I can’t share a video here, but we are making progress getting over this reverse limbo agility tool! Just within the past two days Hemingway has gotten back to howling when I come from work with his brother, howling when he and his brother want to go outside, running in and out of the house and around the garden, and even jumping a little when he’s excited! I’m so impressed. I can imagine if it were me going through this, I’d be in bed in my sweats crying. I’m so grateful for the information I got here on Tripawds and the supportive community. Reading others’ experiences keeps me hopeful!
I’ve only had 3 dogs share my journey in life. I have learned so much from each of them. My first dog was a Boston Terrier. I had NO idea what I was doing. He was a sweet boy who taught me that we should play tug o war with our best friend every single day, that we should set goals and jump them and then set higher goals, and to always snuggle with those you love, especially when they don’t feel well. Below is Spanky. He was part of my life for 16 years.
Spanky, my first fur baby.
It took me YEARS to get a dog again. I was blessed to be able to get my beagle brothers, Hemingway and Ziggy. Ziggy has taught me how to take care of myself when I have anxiety, and how to persevere when I’m not feeling confident. He’s shown me how to find the good in life when I’m afraid. He taught me how to love unconditionally.
Ziggy, my anxiety dog!
And Hemingway. He taught me how to enjoy life every day, to love myself for who I am, to stick to things even when they are hard and n er give up. I am amazed by him every single day. An amputation isn’t keeping him from trying, and he’s not giving up. It’s been 2 1/2 weeks since surgery. He’s already figured out how to manage the low stairs with wide runs, use the bathroom without falling over, “chase” after his brother to barroooo during the twilight bark, and make a blanket nest with 3 legs.
I was so sad and so scared of the surgery, and he came out wagging his tail. I’ve been scared to let him try things, yet he’s met obstacles with confidence. I feel like I’m holding him back from being a happy beagle when I help him get on the couch, or the bed, or keep him on a leash at night so I can help him if he wakes. I hope I can take the lessons learned from all my boys into this next stage of this journey we call life.
Hemingway had his stitches out today! The vet said he has the best looking amputation scar this week so far! Clean, no problems, no irritations, no seroma. Pajamas worked!
Another week of some short walks and learning how to use the stairs. I’m worried about the steeper steps that go down downstairs and the steps to the bed. Everyone says they figure it out…
I’m grateful to have him with me to continue the journey through this life. No more gifts are needed this season. 🐾❤️
We took a picture at the Vet’s office by the Christmas tree before we waved goodbye.
Today, Hemingway got a letter from our family friend. I don’t think any of my furnabies have received cards before!
The boys are happy to be doing some things together again.
I received a message from Hemingway’s oncologist today. Margins are clear and free of any cancer! The tumor was intermediate grade so very low risk of spread. My heart is lightened. Now to get this boy healed up and rehabbed and ready to be a happy go lucky dog again! Three legged beagle 🐾+1 paw mark.
Just a beagle in his jammies recovering. Ziggy, his brother, has been very good about giving space. He knows he isn’t feeling well.
Hemingway slept all night, some wiggles here and there. We got up at 5 to give him a dose of gabapentin. A bit of ham helped the medicine go down! I hope the recovery is quick and easy as it can be when amputation happens.
His tail never stops wagging.
Post #8
December 4, 2023
Hemingway is resting comfortably this evening. We took the fentanyl patch off. So now it’s just gabapentin and meloxidyl.
When I came home from work he made his crying sounds, wagged his tail, and when I sat down he smothered my face with his. He missed me during the day and I missed him.
Feeling guilty hasn’t left me yet. I’m guessing that takes time. In the meantime, I looking at ways to home rehabilitate so that he has an excellent quality of life. He is worth a luxury car… at least. ♥️His worth is actually immeasurable.
