Sunshine and Light

So a few years ago, Fred developed a limp. We took him to the vet, who diagnosed him with a sprain and some "crunchy" joints. It took him months to completely recover. And every year since then, he's developed a limp. Back to the vet, sometimes, otherwise continued glucosamine and some aspirin. The limping never made him less happy to get in the car and go to races with us. That is what he lives for.

Fredly, the world's best dog, has been getting crankier as the years progress. He's always been a mellow guy, but more and more he'd started hiding in the corner, away from the family, especially once Ginger, who is all fire and energy, came into our lives. It's hard to watch your dog getting old.

Last week, the limping started again, but with a difference. He was definitely....dragging that leg. So this time he got an x-ray. It appears that those crunchy joints were probably a fracture, and now he has a bone spur that is making that joint incredibly painful. So the x-rays have been sent off to a surgeon, with an answer expected later this week. And we came home with sweet, sweet Rimadyl. It's a doggy pain reliever. Since we've started giving him pain relief, Fred has completely changed back to the joyous guy we used to know. A walk! All Right! Snuggles with mom? All Right! Treats? All Right! Covering Mom with kisses after she takes care of the baby in the middle of the night? All Right!

I can't even begin to express the mixed feelings I have about this. Primarily remorse that he's been in pain for longer than we can possibly imagine. Some relief to see him turn back the clock, and have joie de vivre again. And joy, so much joy, to be able to play with him once again.

Here's hoping that the surgeon can fix Freddy. One potential option which would be a total bummer is surgery to fuse the joint. It would relieve his pain, but we're not sure if that would put an end to his favorite thing in the whole world - mountain biking. But that's a bridge to be crossed once we hear back.

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And in only somewhat related news (related in a "Why do I do this to myself" way) - there's a website for dogs that are in danger of Euthanasia. If you're thinking of a new dog (we are not), please check it out before you check out Petfinder. It's called Dogs in Danger.