Day 35 - Doing Good!

Getting ready for the water

Afternoon walk

Hi! 

Guess what...they let me walk in the water longer today!  They said I am doing great and my new super leg is straightening all the way out now.  They keep the water deep in the tank so that my bad leg does not get stressed out too bad.  I got to walk in the tank for 15 minutes and then another 45 minutes of floor exercises and stretches.  

This therapy takes so much out of me...but when I get home I get to crash on my pillow and take a very long nap!  

My right leg is giving me fits these days...I have stopped putting much weight on that now that my new knee on the left leg can hold me up.  

I am starting to get really bored with this hospice situation here.  I want to run and play and they won't let me.  I keep begging and pleading but they are really mean and keep me confined.  They keep saying it is for my own good...but I have trouble believing them.  I just know that today I want to go play with my foster siblings.

Keep the love coming...

Gilbert

Day 30 - Finally got in the water!

Love the sunsets...

Water exercise...really tomorrow?

Click for YouTube video of Gilbert in water treadmill

Hi there...

As we sat outside and watched the sunset last night they promised me I would get to do the water exercise tomorrow.

They were right!  I finally made it into that crazy looking water tank.  It was really fun.  I walked for 8 minutes today and they said the time will increase with each session.  After that I did a lot more of that land workout...over poles...up/down ramps... stretches... massage...sure do love the massage!

I am getting stronger in my left leg, but my right leg is starting to hurt more and Foster Dad & Mom keep saying that I am not using it as much as my surgery leg gets stronger.  Hopefully my left leg will be real strong by the time I get my next surgery.

I am really tired now after all the excitement...so off for a long nap.

Love to you all...

Gilbert 

Day 26 - But who is counting???

Out for a walk...

Wishing I could run...the lake looks so fun...

Sacked out and dreaming...

Hey there...it's been a while

I had another PT session and she said I was 5 degrees from being able to straighten my leg!  One more session on the floor and then I get to try the water treadmill!!! 

It's been a tough few days around here...Foster Mom got some sort of awful stomach virus and the house was dark and quiet.  I sort of went with the flow...and chilled out (as can be witnessed from my photo above!)

My other leg - the one they have not fixed yet is really bothering me lately.  I have a little trouble getting up and even if I could straighten my new knee - the other leg would not let me.  I sure will be REALLY happy when this is all over with and I can walk and run like everyone else around this house.  It is killing me watching them run around, chasing balls and having fun. I know my day will come, but this is getting a bit old.

Please stay tuned to my progress - I really need your love and support right now.

By for now...

Gilbert

Day 21 - Physical Therapy Begins

A car ride...I am out of the house!

She looks nice but I am not sure of the plan...

Interesting...

Ahh...a nap on the ride home

Hi there...

I got to go for a ride today...so that is always fun!  I watched out the window at as we drove...it's a world I haven't seen in a while and I loved watching everything.

We went to an interesting place today with lots of stuff in the room.  The lady there was very nice.  I was not too sure of things at first, but turns out there was nothing to be afraid of.

There were these cones and rails and she walked me back and forth stepping over rails, then warm towels, lots of stretching, and some massage.  All in all, not a bad day.  I saw a big tub with water in the corner but she said I was not ready for that just yet. 

I was surprised how tired it made me, but I got a nice nap on the pillow in the car all the way home.  Then my energy came back.  Foster Dad took me for a few walks, and hung out with me all afternoon (like he normally does).  He spends all day staring at this thing they call a computer and talking on the phone...but he always is ready to walk with me...pet me, or just talk to me.

When the sun was setting Foster Mom took me for our last walk of the day, and then some quiet time hanging out in the yard.  I got to watch the horses across the street playing and I dreamed of going over and running with them.  Foster Mom says 'someday'.  

'Someday' seems so far away!

Love you all...

Gilbert

Day 19

Enjoying the fresh air

and then the evening sunset

Hi...

They tell me today is Mother's Day...I am looking forward to the day I have my forever Mom, but for now my Foster Mom and Dad are taking really good care of me. They call it 'tough love'.  I really want to play and run with my foster siblings, but they are doing a good job of keeping me confined and safe. I don't always like it...but they tell me it's for the best.

Today my Foster Dad was working in the back yard so he fixed up a really safe spot so I could have comfort, enjoy the outdoors, and be with him while he worked.  I really love hanging out with him.

After they got back from errands this evening they took me out front for my walk and then we hung out and watched the sunset.  It was really pretty.  I don't get to do too much...life is pretty boring really...especially since I am only one and really want to play.  Exercise, massage, hot packs, cold packs, walks, relaxing...that's pretty much my day.

They tell me I am going to start my physical therapy this coming week.  Keep me in your thoughts as I work really hard to get strong.

Talk to you soon,

Gilbert

Day 14 - Sutures Removed

Pretty exciting day!

Hi there...
It was a pretty exciting and exhausting day for me today.  I got to ride in the car and go with my Foster Mom & Dad to get my stitches out.  It sure is nice not having those prickly things in my leg any more.  I was all excited in the car, but I rode pretty good.  I just wanted to see everything and Foster Mom was worried I would fall over or something.  She seems to think I am really fragile...

We arrived and I was a pretty good boy, until another 'talker' came in so I definitely had to have a conversation with him!  I couldn't just ignore him, could I?

After they took my stitches out I heard them tell Foster Mom that I was doing awesome!  If that's the case, I cannot be that fragile, right?  I cannot seem to convince her though...

On top of being awesome, it seems I have lost 7 pounds!  I keep telling her she is not giving me enough food...she won't listen.  Something about me not being able to handle all that weight?  I am not convinced, but she seems to think she knows best.

We also met with a physical therapist and she worked on me a little bit to show them what to do for the next few days to get me started.  Then I guess if we can afford it I get to go and get some real therapy - even some hydro therapy!  Not sure what that is but it has water so it sounds good?

I am pretty tired tonight...but be sure to check back in a few days.

Good Night and thanks for the love and support!
Gilbert

Day 11

I am feeling pretty happy today...

Roxy actually came over to lay by me!

Hi...

Day 11 (but who is counting?).  I got to spend a lot of time enjoying the beautiful day.  Only 3 more days to go and I get my stitches out and permanently lose the cone of shame!  Foster Mom & Dad have been letting me spend time without it when they are watching me.  I sure do like those times.

I hear tell that Roxy (one of my foster sisters) does not really like any foster dog and normally ignores and avoids them.  I feel pretty special because she actually chose to come and check me out and then lay down next to me.  It was great to have dog company.

As you can see, I have a smile on my face and things are looking up for sure.  I can't wait to start some physical therapy and get moving again.

Talk to you soon...love you all so very much!

Gilbert