Hi Annaret and Chinz
I don't envy you this rehab one bit as I know how long it takes and how painful it is for us humans who just want our girls to be back to their normal selves as quickly as possible. But keep at it. It seems like forever, but you do get through it, eventually. Remember, it has only been 6 weeks since her injury, so she is doing remarkably well in such a short space of time.Hang in there and know that your friends are all rooting for a full recovery.
Jean
Of course & what would Chelsey do without her swimming pal ...hopefully we'll be keeping this up for quite a while - it's good to see Chelsey competitive too...now how do we get that happening out of water This morning at crack of dawn headed for the lagoon & found a beautiful spot to swim in the sea....by December we should be able to unwind all the dogs with icy Atlantic massages - good for people too.... so Hilary you can join us & we'll have you back on your toes in no time. Annaret meanwhile has designed a pretty good 'agility' hydro-therapy pool session with smart turns & interesting manouevres so Chinzi never gets bored...who says you need dry land to train...even the chlorobouy makes the perfect "go round" item
Thanks Jean! I am very happy with her progress up 'till now, but the last few days have been rather tough and I'm sure this will continue for another few weeks... as she thinks she's fine and just wants to go back to normal. It's becoming increasingly difficult to keep her from running, but we are trying our absolute best!
She had a very good swimming session yesterday, and is really getting swimming fit. She swims for almost half an hour, with short rests in between, and then she still wants to continue! Her toes are looking good and Marinette is positive at this stage.She's been swimming without her life jacket for a week now (5 sessions) and this has done wonders, as she's really working harder in the water. After gaining 1.2kg since her injury, she has now lost 100g in the last week, so looks like we finally are winning, moving in the right direction, with regards to weight.
She's also extremely happy and chirpy lately and increasingly wanting to play. It's hard keeping her from playing and being wild without dampening her spirit, but we're trying all sorts, letting her tug while lying down, which she is an absolute whizz at by now... even pulls Emma off her feet while lying down! All this is of course closely supervised and monitored, but she has to be allowed some sort of enjoyment and "normall-ness". She's been out on walks with us about 4 times now... she obviously has to stay in the car while the Beagles have a run, as I cannot handle all of them at the same time, so she's screaming her lungs out at times, but beginning to realise that her turn always comes, so she's becoming calmer during that now too. Once the Beagles have run, I take her out on a leisurely walk, or more just a sniff, and she LOVES getting out onto fields and under trees and sniffing around a little again. Am sure this is also what is helping to lift her spirits, as she's been hating every afternoon when I take the Beagles out for their walk and she has to stay home. When I put her in the car with them, it's like her whole face lights up and she SMILES!
Obviously can't wait for her to back to normal again, but realise it's a long road, and actually the time has flown and we are past the 7 week mark already! And to think there was a time when it was lying ahead of us like one huge mountain and I wasn't sure how I was going to get through one day to the next.
Thankfully the worst is over and things are looking good. We will continue to take it really slow, one day at a time and hopefully time will fly by and before we know it, this will all be behind us.It's been a huge learning experience for me, and I am all the much richer for it. Sad that it had to happen to my wonderful girl, but I guess it could have been so much worse.
Once again, thanks to everyone for all the well-wishes, the continual interest in her progress and assistance in whichever way possible. The biscuit treats, swimming sessions, hugs&kisses, bringing her friends around to socialise with her, all has done her the world of good. Thanks to all!
Enjoy your weekend and will keep you posted.
Annaret & Chinzi
by Annaret on Sat Nov 08, 2008 8:36 pm
The Chinz-Chels Swimming Races
Boy oh boy did Chinzi have FUN today ! Here are some photos of Chinzi and Chelsey having an absolute ball racing each other to their respective balls in the pool. Needless to say, there were lots of screeches/moans from excitment and splashes all over to get there first!
On the step...
Ready, steady......
Go! What an action shot by photographer Glendyr!
Racing...
Back to the step.
We had an absolutely lovely entertaining time watching this competitive duo and I think the two Collies had the time of their lives!
Re: Cheer Up Chinzi !
by Glendyr on Sun Nov 09, 2008 6:15 am
Re: Cheer Up Chinzi !
by Glendyr on Sun Nov 09, 2008 6:15 am
Wow, what a fun way to unwind after yet another incredible brain-twister agility course design by Ian ( show class @ Cape Handlers) - no idea how he just produces one after the other & my list of sequences "i cannot do" is now very, very long
The dynamics & interaction of our swimming duo above was just such unbelievable fun ( especially from dry land - photographer's privelege - that water is FREEZING ) & the competitive relationship that has developed is not only entertaining but has brought out some amazing character traits we would usually never see in our dogs. Chelsey has found her niche & the pool is even called "Chelsey's Pool" so maybe this is something we can continue in the future to help any others who have injuries...dogs that is - will run this idea by husband another time though
Fetching their balls / toys is something these 2 take with such seriousness & though the photos reveal a lot there were many other things we noticed during the session. On their breaks, if one goes near the pool steps, the other starts crying & if you look at the "Ready, steady" photo Chinzi's look is typical of the "start" ( it may seem to be one of worry - but not so at all ) - she won't take her eyes off opponent Chesley ( who she has quickly learned cheats & barges & flies the step to catch an early advantage ) & won't take her ears off Annaret as she waits for the signal to go.The effort the 2 of them put in with each "race" is also amazing & even on the return swim they roll their eyes at each other to check whether they are "winning".
The improvement in Chinzi's foot is quite incredible & those toes are looking fantastic - I think the smile on Annaret's face says it all - Chinz will be back sooner rather than later - of that I am certain
"The reason dogs are man's best friend is 'cos their tails wag & not their tongues"
stunning pics - lovely to see what progress you have made!
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