DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Bella Update

When I finish this post, I'm going to take my 'Rotterman' for a walk about the neighborhood.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the term... My Girl is a mixed-breed Dawg: 1/2 half Rottweiler, and 1/2 Doberman Pinscher.

Rescue Dawg.
Local Humane Society shelter puppy.
12- lb ball of "Daddylove enthusiasm" when we first met.
Stole my heart at the very first minute.
She's now a fully fleshed-out, 100-lb. example of the best of what a Dawg can be.

___________

For those of you who missed my original post in September, My Sweetheart suffered a ruptured disc in her spine, became a 'back-half paraplegic,' and underwent spinal surgery to repair the damage.

For those of you who lived with me through this 'Life Experience,' This is my update:



Bella has recovered about 70-75% mobility in her hind legs.

The Doc expects a near 90-100% recovery, if we stick to a strict rehab protocol.

On 12/6/2014, she was cleared by the surgical facility to take short walks (5-10 minutes) about the neighborhood. Since that Sat night, we have not missed a single 'neighborhood session'... and she LIVES for these late-night outings.

We always go out after 11:00PM. She's always been "Daddy's Girl," and that's my schedule. On top of that, there are fewer distractions/stimulus at that time of night. Life is just- slower then, you know? Perfect for Daddy and His Girl.

After 8 weeks of confinement/totally interrupted routine, My Girl still knows/remembers her commands, and works them like they are second-nature:

Stop.
Sit.
Stay.
Wait for it...
OK.
With me-left.
With me-right.
Down.
Stay.

All good. Girl is still flawless.

(Raise your children up right from the time they are babies... and they'll never embarrass you in public.)

_____________

For the first 10 days, I used the support sling under her belly, but she got pissy with me... and insisted that I stop 'babying' her on her walks. For the past week, the sling has been 'slung' over my shoulder... and My Girl has taken her walks with gusto and enthusiasm.

Strong. Confident. Fearless.

This dog has inspired me in ways I simply cannot put into words. Her 'joie de vivre' has humbled My Old Azz in ways I'm only just now starting to realize.

_____________

To all you Dawgs who offered up prayers, props, and words of support- I thank you... from the depths of my soul. I needed you at times when Miss B was telling me: "Don't worry Pops- I got this"... -and I couldn't speak 'Rotterman.'

For 2014, THIS is my own personal Christmas Miracle.

Time to "go for a walk..."

Fantastic news!

She is lucky to have such a loving and caring human, and you are pretty darn lucky to have such a great dog as well.

I am so glad to hear that everything is going along well.

...and I wish good health and happy days for you as well, YT.

I can't think of another person who deserves it more.


Merry Christmas to you, My Friend (and all the blessings that come with such a salutation).


All my very best,
Clemmy.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you as well my friend.

I am thrilled to hear that she is doing so well buddy.

I love a happy ending.

Great tale of love, and a happy ending to boot...

Very happy that your girl has come through her injury and surgery so well, Clem. Its a great Christmas story due, in no small part, to the dedication and love (and dare I say, pocketbook) of her owners. I know about the expense of these kinds of things - very few people have medical insurance for their pets - and the money piles up quickly. We spent $2700 on knee replacement for our now 14 year old shepherd mix, Lucy, when she was 8. Our late Corgi-Sheltie mix, Buddy, was diabetic and needed frequent testing, twice a day insulin shots, needed 20-30 minutes of exercise every day - rain, shine, or blizzard - to keep his blood-sugar regulated. We maintained him for 5 years; he died at 16. Looking back, it was a burden physically, emotionally, and financially, but I wouldn't change a thing because they are not "like family", as some people say - they ARE family, period. And now, dammit, I have something in my eye, so I'll sign off with a "job well done" and a Merry Christmas to you and yours, Bella included of course.

Great to hear Bella is doing so well. Always loved dogs and when growing up always had Dobermanns. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!!!

a pal makes life just that much easier, happy for you both ..

You probably know I'm a dog lover.. So I get it and I get what you must have been feeling.

I'm glad things are turning around for her.. Great news...

congrats

Great news, Clem!

Merry Christmas, my friend.

Excellent news!

That's great news! The bond between a man and a good dog that he raised from a puppy cannot be described in words (although you could probably do it. ) I actually cried more when I had my German Shepherd Dog put down than when my parents died, and I loved my parents dearly and grieved for them. I am so glad that prayers were answered and your girl is doing well.

Great news Clem! I had wondered how she was progressing. I knew in time you would inform us and I'm sure nothing could make your holiday season brighter than this does. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

that's really awesome man, happy for you and your fam.

Rotts are great dogs.

Bella: And The Winter of 2014-2015... an update


Wussup, Pack?
Howl if ya love a Dawg inda house! Bark if ya feelin' me up in this be-yotch!

[insert your own howl/bark/woof here]


It's been 3 months since I gave you an update on Miss B's recovery. I'm happy to tell you that she's still progressing on-schedule.

I always take the support sling whenever we leave the house, but have only needed to use it twice since Christmas. Both times it was pulled out were a result of Daddy's over-protective nature. Both times, a simple cleaning of the ice/frost build-up between her toes was necessary to get her going again... full-bore.

By Doctor's orders, we no longer use a collar/lead system of control. I bought a chest-based harness for our walks. Girly-girl picked up on the new protocol within a week...

[Me/vocal command]: "Sit. Good girl! Shake: Southpaw"... she automatically raises her left-front paw, so I can slip the harness under her left leg. "Good Girl!"

(Did I originally tell you guys that she was the smartest dog I've ever had in my family?)

______________________

We can now take 3-4 block 'late-night walks' without a hitch. Her gait is steady and secure every step of the way, as long as we keep a steady pace. The only time I see a deficiency in her overall dexterity is when she gets excited... and wants to bolt, like she did before the injury. (Those damned deer and rabbits... oooooooh!) At those times, her back legs are still "heavy" and a bit uncoordinated. My 'medically-untrained guess': she's regained about 75-85% of her former abilities.


I've extended the length of her walks since December, but the cold-azz weather has forced us to miss a number of days, recently. She's now moved on beyond 5-10 minute walks to excursions of 2-3 city blocks... and they last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. She's very strong at the start, but still slows down considerably, as we get closer to home (Part of me suspects that this is a ploy to extend our walks, but I'm not taking any chances... have I already told you guys how SMART she is?).

Our local vet has been in constant contact with the surgical facility that saved her quadrupedal mobility. 2 weeks ago, Our Dr. Roger cleared her for rehab at a facility near our home (swim/hydro-treadmill therapy) He thinks it could help, but 2 factors have stood in the way: My work schedule has prevented me from taking her there for an introductory consult, and I'm concerned about the cash-cost. If there is a way to bring her all the way back here at home, I'm willing to consider what that might entail. Nothing would please me more than knowing that MY efforts were what brought My Girl back to 100% health.

If it's determined that she needs advanced therapy beyond what I can provide- so be it. I don't need another 'Clemtoy' as much as I need My Family Dog- whole and happy. I'll happily spend the money. After all: this is family. What's more important than that?

My goal is to take her on a Family Backcountry Hike, or maybe a multi-day canoe trip. Get out in the wilderness. Let her be the kind of dog she was born to be... in every way possible.

Yes. That would be nice.


Dammit... I Love My Girl.

I'll do anything I can for her- and I'll cherish her for as long as she's with me, as I've cherished ALL My Loved Ones. It's the only way I'm built:
Womb 2 Tomb.

I simply can't roll This Life any other way.

She is definitely lucky to have you in her life.

My Duke can't jump up on the bed anymore, so my brother helped me build steps for him. (he's about 120#, and they just don't make steps in that weight class)

Anyway, I hope that she has a complete and total recovery. It sounds like she is well on her way.

Thanks, YT.

This has been a 'learning experience,' to be sure.

In years past, we had similar challenges, but they happened long enough ago that they lost their immediacy. We adopted Bella, and just 3 years later, we were hit with this 'life crisis.'

It came as a total shock to us. Here's this 100 lb. picture of health and heartiness, entering her prime years, and suddenly reduced to a paraplegic state in less than 48 hours.

"WTF???"

Even if we get her back to 100%, we'll probably have to monitor her 24/7 when she's off-lead. No more days of unrestricted 'back-yard patrol' for our girl, unless the pros give her a totally clean bill of health.

The standard "full recovery time" for such an injury/post-op recovery is appox. 12 full months.... which means that we're about halfway home. I'll never stop obsessing over her day-to-day recovery, because I can't love my family any other way... but I can say this:

She has the heart it takes to make a 100% comeback. I see it in her every day. If she makes it all the way back, it's only because I helped a little along the way. She has WILLED herself back to health... and I am humbled by her efforts.

This proud, strong dog means everything to me. She has exemplified traits that most human beings would do well to emulate.

_____________

We just came home from a 20- minute walk... and she propelled me most of the way.

If she played a position on the Browns' roster, I'd post her weekly rehab stats to shame other NFL players... and to set an example of what "desire" really means.

No whining. No complaints. No couch? -no problem. "Just take me on a good walk, Daddy.... I'll take care of the rest."


Dogs have always been the best People I have ever known.


.02,
Clemmy

Dogs are absolutely 1000% loyal, and most want nothing more than to be loved, and to please their humans.

I never had kids, but I have had numerous dogs. Some people tell me that I have somehow missed out, but I don't think so. Some people are parents, and some are not. I am in the "Not" category ... but I love my dogs. They are my kids.

I don't know about yours but my little buddy gets anxious if we're late for dinner.

Glad to hear man... I understand the love of a dog.

This is why I prefer little dogs. The don't tend to have genetic hip problems, and their light enough to pick up. I was so depressed when my rescue lab (she was a 9 year old lab who's owner died that no one wanted due to her age) started having hip problems, and I had to lift her on to her feet to get her outside. She lived to be 15 when we had to put her down, and literally pulled me into the vet's office when I had to take her. That poor dog weighed 210lbs at her death due to fatty tumors all over her body that couldn't be removed without risking her life. At least she's with her first owner now.

Now my full blooded attack Pomeranian is a completely different story. She's 15 and still going strong. When I take her to the beach, she's still a chick magnet, and I always have young ladies asking me how old my puppy is and telling me how cute she is. I wish I had known that when I was younger.

I love happy news

We need a pic of the pup (love me some Rotties)!

You're allowed to be late for dinner?

Fantastic news Clem!



I lost my Tanni Bone to cancer a couple of years ago and still have an empty spot in my heart. Dogs are a wonderful gift to humans. One that should be treated like family and given all the love we have to give.

Good to hear!

My 15 lb. maltese/shi tzu mix......he's a knothead - a knothead that ate a whole in our brand new carpet. He'd rather gnaw on sticks than eat his food.

But he's got his redeeming traits as well.

Sad news to report.

Bella has suffered a relapse or another ruptured disc. Again, total paralysis in her hindquarters. My wife is driving her to the surgical facility even now. I stayed behind this time, as I have to go to work this evening. Nothing to do but wait.

Yesterday she was literally dragging me down the trails near our home. Today- nothing.

Frankly, I don't know how much more of this I can take. The drama's too real, and the love I have for this dog is a dull ache right now. Outside that ache, I'm just numb.

These folks were top-shelf last time, so I hope they can do as well for her this time, but I'm far less optimistic than I'd like to be. She's just 6 months out from the last major surgery.

Keep a good thought for her. I'll share any news when I can.

And thanks for your support and well-wishes- you guys have been great.

Clem/out.

I'm so sorry, Clem

Prayers for the Pup on the way.

Hang in there Clem. I know it's hard, but hopefully you'll get good news from the doctors.

I'll be praying for her, and you.

I really feel for both You and Bella. I lost my Tanni Bone to cancer just a couple of years ago and still haven't gotten over it. Situations like this hit very close to home for me.

Believe me, my best thoughts, hopes and prayers are with you, your wife and Bella at this trying time.

She'll be fine if she's anything like you.

Thinking of her......

Thoughts are with you and Bella.

very, very sorry Clem

More prayers are on the way Clem

Prayers for your best friend. So sorry to hear this.

WOW,, that hurts a lots. Sorry Clem.... Chin up.

9:15 AM Friday

Got the post-op call from Br. Moeser.

6 hours of spinal surgery through the night. 2 surgeons/attending staff. More difficult procedure this time because of all the scar tissue from previous op. Pre-op recovery prognosis: poor to grave (no deep-pain response to stimuli).

Post-op report: movement in both rear limbs, smooth uneventful recovery from anaesthesia, alert and in good spirits. Today, they'll attempt to take her off the pain drip to begin pill management. Try to get her to eat.

(His voice sounded decidedly more up-beat than last evening, when he'd just seen the MRI scans.)

New prognosis: guardedly optimistic, tho it's still very early. Next 24-48 hours will determine long-term prognosis. If her post-op recovery continues on-track, Dr. will drop the 50/50 predix, and place her back in the 90th percentile for full or near-full recovery.

I'm exhausted. This morning's report is a bit of a relief, but it's too soon to allow myself any emotions other than anxiety and anticipation. We are not out of the woods yet. If she's allowed to come home Monday, I still won't be comfortable for about two more weeks, due to a condition called myelomalacia, which presents about 10% of the time ( a post-op degeneration of the spinal cord which is fatal 100% of the time).

Again, thanks for the support, well-wishes and prayers. You guys are helping me to keep going.

best,
Clem.

Thanks for the update Clem.

At least the prognosis seems to be increasingly optimistic at this juncture. Good thoughts and prayers continue your way.

Your diligence in getting her walks in regularly after the first surgery will pay big dividends with her recovery from this episode, I bet. Let yourself be optimistic; dogs sense anxiety.

All the best to Bella, you, and your Mrs.