Life with a Limper

When you are the momma to a recovered, limpy, sore dog, there are certain things you don’t take for granted.

• The good walks you get to take.  Even if you’re busy, even if it’s hot and buggy or too cold and blowing, a good walk is always a good walk.

• Every time she jumps onto the couch by herself.

• When she can tackle stairs and not look nervous or in pain.

• Talking to other dog owners about her brace, and maybe helping other people consider non-surgerical treatment options to get their fur babies back on the right track.

• Every spin, swirl, and buck when she’s showing her toys who’s boss.

• When you neighbors ask about her leg and compliment how much better she’s looking lately.

• She she prances over whipping her rope for a game of tug-o-war.

• Not having to worry about reigning in her activity or making sure she doesn’t hurt herself some more.

• Watching like a proud momma when she comes out of her shell around other people and dogs because she can move comfortably.

• The days you forget she’s limpy because she acts just like a normal dog.

When your recovered, limpy, sore dog injures her other leg, there are certain things you hate.

• You’re new vet telling you that you’ve ruined your dogs quality of life.

• Hearing about arthritis, surgeries, and recovery time and feeling like you don’t know which is the right decision to make.

• Any vet telling you, “Just let her be and maybe she’ll get better,” or “Well, she has a history of joint issues so this will just continue to happen.”

• Knowing that as a rescue fur momma you promised to keep your pound baby safe and happy, and feeling like you’re failing.

• Watching her tripod around and struggle just to live her little puppy dog life.

• Doing the best you can, but knowing that someone will always judge your choices.

• When you’ve made huge gains and progress on getting her back into fighting shape, and now it feels derailed.

On to brace number two, and hoping my fur baby has a second speedy recovery!