An update of sorts.
"That last post seems to have taken a lot out of you!" - Kila
Actually, that's not the case, what has taken a lot out of me is the Belle situation, it's gone from promising to very bleak and it's all quite draining. While all the incisions healed nicely, she has refused to put any weight on her leg, and due to my ignorance and poor nursing, it now appears that in all probability she'll lose it. I'm not going to go into detail about it right now, as I'm just too bummed, if I feel better in a few days I'll give you more of an update.
In other news, MDW is up for the weekend so I'll be spending time with her instead of blogging.
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.







Aw, Willow, I am so sorry to hear that about Belle. Please don't blame yourself, you did the best you knew and if you were to do more, the vet should have told you. Even if she does lose the leg, she'll be OK without it...
Have a good weekend!
Posted by:claudia | 26 April 2008 at 11:09 AM
I am so sorry that you and Belle are going through this. We all know that you did the very best that could be done. My prayers are with you...and enjoy the weekend with YDW.
Posted by:Sandy | 26 April 2008 at 11:43 AM
Ah, that is a real bummer. Try to enjoy your weekend with YDW.
Posted by:Beckie | 26 April 2008 at 11:56 AM
*groan*. Oh, no...
((hugs!)) I am SO sorry...
Posted by:Shades | 26 April 2008 at 12:39 PM
I'm sorry to hear that the future is not looking as promising for Belle. I'm sure you did the best you knew. Sometimes complications simply arise.
Thinking of you all!
Posted by:Katie | 26 April 2008 at 01:28 PM
I'm sorry to hear that - but could it be a case where she just needs to have more time? If there isn't any infection maybe she'll eventually run on it.
Posted by:Karmyn R | 26 April 2008 at 01:51 PM
You may need to change her name to Bob.
Posted by:Stu | 26 April 2008 at 02:49 PM
There's no doubt in my mind you have done everything humanly possible when it comes to the care of Belle. She is one well loved pup for sure. You have some decisions to make with this new development. I'll be thinking about you and Belle and saying a little prayer things turn out fine WT.
Posted by:Joy T. | 26 April 2008 at 03:47 PM
A prayer for Belle - and for you.
Posted by:Pamela | 26 April 2008 at 04:02 PM
Oh no that is such sad news. Don't reproach yourself you have been a brilliant carer and how do you make a dog put weight on a leg!! Let's hope it turns out better than you expect.
Glad you have your DW with you for a few days to lighten the load. Take care, will be thinking of you and Belle.
Posted by:chrisb | 26 April 2008 at 04:48 PM
Oh how sad, you are the best dog carer I know and you really love your dogs. Thinking of you and Belle and hoping things turn out ok.
Posted by:beccy | 26 April 2008 at 05:06 PM
Sorry to hear about Belle's leg.
Posted by:tiger lamb girl | 26 April 2008 at 07:28 PM
i'm really sorry. you must be devastated. do not blame yourself--she's one stubborn dog. and she'll be fine with three legs, if it comes to that. (but perhaps it won't.)
i am thinking of you both.
Posted by:laurie | 26 April 2008 at 09:25 PM
xo
:(
Posted by:Robin | 26 April 2008 at 09:28 PM
Sorry to read about Belle. I am thinking good thoughts for the two of you. Belle could not a more dedicated caregiver. Take care of yourself.
Posted by:Molly | 26 April 2008 at 09:47 PM
Oops, make that, "Belle could not have a more dedicated caregiver." Take care.
Posted by:Molly | 26 April 2008 at 09:55 PM
I am certain it isn't your care. That joint never looked well seated to begin with. I'm sorry to hear your news of Belle. Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by:rudee | 26 April 2008 at 10:57 PM
Good wishes and prayers to Belle and to you. I do hope things turn out better than what is expected too.
Posted by:junebug | 26 April 2008 at 11:13 PM
Poor, sweet Belle. I'm so sorry, WT. I'd be happy to have a dog like Belle for a neighbor any day :)
Posted by:Susan in va | 26 April 2008 at 11:33 PM
Sorry to hear about Belle, but I'm glad YDW is there with you. That should cheer you a bit. I'm sure you have done everything you can. Hopefully she can keep it, but if she does lose the leg, she will likely have a full and happy life without it. I've seen three-legged dogs who get around almost as well as any other dog and who truly don't seem to notice the loss. It's amazing.
Posted by:Jenni in KS | 26 April 2008 at 11:56 PM
gah, that sucks. stalin has hip dysplasia which last week had him on three legs for a few days - worst yet - and since the man is out of work, it can't be treated. enidd's worried they're doing something super bad to the poor animal by making him soldier on with only baby aspirin.
good luck to belle.
Posted by:enidd | 27 April 2008 at 12:55 AM
So sorry WT...
Posted by:Alison | 27 April 2008 at 01:25 AM
Oh, no! So sorry things have gone bad again.
Guess it doesn't help that even with 3 legs, the wee thing has been jumping fences anyway? So even if she loses it, she might be fine?
Hope your weekend with YDW helps.
Posted by:Lene | 27 April 2008 at 01:59 AM
God Dammit. I'm sorry WT. Enjoy your time with your wife.
Posted by:melissa | 27 April 2008 at 02:25 AM
WT...I'm really sorry things are not going well with Belle. I wish I knew more what was going on so I could offer a more helpful comment. Not knowing what is going on, the best I can offer from what you've said is if the worst case scenario happens and she does lose the leg, she'll do just fine. It seems horrible to us, but dogs adjust AMAZINGLY well. And a little devil like Belle won't slow down for a second. You'd never know she was missing a limb. I've seen three legged dogs that could run circles around healthy dogs...and I know Belle would be one of those.
Well, I'll stay posted for more details. I hope you had a good weekend. If I can help just say the word. Hang in there.
Posted by:Equoni | 27 April 2008 at 03:32 AM
Why did the vet not inform you? The blame lies there, not on you. Belle will be okay with or without that leg, but I will send good thoughts
that she does not lose it. Good luck with all that!
Posted by:Annie | 27 April 2008 at 03:47 AM
Bubba, Bug, and Swampy are thinking of all of you...especially Belle. Have a nice weekend with MDW.
Posted by:SWAMPY | 27 April 2008 at 04:20 AM
So sorry. But Laurie's right, you did what you could but Belle has a mind of her own. She'll be fine with three legs. She'll just be able to wrap you round her little finger/paw even more. Thinking of you.
Posted by:Jo Beaufoix | 27 April 2008 at 05:47 AM
I got tears in my eyes about Belle. But she'll still be jumping about with 3 legs. She'll still be with you, WT, and that's most important.
Posted by:PixelPi | 27 April 2008 at 05:56 AM
I'm so sorry WT. We all know you do your utmost for your four-legged friends, so do go easy on yourself! Hope you have a nice time with YDW :)
Posted by:Melissa in NZ | 27 April 2008 at 06:15 AM
Poor Belle! I hope it does not come to that! Hugs xxx
Posted by:Karisma | 27 April 2008 at 08:28 AM
That is truly bad news and I am so sorry. I don't think there could be a guy on this pplanet who cares more and does all he can for his animal friends than you. You're a good guy. Hope MDW can lift your spirits.
Posted by:Mary | 27 April 2008 at 09:57 AM
I do not believe that Belle would have had better care than you have given her! Perhaps it is just taking her a bit more time. Like people, I believe dogs heal on their own terms too. Sending along a prayer for the both of you. Hang in there and know that there are alot of people out here who care about you both!
Posted by:bermudabluez / Jeanne | 27 April 2008 at 01:29 PM
Oh no, I was afraid it was something like that. Sorry to hear that.
Sounds like she'll still be able to get over fences, though!
Enjoy the weekend with DW. Time to put to use what you learned from watching all that porn. ;)
Posted by:Kila | 27 April 2008 at 03:19 PM
Oh bugger, just popped by for an update and got a shock. Hope your girl keeps her leg and don't be blaming yourself. You went more than the extra mile for her - you can't take on nature - it always wins. Good luck.
Posted by:Menopaausloldbag (MOB) | 27 April 2008 at 07:25 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Belle. The doggies and I are sending prayers for all of you.
Posted by:Big Dog Mom Pam | 28 April 2008 at 01:44 AM
i'm so sorry that belle isn't doing as well as you had hoped. i'm sure you're taking wonderful care of her. happy keeping leg thoughts are being sent her way.
Posted by:degutails | 28 April 2008 at 05:31 AM
I'm so sorry to hear this, willow - but absolutely certainly it isn't you at fault. This was an uphill battle, and you took it on bravely and with determination. You can't will her leg better - hang in there, my friend.
Posted by:Hayden | 28 April 2008 at 07:11 AM
Sorry to hear this news. Don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault! Sending good thoughts your way.
Posted by:theotherbear | 28 April 2008 at 09:30 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Bella's leg. I am sad. Hugging you and Bella. I hope you had a great weekend with YDW.
Posted by:kaytabug | 28 April 2008 at 10:59 AM
Hope you and MDW spent a refreshing weekend together. Seriously.
Mal :)
Posted by:Mal | 28 April 2008 at 12:35 PM
I don't think there is anyone out there who cares for there babies more then you do or that would go the distance you do... never doubt that she is lucky to have you.. hugs
Posted by:wolfbaby | 28 April 2008 at 06:03 PM
Poor baby!!! And poor fuzzybabydaddy!!!
Posted by:Stephanie | 28 April 2008 at 10:07 PM
Sorry to hear about your Belle!
Posted by:Robinella | 29 April 2008 at 01:31 AM
My sister's dog is much happier with her useless leg 'out of the way'. It was a tough, but necessary decision and the dog has adjusted beautifully.
Bless you and Belle.
Posted by:min | 30 April 2008 at 12:02 AM
Damn...all kinds of damn and I am SO upset for you and Belle. But, like min said - it might be better in the end...no matter what happens.
Hang in there, and enjoy MDW...we will be thinking of you.
Posted by:Tiggerlane | 30 April 2008 at 02:56 AM
Oh that just SUCKS!!! I hope everything turns out ok. Poor Belle. Poor you. Hang in there.
Posted by:Jennifer | 03 May 2008 at 12:01 AM
just thought you should know
TODAY is naked gardening day.
At least it is in the states.
Don't look over Los Angeles California. ha.
Posted by:Wendy | 04 May 2008 at 09:42 AM