Badger is home and we are feeling a bit shell-shocked. He is doing amazingly well but you do feel like you’re “on call” every minute of the day and night, making sure he is clean and comfortable. James and I will take it in turns to sleep.
We picked MrB up on Saturday morning, and he was very happy to see us. He walked into the consulting room, which we still find thoroughly amazing! Yes, they told us he would be walking but you don’t really believe it until you see it. The vets said that they really only used the sling to help him up and down. As soon as he was on solid ground they left him to it. The biggest problem they had was keeping him out of the bushes – he is a dog who loves to sniff and explore.
The worst part of the day was getting him into the car. We had to pick him up, which caused him a lot of pain. He yelped. We felt awful. 🙁 The drive home takes about an hour so his poor body was under a bit of stress. Towards the end of the trip, I accidentally dropped my bag on him! He yelped and cried. I am the worst person in the world. 🙁
When we arrived home, James made a makeshift ramp out of a picnic table and a non-slip mat. He walked out of the car easily, with no apparent pain. We are champions! 🙂
Badger walked around for a while, sniffing and marking his territory, and yet again, we were amazed by how well he can walk. When he was satisfied with his domain, we settled him down for much needed treats and a nap.
Later in the day, things got a bit stressful. His abdomen seemed to be swelling and his skin became very red. I’m not sure who was more stressed: us or Badger. We were very aware that the vet’s surgery is an hour away and really didn’t want to drive him back. Fortunately, we were able to send his surgeon photos, and we could discuss his needs on the phone. We cleaned him up, gave him his evening meds, and put a compress on his side. By the evening things were looking much better, and we breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Day 5
Badger sitting on is bed with a treat between his paws.
We all managed to get some sleep! MrB only got up twice during the night then settled down well afterwards. He gets a treat after each walk to settle him down. According to MrB, he needs to be hand fed a selection of different foods. He doesn’t want to eat out of a common dog bowl. Fair enough. His favourite snack, Sky Raisins* are back on the menu. They provide a good distraction, but we worry when he tries to chase them. He is moving too quickly and going off of the carpet. So as you can probably tell, his spirits are fairly good, but his poor skin still looks red, bruised, swollen and sore. All we can do is keep him clean and settled between walks, and tell him what a VERY good boy he is.
Mr B is having a well earned sleep.
*Sky Raisin = fly 😀
Welcome Home Mr B. ! Shell shocked is a great word for bringing home a Tripawd. I think bringing home a newborn for the first time was easier. Every day is a new day and the healing process has to run its course. Mr. B looks so content and smiling in his picture. Congratulations on no small feat of getting him home!
Thanks lilly7 <3
Woooohooo! Mr. B is on the mend! So glad to know he’s healing.
You are NOT the worst person in the world, I promise. You are pawesome for giving Mr. B the best chance at a pain-free, high quality life. That is the best gift there is.
If you have questions about anything at all, you know where to find us. We are gonna be following along with his recovery to post away and don’t forget to include more photos ’cause he sure is adorable!
Sky Raisins…love it!
Thanks Jerry 🙂