The Pups Are Back in Town

Today is special: my pups came home from summer camp! Okay, fine, they returned from their stay at the boarder, where they’ve been since the day before my surgery. Two large dogs in a small house with two people, one of whom just had a leg rebuild? That’s a lot. And since I figured the early days might come with a lot of pain and special needs, we boarded them until today. Judging by the reports, they had a BLAST playing and running out in the country at Mountain Run Kennel. Far more fun than they would have had here watching my husband try to take care of me AND them.

The handsome fellow in today’s photo is Miksa, aka Booger, moments after getting home and clearly wondering: WTH is mom doing right now?

He’s a big reason I’m looking forward to getting back out there. We got him four years ago, while I was recovering from the first ankle rebuild. I was already out of the boot when he came along, but still a bit janky in my footsteps, the foot largely coming back online. And THEN, a few months later, I broke the foot, had surgery, and boom: he was close to a year old and I was on crutches. He was not a fan of them. But we adjusted for the time, just like we will this go-round.

The majority of dog duties will fall to my other half for now. But when I can start putting weight on it in the boot, I’ll start taking them out for short walks, if for nothing else than to get myself out there doing the painful stuff. Because here’s the thing: being on crutches is a real PITA right now, but moving to partial weight bearing and then eventually full weight bearing brings a whole different set of complexities and, well, pain. It’s easier to do when I have the motivation and the companionship, and I’m so looking forward to what that brings in a couple of months.

Right now, I’m just happy they’re home. I’m hoping they understand. And I’m looking forward to a renewed appreciation of the “it’s time to go for a walk, mom” whine that currently makes me just a touch sad.

Turns out the best rehab equipment doesn’t come from the medical supply store. Mine has floppy ears, a donut bandana, and absolutely no patience for excuses. See you out there in a couple of months, Boogs.

P.S. I realize Toofy isn’t featured here yet. Don’t worry, she’ll make her appearance soon enough.