Gotta Stop and Smell the Flowers

I got new flowers today and put them out by the gas light. Riley went to look out the front door, saw something different and barked so much that I had to take him out to investigate.

He was so afraid of the flowers, but it was pretty funny. He circled them and then tried to sneak up on them. Finally I got him close enough for him to see that the flowers weren't going to jump out at him or hurt him. Then Riley was kind enough to sit so I could get a picture. So the "scary flowers" will have to go in the same category as the "scary sewer". I had my laugh for the day and hope you did too.

Are you sure it stopped raining????

We finally got out for a walk today. The weather has been miserable to say the least. I think Riley is happiest when he is out for a walk. He approaches each walk as an adventure. He has been doing a little running on the past few walks. He does the " bunny hopping" more than real running but right now it works for him. I am trying to keep him well exercised since we ended therapy last week. I think the weather is supposed to be nice for the next few days so we will get out a little more often. I am not sure why, but apparently Riley has recently discovered that he is a boy and should be lifting his leg to relieve himself. The only problem is that he is not very good at it, so you can imagine the results. I have nicknamed him Mr. PEEBODY because that is what he is. So now we have to do a good rinse off after every walk. It is pretty funny though. Riley gives me much to smile and laugh at every day and I give him much hugs and love in return. It's a good deal!!!!!!

LAST DAY OF THERAPY!!!!!

Riley could not believe that today was his last day of the underwater treadmill. Once he realized, he seemed pretty happy. It is a big step in Riley's rehab. I will miss going with Riley because I have learned so much from Cindy Farbanish, the owner of Canine Aquatics in Randolph. http://www.mydogswims.com/ She is a wealth of knowledge and has helped me out out so much. I will always be very thankful for all of her support and knowledge that she shared with me. If anyone ever wants information on everything she does, please let me know. So we are on our own now and I am hoping that Riley will continue to progress and get stronger as time goes on.

He has a small set back on Tuesday night. We think that his left patella slipped out of place. Riley let me know that he was in a lot of pain. Most times at this stage the dog is able to put it back in place by maneuvering his leg which Riley did, but it is painful and the pain lasts for a while. We had to miss a pet therapy visit on Wed. as a result. I have to get used to the idea that this may happen and I will monitor how often it happens. If it starts happening frequently we will then need to consult the orthopedic surgeon.

For today we are very excited and happy that Riley has come this far. He is a real trooper and has maintained his very sweet disposition and his fun loving spirit through it all.

HAPPY EASTER

By looking at this picture you would think Riley had already had a very long day. Well you would be wrong. This was taken about noon time BEFORE I took him for a walk. Riley's doing pretty well. He has had some difficulty on rainy days or cold days like today. The vet put him back on anti inflammatory medicine for 8 days and that definitely seemed to help. This coming week will be his last 2 sessions of physical therapy. It has helped Riley so much. Cindy has been a god send to me and Riley. She can see where there may be just a slight change in his gait or a sign of pain. It's nice to know that she is there and available should we ever need her help. Ryan is home for the weekend and will go back early this evening. He will be home for the summer in another 4 weeks. I just took Riley for his walk and we almost froze. It is a very cold windy Easter Sunday. Hope everyone is good. I will try to update the blog a little more often hopefully with all good news.

Another Work Day

Riley went to "work" today at Summit Oaks Hospital. It was a much more physically demanding visit for Riley. We visit with teenagers for 1/2 hour and adults for the last half hour. There was another team with us today. There was Sue and her beautiful yellow lab, Riley. Well the Rileys loved each other and got along so well. It was nice for the patients too, as some people love big dogs and others like smaller dogs so everyone was happy today. Riley was absolutely knocked out after our visit. He slept most of the afternoon. Tonight I gave him his new favorite thing to chew. It's called a bully stick. It's not rawhide but it does look like it. Someone had recommended that I try it for Riley as most dogs love to chew on them. You don't want to know what they really are!!!! Well stay dry and let's hope Spring comes and stays VERY soon.