the Art show...I think we'd rather leave Hick closer to the door until tonight when we will definitely get him into DS's room w/ me and put the gate up. He's probably not going anywhere, but we're not risking anything.
I can't believe it's only 2!
He got out into the grass pretty well but then just stood there. He hasn't drunk any water and has only eaten a can of tuna (doesn't seem interested in his food but I'm glad he took the tuna...figure I'll offer him another part of a can in a bit).
We brought him in, and he's resting again. FIL sat w/ him while I showered. Hick's not going anywhere, but I don't want to risk it...esp. with the gutter guys here.
MIL will be here at 4:30 to take DS to piano and then to school for the Art show at 6. DH is due home at 5:30, and then we'll take Hick out again, but I'm not sure if we'll both be able to go to the Art show...I think we'd rather leave Hick closer to the door until tonight when we will definitely get him into DS's room w/ me and put the gate up. He's probably not going anywhere, but we're not risking anything.
I can't believe it's only 2!
Going out...not good...
We tried to take Hick out using the bag. It made a big difference, and he even got a couple good strides in before stopping. Problem was get got away from DH and the bag. When we got in the garage, he first acted like he was going to the van and then seemed okay going out, but still nothing (no urination yet).
Of course the guys had to come today to do our gutters, so Holly is making a racket and woofing...and I've got guys talking and trudging over the roof. Murphy's Law.
I just gave Hick his pills w/ some braunsweiger, and he ate it easily. FIL is coming over at noon to help me take Hick out again. More Murphy's Law, my knees are bothering me (to the point that I'm thinking I may need to finally go have it checked out) so I'm worried that I might not be able to support him.
It's very scary tho...he went down at one point sorta a bunny flop onto his rump, and it makes your heart stop beating. We're so afraid he's going to hurt himself. He wimpers and cries a bit, and we can only hope that he knows that we really are doing this because we love him. Surely he knows that by now.
I changed FIL coming over to 1:30 and also asked them to take DS to piano lessons tonight. I've got a knee brace on, and the CD player filled with Enya to camouflage the guttering. Maybe it'll calm all of us. The shelfing liners have been replaced w/ the non-skid bath mats from DS's bath and Hick seems to be resting again.
I was wrong yesterday...today's going to be the longest day.
Of course the guys had to come today to do our gutters, so Holly is making a racket and woofing...and I've got guys talking and trudging over the roof. Murphy's Law.
I just gave Hick his pills w/ some braunsweiger, and he ate it easily. FIL is coming over at noon to help me take Hick out again. More Murphy's Law, my knees are bothering me (to the point that I'm thinking I may need to finally go have it checked out) so I'm worried that I might not be able to support him.
It's very scary tho...he went down at one point sorta a bunny flop onto his rump, and it makes your heart stop beating. We're so afraid he's going to hurt himself. He wimpers and cries a bit, and we can only hope that he knows that we really are doing this because we love him. Surely he knows that by now.
I changed FIL coming over to 1:30 and also asked them to take DS to piano lessons tonight. I've got a knee brace on, and the CD player filled with Enya to camouflage the guttering. Maybe it'll calm all of us. The shelfing liners have been replaced w/ the non-skid bath mats from DS's bath and Hick seems to be resting again.
I was wrong yesterday...today's going to be the longest day.
Eating!
I've offered him water, like our instructions say, but he is NOT interested. I just opened a can of tuna in oil, as the ortho vet recommended, and gave him a couple spoonfuls. He scarfed it down! I offered water again, but he wouldn't take any.
I figure I'll wait a couple hours, like they suggest, to make sure he doesn't vomit, and will keep trying with the water. He's moving around a bit...head up, looking around...so I figure before DH leaves, I'll get him to help me take Hick out. We can try out the bag assist (I know it's called something but can't remember what), and I hope it works. DH has to go in to his work office, and in case Hick needs to go out during night, I'd hope to be able to do it w/out waking everyone.
The hardest thing right now is that Holly thinks it's all about her. I was looking over Hick's glycoflex (that I'll probably put her on as well), and she thought it was hers. It must smell good. They pills were sitting on a table near Hick, and when he put his head up and was whiffing, I got thinking, maybe he's hungry... I figured that was a good sign. It's just so hard to see him lying there and knowing how much it must hurt to move.
I haven't given him the pervocet (sorry...I will get the spelling right eventually) and figured I'd hold off until maybe early afternoon. I'd like it to last through the night, but if he starts looking like he hurts, I'll give it right away. The patch he has (feno- something) is good for 4 days, and then we clip the sutures and peel it off like a band-aid.
Oh...and my shelf-liners aren't working so well. They don't stay flat, but I figure they'll do for now, and then I'll just get a couple more rugs w/ rubber backing. We really only need a couple more to cover the path to the kitchen door. This will be better than nothing for now, and I'm sure we'll use them...like out on the deck when we get to the point of going outside.
I figure I'll wait a couple hours, like they suggest, to make sure he doesn't vomit, and will keep trying with the water. He's moving around a bit...head up, looking around...so I figure before DH leaves, I'll get him to help me take Hick out. We can try out the bag assist (I know it's called something but can't remember what), and I hope it works. DH has to go in to his work office, and in case Hick needs to go out during night, I'd hope to be able to do it w/out waking everyone.
The hardest thing right now is that Holly thinks it's all about her. I was looking over Hick's glycoflex (that I'll probably put her on as well), and she thought it was hers. It must smell good. They pills were sitting on a table near Hick, and when he put his head up and was whiffing, I got thinking, maybe he's hungry... I figured that was a good sign. It's just so hard to see him lying there and knowing how much it must hurt to move.
I haven't given him the pervocet (sorry...I will get the spelling right eventually) and figured I'd hold off until maybe early afternoon. I'd like it to last through the night, but if he starts looking like he hurts, I'll give it right away. The patch he has (feno- something) is good for 4 days, and then we clip the sutures and peel it off like a band-aid.
Oh...and my shelf-liners aren't working so well. They don't stay flat, but I figure they'll do for now, and then I'll just get a couple more rugs w/ rubber backing. We really only need a couple more to cover the path to the kitchen door. This will be better than nothing for now, and I'm sure we'll use them...like out on the deck when we get to the point of going outside.
Hick's HOME!
Hickory is home and resting. We're so glad to have him back. He's so pathetic.
The woman at the Clinic kidded with us, "Are you sure you want to take him home?" and "Hickory? He's not here." I just said, "Everyone loves Hickory."
DH had to help get him up and out of the kennel, and it was slow going. He doesn't want to put any weight on the leg. We got him out and to a grassy area but he wasn't interested in doing anything, and I know that can take awhile.
We got him in the van, but not w/out some cries, and it hurts us for him to hurt. DH drove us home, while I sat in the back (all seats in the van down or out) and held him, having him lean against me.
Getting him in the house was another problem. He just doesn't want to put any weight on it, and you can tell he doesn't want to use it...or know how to use it. Luckily there's only two steps up into the house (one step, and then the house floor is up another short step), but that was hard. The other problem was realizing that we'd prepared DS's room, but it's on the other end of the house. There's no way he's going anywhere, so we got him into the family room and got him settled. The picture in this was taken minutes ago.
Hick's eyes are all goopy from something they must do for the surgery. He's got a pain patch on his leg, and we were given glycoflex III (in both tablet and chew form) and prevocet (I think that's right) also for pain.
I cut the sides out of a canvas book bag like I'd seen online, and as was suggested on orthodogs. I'm hoping that helps...it's just a challenge when you've got a BIG dog. DH is home for a bit, but I probably will let Hick sleep as much as possible, and take him out when he seems to stir. Hopefully tonight we'll get him in DS's room.
Holly was glad to see him, and luckily she's mature enough and thinks of him as her baby, so she wasn't trying to play. Right now she's not even around, so that's good. I was concerned she'd pester him. I imagine once he gets over the initial soreness and grogginess, it will be a different story, and we'll definitely be diligent about his restriction. It's only going to get better from here...that's what I told him on the way home.
We had to pay the vet bill yesterday and that was $2690. Today we got out for $328+, so that was good. They'd said between $300 & $400 for the overnight clinic, and I'd figured it would be the top end, but we were near the bottom. Guess we know where our IRS incentive check is going! Too bad we couldn't claim Hick & Holly as children...pets should count!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Got the Call
Dr. Dew called about 6:30 and said that Hick did great and everything went well.
I asked how it looked when he got inside, and he said it looked like they all do...that a ruptured ACL is a ruptured ACL. The good news the meniscus looked good (the cartilage), and that the arthritis wasn't too bad...so that was also good news.
I ran to walmart to get non-skid stuff for the kitchen floor. A bit of smart shopping I'm quite proud of...the under rug non-skid stuff was 4x6 and about $10. I had a brain-storm and went to check the shelf-liners...2x6 for $4!
We've got the path from the garage to DS's room all ready. We moved both bookcases out, since Hick is sometimes known to get into a little bit of trouble. ;-)
DH got the van ready for in the morning. since we'll have to be ready to go about 6:30.
We're missing Hick and ready for him to be home...
I asked how it looked when he got inside, and he said it looked like they all do...that a ruptured ACL is a ruptured ACL. The good news the meniscus looked good (the cartilage), and that the arthritis wasn't too bad...so that was also good news.
I ran to walmart to get non-skid stuff for the kitchen floor. A bit of smart shopping I'm quite proud of...the under rug non-skid stuff was 4x6 and about $10. I had a brain-storm and went to check the shelf-liners...2x6 for $4!
We've got the path from the garage to DS's room all ready. We moved both bookcases out, since Hick is sometimes known to get into a little bit of trouble. ;-)
DH got the van ready for in the morning. since we'll have to be ready to go about 6:30.
We're missing Hick and ready for him to be home...
Still Awaiting News
I'm thinking Hick may be in surgery by now. I'm guessing they see patients first thing and do the surgery in the late morning & afternoon. They told me not to expect a call until 5 or even after 6 since they won't call until Hick has woken up.
When we were there this morning, there was a friendly black lab being left for something. There was a very sweet looking, 5 mo. old Bassett named Daisy who had been hit by a car and had some broken bones & pelvis. The Bassett was going to Memphis to have the surgery tomorrow, probably since Dr. Dew was already booked up today. Another black lab came in and needed surgery done on his windpipe...something about the flap closing when he got overheated and restricting his breathing. There was a snoodle who left, and the owner said that dog had a torn ACL (just like Hick). The snoodle was getting around really well, at 13 wks post-op, but still picked up the leg from time to time. And there was a nasty pit-bull that was everything people fear in those maligned dogs. They finally got that dog in a room and away from the rest of us. I don't know if it was extra-anxious, but it made everyone nervous and it was very peaceful once it was in its own space. A dachshund came in just before we got taken back, and that poor thing was shaking with nerves. It had some shaved patches so not sure if it was a follow-up or what.
I just think of that snoodle (or whatever you call them...it had a schnauzer beard but a coat like a poodle), and that I can't wait for it to be us coming out and saying "we're 13 weeks post-op"
In the meantime the clock seems to be stuck, while I wait for news...
When we were there this morning, there was a friendly black lab being left for something. There was a very sweet looking, 5 mo. old Bassett named Daisy who had been hit by a car and had some broken bones & pelvis. The Bassett was going to Memphis to have the surgery tomorrow, probably since Dr. Dew was already booked up today. Another black lab came in and needed surgery done on his windpipe...something about the flap closing when he got overheated and restricting his breathing. There was a snoodle who left, and the owner said that dog had a torn ACL (just like Hick). The snoodle was getting around really well, at 13 wks post-op, but still picked up the leg from time to time. And there was a nasty pit-bull that was everything people fear in those maligned dogs. They finally got that dog in a room and away from the rest of us. I don't know if it was extra-anxious, but it made everyone nervous and it was very peaceful once it was in its own space. A dachshund came in just before we got taken back, and that poor thing was shaking with nerves. It had some shaved patches so not sure if it was a follow-up or what.
I just think of that snoodle (or whatever you call them...it had a schnauzer beard but a coat like a poodle), and that I can't wait for it to be us coming out and saying "we're 13 weeks post-op"
In the meantime the clock seems to be stuck, while I wait for news...
At the Clinic
We dropped Hickory off this morning and left him for his surgery. We took Holly along so she'd understand where he his...and we didn't have to leave there dog-less (and she was happy that she wasn't staying!)
We talked to Dr. Dew a little bit. I asked about arthritis, and he said that it's a given, but he believes the TTA surgery is the best at keeping it in check. I also asked about the narcotic patch that will be sewn onto Hick, and should last a few days, since some people on the Orthodogs list have mentioned dogs reacting to it.
Dr. Dew said that it can either cause anxiety, and he said the eyes are all wild looking (like Marty Feldman), or it can cause skin irritation.
His assistant, Pam, came in, and we asked her a few questions about the ramp and getting Hick in and out (she said to help him both ways) ,and I said I was thinking of having a twin mattress on the floor in the room we're going to confine him and whether that would be a problem. She said on the floor was fine...it's the threat of jumping, and the stress to that joint/bone that is what we need to avoid at all costs. We'll need to keep him tightly restrained at all times thru rehab, and it really sounds like it comes down on us to make this successful.
Now we get to wait until about 5 or 6 p.m. to hear that he's awake, and that the surgery went well. In the meantime, I'm trying to work and continue to get the house prepared for Hick's return. Holly is sticking VERY close to me.
We talked to Dr. Dew a little bit. I asked about arthritis, and he said that it's a given, but he believes the TTA surgery is the best at keeping it in check. I also asked about the narcotic patch that will be sewn onto Hick, and should last a few days, since some people on the Orthodogs list have mentioned dogs reacting to it.
Dr. Dew said that it can either cause anxiety, and he said the eyes are all wild looking (like Marty Feldman), or it can cause skin irritation.
His assistant, Pam, came in, and we asked her a few questions about the ramp and getting Hick in and out (she said to help him both ways) ,and I said I was thinking of having a twin mattress on the floor in the room we're going to confine him and whether that would be a problem. She said on the floor was fine...it's the threat of jumping, and the stress to that joint/bone that is what we need to avoid at all costs. We'll need to keep him tightly restrained at all times thru rehab, and it really sounds like it comes down on us to make this successful.
Now we get to wait until about 5 or 6 p.m. to hear that he's awake, and that the surgery went well. In the meantime, I'm trying to work and continue to get the house prepared for Hick's return. Holly is sticking VERY close to me.
Day of Surgery
I'm up early with the dogs and dreading what's going to happen in a few hours. I wish we didn't have to do what we're going to do. The expense is one we really didn't need right now, but when is it ever a good time? I told DH that if we don't seem to make a dent in the credit card this will be going on, I may need to find some sort of employment this summer. We need new windows (in our 30+ yr old home) and a hundred other things, but having Hickory healthy and able to run is more important than some new furniture.
He's so trusting.
Will he understand that we're doing this because we love him? It will be 3 months before he will likely be allowed off leash full-time. That's a long time. It's certainly going to get worse for him before it gets better. I hate that he has to spend the night away from us. This will be the longest day.
This is DS saying good-bye.
He's so trusting.
Will he understand that we're doing this because we love him? It will be 3 months before he will likely be allowed off leash full-time. That's a long time. It's certainly going to get worse for him before it gets better. I hate that he has to spend the night away from us. This will be the longest day.
This is DS saying good-bye.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Day Before Surgery
Tomorrow is the day Hick goes in. I've been okay with everything, but it's getting close now, and I'm getting nervous.
I've got some of the prep work done. Got tuna in oil, as suggested by the vet (to aid w/ constipation post-op) and also canned pumpkin (not the pie-mix) as recommended on Orthodogs.
I also got a Sam's Club size tub of peanut butter to put in kongs for him to keep him busy while he recovers, and two more gates. The one for the basement stairs telescopes (instead of the metal baby gate we had from when DS was a baby, and that he and DH keep stepping over and scaring me!), and a tall tension type for DS's room where we're going to confine Hick.
I need to get rugs out and in place in the tiled entryway and kitchen path to the garage door and probably buy some non-skid runners as well. Another Walmart run...ugh!
The ramp I'd ordered from Amazon came late Fri. Taking the great suggestion of someone I contacted privately from Orthodogs (thanks M&Brutus!) I tested it yesterday with Hick, and it was a disaster. Hick wouldn't go up (the van is barely more than a large step up for his long legs), and once I finally got him up (thinking maybe having Holly "show him how to do it" would help...it didn't, but she liked the treats...she's so smart) I couldn't get him out...he just jumps in the far back, bench seat (he takes up the entire bench), and is ready to go wherever...
The ramp I got maybe isn't the best choice, but it was smaller and less expensive than some. It doesn't hook anywhere, and the angle seems a bit steep, altho probably not any different than most of them...and I'll admit it feels a bit flimsy to me. I had to hold it and regretted not getting something else...but maybe it wouldn't have mattered. I think Hick is so used to getting in and out without it.
At one point I was trying to get him to go up, and he slipped and yelped. He then hopped up in the van with a limp, and I nearly cried. I felt so bad and was so worried, my stomach all in knots. I came in and told DH, but by the time he came to see, Hick had come in the house and seemed as fine as he is right now. It was a disaster, and I'm guessing we'll just have to lift him down.
DS and I are going to get his room ready today. We'll clear out some small chairs and the bean bag. Remove the trashcan (Hick likes to pull stuff out!) and all the little toys and things on the bookshelves. I don't think Hick will pull books neatly shelved in the bookcase, but figure we'd better clear out anything tempting.
We're going to move out the double bed and put in the unused twin from the "cat room" (the room that has the cat litterbox and food & water). I'm planning to sleep with Hick the first few nights. Once we get past the first few nights that are more likely to be problematic, DS will go back...and he'll LOVE sleeping w/ his dog. Normally the dogs are kept out of the bedroom part of our ranch-style home at night.
In 48 hours we'll be getting Hick from the Emergency Clinic (pick-up by 7 a.m.). I wish I could fast-forward and be there now...and have all the dropping him off, leaving him, worrying thru the surgery, leaving him overnight, all of that, behind us. Hurry up Tuesday!
I've got some of the prep work done. Got tuna in oil, as suggested by the vet (to aid w/ constipation post-op) and also canned pumpkin (not the pie-mix) as recommended on Orthodogs.
I also got a Sam's Club size tub of peanut butter to put in kongs for him to keep him busy while he recovers, and two more gates. The one for the basement stairs telescopes (instead of the metal baby gate we had from when DS was a baby, and that he and DH keep stepping over and scaring me!), and a tall tension type for DS's room where we're going to confine Hick.
I need to get rugs out and in place in the tiled entryway and kitchen path to the garage door and probably buy some non-skid runners as well. Another Walmart run...ugh!
The ramp I'd ordered from Amazon came late Fri. Taking the great suggestion of someone I contacted privately from Orthodogs (thanks M&Brutus!) I tested it yesterday with Hick, and it was a disaster. Hick wouldn't go up (the van is barely more than a large step up for his long legs), and once I finally got him up (thinking maybe having Holly "show him how to do it" would help...it didn't, but she liked the treats...she's so smart) I couldn't get him out...he just jumps in the far back, bench seat (he takes up the entire bench), and is ready to go wherever...
The ramp I got maybe isn't the best choice, but it was smaller and less expensive than some. It doesn't hook anywhere, and the angle seems a bit steep, altho probably not any different than most of them...and I'll admit it feels a bit flimsy to me. I had to hold it and regretted not getting something else...but maybe it wouldn't have mattered. I think Hick is so used to getting in and out without it.
At one point I was trying to get him to go up, and he slipped and yelped. He then hopped up in the van with a limp, and I nearly cried. I felt so bad and was so worried, my stomach all in knots. I came in and told DH, but by the time he came to see, Hick had come in the house and seemed as fine as he is right now. It was a disaster, and I'm guessing we'll just have to lift him down.
DS and I are going to get his room ready today. We'll clear out some small chairs and the bean bag. Remove the trashcan (Hick likes to pull stuff out!) and all the little toys and things on the bookshelves. I don't think Hick will pull books neatly shelved in the bookcase, but figure we'd better clear out anything tempting.
We're going to move out the double bed and put in the unused twin from the "cat room" (the room that has the cat litterbox and food & water). I'm planning to sleep with Hick the first few nights. Once we get past the first few nights that are more likely to be problematic, DS will go back...and he'll LOVE sleeping w/ his dog. Normally the dogs are kept out of the bedroom part of our ranch-style home at night.
In 48 hours we'll be getting Hick from the Emergency Clinic (pick-up by 7 a.m.). I wish I could fast-forward and be there now...and have all the dropping him off, leaving him, worrying thru the surgery, leaving him overnight, all of that, behind us. Hurry up Tuesday!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Photos of Hickory
Here are some of the best Hick pictures:
Our yard this Feb.
A boy and his (spoiled) dog!
Dec. in WI...Hick likes to snug!
Another spoiled doggie pic!
Last summer, Hick taking my bed at the Buffalo River
Our yard this Feb.
A boy and his (spoiled) dog!
Dec. in WI...Hick likes to snug!
Another spoiled doggie pic!
Last summer, Hick taking my bed at the Buffalo River
Limping
On 2/8/08, I decided to take Hickory in to the vet.
I'd started my day by taking Holly in for something, I don't even remember what anymore, and found out that our cat, Banjo, wasn't getting better (renal failure), and had to put Banjo to sleep. Her sister, Cricket, had gone to the Rainbow Bridge a year & a half earlier after several years of kidney problems, until her heart finally gave out. Both are buried in our backyard, next to a special pecan tree that is a seedling from the one at my ILs, with a spot reserved for our remaining cat, Domino (another foundling like Hickory).
I guess we'd noticed Hick limping slightly for a few days, but he plays rough. He and Holly go tearing down the porch steps to look for the coyote, and other critters, that sometimes come to the back fence. It didn't occur to us that it might be something serious.
After Banjo died, I noticed Hick holding his back right leg up so I decided I'd better get it checked out. Our usual vet wasn't in, so we saw another we'd never seen before (she hasn't been there long). She felt everything and decided it was a groin pull and gave us meds and said to restrict him. I'll admit we didn't do a great job, mainly kept him from going down the porch stairs. But Hickory seemed to improve.
Over the next several weeks, the limping would sometimes return, but again, we just figured he was maybe re-injuring it.
Finally on 4/7, I took him in again. The vet, our usual one, Dr. Laura, said she'd like to x-ray him and check it over. The next morning I dropped him off, but nothing showed on the x-ray (I know now that cruciate injury doesn't...but at least it wasn't something else...something worse). She gave us some meds and said to RESTRICT, and for us to check it in a week.
This time we restricted! We took him out only on leash, only one stair out into the garage and then around the side and into the backyard. After a week, it was maybe a little better, but by now we could tell it wasn't "right".
Went back on 4/16, and Dr. Laura talked to me about the cruciate injury and drawer disease and all sorts of things I'd never heard of. The only way I could remember cruciate was that it sounded like "cruise ship"! She told me there were two vets who could repair it, if that's what was wrong. One would be cheaper, but wasn't Board certified. The other was Dr. Dew, the Board certified ortho vet. She said the surgery could run from $1500 to $2500 whichever vet we chose.
I figured we might as well meet with the Board cert. one and then go from there. We scheduled an appointment for 4/28.
That night I started doing some online research, and it all fit. Hick had no doubt injured his ACL and would probably need surgery. With the injury comes increased chance of arthritis. I decided I didn't want to wait, so the next day I called and got the appt. moved to 4/21, and we left the 4/28 on the schedule in case we needed surgery.
Monday, 4/28 we took Hick to see Dr. Dew. The clinic name is Azzore, and besides the LR area, he also goes to NW AR and Memphis. I'd gotten the CD with the x-rays to take along, but he didn't need to see them. He just held Hick's knee and said, "yup, that's what it is."
He told us about two types of surgery we could have, and we decided to do the TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement). Dr. Dew said he'd done about a thousand of them and had very good results. Considering Hickory is only 2, we really feel we owe him the best we can give him.
TTA is not cheap. Our expected bill will be about $2600+ for the ortho vet and between $300 and $400 for the overnight emergency clinic stay. From what I've learned since getting on the yahoo group Orthodogs, it's best for the dog to spend the first night with a 24 hr vet.
Hick goes in on Monday, 4/28 by 9 a.m., and we get to pick him up before 7 a.m. the next morning. It will be a very, very long 24 hours.
I'd started my day by taking Holly in for something, I don't even remember what anymore, and found out that our cat, Banjo, wasn't getting better (renal failure), and had to put Banjo to sleep. Her sister, Cricket, had gone to the Rainbow Bridge a year & a half earlier after several years of kidney problems, until her heart finally gave out. Both are buried in our backyard, next to a special pecan tree that is a seedling from the one at my ILs, with a spot reserved for our remaining cat, Domino (another foundling like Hickory).
I guess we'd noticed Hick limping slightly for a few days, but he plays rough. He and Holly go tearing down the porch steps to look for the coyote, and other critters, that sometimes come to the back fence. It didn't occur to us that it might be something serious.
After Banjo died, I noticed Hick holding his back right leg up so I decided I'd better get it checked out. Our usual vet wasn't in, so we saw another we'd never seen before (she hasn't been there long). She felt everything and decided it was a groin pull and gave us meds and said to restrict him. I'll admit we didn't do a great job, mainly kept him from going down the porch stairs. But Hickory seemed to improve.
Over the next several weeks, the limping would sometimes return, but again, we just figured he was maybe re-injuring it.
Finally on 4/7, I took him in again. The vet, our usual one, Dr. Laura, said she'd like to x-ray him and check it over. The next morning I dropped him off, but nothing showed on the x-ray (I know now that cruciate injury doesn't...but at least it wasn't something else...something worse). She gave us some meds and said to RESTRICT, and for us to check it in a week.
This time we restricted! We took him out only on leash, only one stair out into the garage and then around the side and into the backyard. After a week, it was maybe a little better, but by now we could tell it wasn't "right".
Went back on 4/16, and Dr. Laura talked to me about the cruciate injury and drawer disease and all sorts of things I'd never heard of. The only way I could remember cruciate was that it sounded like "cruise ship"! She told me there were two vets who could repair it, if that's what was wrong. One would be cheaper, but wasn't Board certified. The other was Dr. Dew, the Board certified ortho vet. She said the surgery could run from $1500 to $2500 whichever vet we chose.
I figured we might as well meet with the Board cert. one and then go from there. We scheduled an appointment for 4/28.
That night I started doing some online research, and it all fit. Hick had no doubt injured his ACL and would probably need surgery. With the injury comes increased chance of arthritis. I decided I didn't want to wait, so the next day I called and got the appt. moved to 4/21, and we left the 4/28 on the schedule in case we needed surgery.
Monday, 4/28 we took Hick to see Dr. Dew. The clinic name is Azzore, and besides the LR area, he also goes to NW AR and Memphis. I'd gotten the CD with the x-rays to take along, but he didn't need to see them. He just held Hick's knee and said, "yup, that's what it is."
He told us about two types of surgery we could have, and we decided to do the TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement). Dr. Dew said he'd done about a thousand of them and had very good results. Considering Hickory is only 2, we really feel we owe him the best we can give him.
TTA is not cheap. Our expected bill will be about $2600+ for the ortho vet and between $300 and $400 for the overnight emergency clinic stay. From what I've learned since getting on the yahoo group Orthodogs, it's best for the dog to spend the first night with a 24 hr vet.
Hick goes in on Monday, 4/28 by 9 a.m., and we get to pick him up before 7 a.m. the next morning. It will be a very, very long 24 hours.
Vet visit
At our first visit to the vet, with our new pup, Hickory, we found out that he had an intestinal parasite, staph, and the start of mange on his head and back leg. He weighed 40 lbs, and the vet guessed him to be about 4 months old.
"How big is he going to get?" I asked. Not that it really mattered, but I was still thinking that we didn't need two BIG dogs. Holly, at that time, weighed in the 70s, and was fully grown at 2.5 yrs. We love Holly, and I doubt I'll have have a more devoted or intelligent animal friend, but she's a challenge. She hates being crated, she was difficult to house-train, she lunges at cars and bikes and anything going fast when we walk, she has separation anxiety and can just be a bit too high maintenance sometimes.
We hadn't planned on getting dogs, DH & I are both being allergic, just like we didn't plan on having cats, being allergic to them as well, and then ended up with three! We'd gotten Holly for our son for Christmas, after some new neighbors moved away, after only being in the house about 3 months. They had a beagle, Dexter, they were happy to have DS play with, since they also had a new baby. DS has always loved dogs, and it was the perfect situation, but only for a short time.
When I told my mother that Dexter was moving she'd said, "Every kid deserves to have a dog." DH & I talked about it, but talked ourselves back out of it, before going to bed that Sat. night.
The next morning, the first thing DH said to me was "I've been thinking about the dog...", and then we talked about how both of us had had dogs ,and the next thing, I'm doing online research, calling Friend Karrie about breeds, and checking the paper. Within a few hours, I'd called someone about the Aussie puppies he had listed, and on Tues., DH and I drove down to Malvern to see them.
There were two in that litter, a male and female. The male had prettier markings with bits of brown added in with the black & white, but it was the female who made it clear that she'd picked us.
She sat by me, leaning against me, while the male ran around ignoring us. Since it was still several weeks before Christmas, and since we're firm believers in letting babies stay with their mommas as long as possible, we didn't get our Aussie pup until she was 12 weeks. It was the last day of school before the Winter Break. We were going to go get her, but the man had to come to LR, so he met us in the PetsMart parking lot, and handed DH & I our pup...just a little beer barrel of fur!
That afternoon, I went to DS's class party, and when got home, we had him sit by the tree with his eyes closed, the camcorder running, while DH brought the pup out.
"A puppy?! You got me a puppy?" He was shocked, since we had him, like ourselves, convinced that we weren't getting a dog. The next question was priceless, "What will the cats think?"
Our cats, all about 11 by then, were NOT amused!
The problem was Holly, named for the plant that goes with that time of year, was not a good kid dog. She didn't play well with DS and had bonded more with me. Looking back, we should have had DS with us when we went to see the puppies, since maybe her brother would have bonded to DS more. That's what has been so great about having Hickory. He's a GREAT kid dog...he's a great everything dog.
The vet told me, at that first visit with Hickory, that typically dogs double in size from where they are at 4 months. I quickly thought about it, "80 lbs...about Holly's size...I guess that's okay..." None of it would matter, but we really were apprehensive about adding another dog.
Over the next few months, as our Hickory got bigger, passing 80 and finally entering 90, my mindset had changed to, "Well, if he's going to be 90 he might as well be 100!" Hick weighed in earlier this week at 102.4, but a lot of that is because he's been leash restricted. Typically he hovers just below or right at 100 lbs. When he steps on your foot you FEEL it!
The main difference between Holly and Hickory was we had no "tail issues" with Holly. Aussies don't have tails, just a stump...but she wiggles that rump so fast you never have to guess if she's happy! Hickory, on the other hand, has what DS has labeled: The Tail of Destruction!
We've decided that Hickory is most likely a Great Dane/Lab mix. He has a lot of Dane features, but his tail isn't thin and whippy like a Dane...it's a big and thick and powerful! We also call him Chomper. When he gets excited, he likes to chomp his teeth together, but he's very gentle, and you never feel like you've nearly lost a finger when you hand him a treat, unlike Holly who gets over-excited sometimes.
Hickory is one of those dogs that everyone loves. At a picnic once, a small boy wanted to walk Holly. Walking Holly is a challenge, especially with other dogs around. This boy's face was level with Hick's, who is no longer 1/2 Holly's size, and Hick probably weighed 3 times as much as the boy, but we know our dogs, and Hickory was the one we convinced him to take. They were so cute. Even after the boy dropped the leash, Hick just kept walking along beside him.
We'll have had Hickory two years tomorrow, and none of us could imagine our lives without him.
"How big is he going to get?" I asked. Not that it really mattered, but I was still thinking that we didn't need two BIG dogs. Holly, at that time, weighed in the 70s, and was fully grown at 2.5 yrs. We love Holly, and I doubt I'll have have a more devoted or intelligent animal friend, but she's a challenge. She hates being crated, she was difficult to house-train, she lunges at cars and bikes and anything going fast when we walk, she has separation anxiety and can just be a bit too high maintenance sometimes.
We hadn't planned on getting dogs, DH & I are both being allergic, just like we didn't plan on having cats, being allergic to them as well, and then ended up with three! We'd gotten Holly for our son for Christmas, after some new neighbors moved away, after only being in the house about 3 months. They had a beagle, Dexter, they were happy to have DS play with, since they also had a new baby. DS has always loved dogs, and it was the perfect situation, but only for a short time.
When I told my mother that Dexter was moving she'd said, "Every kid deserves to have a dog." DH & I talked about it, but talked ourselves back out of it, before going to bed that Sat. night.
The next morning, the first thing DH said to me was "I've been thinking about the dog...", and then we talked about how both of us had had dogs ,and the next thing, I'm doing online research, calling Friend Karrie about breeds, and checking the paper. Within a few hours, I'd called someone about the Aussie puppies he had listed, and on Tues., DH and I drove down to Malvern to see them.
There were two in that litter, a male and female. The male had prettier markings with bits of brown added in with the black & white, but it was the female who made it clear that she'd picked us.
She sat by me, leaning against me, while the male ran around ignoring us. Since it was still several weeks before Christmas, and since we're firm believers in letting babies stay with their mommas as long as possible, we didn't get our Aussie pup until she was 12 weeks. It was the last day of school before the Winter Break. We were going to go get her, but the man had to come to LR, so he met us in the PetsMart parking lot, and handed DH & I our pup...just a little beer barrel of fur!
That afternoon, I went to DS's class party, and when got home, we had him sit by the tree with his eyes closed, the camcorder running, while DH brought the pup out.
"A puppy?! You got me a puppy?" He was shocked, since we had him, like ourselves, convinced that we weren't getting a dog. The next question was priceless, "What will the cats think?"
Our cats, all about 11 by then, were NOT amused!
The problem was Holly, named for the plant that goes with that time of year, was not a good kid dog. She didn't play well with DS and had bonded more with me. Looking back, we should have had DS with us when we went to see the puppies, since maybe her brother would have bonded to DS more. That's what has been so great about having Hickory. He's a GREAT kid dog...he's a great everything dog.
The vet told me, at that first visit with Hickory, that typically dogs double in size from where they are at 4 months. I quickly thought about it, "80 lbs...about Holly's size...I guess that's okay..." None of it would matter, but we really were apprehensive about adding another dog.
Over the next few months, as our Hickory got bigger, passing 80 and finally entering 90, my mindset had changed to, "Well, if he's going to be 90 he might as well be 100!" Hick weighed in earlier this week at 102.4, but a lot of that is because he's been leash restricted. Typically he hovers just below or right at 100 lbs. When he steps on your foot you FEEL it!
The main difference between Holly and Hickory was we had no "tail issues" with Holly. Aussies don't have tails, just a stump...but she wiggles that rump so fast you never have to guess if she's happy! Hickory, on the other hand, has what DS has labeled: The Tail of Destruction!
We've decided that Hickory is most likely a Great Dane/Lab mix. He has a lot of Dane features, but his tail isn't thin and whippy like a Dane...it's a big and thick and powerful! We also call him Chomper. When he gets excited, he likes to chomp his teeth together, but he's very gentle, and you never feel like you've nearly lost a finger when you hand him a treat, unlike Holly who gets over-excited sometimes.
Hickory is one of those dogs that everyone loves. At a picnic once, a small boy wanted to walk Holly. Walking Holly is a challenge, especially with other dogs around. This boy's face was level with Hick's, who is no longer 1/2 Holly's size, and Hick probably weighed 3 times as much as the boy, but we know our dogs, and Hickory was the one we convinced him to take. They were so cute. Even after the boy dropped the leash, Hick just kept walking along beside him.
We'll have had Hickory two years tomorrow, and none of us could imagine our lives without him.
Hickory's Story
April 26th, 2006, was the day before Admin's Day, and I went to get something for DH to give to his Admin. I got something at Sam's but remembered Kroger had had some nice things the previous year, and I needed some yogurt, and it was on the way to his office, so I stopped in the Kroger grocery store on Chenal.
Standing in the middle of the parking lot when I came out, was a black & white puppy. He was looking around and seemed friendly but hesitant. I noticed right away the similarity to our Australian Shepherd, Holly, in his coloring and markings. Both are black and white "mantle", which means mostly black body with white feet, white chest and stomach, and a white blaze between their eyes and up their forehead.
I grabbed a bag of teddy grahams out of the van and tried to give him a snack, but he wasn't interested. A woman came out with a birthday cake and balloons, and we talked about how he seemed to be abandoned. She said she'd take him, but she had to get back to work. I said, "Well, I don't need another dog, but I'm not leaving him here!" I picked him up, and plopped him in the middle of the van. He just curled up and sacked out.
I stopped at DH's work to run the Admin gift in, and when I came back out, the puppy was in the driver seat looking at me. I got in, and he moved over to the passenger side and again just sacked out.
When we got home, I walked him down the side yard to the fenced backyard. Holly was already out there, and she was excited to see me, of course, and greeted him like she'd known him forever. It was truly love at first sight!
When DS got home (he was in 2nd grade then), I don't think he realized at first there were two dogs, since they really do look alike, only the puppy was about half Holly's size. He also fell in love with the puppy instantly, and the two of us decided that we needed to call him something. After tossing some names around, we agreed on Hickory.
That night, DH and I spent about a half hour giving Hickory a bath and pulling ticks off his feet, tail, and lower regions. He was a mess! I'd told DH that we weren't going to keep him...one dog was enough (we also had 3 cats at that point!), but we could either find his owner (he was wearing two collars, one a flea/tick) or find him a home.
The next day DH left for a business trip, and when the bus driver came to get DS, I joked and said, "Let me know if you know anyone who needs a dog!"
She told me that her kids wanted one, and that she'd take the puppy! I was relieved, but after she left, I wasn't so sure. She'd said that she was afraid of dogs, and while they might have been a great home, I already felt attached and wanted to make sure Hickory was going to be okay.
Would he just be an outside only dog, forgotten once the cuteness wore off? I could tell by his feet and the loud, deep bark that had shocked me, that he was going to be a big boy. He'd looked up at me at one point, and I could see this Great Dane head, and I thought "oh no..."
I called my Friends Karrie and Mary, who both have a lot of experience with dogs and rescues. Mainly, I felt I needed time to think about if we really could give him away, and Karrie told me "you have him now...he's yours unless you decide otherwise" so I tracked down the bus driver, and told her that I needed to think about it...I wanted to do that before she got her kids excited about getting a dog.
I wasn't sure what DH was going to think, since he'd been adamant that we were NOT keeping the puppy. But before I could email him that I'd found the pup a home, and then changed my mind, I got an email, "How's Hickory?"
I held that over him when he fussed...not "how's the stray dog we're finding a home for" or "how's that tick-covered beastie"...no...it was "How's HICKORY"!
He was our dog.
When DS got off the bus, he was very upset and pleading with me before his feet even touched the ground, "I don't want you to give him away!" He told me how he'd got to school and cried thinking Hickory was going away.
I told him, "We're not giving him away...we're probably going to keep him"...since I thought there was a chance someone would claim him....but no one ever did...and we're so happy that Hickory is ours!
Standing in the middle of the parking lot when I came out, was a black & white puppy. He was looking around and seemed friendly but hesitant. I noticed right away the similarity to our Australian Shepherd, Holly, in his coloring and markings. Both are black and white "mantle", which means mostly black body with white feet, white chest and stomach, and a white blaze between their eyes and up their forehead.
I grabbed a bag of teddy grahams out of the van and tried to give him a snack, but he wasn't interested. A woman came out with a birthday cake and balloons, and we talked about how he seemed to be abandoned. She said she'd take him, but she had to get back to work. I said, "Well, I don't need another dog, but I'm not leaving him here!" I picked him up, and plopped him in the middle of the van. He just curled up and sacked out.
I stopped at DH's work to run the Admin gift in, and when I came back out, the puppy was in the driver seat looking at me. I got in, and he moved over to the passenger side and again just sacked out.
When we got home, I walked him down the side yard to the fenced backyard. Holly was already out there, and she was excited to see me, of course, and greeted him like she'd known him forever. It was truly love at first sight!
When DS got home (he was in 2nd grade then), I don't think he realized at first there were two dogs, since they really do look alike, only the puppy was about half Holly's size. He also fell in love with the puppy instantly, and the two of us decided that we needed to call him something. After tossing some names around, we agreed on Hickory.
That night, DH and I spent about a half hour giving Hickory a bath and pulling ticks off his feet, tail, and lower regions. He was a mess! I'd told DH that we weren't going to keep him...one dog was enough (we also had 3 cats at that point!), but we could either find his owner (he was wearing two collars, one a flea/tick) or find him a home.
The next day DH left for a business trip, and when the bus driver came to get DS, I joked and said, "Let me know if you know anyone who needs a dog!"
She told me that her kids wanted one, and that she'd take the puppy! I was relieved, but after she left, I wasn't so sure. She'd said that she was afraid of dogs, and while they might have been a great home, I already felt attached and wanted to make sure Hickory was going to be okay.
Would he just be an outside only dog, forgotten once the cuteness wore off? I could tell by his feet and the loud, deep bark that had shocked me, that he was going to be a big boy. He'd looked up at me at one point, and I could see this Great Dane head, and I thought "oh no..."
I called my Friends Karrie and Mary, who both have a lot of experience with dogs and rescues. Mainly, I felt I needed time to think about if we really could give him away, and Karrie told me "you have him now...he's yours unless you decide otherwise" so I tracked down the bus driver, and told her that I needed to think about it...I wanted to do that before she got her kids excited about getting a dog.
I wasn't sure what DH was going to think, since he'd been adamant that we were NOT keeping the puppy. But before I could email him that I'd found the pup a home, and then changed my mind, I got an email, "How's Hickory?"
I held that over him when he fussed...not "how's the stray dog we're finding a home for" or "how's that tick-covered beastie"...no...it was "How's HICKORY"!
He was our dog.
When DS got off the bus, he was very upset and pleading with me before his feet even touched the ground, "I don't want you to give him away!" He told me how he'd got to school and cried thinking Hickory was going away.
I told him, "We're not giving him away...we're probably going to keep him"...since I thought there was a chance someone would claim him....but no one ever did...and we're so happy that Hickory is ours!
Welcome to our Blog!
This is a first for me, but our dog Hickory will be having surgery on Monday, April 28th, 2008 and I want to document it for us, to see his progress, as well as for others who may be dealing with ACL/CCL issues (cruciate ligament), and the subsequent surgery and rehabilitation. It's going to be several months of altered existence, and this seems like a good way of keeping track of where we've been, so we'll appreciate where we're going to be.
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