WooHooooooooooo! Today is 2-Weeks post-op for Big L which meant the end of his house arrest !
Linus celebrated by going with Silly on the feeding rounds in the barnyard. He was back in his element, even showing off a couple of his herding moves to the goats and sheep, who were suitably impressed and moved in their pen as he told them to move. For those who don’t know him personally, Linus is an amazing natural herder. He’s rather like a border collie in his technique and somehow just knows what to do to move the livestock where I want them to go. Silly on the other hand…more of a hunter than a herder. Priscilla’s obviously missing that herder dog gene.
Linus made it through the morning livestock feeding and care but was pooping out before we got to the chickens, so he and his Mom went back to the house and let Silly take care of the chickens on her own. Okay, just kidding on that last part. After Linus went inside, his Mom went back out to help Silly with the chickens. As much as Silly likes chasing the hens and eating their eggs, letting her handle their morning care would be like putting the fox in charge of the hen house…or in this case, the Great Dane.
Enjoy the pictures of Linus’ first day back as farm manager !
Linus' favorite spot in the creek
Managing the horses
A quick drink after herding duties are done
My work here is done
Back to Linus' favorite spot in the cool creek
Hard work in the summer heat
Enough of this work stuff, I'm going back to my sofa !
One week now since Linus’ surgery and he’s doing really well. Every day he seems to get a bit stronger and remember another of his naughty behaviors. He’s getting around the house so well that you hardly notice his new way of moving. He’s also getting around so well that he has resumed his counter-surfing and retaken up his position as voluntary sous chef (actually more like unofficial taster of his dad’s meals.)
The stairs are no more of an issue for him now than before the surgery. We continue to use the AST harness to help him going up and down and down and up the stairs. Yesterday, for the first time since his surgery, I let him hop around the yard without his harness on his morning and evening outings. He gets around much better with the harness off now. I stay close by on his walks, carrying the harness, just in case he tires out and needs the support.
In the house he has no mobility problems at all and has even gotten strong enough to get in his chair and sofas unaided. Outside he’s still a bit wobbly on the uneven terrain, but doing soooo much better. He even made a mad dash for the barnyard yesterday and darn near got there before I rounded him up. His surgeons — Dr. Larue and Soon-to-be-Dr. Carla Rodriquez — said he can’t play in the barnyard for 14 days following his surgery — 7 days to go!
Linus and Silly spent the day much like they do most days: lounging in the sun in their yard, then on their patio, then on their deck, finally progressing to their sofas. Rough life, but someone’s got to keep the furniture in place.
Mr. Sleepy in the Morning Sun
Silly checks to make sure Linus is okay
Celebrating in the Sun
Linus' Chair
We're going to save a fortune on satellite TV
Nurse Silly keeps a close eye on Linus
Begging for biscuits like normal!
Well, his Highness came home yesterday, after having surgery the afternoon prior, and promptly returned to his rightful place reigning the farm. Even though he isn’t allowed out (except to do his binness) he’s ruling from the sofa…and the full size mattress we conveniently placed for him in the floor of the living room.
What an amazing guy ! He’s getting around really well. Has only plopped down a couple of times. He’s getting up on his sofa and standing in front of the biscuit jar begging like he always has. He’s got a great appetite, is drinking well and pooped and peed right on his normal schedule. Please keep your fingers crossed that he continues on his great course !
Tags: first day, great dane, home, spindle cell
