Buck-date
- Shana
- Mar 15, 2023
- 2 min read
A quick follow up to The Ones Who Love You Most post about our dog, Buck. The MRI showed a herniated disc in his back and he had surgery on February 17th. The first week was rough and he made little progress towards recovery. Once the neurology team was back and he got used to seeing the same people every day he decided they were his pack and began trusting them to help him gain his confidence and strength back. Two weeks post surgery we finally went to pick him up from the hospital. It was a tearful reunion filled with emotions, hugs and well wishes for Buck who had stolen the hearts of the entire care team.
Buck came home to full crate rest. I was unsure how this would go as he is not crate trained and is a very strong dog, physically and mentally. I can honestly say it went a lot smoother than I could have ever anticipated. I suppose he had some time to get used to it during his hospital stay. Our days then consisted of Physical Therapy 3 times a day, walks only for potty breaks, a multitude of treats, Kongs and chew toys to keep him from getting bored in the crate, lots of dog bed and blanket washing (due to treats and dog food filled Kongs in the crate), Dog Music Radio on Pandora, remembering to feed Luna and sleeping on an air mattress in the living room so Buck didn't feel abandoned at night and the rest of us could get a little sleep.
He has been home for almost two weeks now and is making great progress! He loses interest in Physical Therapy quickly because he wants to move! His strength in his back legs has improved dramatically and I have to reign him in to keep him from hurting himself or me. He's ready to go! Two nights ago I transitioned him to a crate in the bedroom at night and feel confident about finally putting the air mattress away! My back is happy about that!
Long term for Buck according to the surgeon is about 6 months until full recovery. He may always have a "funny" walk but he already did so maybe his back has been uncomfortable for a long time. When he walks it's very cartoonish. So that will feel normal for us and hopefully for him. We look forward to cautiously getting him out of the crate as we slowly and safely return him to a normal life.
That's my Buck-date - get it, Buck update! ;-) Thank you to the outpouring of love and support not only for Buck but for Luna, Daniel and I. We appreciate the amazing tribe we have near and far! And don't forget to love your dogs as much, if not more, than they love you - unconditionally!
Comments