Bugsy update - 12 weeks post biceps tendon release and elbow surgery

Great news, Karen !!!

 

Deb W.

What a great update!  Bugsy is fortunate to be owned by you.  I'm pretty sure that many owners would not have persisted, insisted and persevered the way you've done.  It's been such a long time since you've been able to see him healthy and without pain. 

I'm so happy that you've gotten through this without your hair turning completely grey, though I'm sure Bugsy antics cause a few new ones daily.

JackieG

What a great update!  Bugsy is fortunate to be owned by you.  I'm pretty sure that many owners would not have persisted, insisted and persevered the way you've done.  It's been such a long time since you've been able to see him healthy and without pain. 

WHAT SHE SAID ^^^^^ And it's not *just* that you persisted with the surgery and all the hassles, challenges, etc. -- it's the fact that you are committed to THIS dog ... you don't try to just change him and make him conform to *you* -- but that you not only allow, but you celebrate WHO Bugsy is. You have nurtured that essence that is uniquely him -- and you've kept that as your goal. so **he** is happy. And in so doing, Bugsy spreads a whole lot of joy EVERWHERE (including, to be honest, on *here*).

Karen -- it's something very rare to see that. Most of the time people simply focus on training the dog (or wishing they could) to be what THEY want. Taking a dog and helping them be ALL they *can* be -- and finding the gold and wonder of that as something truly precious?? You are inspiring. And I really mean that.

I marvel all the time how you "keep up with" this dog. You make time for him -- you set him up to succeed and have a blast at life. It is just plain SO wonderful to see. And now to see how incredibly well he's doing?? You rock, lady -- you SOOOO Rock!!

Wow, that's amazing, Karen.  I agree with Jackie and Callie 110% about how you've committed so much to Bugsy and how you do everything to make him meet his fullest potential.  He truly found the perfect home with you, and you set the bar beyond high for the dog owners of the world.

I already know that we don't provide Ruby with the level of exercise and stimulation that she would thrive on (we spare no expense on vet care, nutrition, and the like ---- but we're not super active people in our free time).  But when I read the daily/weekly activities Bugsy gets to enjoy, I feel even more guilty! 

It's a Catch-22 with Ruby:  she's so difficult for me to handle alone (including problems with leash walking and seeing other dogs) that I don't want to do certain things with her that present too much risk (to her, to me, or to other dogs).  And NOT doing things with her means her behavior doesn't improve.  DH works 10+ hours a day and has minimal time/energy at night beyond his own occasional gym visits, so he only has weekends for heavier activity with her.  If she had Bugsy's lifestyle, she'd think she was in the best day camp every single day of her life!!

Anyway, I'm so glad Bugsy's recovery has gone so well and that he's back to his normal zooming, goofy, joyful self.  Yay Bugsy!!!

 Agree with Jackie :) Nice to hear such a good update

Thanks everyone, I posted this for others that may be searching for info on either the shoulder or elbow injuries. When I was looking for info it was scant and zero personal experiences.

It has been a long road and at times I have despaired but Bugsy's vibrancy and resiliency inspires me daily. None of it matters to him, he wants to run, walk, swim, play & zoom.

As for my activities with him, hey I enjoy it, it feels like work some days and the early years were fraught with challenges, but he gives me countless smiles and belly laughs. When I need motivation I remind myself that the day will arrive when I ask him to walk and he doesn't want to or can't. Dogs lives are too short, I lucked out and got my heart dog and I try to make the most of each day I have with him.

Karen, I often remember what you said your Mom told you about Bugsy and his personality.  You got the dog you deserved.   I can't think of a better owner/dog match up than you two. 

kpwlee

When I need motivation I remind myself that the day will arrive when I ask him to walk and he doesn't want to or can't

I don't have the eloquence to write a response that can convey what this sentence made my heart feel. 

JackieG

kpwlee

When I need motivation I remind myself that the day will arrive when I ask him to walk and he doesn't want to or can't

I don't have the eloquence to write a response that can convey what this sentence made my heart feel. 

I agree.  Tonka was never as high-energy as Ruby, but I remember how it felt to realize he no longer had the youthful "zest" he once had.  It's a good reminder for me when I feel frustrated by Ruby!

I feel the need to explain that we weren't the kind of adopters who selected a dog without giving thought to whether our lifestyles suited the dog's activity level.  Being such a long term volunteer at our local shelter, I knew staff members, and we let them know what we were looking for.  Ruby seemed like a good match based on how she behaved each time we met her, and the staff gave us very detailed reports on what they'd observed in her, including a nearly perfect score on the SAFER test.  We even took her home for a day as a "trial" before adopting her (introducing her to neighbors, etc.). 

She was so mellow and low-key, no jumping, no barking, no pulling.  It was all a ploy to get us to adopt her, I guess -- she pulled a Jekyll and Hyde stunt on us!  When we see staff now at training classes, they shake their head in amazement, too.  But maybe we got the dog we deserve, too.  We should try to be more active for our own good, not just for hers! 

Tracy, I've known quite a few dogs who exhibited very different behavior in a shelter setting compared to their real personality when settled in a new home. Ruby is a lucky dog. :)  I don't think you should feel guilty that you and your husband aren't super active people.  Dogs do adjust to the activity level their owners provide.  Belle would love to be in a more active home but I don't feel guilty about the amount of attention, play and love she receives from us.  That's the beauty of dogs. 

Tracy I sent you an email, don't feel guilty, just enjoy her. Each dog bring separate challenges and joys

Yea for Karen and Bugsy...so happy to hear you are better.

Thanks, Jackie & Karen.  I've heard from a few other people that their dogs behaved a lot differently after a couple weeks in their home versus in the shelter or when they first brought the dog home.  I don't know if she remembers her two previous homes, but if she does, I'm sure she knows she's got it good at our house.

Karen -- if you decide to open a doggy day camp when you retire, I'll be signing up Ruby for a session there sometime!! 

 Wonderful update on Bugsy!!!! It's great that he's doing so well.