The surgeon phoned me about 2 hours after I left Bear at the clinic to tell me that Bear was doing very well an hour after a surgery which took only 45 minutes – yea! There was less damage than anticipated and a great recovery is expected.
I pick Bear up at 4:00 p.m. (U.S. MDT).
A big paws up to all who sent emails and phoned with positive thoughts, prayers and support for Bear!
5:00 p.m. – We are home:
So…Bear and I were at the clinic this morning for our check in except that I misheard or didn’t hear or ??? The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, DECEMBER 6.
There was some hope of getting in this afternoon but it didn’t work and just as well since it is snowing and blowing and very cold and forecast to continue. Much as I’d like to have it behind us and on the recovery road, I was somewhat concerned what things might be like tomorrow morning for picking Bear up so we go with the flow.
This morning’s drive in was absolutely beautiful…heavy frost under a wintry sky in advance of the winter storm. We stopped for a walk on the way.
I am sorry to have put all on alert for naught but hope you can save those thoughts and prayers for next month.
Friday.
The color is spectacular! The larch are brilliant gold. You can see a few of them in the above photo.
A week or 10 days ago or so, I pulled the plug on the trip around Montana and to my folks. No news on the propane tank, Bear’s leg was still iffy, work, weather…I needed to take something out of the mix of “what to do”.
Today, Bear and I visited another vet clinic.
Bear’s ACL is torn and he needs surgery. The surgery is called TPLO: Tibia plateau leveling osteotomy. Karl had the same surgery when he was 3. It is major surgery and the success is most dependent on the 12-16 week rehab period post-op.
Bear’s surgery is awaiting scheduling with an orthopedic vet – likely 2-4 weeks hence.
I am so sorry that Bear has to go through this.
BUT…if his outcome is as good as Karl’s, he will have the rest of his life on a good, strong knee.
I am honored and privileged to be part of the process. It is incredibly bonding…at least that was Karl’s and my experience and I expect the same with Bear.
Yes, it is spendy in both $$ and time. The time I gladly give. The $$ I thankfully can supply as well.
This good and loving dog – I hope to see him running and jumping and leaping and spinning.
Surgery in 2-4 weeks, rehab 12-16 weeks – full recovery by late winter/early spring.
There have been several hard freezes.
The few bugs and flies here are done.
I took down the “screen” curtain on the front door: a right of passage to Fall and Winter.
And that got me to thinking, that maybe the gates in the house could go also.
No gates.
Open House.
Happy Us!
***Both screen and gates were removed on 10/18.
We are in transition.
As the house is open more…as in almost always…Bear and Bob are changing where they choose to be.
VERY interesting.
VERY gratifying.
This evening…Bear chose to be near me….
…stretching it out.
After a dramatic cold front that took temperatures 20 degrees (F) colder with three nights in the 20’s, we bounced back to somewhere in the middle. A change to “wet and cold” is forecast for the weekend. We really need some rain and I am looking forward to having a fire in the woodstove and cozying up inside even if it does mean boots, hat and coat for outside excursions.
But meanwhile, we are all enjoying the sunshine.
Bear’s leg is finally doing better. Not 100% yet, but we doing a bit more off leash and normal.
While he did not chafe or object to the leash, he is also obviously happy to be off!
Beardog in sunshine – beautiful.
A treat is the normal reward for a good walk. All walks are good walks!
Bob joined us in the sunshine.
And I lingered over a second cup of coffee before going in to start my work day.
Morning.