Dempsey
Three years ago my dad died. I loved my father beyond words and the sadness I felt at his passing still simmers just below the surface ready to break free. Four days after burying my father a beautiful puppy came into my life.
I named him Dempsey and this dog has been my best friend and brought me more joy and laughter than I felt in a long time. After my surgery in March, he also became my walking partner. Oh we had walked plenty the last few years, but now I need to walk 5 to 6 times per week. And Dempsey is always there jumping on me and doing mid-air pirouettes while I try to get a lead on him. But when I started walking post-op, I noticed that Dempsey had a little hitch in his step on his back leg. Over the last 2 months it has gotten worse, and after I take him for a walk, he limps noticeably. A week ago, we were deep in the woods at the park, a mile from the car and he was limping so bad, at times he hopped along on 3 legs. He's been limping since. So today I spent $300 for x-rays and my fear was realized...Dempsey has hip dysplasia.
I know it's not the end of the world, and at this time we are treating him with a special diet and anti-inflammatory medication; but I feel a certain sadness that my vibrant, happy clown is going to face pain and possibly disability long-term. And I don't want to see him in pain. I can't even take his subdued attitude tonite. He's been kind of out of it and quiet tonite after the anesthesia, he didn't even go nuts at the vet when I picked him up when the other dogs came in and out.
I guess the lesson here, is enjoy the time you have with the ones you love because everything always changes...
I named him Dempsey and this dog has been my best friend and brought me more joy and laughter than I felt in a long time. After my surgery in March, he also became my walking partner. Oh we had walked plenty the last few years, but now I need to walk 5 to 6 times per week. And Dempsey is always there jumping on me and doing mid-air pirouettes while I try to get a lead on him. But when I started walking post-op, I noticed that Dempsey had a little hitch in his step on his back leg. Over the last 2 months it has gotten worse, and after I take him for a walk, he limps noticeably. A week ago, we were deep in the woods at the park, a mile from the car and he was limping so bad, at times he hopped along on 3 legs. He's been limping since. So today I spent $300 for x-rays and my fear was realized...Dempsey has hip dysplasia.
I know it's not the end of the world, and at this time we are treating him with a special diet and anti-inflammatory medication; but I feel a certain sadness that my vibrant, happy clown is going to face pain and possibly disability long-term. And I don't want to see him in pain. I can't even take his subdued attitude tonite. He's been kind of out of it and quiet tonite after the anesthesia, he didn't even go nuts at the vet when I picked him up when the other dogs came in and out.
I guess the lesson here, is enjoy the time you have with the ones you love because everything always changes...
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