Boris is home

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am posting this picture of Boris so you can understand how sad I am now. I am very happy that he is home and he is wagging his tail lots though he is disorientated and sleepy. Riley has been very gentle with him and is just lying near him. For now I am beside him as his crate is too small and the super size one hasn't arrived yet. He is very happy to be home and enjoyed his food. He has pain killers and Rimadyl to take and the 15 staples in each shoulder come out in ten days time.  The vet surgeon told me there were two large lesions one on each shoulder that he removed and that the left joint showed evidence of mild synovitis (inflammation within the joint) The sad part of all this is that Boris is now likely (vets words) to develop osteoarthritis in both shoulders and slowing down the progression of this is what we will now have to manage carefully. He said that free running is not advised so no chasing a ball or running free in the fields with Riley. The rehab will be slow. He is on crate rest for six weeks followed be carefully managed rehabilitation which will probably include hydrotherapy. I sent this photo to the breeder along with the notes from the vet and asked her to do the right thing and not bring any more puppies into the world that could possibly have to go through this again. To say that I am sad is an understatement but I am so happy to have him home where he is happily asleep on his memory foam bed in my bedroom. I will sleep beside him for tonight as his crate is too small and an extra super size one that I ordered should arrive tomorrow. 

I have posted on FB as I want the world to know about this and am hoping that the breeder will get the message loud and clear.  DK friends have and continue to be a tremendous support and help to me as I help Boris with his recovery and get my own head around all of this.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Nicky ~ I am so sorry Boris and you are having to go through this.  When something like this happens, it just breaks your heart to see them so helpless.  I am sure he is so happy to be home with you. We are hoping he will heal quickly.  It is amazing how resilient they can be.  Keep us posted of his progress when you can.  . 

[BG and Gavin]

Nicky I wish with all my heart that the doctor could be more positive regarding Boris and future activity, but as others have said, no matter what the future holds for him, he has you and that is all he really needs. Hugs and kisses to you both.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Oh Nicky, this just breaks my heart!  I feel so bad for Boris and all of you!   Hugs and prayers to all of you and a speedy recovery for Boris.

[DJ & Chance]

Oh, poor sweet Boris.  Hugs to you both.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Poor baby, hope he does well.  I feel your pain and frustration with this and hope your breeder listens.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Poor baby!  I am glad he is home now, though.  Being with you is the best medicine right now.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This picture makes me so sad....I know that today is a better day.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Nicky, I'm so sorry Boris and you are going through this. But he's so lucky to have you! I'm sure he's happy to be home and you must feel some relief having the surgery behind you now.  Try not to dwell on what he can't do, as sad as it is, but on what he can. I'm sure you'll find wonderful new things to experience together.  Hugs and prayers for you both. 

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Poor Boris! I am glad the surgery went well and wish him a speedy recovery. Try to rest if you can. Lots of hugs to you guys.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Oh, my, Boris -- you sweet, sweet boy.  While the news was not what you wanted to hear, Nicky, your baby boy is home and certainly feels more love than discomfort.

I was thinking . . . If the vet is recommending hydrotherapy for Boris' rehab., perhaps he could continue to swim after he is fully recovered as a fun alternative to regular exercise -- he could even chase balls in the pool :o)  And, Boris' breeder should pick up the tab for his "spa membership."

Will the memory-foam bed fit that he's been sleeping on fit into his new larger crate? That will help him feel more comfortable, as well. I hope that his recuperation isn't too difficult, and that the next six weeks of confinement and limited activity go by quickly.

Isn't it fascinating how Riley knows to be gentle? After Charlotte's spay surgery, I remember watching in wonder how Wally stayed by her side and was very fatherly. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

The crate just arrived and is massive, the bed fits in it with more room to spare and it is now bang in the middle of the living room. Boris is inside and Riley is outside lying on the floor nearby, Here is a picture of him this morning, His Christmas jumper is keeping him warm and means he doesn't have to wear the cone when I'm around.

[BG and Gavin]

Well Boris, I think you look pretty darn good for all that you have been through.  You look perfectly adorable in your new sweater and with your hair cut, who knows, maybe you will start a new fashion trend?