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

Day 7

Ouch!

Enjoying a little free time - no cone!

Hi...

Well, I made it through the first week with flying colors!  They tell me my sutures are looking good, but if I even turn my head that direction they stop me - so I guess I will take their word for it. 

I get to enjoy time without the cone lately when Foster Mom & Dad are watching me closely...but mostly I still have to wear it.  One more week and then I hear it goes away.  That will be a great day!

I am having a bad night tonight, so Foster Mom has been up with me since 3am.  I seem to have an upset stomach.  But mostly every day is better!  

My playful personality is starting to come out again and I hear them talking to each other trying to figure out how they are going to keep me quiet so I can heal.  When I start to do my happy dance, they get very nervous and stop me.  I sure don't understand why I cannot go play with all those foster lab siblings around here.  I think I am ready, but Foster Mom & Dad have other ideas about that.

I am finally ready to sleep now that everyone else is starting to get up...

Thanks again for all your support...

Gilbert

Day 5

It looks really nice over there...

Can we please go?

Hi...

It has been a crazy couple of days.  I had a day where I just did not feel good at all.  Seems like everything hit me at once and I was feeling the pain.  Foster Mom & Dad took care of me and kept me quiet with lots of attention, massages, ice packs, and heat.

Then I got my balloon neck brace loose, popped it, and then the dreaded cone came back!  Foster Mom sewed the straps back on, they got something to fix the hole I put in the balloon, and I was happy to see that one come back.  Nine more days (but who is counting?) and I get rid of the cone/balloon neckwear!

I am feeling better today and it's getting harder and harder to stay quiet and let my leg heal up.  I got to go outside and hang out a lot in the last couple of days.  That is always nice to get out in the fresh air and watch the squirrels and birds.  I really want to go for a walk, but they keep telling me I am not ready for that yet.  I feel ready!  

One time the last couple days I heard the other dogs in the pool.  Sounded like they were having a lot of fun and I really would have liked to join them.  Sometimes they come sit with me and I like that a lot.   They give me kisses through the fence and that's pretty nice.  I just really really wish that I could play with them. 

Thanks again for all the love you are sending my way...

Gilbert

Day 3

Can you get this crazy thing off me?

Finally!  I can actually enjoy a toy!

Hi...

Another day almost over.  I got to go outside for some sunshine and fresh breeze today.  It's a little bit tough so I don't stand for very long, but they stayed with me while I hung out in the fresh air.  

This afternoon Foster Mom came home with a different torture wrap for my neck.  At least I can see more, lick my front paws and chew on some toys now so I guess I can live with this for a while.  I keep hearing them say they are watching me to see if I can lick my back leg...I am not even trying because I know that means that other giant thing comes back.  I will try to wait them out before I try to see if I can get there!

I got several nice massages today and some moist heat on my incision.  I really enjoy the massages.  

Last night in the crate was awful with that big stupid thing on my neck.  I just could not get comfortable so I kept running the plastic back and forth on the crate and waking everyone else up.  FINALLY they got the message...took me to pee and put me in my day room (Foster Dad's office) with my nice comfy bed and room to stretch out with the crazy plastic thing around my neck.  The rest of the night went great - I finally got some much needed sleep!

Talk to you tomorrow!

Gilbert

Day after surgery

I finally get to leave here?

I can only see in one direction

Home at last...

Really?  Those screws are in me?

My new joint plate                

Whew!  I made it - hope you enjoy the photos of my journey.  This is not really fun at all, but foster Mom & Dad keep telling me it will be worth it and I will get to run again some day.  

I want to know what creature invented these stupid cones!  I REALLY want out of it but going backwards does not seem to help.  I promised I would not lick my wounds, but they do not believe me for some reason.  Could it be that I keep turning my head and licking the inside of the blasted cone?  I can't even see anything!!!

Foster Mom put something really cold on my leg a couple of times.  Not sure I liked it, but she gave me a wonderful massage while it was on my leg so that felt pretty good.

Well, I am really tired and it's been a rough couple of days.  Stay tuned as the fun continues.  I know there is a lot of love coming my way and I really appreciate it.

Gilbert