Category: Bear

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Friday

Friday.

The color is spectacular! The larch are brilliant gold. You can see a few of them in the above photo.

A week or 10 days ago or so, I pulled the plug on the trip around Montana and to my folks. No news on the propane tank, Bear’s leg was still iffy, work, weather…I needed to take something out of the mix of “what to do”.

Today, Bear and I visited another vet clinic.

Bear’s ACL is torn and he needs surgery. The surgery is called TPLO: Tibia plateau leveling osteotomy. Karl had the same surgery when he was 3. It is major surgery and the success is most dependent on the 12-16 week rehab period post-op.

Bear’s surgery is awaiting scheduling with an orthopedic vet – likely 2-4 weeks hence.

I am so sorry that Bear has to go through this.

BUT…if his outcome is as good as Karl’s, he will have the rest of his life on a good, strong knee.

I am honored and privileged to be part of the process. It is incredibly bonding…at least that was Karl’s and my experience and I expect the same with Bear.

Yes, it is spendy in both $$ and time. The time I gladly give. The $$ I thankfully can supply as well.

This good and loving dog – I hope to see him running and jumping and leaping and spinning.

Surgery in 2-4 weeks, rehab 12-16 weeks – full recovery by late winter/early spring.

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Open House

There have been several hard freezes.

The few bugs and flies here are done.

I took down the “screen” curtain on the front door: a right of passage to Fall and Winter.

And that got me to thinking, that maybe the gates in the house could go also.

No gates.

Open House.

Happy Us!

***Both screen and gates were removed on 10/18.

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Stretch it out

We are in transition.

As the house is open more…as in almost always…Bear and Bob are changing where they choose to be.

VERY interesting.

VERY gratifying.

This evening…Bear chose to be near me….

…stretching it out.

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Morning

After a dramatic cold front that took temperatures 20 degrees (F) colder with three nights in the 20’s, we bounced back to somewhere in the middle. A change to “wet and cold” is forecast for the weekend. We really need some rain and I am looking forward to having a fire in the woodstove and cozying up inside even if it does mean boots, hat and coat for outside excursions.

But meanwhile, we are all enjoying the sunshine.

Bear’s leg is finally doing better. Not 100% yet, but we doing a bit more off leash and normal.

While he did not chafe or object to the leash, he is also obviously happy to be off!

Beardog in sunshine – beautiful.

A treat is the normal reward for a good walk. All walks are good walks!

Bob joined us in the sunshine.

And I lingered over a second cup of coffee before going in to start my work day.

Morning.

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Dr.’s orders

Tuesday, Bear and I took a ride in Wild Thing for our appointment at Calm Veterinary to see about Bear’s gimpy leg. It was a beautiful day to be out and about. It is a 45 minute drive to the clinic. With the drive, the invariable waiting and the knowledge that there might be blood draw, xray, i.e. hours at the clinic – I decided on the motorhome as our conveyance so we could wait in high comfort if necessary.

It ended up we were 2 hours in our exam room what with all of the check this, wait, check that. BUT, we were fortunate to get the room with a great air conditioner. And afterward our coach awaited cool and comfy as I’d left the generator going and the A/C on! Although we did not need her for waiting in, it was wonderful to sit quiet for a bit after the anxiety of the clinic experience. I washed my face, had a cool drink, Bear and I shared a slice of cheese and then we hit the road for home.

And, not too bad re Bear’s leg. I thought it was hip or back but it is inflammation in his knee. Dr. Calm believes small ACL tear or just strain and hopefully just strain. Dr.’s orders were for a stronger anti-inflammatory (I was giving curcumin/turmeric) and rest.

I “caught” Bear following Dr.’s orders to the letter on Wednesday morning :) !!

But, otherwise, we are walking mostly on leash…no running/leaping/spinning about after squirrels. We visited Arcturus at his house yesterday. Arcturus has a beautiful fenced yard with lots of shade and it sits on a hillside overlooking a small lake. Bear and Arcturus (well, Bear) are not to the point of being in the yard together but I back the Jeep up to the fence so they can speak and we have a companionable visit…a bit of diversity in routine for everyone.

Bear is already moving a bit easier. We are to continue with the low key behavior for several weeks.

We all do very well at resting.