Xena's op

[kristina]

Xena had her op today and I had a sleepless night just worrying about her,she is home now and asleep,I feel awful putting her through this but it's for the best I feel,bless her,the vet and his nurses are just lovely people I am very comfortable with them.Instructions on care for her well this is going to be hard for Xena,no jumping up on anything or anyone!!! lead walking only around the garden!!!! check up on Friday to see all ok stitches out in 10 days,give her a couple of days and she will going off her head from boredom I just know she will,so guys any ideas on this one lots of home stuff.Also there is a large notice in the vets that is warning all dog owners about the nasty bug in the woodlands and it is saying to avoid them as this bug is indeed a killer and as yet no name or cure and several dogs have died just recently it's normally an Autumm  bug but apparently it's come back early this year.I have avoided the woods the moment I heard about the guy with both his dogs getting sick.I know the dogs and feel very sad for there owner but I am not prepared to put Xena at any risk here.
Little footnote --

you what I never thought I could ever love a little dog as much as I loved my old girls but she has taken my heart it's taken awhile for me but today just leaving her at the vets I was tearful and worried sick for her,she will have some scrambled eggs for her tea tonight and lots of love and roll on the next 2 weeks.Kristina

[Adrianne]

aww ..your old ladies would be proud as punch of Xena for finding her place so quickly ..all the love they left you with has been poured into her and wont be wasted...she will be back on her feet in no time
...ok, for occupying her around the home ..nose games, use her dinners and have her seek little bits out around the home.. put some smelly food into an old sock and drag it across the floor in straight lines and 45 degree angles at first until it rests in a hiding place - encourage her to track and indicate when she locates it..as she gets good at it, drag it in random directions and later don't drag it so that the scent is a trail through the air as opposed to a trail on the floor (more difficult) increase the difficulty level again by hiding at different heights.
throw her entire dinner out in the garden - scattered across the grass..let her 'search and rescue'!
heelwork..off leash, on leash and with the lead attached but dragging behind her to practice her listening and responding skills - in the home - in the garden
use the time to add distraction, distance, duration and diversity to all the behaviours that she can perform for you well inside the home.
teach her to ring a bell, open a drawer, close a door, put toys back in a toy box...
wow..not enough time her stitches will be out by the time you have done these!
give her a gentle squeeze for us xx hope you are feeling better soon Xena.

[kristina]

Thanks Adrianne Wow thats some stuff to do but good stuff too,we will start tomorrow toys back in her bin very good idea she rings her bell all the time food stuff will work well,have lots of old socks to work with,really thought I would have a bit of rest bite here but maybe not but I will do my best for her.Kristina

[Adrianne]

...I have a list of things that will occupy recuperating dogs, just worked with a dog today that will need 4 operations and is already snappy because of boredom and pain..its a well used list! they don't get a chance to lay up with me around! just because the body needs rest..the brain can still work! (mental stimulation helps them sleep better than the restless sort of sleep we do when we are bored - and good sleep promotes good recovery)

[kristina]

oh my 4 ops for 1 dog thats a lot hope she/he recovers well but your so right a dog like us humans need motivation to just get up and move and use brain,a friend of mine has taken on an old dog whose back legs are intwined a defect of some sort?? this dog after 2 weeks can now get up on her own and waddles into garden,she used to drag herself but since Pam has had her she has found the strength to get up on her own and is much more motivated,this little old dog was on a sofa for 24hrs a day only going out when carried out for the toilet thing,my friend has taken her on board and is convinced she can give this old dog a better quality of life for the last years she has left.That to me is pure dedication for my own I could do it for an unknown I am not sure to be honest.Kristina

[Kimmikins]

Have to comment on what a beautiful lady Xena has grown into! You've done fantastic work with her already, your girls will be so proud of all you've accomplished so far.
I'm excited to see how much fun xena has while recuperating! Another gentle squeeze from us xx

[kristina]

Thanks ladies you are so kind,well my little girl just this afternoon is starting now to get bored didn't think it would her too long,she spent the night on my arm chair!!! she is now lying on Connors bed watching me giving me looks!!!Her own bed was washed and sterilized she pulled it apart about a dozen times then slept on the floor then during the night got onto my chair I mean what can one do?? Her wound is good and clean her little belly is all pink with big brown spots all over makes her look thinner without all the coat she had.My neighbor just popped in and has bought her some sea food sticks for me to work with Xena indoors we will start tomorrow.Kristina

[Adrianne]

i have my clients dogs work really hard for primula cheese - the sort that looks like a toothpaste tube, it is great for lure and reward methods - doesn't go all sweaty in your pocket and the dogs only get as much as you see fit to squeeze! only downside is you cant throw a handful to position a dog away from you if you needed to...really good for u-turns and walking skills.

[Adrianne]

glad she is getting back to her normal self again, her hair will soon grow back..i love her attitude sleeping where she felt comfy she deserves a little pampering.

[kristina]

Will be on my shopping list she just loves her sea food sticks too,we have done stuff today,touch things on command she rings her bell,puts paws on my feet,fetch from a little distance ,finds treats under plant pots simple stuff not too energetic for her but she is so full of it,not enough brain work will be advancing tomorrow.Kristina