oh, Leslie, Leslie, Leslie! This is the first chance I've had to sit and catchup from home (I've been careful at work-reviews are do so I'm trying to kiss up )
I started to read about Graham but never had a chance to finish or reply. I am SO sorry, I feel so bad that this is so late.
I love, adore and cherish all our PT pooches, but I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Graham! His good nature, his looks, that smile, his adventures. Graham wouldn't hurt a fly. I wonder if he tried to escape from one of those nasty maintenence men. I wish Graham could talk too!
Poor sweet baby...I agree, he'll never complain about those booties again! Oh man! To see him so sad and hurting is so upsetting.
I know how you feel. When Cody had his ACL surgery the 1st time, I totally freaked. I was trying to be calm, but when he splattered on the tile floor at the hospital, I upset everyone with a scream. Poor Cody, he has a crazy, emotional owner.
The staff had to console me for 15 min. after they admitted him. I had to have a designated driver. Poor thing, like Graham had never been in a hospital over night, and believe me, I love my boy, but Graham he's not when it comes to socialization.
Anyway, altho the back leg is different, I'm sure from the front, it took Cody a day or 2 to adjust to squatting since he couldn't pee on 1 leg. I gently and carefully supported his bandaged leg. it was hard cause his other knee hadn't been operated on yet, so he had double trouble. But, believe me, they find a way. I was very surprised how Cody compensated. We kept him gated in our den, cause of steps, and I took 2 weeks vacation to care for him, slept on the couch, also massaged, kissed, snuggled, hugged and tried not to cry or pity him cause I too noticed a personality change. The nurse told ne labs are big babies anyway, and I don;'t have to tell you how that set me off!!!!! Here, I was miserable, but proud of him for being a trooper. Two knees and 6 months of lock up, but thankfully our den door leads outside with no steps.
I used the long plastic bag that newspapers come in to cover the cast (with a huge wide rubberband) just when he went out to avoid, as Phred says, the stinkies and lack of aim, and dirt.
My heart still breaks when I remember this episode, but I want to encourage you that Graham will be Okay. Even if the poor lamb has surgery, he's a trooper, and resilant and will bounce back for sure! Graham's not the kind to disappoint you either! He knows his job is to get better and smile again!!!
There's not a doubt in my mind that precious boy will be back at agility in no time!!!!! With all our prayers and love for you and Graham, what other outcome would there be? Hey, the love force is with you both!
And E-x-c-u-s-e me... I am Graham's #1 fan!!!!!!!! ( ) Lots of love from the Israel house!

[ October 27, 2001: Message edited by: K9karen ]