THE BEST NEWS!!!!!

Hi Everyone, I have heard from a few people recently asking why there have not been many new blogs posted. The reason was that I was waiting until today to see what the vet what going to tell me about Riley's present condition and the prognosis for his future regarding surgery. I got to the vet 10 minutes early because I was so anxious ( the anxiety kind of anxious). Dr. Smith was in the waiting room. She said let's go outside and have Riley walk in the parking lot and see how he's doing. She knows he slips all over on the tile floors. She had me walk him up and back several times. She said "WOW, Riley looks really good." We went back in and she took a call from Cindy, the therapist. They talked for quite a while on the phone and I could hear Dr. Smith's side of the conversation. Then I heard her say, "I am glad we are all on the same page and we both agree that RILEY IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR SURGERY AT THIS TIME". I couldn't believe it. Dr. Smith explained that his left leg was definitely a mess from the hip to the ankle but she wanted to do everything possible to avoid having to do another surgery. She said his knee problem is most likely a result of a bad hip. Right now his knee was not bad enough to warrant surgery. I was SO HAPPY. Dr. Smith advised me to keep doing as much therapy as I could financially handle especially the underwater treadmill. She was VERY happy with his progress.

Then I took Riley to therapy and Riley did so good. Cindy worked on his left leg today which she will continue to do for a while. The theory is that if we strengthen his left hip and knee as much as possible then we reduce the risk of injury and surgery.

I can't thank everyone who has followed the blog enough for all of your concern, prayers, good thoughts, etc. and most of all for all the support that you gave me for the past few months. It was very reassuring to know that there were a lot of people around to help at a minutes notice. Thanks for letting me complain and whine and cry. I did enough of it for sure. I will continue to post for a little while longer. I will miss doing the blog but I won't miss the stress. In the next few months, you will be able to find Riley and me outside walking , training or playing. We are starting back to Pet therapy on Thursday. I can't wait!!!! See you all soon. Pat & Riley