Rehab - Yes, Yes, Yes!

After my IVDD surgery and 6 weeks of kennel rest, I was able to move my back legs.  I couldn't control them well, and I got tired quickly, but they worked! The told me that if I went to rehab I could walk better, so I said yes, yes, yes!

I don't have any pictures or videos of myself in rehab, but I went once a week for 6 weeks.  We did a number of things, but the strangest thing was a machine for walking in the water.  They would put me in a glass box, and then water would start coming in from the floor.  This scared me at first, but a person named Thai made me feel more comfortable.  Thai said everything would be OK, and I believed it.

Then, the floor started moving, and I started walking.  It was very strange, but it felt like my legs didn't have to carry my weight.  It felt like I was flying or something.  It felt great and strange.

Here's a video showing something like what I did:

The rehab helped me walk at home as well.  As part of my therapy, I got to finally go on short walks again.  Here's a video of my walking.  You can see that all my fur didn't grow back yet.  I am limping a bit and having trouble lifting my toes, but you can't tell much in the video.

After months of rehab and hard work, I am back to being healthy and active!  I'm also looking pretty good if I do say so myself.

Looking good

Having IVDD was a scary experience for sure.  However, if any other puppies out there get IVDD, please know that it can be overcome.  I hope that my story helps some other pups get better and not give up hope.  There were times when I almost did, but I pushed myself, and it all paid off.

I heard that some person with a strange name of Winston once said, "If you're going through hell, keep going."  I agree, but I like the musical version better.

Kennel Rest - BORING!

I have heard that some of my fans are worried about me.  I want to assure y'all that I'm doing great now!  This post is about my recovery from IVDD, but this part happened back in April and May 2012.  I've recovered very well since then.

After my surgery, I needed 6 weeks of strict kenel rest.  This meant that I had to be in my kennel all of the time except for going to the bathroom.  I have to say that this was quite boring.  At first, I was pretty sad about it.

BoredHowever, I eventually figured out how to have a little fun.

Hide and SeekAs the first 6 weeks progressed, I was able to stand on my own for short periods of time outside during pee-time.  I got to the point where I could even take a step or two!  That was a big relief since I couldn't walk at all after the surgery.  

I had to wear my stupid harness even in the backyard, though.  Despite the fact that I could barely stand, my instincts to protect the yard are very strong.  I would try to chase intruders who walked near our fence and hurt myself without the leash.

My times outside were very enjoyable as the 6 weeks went on.  I took full advantage of my time outside, and made sure to spend time doing one of my favorite activities.

Sunning myselfMy next post will describe my rehab over the next few months.  It was a great experience that helped me get to the great health that I'm in today!