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Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Update on Wally

Hello!  Let me start off by saying thank you for all your care and well wishes and prayers for Wally.  He's now five days post surgery and doing quite well.  The first three days it was not easy to see him so down and, of course, we fussed and worried whether it was normal.  By the fourth day he had a little more perk to him.  On that day the vet called to check on him and assured us that it sounds like Wally is coming along exactly as he should.
 
 
 
 
In the photo above he's having his little 5 minute walk about.  He's supposed to be on a leash, but in close quarters we simply hover over him with a watchful eye.  You can see some redness at his incision site, which is actually dog-type bruising and to be expected.  There's a lot more of it on the inside edge of his leg.  You also see a lipoma (fatty lump) on his hip.  It's been there quite a while, but hardly visible when he has hair.  We'll have it removed if it gets too big and unsightly.
 
His surgery was a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, meaning he has a fair-sized chunk of hardware in his knee to make it functional with three torn ligaments.  It was worse than expected, but he should recover full use of his leg.  There will be no running, jumping, or playing with LuLu for 8 weeks.  It requires constant vigilance and I imagine that will become more difficult as time goes on.  After the 8 week period we'll have to gradually increase his activity until he's up to full speed.
 
 
 
 
Wally is enjoying a little outside time whenever possible.  Here he is with his little buddy, LuLu, at the back gate.  I'm not sure why he likes to lay there because there's no view of anything but the garbage can, but it's a favorite spot.  He's laying on his surgery leg -- ouch!  Apparently that's okay.  LuLu stays close.
 
 
 
 
He chose to tuck himself into this seemingly difficult spot, sheesh.  Poor guy gets tired of the couch.  On Day 4 Rich lifted him into the back of the pick up (with canopy) and took him and LuLu for a short ride.  We'll have to somehow keep Wally from getting too bored and possibly depressed during this recovery period.  He's used to so much more activity and playtime.  LuLu's feeling the impact, too, so we have to give her special attention and exercise on her own.
 
When I brush Wally I always croon to him, "somebody must love Wally.  You gotta love a doggie an awful lot to want to brush him and comb him and take care of him like this".  That goes on and on during the brushing.  Well... somebody must love Wally, that's for sure, because he's sure getting a lot of care and attention and it's all given freely and happily.  It's all about Wally and LuLu and love love love!  Have a good day!
 
 

21 comments:

  1. I've been wondering about you...Now I see Wally has had some surgery and I'm so very happy he is doing well. I've followed Wally for a long time and he has a special place in my heart. There is just something about that sweet face that just reels you in! I'm glad he is progressing and seems to be doing well. Thinking of you guys! Get well soon Wally!

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  2. I'm so glad that both of you are there to take care of Wally and give him the extra hugs when needed - serendipity in retirement, LOL. Poor LuLu probably doesn't realize why her buddy can't play; or maybe she does! Hugs and prayers all around. Sincerely, Beverly

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  3. I'm so glad Wally is doing well after surgery. As a "mom" of two Australian Shepherds we've been through some surgeries and a rattlesnake snake bite, it just tears you up when they can't walk and play like usual. I love seeing pictures of the beautiful places you take Wally and Lulu, and the joy that shows on their faces when they are romping, wading or just basking in some sunshine. Thank you for taking the time to share this with others.

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  4. Poor guy, he looks sad in his pics, I wonder if the cool cement feels good on the site of his surgery. I do imagine as he starts feeling better and stronger it is going to be very hard to keep him calm and relaxing, poor Lulu probably doesn't understand why he can't go back to playing, you always wonder what goes through their minds. Glad to hear it all seems to be going smoothly with his recovery, I am sure he is enjoying the extra attention :) Thanks for the update!

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  5. Happy to have an update on the pups.

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  6. So glad to hear your news and see your pictures. I have tears in my eyes from reading your sweet words at the end of your post. It's obvious how much you love your 'kids'. Continued prayers for all of you as you go through the healing process together. I'm sure you're glad you are retired so you can give both kids all the love they need.

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  7. It's hard to see Wally looking sad. It won't be long before all your love and care return the smile to his face.

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  8. Obviously Wally is in good hands! He may like to lie on those shady stones because they feel cool to him.

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  9. Thanks for updating us. Wishing you all a speedy recovery. P.S. I have always sung to my furry family as well as my 2-legged family and many have their own songs, which I know they still love to hear at age 22 and 25 LOL.

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  10. Aww....sweet Wally looks like he really wants to jump around and play. To be honest Leslie, when I saw him in the garden with his hair all shaved off, my hip actually twinged a little. Sympathy pains I'll bet. Thank you for the update; Wally and Lulu are as much our angels as yours! Please give him a huge kiss and hug from me. And, Miss Lulu too! Can't forget our baby girl! :-)

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  11. We are so glad Wally is on the mend!! Sounds like he has had a rough few days but the worst is over. He is so lucky to have a family who loves and cares for him and Lulu so much! I love that you sing to him! Get well soon!!

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  12. Oh sweet Wally... I am so glad he is doing okay and yes it looks painful. Poor thing... I bet its hard to keep him from being active. Good thing you are retired now and can smother him with loves. So so glad he is doing well Leslie. Big hugs!!!

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  13. So glad to hear Wally is on the mend, I've been thinking about you guys. He looks so sad in those pictures. As time goes on I bet it will be hard to keep him calm and less active. And poor Lulu she probably doesn't understand why Wally can't play. As many have said - it's good that you are retired to be able to spend time with him as he heals. Take care and keep us posted on his progress. Hugs to all!

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  14. Am so happy to hear the update and better yet that he is doing so well! What wonderful pictures of them both, they are gorgeous!! I had to laugh when reading you singing to him, only a true dog 'Mom' would understand that..lol. I used to sing to Nellie the song by the Carpenters 'On the day that you were born the angels got together' and on and on, and even would play it on my computer for her, of course she looked at me like I was nuts..LOL!! anywho, I am so happy he is doing well and feel for you with all your worries and also trying to keep him quiet, that will be the hardest part of all!

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  15. OH that sweet Wally...I am SO glad to hear that he is healing so well. I am sure that his mama is giving him lots of extra lovins! ;) I'll bet that Lulu is ready for him to be back to 100%....lol. Give those sweet babies a big squeeze from me! :)

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  16. Poor little guy ! Seeing that beautiful hair shaved is hard to look at . Between you and Rich and Lulu he has the best nurses in the entire world . I'm sure he knows what has happened and that his knee has been fixed . He is a smart little guy. Give him a hug from me !

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  17. Oh the road to full recovery is worrisome work isn't it? A mom's gotta do what a Mom's gotta do to keep her puppies happy!

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  18. Awww... my heart just aches for him. I know it must be really hard for him to be a couch potato and not get up and run around with his BFF Lulu. I hope everything continues to go well and he'll be able to be his old (former) self again soon.

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  19. What Wonderful News! It sounds like he got a complete overhaul on that leg.... your Vet must be Great to work with. Yep, in a few weeks you are really going to have your hands full.... he is going to be ready to "DO" something....
    Good Luck and keep us Updated!!

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  20. I wonder who that somebody is, who loves Wally so much to lavish the spoiling and loving! They are so precious, aren't they, Leslie? It's so VERY humbling the way the entrust their well being to us. Upon showing Jack Wally's battle scars, he replied a hearty OUCH! So glad he's doing well. I didn't realize doggy bruises are red. Aren't you grateful to be retired for this? Can you imagine if you were still working? Cheers, Wally! Somebody must love you an awful lot! Hugs, de

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  21. Awwwww...I know how much you love that sweet Wally (and Lulu)

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