We had to put Homer down unexpectedly yesterday (July 9, 2008). He fell and broke his femur in his left leg on Wednesday night and they determined that it was due to bone cancer on Thursday morning. There is no cure for that, and his leg could not be fixed. He died peacefully, with his mom and dad by his side.

Homer was my best friend. I will miss him greatly.

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." ~Roger Caras

Love Tags!

I was Love Tagged by Barney - a good pal of mine who had surgery just like me and who is beautiful and has recovered nicely!! I send the love right back to him!

Here are the rules:
Pick 3 dogsters you think are really pawriffic and paw a little about why & let them know how much they are loved with a rosette or a p mail!

Besides Barney, I would like to tag Iggy, who is a spectacular fellow and who has also suffered through orthopedic sugrey and come out on top! He has a terrific spirit and zest for life.

I would also like to tag Angus, a GREAT great dane, who also went through knee surgery and recovered so well! He competes in agility now and doesn't seem to have any problems at all. What a beautiful big dog!

One more dog I'd like to tag - Rudi. He had his knee worked on, too and is in recovery. What a gorgeous coat you have, Rudi! We hope you are up and running soon.

Tag!

My buddy Barney tagged me, so I will write the rules down;

I get to choose 7 of my pals to tag. Here are the rules I was given for the game: Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their Diary the rules & their 7 pawsome facts. Then choose 7 dogs to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to bark them a p-mail that they have been tagged and to read your Diary, or send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

Here are 7 facts about me:

1) I was born in a barn.
2) I love frisbees, but I can't play with them anymore.
3) I have had both of my back knees operated on.
4) I went for a swim in Science Lake at Allegany State Park this weekend.
5) Squirrels are my favorite thing to chase.
6) Nobody but me messes with my sister Sophie. I mean nobody.
7) l am a Momma's boy through and through.

I tag:
1.Jules
2.Gracie
3.Pete
4.Lucy
5.Jack
6.Madelyn Louise
7. Homer

Have fun!

My Tail of Devotion for Homer Clement Johnson

This is a special Tail of Devotion

See All Tails of Devotion

My other leg

Well, I am now having some trouble with my "good" leg. I think the ligament is tearing and the vet said no surgery for now, but probably in the future. I am moving a little slower in the mornings and the hot summer days are bothering me a bit. My mom is trying turmeric in my diet; I take glucosamine supplements every day, and ascriptin when I am in a lot of pain. I am getting some acupuncture rteatments and they do help. I feel pretty good after the treatments. I can't run like I used to, and I will never be able to chase the squirrels again, but I still run like the wind in my dreams.

Better every day!

I am feeling better than I have in years. I am walking with no trace of a limp and I have been swimming a few times. I haven't been stiff or sore after exercise or after lying down and I am off my medication completely now. I can't run yet - vet's orders - but I want to run!! My traditional CCL surgery went great and my recovery has been fantastic. Thanks to everyone who sent me good wishes. The only thing I do want is for my fur to grow back soon....

Acupuncture

Well - Mom has been taking me for acupuncture treatment in Orchard Park to help with my recovery from traditional CCL repair. The doctor said I am the perfect patient (did you expect anything else?). I have had two treatments and I am down to half my dose of Rimadyl now. After the first treatment, I was pretty sleepy for the next day, but after that I began to bear all of my weight on my repaired leg and I have been wanting to go for walks all the time. When I went for my second treatment, I laid right down on the blanket and couldn't wait for the treatment. I slept through it blissfully, even though there was a cat meowing on the other side of the exam room door! I am kind of sleepy today - one day after the treatment - but am feeling really good. Thanks to Dr. Amioka for the treatment!!!

Seroma

Well, I was doing pretty well and had begun to really use my leg again. Mom was having trouble keeping me quiet and I was trying my best to wrestle with my sister Sophie, then Mom noticed a big egg appearing on my knee. I think it is a 'seroma' and I have to take a ride to the vet to have it looked at tonight. Hopefully, he'll be able to help.

Still healing!

Well, I touched my foot down gingerly a couple of times today. I have also been stretching that leg out a bit and I think it is feeling good. My mom is trying to keep me from being too active. I brought her the ball a few times but she won't throw it to me - she only rolls it a little. It will be hard for me to believe that my fetching and frisbee days are over. I have been enjoying peanut butter filled bones, though. My stitches look like they are healing nicely - there is no bruising or redness left around the wound. They come out on Monday and that will be my first car ride since surgery - even though it is to the vet, I'll be happy to be along for the ride.

Feeling pretty good!

Well - I made it all the way around the block this weekend! I even touched my foot down once on the walk to test it out. I know I am not ready to walk on it yet, but I am moving it a little! My appetite has fully recovered, but my people are trying to keep my intake down so I don't gain any weight during my recovery. The vet said that keeping me at a trim 70 pounds is the best thing we can do for my arthritis. I am eating healthy snacks - my favorite is raw carrots, and I have been chewing on some good marrow bones. I haven't attempted stairs yet, but I have been standing at the bottom of the stairs and thinking about it! I may try to go up tonight. The weather has been nice here, and that has certainly helped my spirits.