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.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You are SO COOL, Honey!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Just can't get enough of the "Honey" story!  I love the newest pictures especially the one of her sitting on your lap, so sweet!  Just makes one feel so good inside to know her journey and how happy she is now:)  

[a.k.a. Rodney]

I hope this isn't presumptuous, but I feel like I have a "Dog Niece" named Honey....she has bonded to all of us through your generosity in sharing her journey
Love & kisses to Honey

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I like that idea--there are many, many aunts (and uncles, too), out there enjoying these Honey updates-thanks for sharing and keeping all of us up to date.  

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

We are now in in Pensacola, FL at the Pensacola Naval Air Station RV Park. The park is on beach and very close to the water.  We spent yesterday (Sat) setting up and today we took the two boys for a swim first. They have been here several times and love this place.

After a brief rain shower we took Honey for her obedience walk and her first time on a beach. She did well listening and reacting to walk and stay.  She is a quick learner. As we got closer to the beach she started to get excited. She loved the pure white sand and by the time we got to the dune crossing walk she did not hesitate to go up the several stairs.  This was an important event for it was the first time she has climbed stairs without our assistance. After that the video will explain the rest.  She did well for her first time, but she still has problems with her rear legs.  She tries to swim, but cannot use her rear legs.  After the fourth time in the water she has started to use them.  She needs more work and she will get that over the next three weeks. She is going to be OK. Oh! The water...we have created a monster.....she LOVES it!!!!!!

http://youtu.be/-xyklxBK6QE

[F, Calla & Luca]

How wonderful o see all these dogs, but especially Honey, enjoying the water.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

So, so wonderful!!

[a.k.a. Rodney]

can't stop Smiling, here!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wow, beautiful place!  Now I'm wondering why Mike spent 21 years in the Air Force ... the Navy knows where to put its bases, lol!  The boys look like they are having a wonderful time.  Hope everyone is adjusting and getting along well.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Honey's story does my heart and soul good and spreads all the way to Ireland and to the friends and family I have shared it with here.  This is wonderful to see and I look forward to your updates.  I think the sea is the perfect rehabilitation for Honey. I know we always took horses with problem feet and legs to the ocean and it was wonderful.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Gave me a smile this morning!  Especially Honey in the water. Looks like everyone is having fun!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Thanks for the update!  So happy to hear Honey is doing so much better and you are taking a little time for you too!  Enjoy the beach and rest a little!  Love the pictures!