Kelly_Louise

Well guys, Tuesday is the day ... oh boy who would have thought I'd still feel so damn guilty. I feel bad putting her through it all again, but I keep reminding myself that it's best for her. Doesn't always work though. I feel like crap about it, but it's a done deal now. So please keep my little red girl in your thoughts on Tuesday that all goes well. I can feel an attack of tears coming on again.... Will keep you posted. Love, Kel and Chlo

Hi Corine!!! Yep I sure am nervous about the next op. I have decided next week but I'm such a chicken I haven't rang to make the appointment yet. She seems so good with only one leg operated on, but I know it's just a good day. I don't really want to do it, but I keep saying it's the best thing for her.... so, here we go again!!! Chloe also hates the vets. She has a habit of jamming herself under the benches now when the lady comes out with the collar Ah I should stop putting it off and make the appt... I will let you guys know!! Good to hear that Duncan is okay. It's such a worry isn't it!!! Love, Kel and Chlo

Thanks so much Antoinette... it's great to be able to share such good news with someone who truly appreciates how exciting it really is!!! I'm just stoked... It is highly likely that the little girl will go in next week. He gave me the option of leaving her there and doing it tomorrow, but selfish me wants a cuddle cause I'm so proud... and I want to spoil her a bit before she goes in. Hopefully will be next Tuesday, but we'll see how we go. Will definitely keep you updated... it's scary, having to go through it all again... but I figure that by years end, she will be a new dog and all healed up!!!! Now THAT'S worth it all!!! Good to hear that Mallee is still steaming ahead too... she has a really bright future now!!! Lotsa love, Kel and Chloe

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! SHE IS HEALED!!!! ;) :D :D I can't believe it!!!! He said she is ready to go for her next op now. I asked the surgeon about the whole winter situation and he said he would prefer to do it sooner rather than later otherwise it will only degenerate further... sooooooo... perhaps next week or the week after will be THE week. Oh I'm so happy... I can't tell you how much!!!

Thanks Antoinette!!! It is still nerve wracking although I'm not as fussed anymore... I know she's good. I'm sort of hoping the next op can be post poned until it warms up a bit. I don't know what do you think? Do you think it's cruel to do it in the cold winter months? I want to also start her on Cartrophen again to see her through the worst of the cold ahead. Will update as soon as I can. I feel positive that it will be good news.... Love, Kel and Chloe

Hi guys... just an update!!! My little red girl goes in for her next lot of xrays today!!! I hate it when she goes... but keep fingers crossed for good news!!! Love, Kel and Chloe

Oh Corine, I'm horrified. However, don't panic just yet. My surgeon told me that once the actual bone has healed over, that the plates and pins become redundant and if they come lose at that stage then it's no big deal as the bone is stable. Hoping this is the case with you guys as well, but I'm also hoping he's just jarred his muscle or something!!! Geez does it ever end??? Also glad to hear that Stella and Mallee are doing so well. It was a bit edgy with Stella there for a while, but to hear that the surgeon thinks she can return to a normal life soon is fantastic news. Looks like my girl is the only one lagging behind now... with the other leg and all. But Chloe is doing fantastic. I just can't believe it... I know I've said it before but I never thought the surgery would turn out such wonderful results. It's all play play play now. She's back to cheeky and mischievious ways. She's just the best old girl... what can I say??? I'm just so excited at the way she is going. I will take her back to the surgeon in the next couople of weeks. It should be this week, but I've only just come off holidays and it's too busy here so I will wait till my next holidays in a couple of weeks (I have waaaay too many holidays accrued!!). No matter what the surgeon says this time (unless it's really negative) I will not be disappointed cause I can see the way she's going. I might have to start her on her cartrophen injections again though as she is getting a little slow in this colder weather with her unoperated leg. Well Antoinette, after all you've been through, the least of your worries is Mallee being so naughty and not wanting to go out now!!! You would probably miss her too much as well!!! I'm so glad to hear that she is doing so well though, it's really such a relief. She's a little trooper that one. I find that with all the attention we've paid Chloe she gets a bit anxious if she is left on her own now. She settles fine but gets really excited should she hear someone approaching and sits and watches the doors and windows. What spoilt girls we have... but they deserve it!!!! Hope to keep hearing regular updates, and hoping that it's nothing too serious for young Duncan... Love, Kel and the red terror

My girl is so ladylike (don't know where she got that from). She does very quiet burpies, just like a big exhalation of air that she just blows out after a hiccup. However she has been known to fart when extremely over excited... you can't hear them though... they are silent and deadly, make no mistake.

Hey guys, how is everyone and their pups going? Well Chloe is going great guns... I'm sooo happy with the way she is progressing and getting better and stronger every day. Haven't been back to the surgeon yet (later in the month), but she is slowly reverting back to puppy days, always wants to play play play. Even the ball gets dropped at our feet again now (it was hidden for many months but she's found it and wants to go!!), and she sooooo wants us to throw it for her to chase, but I don't let her and make her sit a couple of metres away and throw it so she can catch it whilst sitting down. I guess it's not the same as the old days, but it's a start. Goodness, she bounces around for an old girl!!! She's been following me around like a bad smell (cause my mum is at work, I'm next favourite with my dad!!!) and I told her to go into the garage with my dad as it was raining... she continued to follow me and I joked with her that I would smack if she didn't go inside... well the bum went up in the air, she bounced up and down a few times, then POUNCED at me!!! And I mean, all 4 legs WELL off the ground!!! I nearly died, but she kept smiling, prancing and laughing at me... It horrifies me, but you know, to know that she feels well enough to do that tells me that we made the right decision with her. The hard yards have definitely been worth it, it's reversed the years on her like magic. Now that the hair has grown back, if I didn't tell people she had had an operation, no one would know. I can only hope that everyone else is doing well also. Would love to hear some more updates!!! Lots of love, Kel and her little red girl

Oops, I'm one day late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALLEE!!!! Yaay, the baby is one!!! Did she get any pressie's for her birthday?? Gee she is a tough little bugger Antoinette... all she has been through and she's just a baby... what a trooper she is!!! I'm so glad to hear that her progress is going so well. I think it's best to be safer than sorry, especially after all you guys have been through. But she's just about there, so you can enjoy having her back up and getting into mischief!!! I spoke to Chloe's surgeon last week. He told me not to be disappointed with her progress at all (with regards to the xrays). He said he is really happy with her progress that she is making at each xray, and it just means she is in the 'delayed union' category, as opposed to the 'NON union' category... which means the bone doesn't bond at all. But he said she's definitely on her way. I had a really good talk with him and she is going back for him to re-evaluate her at end of April. I told him that she really is like a different dog compared to just a few months ago. She has been really naughty today cause my sister and hubby were here and she bounded around like an idiot... couldn't keep her down. So she is a bit limpy on her unoperated leg which I'm not happy about. But like you are experiencing with Mallee now, sometimes you're just not quick enough for the zoomies!!! I spoke to him about having her other leg done, and he is also a believer in better to be safe than sorry... and said that as long as she is not struggling on her unoperated leg, that he will delay it until her operated leg is 100% healed as he doesn't want any complications. So he advised not to rush if she is doing okay on it (which she is), and we will keep having her re-evaluated until her operated leg is fully healed. Probably a good thing cause with winter coming and all it might give her some pain etc. All in all, he made me feel really good about the way Chloe is going, so I was a happy chappy!!! My little girl is coming up to 8 years old at end of May... gee time flies, I remember picking her up when she was a tiny puppy like it was yesterday. It was definitely love at first sight!!! Yes the wedding is finally over!!! It was actually for one of my best friends. It was absolutely hectic, but a great day. Now all the preparations are over, I can finally relax and have my weekends to myself again!!! Well thanks for the update Antoinette. I'm really happy for you that it's all good news from your end. I hope all the others that have shared on this thread are doing well too... I wonder how Stella is doing? Give Mallee a big birthday hug and kiss from Chloe and I. Here's hoping that after a very complicated first year the rest of her doggie life will be filled with lots of fun, playing, and special doggie happiness!!! Lotsa love, Kel and Chlo-Bo the red devil on her comeback!!

Thanks guys... I decided yesterday that I can't be sad. He was my friend for a very long time, which is lucky for me. And you know, every time I think of him I end up laughing. He was such a funny horse, and there are sooooo many memories, that I can't help but smile. Luckily Antoinette I have much better dress sense now, and I don't look like a boy anymore!!!! Thank goodness horses know nothing about dress sense. I have pics of the other boy (Storm Boy - another eye catching chestnut) in things that I've dressed him up in... poor bugger!!! Anyhow, back to topic. Chloe has been going for her first walks over the park and loving it. She has been soooo good. We walk about 500m over to the park benches, sit and watch all the goings on in the park for a while, and then wander home. It's been great. Even though she is eager after so long, she is patient at the crossing of the road and listens to everything i say. Every now and then she looks up at me with a great big smile for me to tell her how proud I am and what a good girl she is!!! She is not pulling up lame from the other leg either, which is good. I will give the surgeon a call next week to see what are the plans for her other leg. Well guys hope all are well and on the way to recovery, keep updating!!! Take care!!!

Thanks Antoinette. You are right, my boys were my first real loves. I adore them. It's hard to imagine him not being there anymore. He was such a tough old bugger that I really did believe he would never go, and that he'd certainly outlive me!!! But I think of him at the bridge and laugh... he'd love to gorge himself on all the luscious grass there!!! Just to make us laugh, here are some pics of us together when I was a little girl... Please don't laugh AT ME, my mum used to dress me!!!

Well it's a sad day indeed for me today... Chloe is fine, however my oldest fur friend (Danny the pony) was put to sleep yesterday. He has been with me my entire life, and was very old with a bad heart. However he was well into his mid 30's and I have so many happy memories with him. Oh the stories I can tell of the things we got up to!!! It's the first day in all of my 28 years though that he hasn't been with us, so it feels very strange and I miss him. RIP - Dan the man. You were a sh!thead sometimes, but I saw past that... and you were my beautiful, beautiful boy. I will miss you very much.

Hi Karen, So sorry to hear of this news about Wags. It must be a terrible shock for you. The dreaded C word is always a terrible situation. I haven't had any experience, but there have been many dogs that have had a leg removed and gone on to many happy healthy years. I guess you just have to weigh up the odds and possible outcomes and do the best thing for Wags. But I always think everything is worth a shot to save our little friends. Don't feel jinxed, these things happen unfortunately. They are lucky to have a mum that cares so much for them and wants the best for them. Keep your chin up until you know all your best options and can make a decision as to the best course of action, and give Wags lots of love and care... All the best wishes to you and Wags.

Ohhhhhhhhhh love it love it love it!!! She is just tooooooooo adorable. She just looks so happy Antoinette!! Good job!!! She's looking much stronger and more confident!!! Thanks so much for the pics... give her a big cuddle from me just for being so damn cute!!!

Well as long as you know the problem and the best way to treat and feed him, then he's back on track and I'm sure will put weight on again soon. He certainly doesn't seem to let it slow him down!!! What a tough boy Duncan is!!! Would love to see some pics of beautiful Duncan, Corine!!! And also some shots of little Mallee in action would be wonderful... we have to see the results of all your hard work Antoinette!!!

Oh wow what a shock for you Corine? But I'm sure his leg being fully healed will be able to withstand that. A surgeon (not my surgeon) told me that it's fine for the screws and plate to back out once the bone is healed as it no longer serves a purpose cause the bone is stable. Not sure if this is true or not though... although I'm sure a loose screw and plate would be fairly uncomfortable rattling around in one's leg!!! Hopefully Duncan just momentarily jarred it and he's on the mend now. Good to hear he's tearing around again anyway!!! Chloe did that 10 days after her operation at the surgery. When we took her back to get her stitches out she panicked and tried to scrabble away and her back legs totally split and either side of her in the most awkward position and she landed flat on her belly. But she pulled up fine once we got her up and the surgeon didn't even bat an eyelid. How is his weight management going? Is he still losing weight? Hugs to all!!!

What absolutely fantastic news Antoinette!! I can certainly see why you guys are so excited!! The worst is finally over, and now only good things to look forward to!!! Chloe is doing well. Her surgeon is back later this week so I will speak to him about Chloe's progress and her other leg. But this morning I let her out for a toilet break and the birds were dive bombing her (poor thing can't even pee in peace) and after she had finished her business she bounded after them and such a joyous way... she was kicking her legs up and dancing around all on her own. It was such a great sight. Anyways, better go and do some work. Glad to hear that all is well!! Take care and hugz to all!!!

Hmmmmm... that's really interesting... Thanks Erny!

Antoinette, I'm so glad that Mallee is getting out and about and being such a good girl. Once she is out on a regular basis she will quieten down much more... it's just the novelty of being free that gets her so worked up. I'm also glad that she is doing so well. I noticed that Chloe has the same walk where she sort of rolls her leg, but it's only noticable if you look really hard. Fingers crossed she will be healed in no time and running around like a REAL dog again!!! Koza, glad to hear that Stella is on her road to recovery as well. Hopefully it will only be another month. Is your vet concerned that she is not using the leg and holding it up? Do you know the reason she is not using it yet? Anyway, better run i'm soooooo busy at work. Glad to hear everyone is on the right track and healing well!!!!

Oh Antoinette, please don't be too disappointed. It has to be a good sign that the surgeon does not require to see you again, so she must really be on the right track? Maybe just a bit of strengthening now and she will be there. But if the main part of the healing is done then you should not be too upset. Just get her to take it easy and after a couple of months she should be right to go be a normal puppy again... and you guys can have a life again!!! I'm so sorry to hear your disappointment though Antoinette... Please try to keep your chin up and concentrate on all the good healing she has done and the confidence the specialist has. That's the main thing along with her renewed puppy vigour and happiness!!! SEnding a big virtual hug your way... I know how you feel, but there is alot to be happy about as well. If you need to talk let me know. Lots of love to you and Mallee, Kel

Thank you to you too Corine, you've also been a wealth of support to us. I'm really glad to hear that Duncan appears to be doing a bit better. Hopefully it will stay that way, but I do hope you get some more info on what's happening to him soon. At least that way you will know how best to help him. Poor little boy. Well I'm anxiously waiting to hear from Antoinette. Oh I'm hoping it's good news!! Come on Mallee!!! Ohhhhhh nervous... chewing nails... hanging in suspense...

Thanks so much Antoinette, I really appreciate your thoughts. He didn't say what could be causing her to heal slowly. He mentioned it could be a number of things from taking on too much of her weight too soon (from her other bad leg) or even that the plate they inserted may not be big enough to be handling her weight as well (apparently there are all different sizes). So I don't feel too bad, he said as long as she continues doing how she is it should be good soon.... just no launching off of it too much and of course the running and jumping. I guess I feel a bit better cause I can see her improvement, so I know that it is getting better. Slowly but surely. I'm so glad I saw the xrays and had them explained to me. And it all made much more sense to me and I got to ask so many helpful questions. It was such a comfort to actually see the healing that has been done. He also mentioned that she could go for a short walk (but walking only of course) as it seems to be stable enough. I don't think we will though as she walks enough as we have a huge block of land. And there was some good news that she has lost even more weight! Which is really great. It's only half a kilo, but better than nothing or putting it on. It's hard to keep her weight in check with so much inactivity. Well we will just have to wait with bated (and puppy) breath to hear how Mallee goes. I so hope your news is better. But like me, don't be too disheartened as you know in yourself that you can see Mallee getting better. Whether it's more of a wait or (hopefully) NOT, she has come very far and it's showing. But we are sending all the very best wishes that we can celebrate that one patient is off the invalid list!!!! Won't that be great!!! Best of luck and we all have everything crossed for a positive result for you, Brock and little Mallee. Lotsa love to you all, Kel

Well guys, not as I'd hoped. Her leg has still not healed 100% yet. There has been a huge difference between this current xray and the one she had 5 weeks ago, but there is still a small crack in the bone that has not healed over yet. The back of the bone looks really good, but in the front there is still that damn crack. *sigh* Poor bugger has runny poos now as well, but she is very tired now so sleeping away. I'm really disappointed, but the vet said he would have liked to see it 100% healed by now... but as long as she continues to be careful and no strenuous activity it should continue to heal up nicely. He said that it's nothing bad, and the activity she is doing seems to be fine. So the verdict on her other leg is out until her surgeon comes back in. He said nothing bad should come of it if it continues to keep healing. So that's my news. Hopefully yours will be much better tomorrow Antoinette. Everything is crossed for you and little Mallee. If I can't have the great news I sure hope you can! Well better check on my girl... look forward to hearing from you Antoinette.

Thanks for the well wishes!! Oh poor Mallee... I can imagine she must have felt so bad. Chloe is the same if she can't hold on, which is why we expanded her pen in the first place. Poor girl though, I hope she is feeling a bit better now. Nice lunch break though for you and Brock (NOT!!!). I truly also hope all goes well with her xrays, although I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. She is going so well lately that I'm sure it will be fine. Still, don't get hopes up and if she is still not 100% don't be upset, she will get there, it will just take a bit longer. And of course, I will be thinking of you all and sending Mallee all the best wishes that this will be "the" one... the one we've all been waiting for!!! I am fully expecting not the best news with Chloe. She has been really naughty lately and keeping her down is getting harder and harder. When she knew she was going in the car this morning she bounced around like a jumping bean and zoomed like a maniac. It was a different story once we got to the vets though, and the poor girl jammed herself behind the benches and refused to come out!!! I will be seeing one of the specialists at 2pm today to see the xrays (I insisted this time) so I will update you as soon as I get back. I'm nervous, but I keep reminding myself that I see the great results everyday at home and in her happy smile again, so it can't be all bad. I just hate her being away, and worry the whole time. Would you believe that I cry just to leave her to have xrays? I am so hopeless. Well better go and do some work so that I can leave early. Will let you know asap. I hope Mallee and Duncan are feeling a bit better now. Corine have you had a verdict on Duncan's weight loss concerns? I hope he is doing a bit better. Thanks for the support guys and letting me get the stress off my chest. Talk to you soon hopefully with some good news and until then take care!