Whenever I post any reference to Niki’ spinal surgery I get several questions….please feel free to post any comments and questions in the comments section of each post, lots easier for me to answer in a timely fashion that way. Niki is a ckr mix, her spinal surgery was about a year and a half ago …although it seems like such a lonnnng time for me. The emergency clinic that originally treated her made a huge mistake in her care….while the treatment choice was correct they dropped the ball and did not check on her throughout the night as they should have for her serious type injury. They did not and to this day, do not, have the proper amount of staff, or experienced staff for them to be called an emergency clinic. there is no access to surgeons….most importantly they do not refer you to clinics that can properly care for your dog. That was very costly to Niki’s future and ability to walk. I no doubt, although she is a happy dog now….this will be a problem for the rest of her life.
There are several rehab facilities in the Atlanta area….all of which are a bit costly…you must try all to know what will work best for your dog. The facility that did the surgery was on the North side of Atlanta….that is all they did and we had o support from them after the surgery. We were told there was no hope of her regaining the ability to walk. From the moment she was home and healing I did research and started rehab with her myself. We also ordered her a doggie cart and once she was on the mend I allowed her time throughout the day for cart runs. I taught her to balance on her own….soon she had some feeling in her spine, her legs could move although little to no control of them. I took her to water treadmill therapy….which is about an hour away from my home with out hitting any traffic. They wanted me to drop her off for several hours and then pick her up when they were finished. I was told to not use the cart for she had to learn to do this on her own. Well….I disagreed. Niki had plenty of time cart free however when she was tired she would lie down….the cart gave her the ability to run with the pack and play, smell….she remained part of the pack which in my opinion did more for her then anything else. Once I saw little improvement with the treadmill therapy I stopped bringing her….the warmer weather had come and I decided to have her walk in a kiddie pool, and swim in a larger sized pool. For Niki this is what has been so very beneficial and the stretches and exercises. It was not very long after the cart was just being dusted and we packed it away for safe keeping.
Including with this post a video that already appears somewhere on this blog (too lazy to look for it) …8 weeks after her surgery, not a happy pup and we had not yet properly fitted her into the cart….with the company’s help that made the cart, images forwarded to them they told us where to make the adjustments. So, lots of help from us in the form of exercises, stretches…the ability to remain part of the pack….lot of love and devotion from all pack members and slowly she healed. She is not a 100 % but as you can see in comparing her today vs this video clip….She’s come a long way Baby ;–)
A fast portrait created in corel Painter X. Digitally Painting Animals starts up again in July! Please contact Dee if wanting to commission her to create a lovely, one of a kind portrait of your beloved furry friend. If in the Atlanta are she can photograph your pet, or she can work from your images.
Sunday Morning, up at 8….since Mike is away for the week in Singapore it is my job to rush the dogs out the back door in the morning, all without allowing too much time for Niki to pee and poop along the way. Since her spinal injury she does not have the greatest control over her bowels, and her bladder.
Some of you may already know this, those of us with RA…well we are a bit slow in the morning. It takes a couple of hours for us to “unhinge”. Not only do I feel like the tin man from wizard of Oz in need of a good oiling, so too do I move like him. The dogs and I wander the yard….dogs do their morning thing, I make sure Niki’s bladder is completely empty having to do this twice for I cannot bend so early in the day (her bladder must be “squeezed” to make sure it is completely empty for bacteria can build up causing an infection.
Once inside I then can go do my thing All the while avoiding the mirror….as always my entourage has accompanied me down the hallway into the bathroom. The only thing on my mind is a nice cup of tea….I am not even sure if there is any caffeine in it for I had switched to green tea months ago. It helps with the “unhinging” process for I can wrap my hands around the warm cup. Once the water is up, stove on… me and my entourage wander back outside to fill the kiddie pool. Now, here in the Atlanta area we are still under drought conditions….I am not sure just how strict the county is currently enforcing the outside use of water for while I have followed the rules (with almost a full week of 90 something temp all you have to do is look at my lawn and weeds….dried brown mess….not to mention just how dirty my car is) I have been filling Niki’s pool just about every other day. Well worth any fines that may come my way for during the course of the winter she has lost so much strength and muscle tone. All of which I am uncertain if she can get back….but we will give it our best shot. As to if she is in discomfort….there are some days she moves a little like me. There is no yelping, or crying….just slow movement. I am really unsure if the county would have sympathy due to the fact Niki requires this in order to build her strength back up….or just to keep what she currently has. To view her walking in the water you see those back legs really moving, plus the sit, stand game we play (very tough to have her sit without floating…if she can touch the bottom of the pool….lots of concentration on her part she gets a click and treat). The movement is easier for her in the water, while at the same time it is so much more of a challenge for her… forcing the use of muscles she does not use on a daily basis.
Last summer when I introduced the pool to her she was not a happy camper…and the same this year. Refusing to go near it…..this morning I managed a few shots of her and the other two while I was filling the pool up. She was not happy….but since I had a few tasty treats she gave into sitting by the pool. As the pool fills… time for the birds….they want their feeders filled up. Yes, our wild life has us very well trained
Tea Time….water boiling away I pour the water into my cup and let it steep wile I feed the pups. Now, in my green tea I add a little milk….I know this has shocked some that have actually witnessed me doing this….I just like it that way. While sitting and enjoying my tea….my stiff hands slowly absorbing the warmth from the hot cup I spy the clock, the true testament of just how slow I move in the mornings, 9:45. I smile for I thought I had moved about in a speedy manner. My mind drifts to the fact that it is Sunday…I guess my age but I remember when stores were closed on Sundays, dinner was planned earlier in the day….you got to relax, eat dinner with the family….hmmmmm, sounds good to me. So. plans for the day….hanging out with the dogs, PT for Niki, depending on the heat and smog (bad air along with the heat) will determine how much out side time we get…then….relax.
Our little furry friend went home with his people last night. Dogs are pretty amazing….in all the years I have worked with animals most know when they will be going home, Ziggy is one of those dogs. He was very excited all day, and did not complete his dinner…something very much out of the ordinary for him. he likes his meals. He did not skip a beat having been dropped off….however once he saw his favorite people….home is where he wanted to be. If you go back and view the images of Ziggy when he first arrived you will see it was very difficult for me to get a good photograph of him….much better day four and when he left I must say he was such a little ham
He had Lots of things going on during his stay with us….play, exercise, training….walks, lots of walks. Not to mention three other dogs to annoy….I mean play with My two females adored him for about a day or so….then they treated him as though he had cooties….can’t say that I blame him, he was just a bit too interested in sniffing them….Niki once in while play bowed and ran a bit with him….Gemma pretty much ignored him. Now Rocky…all of my hard work paid off for in the end they were the best of friends. Last few days Ziggy was given a little more freedom in the yard and I got to watch them play tug of war with the frisbee. Now….I saw Rocky look at me once in a while to see if I was really paying attention….since Ziggy was dragging a light line attached to his harness….well he wanted to do his Golden thing and pick the end of the line up and take Ziggy for a little spin. Yes…I was paying attention…same thing when they played tug….I was there encouraging Rocky to play nice.
Each dog I work with I always learn a little something, that is the best part about working with canines….no matter how much experience a trainer can have those that are the most successful will take away with them just as much as the dog….maybe even more. Now, the tough part….working with his people. The dogs, piece of cake….people a little tougher to work with I state that only because most people make too many excuses as why they can’t do something…..or they can’t make the time for the dog….in the end it is up to how well I can teach the dogs people for after all my Job Description is that of Dog Trainer when really my job is that of teaching people
I have to admit I did so enjoy watching the little dog stand his ground. While yes, I worked with him to be behaved in the presence of larger sized dogs (no posturing, barking or whining) does not at all mean I did not admire his little dog attitude. Now, being vertically challenged myself I happen to understand completely
If it has been a while since you have done something with your furry friends, take the time to do so Summer Time Safety Tip: If you have a pool please do take the time to teach your dogs how to get in and out of your pool safely.
What can I say about Ziggy the Pomeranian….fluffy, adorable and enough of that little dog attitude to make him irresistible! You just have to love these little guys….he really has no idea of his size as I have watched him attempt to growl at the dogs through the baby gate…that is not allowed
As his people are on vacation, Ziggy is spending a few days here with us. During his stay we are working on a few commands and introducing some agility…along with teaching him to not run out of an open door, gate. Dogs are so very adaptable, his people dropped him off Monday evening and for about five minutes he was a little apprehensive, strange people, strange and different environment and strange canines looking in at him through the baby gate. I took him for a walk, back inside a few treats left in his crate…a nice bone stuffed with a little PB and of course a tee shirt with one of his favorite people scent on it to rest his head. He knows he was not abandoned
I enjoy working with dogs, they are so intelligent. We have already sized each other up and I am happy to say there is a mutual respect. His first day here we did some long line work, three walks teaching him not to forge a head and sitting for eveything….once I enter his area he must sit. Going out the door, he is made to sit along with allowing me to exit first. Now Ziggy is still young so his attention outdoors….well I am looking forward to seeing improvements in that area I was told he loves his tennis ball….and yes indeed, playful little pup. He also enjoyed a few games of “kick ball”….not to mention a couple of outings with my two female dogs Gemma and Niki. As he has little attention outside in the fenced area with out a leash….the two females are helping me to keep him under control. I also introduced the pause table, tire and a-frame for agility….he is fearless and so far his favorite is the tire!
All in all a great first day and he slept peaceful and soundly.
Introductions. Niki and Ziggy first meeting. Poor Niki…she has made so much progress since her spinal surgery, the fact that she can walk, run, although still wobbly is amazing all in itself. Her spirit is amazing for she so tried to keep up with the Road Runner (Ziggy). They play bowed, chased each other….he did run circles around her.
Gemma, Niki and Ziggy!
If your thinking the Toys could not possibly do agility…think again Ziggy is a natural!
Here at Paw Prints Studio, we offer several services and products . Since we adore animals they tend to be what we specialize in, however we photograph and paint all creatures big and small…people too Our services do not stop at photography and painting portraits….we also offer on line classes for those with an interest in creating beautiful Pet Portraits (Photographing animals and or Digitally Painting Animals). Our Class forum is open to students only at this time so it is a very safe place to post your work, ask questions and just a wonderful place to learn. All On-line classes will start up again in July, remember class space is limited so enroll early. Lets not forget our on-line Dog Obedience Class for those wanting a better behaved dog.
The above Painting was Printed on Gallery Wrapped Canvas….three individual paintings . Canvas that is Gallery Wrapped requires no framing and arrives ready for you to hang. The above shows them combined on a black background so that it could be placed on a coffee mug. …we offer so many gift items once your Painting is created or you have viewed proofs from your photography sessions you will have so many choices if looking for a special gift for yourself (hey, you deserve it) or for a loved one. Also, several fine art prints, and posters for those doing a little decorating in their home.
Then one day we watched you carry boxes out to the car…
You stopped, smiled and said you loved us.
We watched as you drove away…
I am all alone now…
I used to wait at your door for my meals,
The people who live there now chase me away…
I remember…you used to say you loved us.
.
I am always amazed at just how selfish people can be. This is our neighborhood stray, we have a few. People bring these animals home, profess their love then allow them to roam. Some bother to vaccinate, spay and neuter…some do not. Some leave these animals behind when they move….indeed a sad tale. This is now a wild cat, you cannot get too close…as shown above, when you do he retreats to the sewer.
So sorry, I disappeared for a few days….actually just a little busy….several classes going on at the same time. I have been working on a raccoon painting inspired by my new friend that visits me on a daily basis. Also, working on editing video….learning something new is always a challenge and a bit time consuming.
Next set of classes will begin the end of June, will post the dates in a day or so. Remember, all classes held here at Paw Prints Studio are small group classes so it is recommended you visit our store to secure your place in the class. We also will hold another give away in a few weeks…this time it will be a Tee Shirt. Maybe Rocky the Golden will do a better job of picking the winner the second time around Gemma came to the rescue and picked the winner of the Big Print Give Away.
We are still watching the daily coming and goings of our new friend the Raccoon. I have tried chasing her, but hunger and easy access to food wins out every time. The birds are so very accustomed to their daily seed that I cannot just stop feeding them, nor do I want to for it is such a joy to look out my window and watch them.
She has become a little too used to me and the dogs and I have noticed her coming when we are out. I am very FIRM and with authority I tell all to down. The effect is wonderful for all three down and the raccoon retreats back into the woods. This only happens when she approaches the fence from the ground….I believe when she comes this way she cannot see the dogs, only me. Sometimes she will come by way of tree branches and walk along the top of the fence to get to the feeder. As mentioned in a previous post it is common for them to forage during the day this time of year. A couple of years ago we had an entire family….Mom and several babies. Come summer things went back to normal and we really did not notice them, except at night. Hopefully the same will hold true in this case. Again, while they look very cute please remember these are wild animals that carry all kinds of nasty things….ticks, fleas, roundworm (a number of wormy things that your dogs can get and pass on too you)…not to mention rabies. Lastly, they can be very protective of their babies so best to not bother them if you see them.
All the while avoiding the mirror….as always my entourage has accompanied me down the hallway into the bathroom. The only thing on my mind is a nice cup of tea….I am not even sure if there is any caffeine in it for I had switched to green tea months ago. It helps with the “unhinging” process for I can wrap my hands around the warm cup. Once the water is up, stove on… me and my entourage wander back outside to fill the kiddie pool. Now, here in the Atlanta area we are still under drought conditions….I am not sure just how strict the county is currently enforcing the outside use of water for while I have followed the rules (with almost a full week of 90 something temp all you have to do is look at my lawn and weeds….dried brown mess….not to mention just how dirty my car is) I have been filling Niki’s pool just about every other day. Well worth any fines that may come my way for during the course of the winter she has lost so much strength and muscle tone. All of which I am uncertain if she can get back….but we will give it our best shot. As to if she is in discomfort….there are some days she moves a little like me. There is no yelping, or crying….just slow movement. I am really unsure if the county would have sympathy due to the fact Niki requires this in order to build her strength back up….or just to keep what she currently has. To view her walking in the water you see those back legs really moving, plus the sit, stand game we play (very tough to have her sit without floating…if she can touch the bottom of the pool….lots of concentration on her part she gets a click and treat). The movement is easier for her in the water, while at the same time it is so much more of a challenge for her… forcing the use of muscles she does not use on a daily basis.
