Wow! Dog of the Day!

I haven't had the heart to update his page, but Otto passed away 3 weeks ago today 10/29/09. He had rallied so many times over the past 6 months, but the cancer overcame him. It went to his spine and he couldn't stand, walk, or move. At least that part came on quickly so he didn't suffer.

We are so devastated. He was the smartest and best boy. We didn't realize how much he was the center of the family until he was gone. We are so thankful to have our Newfs to comfort us especially our newest, Gandalf, who is so goofy it keeps us laughing.

Thanks to Dogster for making our angel DOTD!

Still sick...

Well doggie pals, I'm still one sick pupper. I still have an infection or maybe even cancer. My eyes have filled with pus, and I can't see out of my right eye - maybe permanently. Ma keeps putting all sorts of drops in them every time I turn around. And I get lots of pills poked down my throat. I'm not ready to give up, though.

I was so sick...

I almost died last week, but thanks to a great vet and prayers from my pals, it looks like I'm going to be okay.

To make a long story short, the metal plate in my left knee got infected and had to be removed. It took going to 4 vets before the orthopedic surgeon knew what it was. So he removed the plate and screws, but the reason I almost died was that my platelet count dropped dramatically before surgery. I was in the hospital for 5 days before my count was high enough to go home. Boy, was I glad to be home! I still hurt and have nasty infection draining from my leg, but each day I get better. The only bad thing is that I can't jump on the bed... hope I win that swell petLINENS bed!

Thanks so much to Dr. Kirsch and all of the hospital staff that took great care of me even though I got scared and then scared them by grumbling at them.

It's lonely without Nellie

My big sis went to doggie heaven at the end of November. Boy, do I miss her. I have been moping and quiet. I spend a lot of time in the yard where they buried her. I spent the first week or so thinking she would come back. The first night, I was sure I'd find her in the bedroom. Ma says that I will see her again and we can play and play. I think I'll stay closer to ma for awhile. Maybe she will get me a new sister.

TPLO part deux

Hello pals,

It's been a long time since I've written in here. I gotta fire my typist since she claims she doesn't have time to write in here. Whatever.

Guess what? Six month to the day that I had my first TPLO surgery, I was running in the backyard and I ruptured my right ACL this time! Ma saw the whole thing and knew exactly what happened. So I got to spend Howl-o-ween at the surgeon getting my other leg done. I was able to come home the next day, and my pack really missed me. Sirius and Nellie moped the whole time I was gone.

This time the recovery is so different. My leg barely hurts, it never swelled, and I have been walking on it normally since surgery. My fur is even growing back faster! I still have to be walked on a leash for a total of 8 weeks, but I am trying to give ma a hard time by being too full of energy. I want to play and knock that pesky Sirius down.

Now I gotta take care of the rest of my joints. I'm tired of getting metal put in me. The good news is the vet says my knees will last forever.

oTTo, the double bionic dog

TPLOs hurt!

Hello doggies!

I've been busy doing nothing but resting since my surgery. I have to be restricted for a total of 8 weeks. That means I can't knock Sirius down or chase his booty out the door.

Anyway here's what's been happening.

Week 1:
Boy was my leg swollen and bruised! I was on some good pain pills, yeah, I didn't feel much of anything. I was out of it and stayed in the bedroom.

Week 2:
Dang, my pain medication ran out and I felt miserable. Ma said my leg looked like crap and she wondered what she did to me. It was swollen and I wanted to hide behind the couch or in the bedroom. I was very depressed.

Week 3:
My swelling went down! I was feeling frisky. I tried to knock Sirius down. I could go for a short walk yeah! I started putting some weight on my leg.

Week 4:
Today is the end of week 4. My spirit is willing. I even fetched the food dishes for ma. (She says I have to work off the cost of the surgery. Yeah, whatever.) I can go for a little longer walk, but I have to be on a leash at all times still. Even for pottying. I am putting my leg down most of the time, but still limping. Four more weeks of rest to go. Then I have to knock that pesky Sirius down and put him in his place!

So, I am getting better, but my advise to all you doggies is to take care of your cruciate ligament!

oTTo

P.S. I got coned while my owie healed! It was not fun. Ma took some humiliating pictures. I'll have to try and hide them so she doesn't post them on my page.

Big hurt

Ma hasn't kept up with my diary; she's too busy typing for Sirius. He has so many more pals than I. That's okay because I'm shy and don't like everyone. I prefer to stay by ma's side or snooze on the loveseat. After all, my job is to protect her and I do a good job.

So a week and a half ago, I tweaked my ligament in my knee. I couldn't walk on it at all. They took me to the vet and had x-rays and I may need a TPLO. Tomorrow I go for surgery in Tampa at a special clinic. I don't like being away from ma so I will just be a scared boy. People look at me and think I will bite because I am a shepweiler, but I am a good boy and will be very scared and sweet until I see ma again.

Wish me luck!

Long time no bark

I haven't barked in here for awhile. I have been doing my usual thing. Beggin' for food, chasin' my tail, lickin' myself, barkin' at everthing. Ma was about to send me away during Christmas because I kept barking at those commercials where the doorbell chimed a Christmas song. Hey, what do you expect? Just guarding my house and people.

Speaking of guarding, when we go to the park they are still keeping me on that leash. Something about me not liking men. Oh I like them just fine as long as they stay away from momma, don't make eye contact with me, and don't talk to me. You would think they would learn by my posture that I am unsure. My tail is down between my legs, and I don't break eye contact. Most men just ignore me and I them, but then there are some that want to prove they are better than me by staring me down. Yeah right, I have sharper teeth! They don't get it when Ma tells them not to look at me or talk to me. Ma really wishes I was socialized better, but she needs help from someone like the Dog Whisperer. Is there something wrong with me wanting to protect ma? I have never bitten anyone; they just think I will.

On another topic, I am still the king of the house. Sirius is lots bigger and taller than me but I am still the winner. I knock him down everytime. I make him roll. He has learned how to wrestle better and I may stagger under his hefty booty, but I will never go down!

I found it!!

I found my laser tonight! It was in the living room, then the kitchen, then the hallway, then the living room, then the bird room, then the backyard, then the bird room... well you get the idea. The point is I am getting closer!!!! I just knoooooowww I'm gonna catch it. Oh, and I know that momma makes it go. I know the sound it makes when she pushes the button. I can't wait!! I pounce on it like a cat. Oh no! I just said the c-word! I will get that laser if it is the last thing I do. I know I can do it!!

Laser

I've been looking all night for my laser. Has anyone seen it in here? I gotta find it! I just know I'm gonna catch it!!!!!