Freedom
11-30-2011, 04:14 PM
I think I may have mentioned, Marlin has aged quite a bit. What with his hip dysplasia, severe arthritis all along his spine, and doggie dementia . . . he is not able to do much. For a few weeks while it is still nice weather, Dad has come along to Bridgham Farm with me, so I can make ONE trip and take all 5 pups. He sits with Marlin while I walk the other 4. Then I take Marlin for a short walk.
This works well as it --
- saves me time (I did a few times make TWO trips, one with 4 fluffs, one with Marlin)
- ensures Dad gets out
- ensures Marlin gets out. When we didn't all go, often I'd just walk Marlin around the block, which we both found quite boring. This way, Marlin is up on his feet for a good hour, and moving about, finding interesting scents to keep his mind going, and then moving on the walk at the end.
A few stills of Dad and Marlin (Dad has a blanket as it is getting cool, not sure how much longer we can do this). Its a bit of work, getting 5 fluffs in harness, loading Dad a chair, blanket, and the newspaper, getting Dad ready and in the car, and then setting it all up at the Farm, not to mention the break down and return home after. But so worth it as Marlin has a great time.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2011/Nov%2030%20Marlin%20walks%20at%20the%20farm/IMG_4796Small.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2011/Nov%2030%20Marlin%20walks%20at%20the%20farm/IMG_4800Small.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2011/Nov%2030%20Marlin%20walks%20at%20the%20farm/IMG_4801Small.jpg
And some vids.
This is when we initially arrive (Marlin and Sugar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idYmX9zZp8E
This is Marlin, walking. You can see he has just one very S L O W pace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5syZLVnbLtc
Marlin also has "reverse," though he can only take 3 steps or so and then the rump goes down. Since the front legs are still moving back, he ends up tilting to the side and lying down.
This is Tasha, she is always VERY EXCITED when we get to start our "farm walkies." You will also see Willy doing his 4 - legged scratch, he heee.
http://youtu.be/W__kmVpA7wM
This works well as it --
- saves me time (I did a few times make TWO trips, one with 4 fluffs, one with Marlin)
- ensures Dad gets out
- ensures Marlin gets out. When we didn't all go, often I'd just walk Marlin around the block, which we both found quite boring. This way, Marlin is up on his feet for a good hour, and moving about, finding interesting scents to keep his mind going, and then moving on the walk at the end.
A few stills of Dad and Marlin (Dad has a blanket as it is getting cool, not sure how much longer we can do this). Its a bit of work, getting 5 fluffs in harness, loading Dad a chair, blanket, and the newspaper, getting Dad ready and in the car, and then setting it all up at the Farm, not to mention the break down and return home after. But so worth it as Marlin has a great time.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2011/Nov%2030%20Marlin%20walks%20at%20the%20farm/IMG_4796Small.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2011/Nov%2030%20Marlin%20walks%20at%20the%20farm/IMG_4800Small.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2011/Nov%2030%20Marlin%20walks%20at%20the%20farm/IMG_4801Small.jpg
And some vids.
This is when we initially arrive (Marlin and Sugar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idYmX9zZp8E
This is Marlin, walking. You can see he has just one very S L O W pace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5syZLVnbLtc
Marlin also has "reverse," though he can only take 3 steps or so and then the rump goes down. Since the front legs are still moving back, he ends up tilting to the side and lying down.
This is Tasha, she is always VERY EXCITED when we get to start our "farm walkies." You will also see Willy doing his 4 - legged scratch, he heee.
http://youtu.be/W__kmVpA7wM