Surf's Up!

Winston had more water therapy tonight. We shot some video of Winston swimming. He is getting much more confident in the water but is really content to just sit on the steps.  You will see in the video that he is having fun! He loves food so we use treats to try to entice him.  We hope that by the end of the week he will move from the steps by himself more freely.

We all had fun tonight and Winston's little legs had some much needed exercise! He is snoring at my feet as I write this!

Many thanks to my brother Michael and his family for use of his pool ... now with dog hair.

Rehab

Winston accompanied Mark to the office today. We knew this way we could enforce the "no jumping and running rules."  Also, Winston is still feeling a little unsure of himself and much more "needy" than usual. Mark reported that Winston was very relaxed today and slept most of the day.

I stopped by to check on the boys ...

Winston looks content! He is still on pain meds and a little groggy, which is good thing!


We also took Winston back for more hyrdotherapy today. Winston is still not too sure why we are doing this.  He loves the dog beach and pond but those are off limits for about 8 weeks. In the pool he can not touch the bottom so he is not as confident. The PFD really helps though. Winston had about a 15 minute session including breaks today. He is a very powerful swimmer and can move rather fast in the water! We hope that with more experience that he will be more confident in the pool.

The swimming was good exercise and Winston was tired afterwards! He slept on the ride home.

Winston is also adjusting to his cart, The Red Baron, which we take for our nightly walks with Carly and Elliott. Although he does not love it, he tolerates it! He is really making progress.

Come on in...the water is fine!

Winston spent his first night back home with us last night and seems to be doing great! He is quite happy and seems to have fallen right back into his old routine.  We wanted to get Winston started with hydrotherapy to help strengthen his muscles without weight bearing on his front legs. Mark's brother and SIL graciously agreed to let Winston use their pool for his first session. 

   Winston loves the water but his short legs and big body do not make him an agile swimmer. He also has never been in water that was over his head that he could not walk gradually into like the beach or the pond. So we bought Winston a  PFD that allows him to have maximum floatation and remain upright in the water. He just has to paddle his legs a little.

 Ale , Julia and Winston poolside.

Winston was quite happy on the steps but we wanted him to paddle around some. Mark has a treat in his mouth to tempt Winston. Tapper is in the background keeping watch.

Winston really wanted the treat but he was still a little apprehensive.

Winston says the water feels good...come on in! Mark gave some extra support to Winston. Winston was able to swim from Mark to the steps with ease a few times today. The PFD gave him enough confidence to paddle around.

Back on land, Winston admired Tapper's toys. A great first swim session for Winston today! Now, to continue on with the healing.

Welcome Home Winston!

Today was a long day for Winston.  We arrived at Dr. McDaniel's clinic this morning at 9 and checked in.  Mary was busy in the back and we waited impatiently, anxious to see Winston.  As Kelli and I talked, we heard some whining coming from the back that sounded like Winston's whine.  Kelli asked the receptionist if that was Winston and she said yes, he was right behind the counter!  Well why didn't you say so?  He heard us talking, couldn't get to us and started whining.  We ran around the counter and it was a happy reunion time.

Winston front legs look so different without hair and we really didn't realize how bowed a glen's legs really are.  Wow.  It's shocking.

Later when Mary was able to break away, she explained that Winston's legs are normal for a glen and went over his care plan.  It was clear that Mary and Winston are now best of friends.

Mary did a great job with his surgery and all his wounds are healing perfectly.  He is extremely tender and walks like a puppy with 2 broken legs.  I am so very appreciative that Mary kept him this past week.  Is this woman unbelievable or what?










After saying our thank you's and goodbye's, we hit the road for the long 400 mile trip back to Pensacola.  We made a couple of stops along the way to let Winston stretch his legs.  I hate to brag, but even without hair on his front legs, he was still the most handsome glen at all the rest areas.

Kelli bought Winston a new rocky raccoon toy for the trip back, but Winston preferred his favorite toy, an empty water bottle.  Sometimes a crackling water bottle can be too much, but today that crackling noise was music to our ears.









Winston slept for most of the trip.  Interestingly, about  a mile from home, he suddenly perked up, sat up and started looking out the window.  I don't know how, but he knew we were almost home.  I can only guess he smelled something that reminded him he was home.

Once we got home, Winston seemed to relax and after he checked out all the food bowls for any remaining kibble, he seemed content to just watch.

Carly and Elliott were staying a few doors down at our wonderful emergency doggie caretaker, Annette, so we decided to put Winston in his new stroller, the Red Baron or as Mary prefers, the Red Bacon, in honor of Winston's love of food, and head to Annette's to reunite the pack.

Winston wasn't too sure about his new ride, but adapted pretty quickly when he realized he can cover a lot of real estate without walking on those tender legs.  I could almost hear him saying to me, "Mush, mush."

Annette was expecting us and Carly and Elliott were already in the backyard awaiting us when we arrived.  Winston was sooooo happy to see his brother and sister.  It was all I could do to keep him from  jumping all over them which is a huge no-no at this point in his healing.

Annette invited us in and Winston got re-aquainted with Tucker, Annette's dog.  It began to rain, actually pour, so we played while we waited for the rain to stop.

Winston was quite happy as long as he could see everybody and they were nearby.

Soon the rain stopped and we all headed back home.  On the way home, a rainbow suddenly shot out of Kelli's head.  I'm not sure of the significance, but I decided it is a good omen that Winston will have a speedy and excellent outcome!

Sorry for such a long post tonight, but it has been a very eventful day.  In closing, I wish to thank Dr. Mary McDaniel for her devotion and love for Winston.  She is one very special person and vet and we are very thankful for her care of Winston for the past week.

Home Alone...sorta

Mark and I made our way back home today but we left Winston behind. Dr McDaniel wants to keep Winston to better manage his pain. She also knew that it would break our hearts to see Winston miserable. So we left our boy in the best hands possible! Dr McDaniel can help Winston through a few very rough days with heavy pain meds that we could not give Winston at home. It was so very difficult to leave him, but we want what is best for Winston.

Dr McDaniel reported Winston is up moving and eating so that is excellent news! He is now walking and bearing some weight on his legs.

Back at home we were able to reconnect with Carly and Elliott. Our dear friend and neighbor, Annette, offered to bring them home from doggie day care so we could see them today.  Thank you, Annette.  It was great to have them greet us.

I stepped on Winston's infamous pig today and instantly thought of him!

His pet bed and pig are awaiting his recovery. I do think Carly is secretly enjoying his absence. Elliott is enjoying the peace and quite and can actually wear his collar without being dragged around the room.

I wanted to share some pics of Winston that we love tonight:

Winston the graduate and star pupil!

Winston as Mark's assistant.

This is one of Mark's favorite pics from when he and Winston met me at the airport! The pic really captures Winston!

Winston enjoying his puppy paddling pool.

Winston in action!


Mark and I want to offer our most sincere thanks again to Dr McDaniel, her staff, her daughter Maggie and her husband Tom for taking the very best care of Winston! We also want to thank every friend who has followed Winston's life and sent us and him well wishes during this time. You can not know how much it has meant to us to have so many people thinking and cheering Winston on. Winston's  friends list is truly global now boasting friends from the United States, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Latvia, Luxembourg,  Australia, China, Netherlands, Russia, and the Czech Republic. Thank you all!

Lastly, I want to offer up one last pic of Winston. I hope this is what Winston is dreaming about. He loves the water and he has such fun playing in it! Winston, we love you and can't wait for you to come home!

We hate to close on a sad note, but it appears that Winston's surgery will mean he will no longer attain our dreams of him being the first Glen concert pianist.  Oh well, he can still be the world's finest Glen toilet paper shredder!  Please keep Winston in your thoughts as he overcomes his pain and continues to heal.

4 Hours Post Op

It started as any other day for a puppy.  Seeing new things, meeting new people, and just having fun.  Winston did note that he didn't get any breakfast or that cool drink of water he always enjoys in the morning.  He had no idea of the trauma that lay ahead.  Actually, he thought he was going to the vet to get tutored.

Friends, I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. There was considerable pain, fear, and emotional scarring, but I want everyone to know I will be OK.  Kelli should be OK too with substantial emotional counseling.   Winston was not so lucky.  He was in surgery from 10 am to 1:30 pm and came out wishing he had only been hit by a truck.  He suffered 2 broken bones, 4 incisions totaling about 8" in length, not to mention losing the precious family jewels.

Dr. Mary McDaniel briefed us before surgery and showed us on xrays what was wrong with Winston's legs, what needed to be done, and how she was going to fix him.  After surgery, she debriefed us and showed us new xrays with Winston's missing bone mass.  We didn't know it, but Winston was both the donor and recipient of the necessary fat pad bone spacers.  For some reason, we thought Dr. McDaniel would order the fat pads along with lunch and an order of fries.  There is a 2 1/2" cut along his flank where she found 'plenty of fat'.  His front legs are wrapped only in bandages and he doesn't have a cast or splints.

Dr. McDaniel was pleased with the surgery and expects an excellent outcome.  We will know much more in about 6 to 8 weeks when we see followup xrays.

He was just waking up when we were permitted back and Dr. McDaniel allowed us to stay with him all afternoon into the evening.  He looked really rough after surgery and was in considerable discomfort despite inflammation and pain meds.   At quitting time we discussed whether we should leave him at the unattended clinic alone or if he should go home with us.  We really didn't like either scenario.  Dr. McDaniel then asked if we would feel better if Winston went home with her.  Yes, yes, and yes.  Isn't this the kind of vet we all wish for?  We didn't want him to be alone at the clinic and at the same time we were worried that if we had him at the inn and something went wrong, we wouldn't know what to do. We said goodnight to Winston knowing he will be in the best of hands.  If you aren't safe with Mother Mary, who are you safe with?

Kelli and I headed out for dinner and before we got back to our room, the phone rang and Dr. McDaniel name popped up on the caller ID.  Worry flashed through our minds as Kelli answered the phone.  She tentatively answered hello and Dr. McDaniel happily reported that Winston was at her home, doing fine and had just consumed a whole can of dog food!  What on earth is better than a Glen with a hearty appetite?

Kelli and I wish to thank Dr. McDaniel and her staff for taking such good care of our boy today.  You have no idea how much it means to Winston, Kelli and myself.  Words cannot express our gratitude.

Tomorrow morning we will pick Winston up and head back to Pensacola.  It will be a tough 10 hours for Winston.  We will keep you updated.  Please say a little prayer for Winston tonight.

our journey

We began our journey this AM with a stop at Bella Pooch for Elliott and Carly to stay at doggie day care.

Winston was a trooper on our trip.

We arrived at our lovely B & B, Town Manor . Mark and Winston explored the grounds.

A gorgeous view of the lake where the Town Manor resides.

Mark and Winston check out the dock and lake.

Checking out the pool...

maybe a tandem bike ride later...

or a ride in the jalopy...

Winston met Bailey, the resident dog at Town Manor.

There was even more excitement when Winston met his first cat. An adorable rescue named Manny (he was found in a man hole!)

Wanna play???

The Town's were thinking of Winston and his surgery tomorrow! They gave him a card and a special jar or treats! So very thoughtful!


Tomorrow is the BIG DAY for Winston's surgery. We are all a little anxious but we are really ready for our boy to be 100%.  Think of us all tomorrow AM--Mark and I will need it more than Winston!

One more day...

Winston found this huge stick and had to bring it inside. He had a time getting it into the house! Crazy boy! He still loves sticks, paper and plastic bottles better than dog toys.

Winston is learning to ride in the cart. He really does not like it. He wants to run and jump and play...rightly so since he is still a puppy. However, his front legs can not take the jumping and running. We are hoping Winston will be accustomed to the stroller so that we can use it post-op during his recovery. Tomorrow morning we will pack up and head out for Winston's surgery. Please think of little Winston on Friday morning as he undergoes his procedure. 

Birthday party!!!

Today was Mark's birthday so we celebrated Mark and Elliott's bdays! Elliott's bday is 9/2 but he was under the weather then so we had to postpone it! 

Here is my big bday boy! Nine years young! 

Elliott, Winston and Carly are all lined up to celebrate! 

Wait for it!!!!! 

"The things they make me do for food! "

Just in case you are really bored and want to see the entire show, here it is! Yes, I am aware that I am a little dog obsessed! (and quite possibly have no life!) 

In preparation for Winston's upcoming surgery, we have been putting him in the puppy stroller for our walks. This way he can still go on our walks and not have to stay behind! He likes getting out and about. 

He likes getting treats even more!