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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Keeping Moving

Hello from one of our local bobcats!
We woke up to snow this morning - a few inches overnight that weighed down the pine boughs.
During our snowbike ride (my first attempt at riding with wrist splints - woo hoo - I knew it could be done!), the snow bombarded us occasionally.
Shyla and I played a few training games. First we played fetch with a ball in the snow.
Then, she made up her own game of "hiding" her ball in the snow and digging it up.
I was so proud of her when she did one of her "commands" outdoors for the first time. I use chemical handwarmers a lot in the winter (for Raynaud's Syndrome), and I drop them in the snow regularly. In the quiet of our house, I taught Shyla to "find" a handwarmer for me, pick it up gently, and bring it to me. Today, I dropped one, and I couldn't find it under the fluffy snow. So, I said "find it" to Shyla, and she instantly went to work, using her nose to find the handwarmer under the snow. To my surprise, she fished it out of the fresh snow and presented it to me in short order. We had a big celebration!

When we arrived home, Shyla curled up for a well-deserved nap. Doesn't she look cozy?
Despite the pain in my neck, arms and hands, I try to keep moving, not allowing myself to become paralyzed by it. I learned yesterday (from delightful EMG and MRI tests) that it's probably caused by nerve impingement at multiple sites from my neck all the way down to my wrists. We're going to start by trying to reduce the pressure at my wrists. So, with wrist splints in place, I headed out for a little more snowbiking while the pups napped.

I stopped for some photos with a fabulous macro lens loaned to me by a friend. What fun! It'll be even more fun when the sun shines again on our snow-covered world.
After many years of pain from my spine, my strategy is always to fight back and keep doing what I love, even when I feel the temptation to give in and wallow in my pain. Even though I find it hard to force myself to get moving some days (like today), it almost always helps. Today was one of those days.

28 comments:

  1. Khyra says two of her favourite things in one post: KHATS and SNOW!

    She also gives Shyla a fluffy tail up for her napping pose - she's a Snowdog in the making!

    Sending good vibes for YOU!

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  2. That last pic is stunning!
    Kudos to you for keeping active! And great job, Shyla!
    Nola

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  3. Every photo was great. (Would that be was or were?) I can tell you are still using your SAR training. It plays out in a lot of lifes scenarious, doesnt it.

    Bert and My Vickie

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  4. I admire that you do not give in. And in my humble dog opinion I think that is the best thing to do. No always easy however I know. Shyla GREAT job in finding the hand warmer. You are, I think, the 8th wonder of the world.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  5. Love the snuggled up Shyla photo...she must have had a wonderful day. Glad you don't give up, you are an inspiration. :)
    I was disappointed we only received a few inches of snow. Our land is in such need of moisture.

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  6. Good heaven! Every one of those shots is gorgeous! I love the one of Shyla all curled up and filling the frame.

    I'm sorry you're battling pain again! I hope that alleviating the nerve stress you can get some relief.

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  7. I admire you so very much in pushing through the pain. It has to be exhausting. I hope you get relief. I love the photo of Shyla sleeping and the final shot...gorgeous. I had a laugh over Shyla inventing her own game.

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  8. I love your bobcats!!! They are soooo gorgeous.

    AND I love that pic of Shyla all curled up! You inspire me to photograph my dog. I'm going to get her in a pose like this over the weekend. Probably after our CGC class on Saturday when she's pooped!

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  9. You are my she-ro, KB.... you & Shyla both!!

    Keep tackling that pain & also looking for answers. If you aren't a prime example of what a strong will + Mother Nature can do, I don't know what is.

    God ya love, my friend!!!

    --Andrea
    XOXOXO

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  10. Yikes, pain is not good. Love seeing the bobcats
    Benny & Lily

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  11. Congrats to Shyla the search and rescue dog....a handwarmer counts!

    SHE says we can only find sandwiches and stuff.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  12. The photo of Shyla "finding" her ball after she buries it is my favorite, then the curled up snoozing one. She is so adorable!

    Next week we start a warm-up into the 30s, yippee!

    Hoping the Docs can find some relief for your pain! You can be staunch and strong, but its wearing on you!

    Cheers and hugs,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  13. That last photo is a stunner! You are such a good girl, Shyla and oh so smart!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  14. You're very inspirational & I admire your courage with your health problems. It reminds me that some of my issues aren't that difficult.

    Magnificent last picture.

    Woofs
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  15. Love the cozy photo but that last one is just striking!

    Mamma Heartbeat

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  16. I am sorry you live with so much pain. Is your spinal pain due to an earlier injury?

    I know I have a couple of discs that are wearing out and when I twist them wrong, I am in bad pain for several days. Fortunately, keeping a toned core helps a lot! I am very motivated to exercise just to keep from having back pain! So, as you say....Keep moving!

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  17. KB you and Shyla are awesome. Love the pictures of the Bobcat, the snow and Shyla showing her many talents, posing, sleeping, playing in the snow. Bless you both and as we agree with your friend Andrea. You share so much with us we feel we know you and Shyla. Thanki you.
    Wags
    Ernie and the furkids and Barb

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  18. Good for you to keep going and getting out there! Sometimes it's worth the pain to be able to see your dog enjoying the snow and life in general! :)

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  19. Wow the last picture is great.....Shyla loves the snow I think....
    Have a great weekend! Hugs!

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  20. Sweet KB, you are courageous to keep fighting,,, and enjoying your world-- through all your pain.
    Such a beautiful world you share with us.
    Shyla is so smart to find your hand warmer-- and we know about Raynauds- cause mommy has that too- and sometimes uses the handwarmers.
    We want you to get better. Thank you for your inspiration- and always for your kind words,
    love
    tweedles

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  21. Isn't it fun to watch a dog make up a little game like hiding the ball? Callie does that in the snow too.

    Glad to hear that Shyla was able to find your hand warmer for you - smart girl you got there!

    Here's hoping the splints are helping you feel better.

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  22. The picture of sleeping Skyla is so very sweet!

    Good for her, on doing "find it!" for you! I love that she drops her tennis balls in the snow to dig them up. Elka does that too, when there's enough snow!

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  23. You are wise and brave to keep going and I do so admire you for it. I love the way Shyla is learning how to help. Great post as always.

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  24. lovely winter shots. Keeping active is the best medicine, Shy is a great partner for that too.

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  25. Hi Y'all,

    My Humans always keep you in their prayers.

    That last picture of Shyla is amazing!

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  26. I love that last photo! I'm sorry once again to hear of another pain point showing up. I need to practice the same movement thing tomorrow, when I have some free time to do so. Heck, I need to find a way to make taking that time to move a priority to deal with my crazy emotions.

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