March Updates

March 5, 2010

Sprig had his check up with Dr. Williams yesterday.  I was a little worried he'd be anxious about going back to the hospital but he was very excited to be there and visit all his old friends.  He's doing GREAT!  Dr. Williams showed us Sprig's hip x rays.  His right hip looks pretty bad, but he's using his right leg very well.  Dr. Williams said he's impressed with the mobility Sprig has in that leg considering all the damage.  He told us to increase his activity, longer walks and lots and lots of swimming!  I'm just waiting for the water to warm up a bit, I really don't want him in cold water.  He's not ready to go in it yet either.  We went to my father-in-law's after the doctor.  He lives on a lake and Sprig put his feet in the water but that's as far as he wanted to go.  He was perfectly content to lay in the grass and just look at the water.
He's getting more muscle back in his legs again.  He's getting up and moving around on his own more each day.  There's something about us feeding the chickens that makes him get up and go.  Nearly everytime we're in the chicken coop Sprig gets up and starts walking around by himself.  I let him walk a little bit then tell him to sit.  I'm scared he's going to walk into a hole or trip over his own feet or something and get hurt. 
He's got the best attitude, he's always in a good mood but for some reason when I get the camera out he puts his head down and plays "pitiful me" so it's tough to get good pictures of him.
He's having to get used to not getting as many snacks as he used to.  Before he got hurt he got a bite of pretty much everything I ate, including fruit, vegetables, even pickles, he loved it all!  We've got to watch his weight now and try to keep as much strain off his hips as we can.  Don't get me wrong, he was 129 pounds before but he was not fat.  Now he just can't run and play like he used to.  He still gets snack only now they're nasty ole dog treats. 
I still plan on putting him in a hunt test when he's well enough.  I know he can do it and I think it will do his heart good to show me he can still do it.


March 23, 2011

Sprig is doing better than I ever thought he would.  He's stopped using his support sling (just don't tell Dr. Williams).  He gets up and walks around the house, goes outside and roams the yard (supervised of course), even lifts his leg when he's outside.....I know, that doesn't seem like much for a dog, but for Sprig that's a HUGE accomplishment!  I've had to get on him a couple times.  He tries to jump into the truck instead of waiting for me to pick him up and put him in the back seat.  I caught him once about 5 inches before his feet hit the ground when he jumped out of the truck while I was trying to get his sling around him to lift him out.  He's trying to hop and run when he's outside, it's really more of a trot but I don't want him doing all that just yet.   
His temperament is unbelievable!  He's the same playful, loving baby he's always been.  After all he's been through he's still my little Sprig.
Thank you to all who kept Sprig in your thoughts and prayers throughout this whole ordeal.  It looks like sometimes prayers do get answered.