Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A clean bill of health, sort of...


Yesterday marked seven weeks from when I got my casts off. I went back to my old stomping grounds, 5th Ave. Vet Hospital, and Dr. Pacchiana said things look good - not perfect - but good. I am still not allowed to run and jump like your average dog, but I am allowed to graduate out of this walkabout harness that I think gives me control issues when I walk. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it - after all, it allowed me to have a life when I used to be carrying around two behemoth-sized casts on my arms, but let's face it, it looks kind of silly. I am not sure that I'll ever walk more than a block or two without getting tired or achy but my people get that and that's A-ok with them.

Mom and dad also got a bit of a lecture from Dr. P - at which point I dropped my head - about my weight. Turns out they are doing me a major disservice by spoiling me with treats, steak bones (mom's a veg, go figure) and all the other junk I adore. Seems I carry 60% of my weight in my front arms, and, well, the extra weight doesn't help my walking. DAMN! I even heard them talking to grandma about cutting down on all things treats - that means all those yellow bags stuffed with Beggin' Strips aren't going to be as forthcoming as they used to be. Hopefully I can make their jobs easier by not doing as much begging as I do. Yea I know, doubtful -- well at least it's documented that I said I would "try"!

The good news is that after 14 months of weekly appointments at the hospital - all the wrapping, picking and prodding, pill-popping and injections - is over. I think it was bitter sweet for mom and dad and Dr. P but probably more sweet than bitter. I just wanted to say how lucky I am to have everyone in my life - Mayor's Alliance, mom and dad, Dr. P, Chase and all my lady friends at 5th Ave., not to mention TWO sets of grandmas and grandpas, Uncle Felix and so many more. With all my heart and all four legs, thank you.