Honey Update!!

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

Honey is in the most capable and and loving arms of Dr. Beam and his staff in Alvarado, Texas.  I spent some time with her before his staff took her in the back.  They explained she would have her surgery by Friday or Monday at the latest.  She then will begin a grueling and painful, for the first several weeks, 4-8 week rehabilitation.  Dr. Beam's assistant explained that because she is young it will probably be no more than 6 weeks and may be even quicker.  That is good news.

Before I departed his office to start back to Savannah I asked if I could see her again.  They took me back through their incredible facility to their kennels.  She was standing there in her large kennel with her favorite sleeping rug and her toys, but looking forlorn and confused.  I sat with her and held her through the kennel while she licked my ears, also known as Doodle Kisses.  I promised I would come back for her soon.  I then left.  It was not a good.....for me.

After regaining my composure I headed toward Savannah making it to Minden, LA before stopping for the night.  Tomorrow early evening I will make it back home. All-in-all I will log about 2800 miles.  Well worth it to me...and Joyce. 

Please keep in mind this was a DRC family effort.  We all participated whether it be making flight arrangements, the vets devoting their time and resources, her fosters, her transportation, those who donated for her surgery or the many who gave morale support to the latter.  As Jacquie commented today, we, DRC, are a family and a family can do awesome things together.

OK...time to get some rest and hit the road again tomorrow.  Thank y'all for everything EVERYONE has done.

Nite.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

The tail wagged and wagged the entire time!  so great! 

[Pat and Traveler]

Loved seeing the boys enjoying the beach--and Honey!  Who knew that someday we would be able to see her swimming with her dad!!  Miracles do happen.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for the update. It is so encouraging to see Honey making progress. You, your wife and doodles are making a Herculean effort to help this darling doodle heal in so very many ways. Thank you!

[Leslie and Halas]

Way to go, Honey!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Have a great time - keep up the good work Honey!!!!!  She will be swimming with her brothers before you know it!

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

Day three of Honey's rehab in the Gulf.  The past two days she has done short walks and several short sessions swimming in the Gulf. This may have been too much for her so today we backed off on the swimming and just walked.  She is still extremely weak in her rear legs.  Muscle atrophied. We will attempt to build them up over time.Other than that she is doing great and fitting in to our pack great.  She and the boys are starting to really get along.  All of this is exhausting her by the end of the day resulting in her sleeping very well.Once she gets settled at night that is. But once settled, out like a light until Rosco gets us up at first light. Whew! The life of Doodle parents.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Awww, such a sweet picture!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Sweet, sweet Honey!  She fits her name perfectly!  Thanks for your updates, I soooo look forward to them!

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Ditto/ great job you are doing....a real life Doodle hero!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Your family has grown in size and love. What a wonderful story this continues to be. It is just heartwarming. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What a little sweetheart. You guys are doing such a great job of making rehab fun for her that it won't be long before you will be having trouble keeping up with her!  Thanks for the updates!

[DJ & Chance]

What a sweet picture.  You are doing great with Honey, and I am so glad she and the boys are getting along.