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Saturday, March 5, 2016

An Update on R

We're still trying to set up elbow surgery for R. It has been one of the more frustrating veterinary experiences I've ever had. We know what surgery he needs but getting a vet to do it has been endlessly difficult.

I've reached the point that I'm letting R "cheat" by running a bit. I view it as medicine for his soul. He's been resting for months (with no improvement), and we still don't have a date set for his surgery. It's not because we haven't tried, believe me!
We just asked the east coast vet again if he can set a date to do the surgery. The reply was resounding silence. Argh!

I have one more idea to pursue that might help us avoid waiting for the stars align for the east coast vet to do the operation. The problem is that I believe that the new option involves a far less experienced surgeon - probably not optimal!

To be honest, R has handled the rest better than I expected that he would. The Runner spends some outdoor time with him every morning, and I hike with him every evening. I do trick training and nosework training with him every day. 

He exhibits over-the-top enthusiasm for every activity we do with him. Just taking out his nosework harness makes him bark insanely. And, you should see him search for the scent. Even when I mess up and hide the scent in a place that is very difficult for a beginner nosework dog, he never gives up.

I have never known a dog as intense as R. When I do nosework with him, I often think that he would have been an amazing working dog in something like Search and Rescue that requires incredible drive. Alas, the time for that has passed but we can still have fun with nosework games!

He still looks like a puppy to me a lot of the time. His eyes can be so innocent and naive. I sure hope that we can get his elbow surgery soon. Because a dog's life is so much shorter than ours, I feel terrible seeing months slip away without any progress toward a more active life for him.
I'll keep you posted on our progress. I'm hoping that we can make a breakthrough soon! Just having a date set for the surgery would help me to feel more serene.

26 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Sending out a bit of good ol' Blogville POTP to you for an early date... such a handsome boy!!! YAM xx

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  2. We sure hope it works out soon so the healing can begin.

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  3. Sure hope it works out soon for both of you. Momma loves his sweet face.
    Blessings,
    Buddy

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  4. Awww this hurts my heart. Sending his to R and to you.

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  5. They might live short, but they sure live deep.

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  6. How frustrating. Such a sweet boy, he deserves to feel better.

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  7. Oh R!! You are SO handsome! Bart used to have that intensity in his eyes. I love seeing it in R.

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  8. R is so beautiful! I'm sorry that it's been such an aggravating ordeal for his surgery to get set up! I hope they figure it out soon! :(

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  9. R is one tough dog. Hoping and praying his surgery comes soon for all your sakes.

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  10. Oh man, I sure hopes the stars aline and you can gets your surgery R! I'll keep my paws crossed real tight for you!!! You knows, I can sniff out a cookie like nobody's business!!! Oh, probably not the same thingie....☺
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  11. R does have a beautiful puppy face... We are hoping right along with you that the surgery can come soon.
    Your both such good parents for Shyla and R,, spending time with them,, and trying to make their days happy.
    love
    tweedles

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  12. Those eyes speak volumes, full of love and trust, and I trust so much that the surgeon who you need for R will appear very soon.

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  13. R truly has beautiful eyes! Such expression! I sure hope you get some help in the surgery department and someone can help him!

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  14. We are sending BIG hugs to all of you♥

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  15. I hope the dogtor will break the silence and he will help R with doing the surgery... all best wishes and lots of weimpower that efurrything goes well...

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  16. I wish you could find a vet to help R . . . . crazy it is so hard. I too would let him run a little. He needs to live his life and not just wait forever. Sending you good vibes to find someone soon.

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  17. He is a gorgeous boy - you are lucky he is patient. I do hope you can get his surgery scheduled soon - is it just because so few vets perform the procedure?

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  18. Happy to go along with Haily's pack and just allow Prince Arrr some off the pillow time. He needs to move like you do!

    Working POTP again and hoping Dr. Big will make some room for him VERY
    soon!

    Cheers and hugs all around,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  19. We surely hope there will be progress in getting the surgery scheduled very soon. I have no patience with people that won't respond even if it is to say no I can't. R is so lucky you take such care in still providing things to keep his life exciting
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  20. OMD, he sure is a handsome fella. We hope he gets this taken care of so he can carry on forward! We can't believe that dogtur is not responsive!! Maybe you should send him a link to your blog!

    Keep Calm & Bark On!

    Murphy & Stanley

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  21. I do love that boy! Best wishes to you all that he can get back to more playing.

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  22. Still hoping right along with you that R can have his surgery sooner rather than later.

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  23. Sweet R, I am sending prayers to you and your family that you find answers soon and get to healing up and running and playing!!

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