It’s Nice to Breathe!

I’ve been holding my breath for an entire week, while I have been slowly reintroducing Toby to exercise and testing out the soundness of his leg.

Monday: Short walk to the corner and back, after which Toby was like, Hey…What was the point of that?

Tuesday: Longer walk, up two blocks and back, during which I had to stop about twenty times to remind Toby that he is trained and is no longer supposed to pull on the leash. Walk faster Mom!

Wednesday: Practiced walking both Leah and Toby together in the street so that Nick and I can eventually take all three dogs for walks together. Toby did better than Leah, who was too busy coveting the neighbor’s cats. Sigh. I don’t like walking with Leah, we never even left the front of the house.

Thursday: Fetch on long line on the side of the house where the snow was not beaten down and iced over. Throw it again Mom!

Friday: Sorry Toby, I take you out in all kinds of weather, but I’m not walking in a torrential downpour. Fine, I will just lay here on my mat and fix you with my pathetic gaze. By the way, can I come up on the sofa with you?

Saturday: A much longer walk and then a free run in the front yard where the rain melted much of the snow. (Back yard is still a sheet of ice) When I unclipped his lead, Toby looked at me incredulously before making frantic laps around the yard. You mean I can run? Wooo Hoooo!

Sunday: One mile walk and another, somewhat subdued, run in the front yard. No need to do crazy laps today, I’m out of shape from lying around for two months and the long walk tuckered me out. Can I go back inside and sleep? On the sofa?

Monday has returned and the swelling in Toby’s joint has not. (Deep sigh of relief) Although it will be a while before I allow him to jump again, (and it looks like we need to brush up on some leash manners before we return to Rally class), it appears that Toby can resume regular activities - and hopefully stop being so much of a pest!

And what of that ear, you ask? Well, the new medicine is definitely doing something - which is better than what the last two medicines did. (Nothing) Each time I clean it, it is a little less gross than the last. At this rate, it should be cleared up by spring…