Swirling clouds and R's elbow

We had an early start to the day so that we could take R to a great elbow surgeon. Before sitting in a car for a "long" time, I always ride my bike - it helps my spine immensely. So, the alarm went off way before sunrise. I started the ride by myself, with a helmet mounted light so I could see the trails. I hoped for a beautiful sunrise to reward me for the early start but, instead, I spent the entire time in the midst of swirling clouds. Another snowstorm is here.

For some reason, this morning reminded me of the early morning starts when K had bone cancer, and we'd drive her to CSU vet school for treatment. That was a long drive so I'd always ride my bike before it. On one of the first days that we took her to CSU, I saw one of the most incredible sunrises ever.

For some odd reason, I felt relieved that I didn't see a great sunrise today. It made me felt that we were not reliving those terrible days. Indeed, there was no unexpected bad news today.

This morning, as soon as the world was light enough for Shyla to be off-leash on the trails, I swung by home and picked her up to join me for the rest of my ride. She was overjoyed when I returned to get her, and that made me smile!

While we were riding, I spotted two sets of fresh moose tracks, probably a mother and calf, heading toward what I've started calling "Moose Trail" because a mother-calf pair spend so much time there. I saw them lying in an aspen grove next to that trail multiple times last week. After my experience with being charged by a mother moose earlier this winter, I kept a big distance between them and me each time.

This was mom, who never even got to her feet when I was taking this photo. I had my super long lens so I was far away and also hiding behind a pine tree!

And this was the calf.

So, this morning, I completely avoided Moose Trail. I never want to be charged by a moose again, especially with Shyla by my side. After my recent experience with being charged, I know that I would not be able to protect both of us. Moreover, the presence of a dog might make a moose even more unpredictable.

Despite avoiding Moose Trail, we had a great ride, enjoying the early morning silence and great snowbiking conditions. As an added bonus, the swirling clouds left frost on Shyla's face.

When Shyla and I finished our ride, it started snowing very hard - making the drive down the mountain more exciting than usual but we made it safely.

The surgeon immediately struck me as thoughtful, caring, and very knowledgeable. As he examined R, R gave him many kisses all over his face and ears. The vet happily laughed at R's outgoing and goofy personality.

The conclusion about what to do about R's elbow isn't clear. R was born with elbow dysplasia, has had two surgeries for it, and now has no cartilage left in the joint. This progression is what happens to most puppies born with elbow dysplasia. The surgeon wants to talk with a few other experts before making his recommendation. No doubt - R will need surgery but the details are still to be determined.

Our goal is to make it possible for R to keep doing what he loves most - run! The vet is optimistic that we can do that thanks to recent advances in elbow dysplasia treatment.

The best news was that I felt that we met a vet who will be a trusted guide for us and R.