Jackson: Tuesday 5th / Wednesday 6th October

Still extending my runs but P(eter). doesn't want me to "overdo things".
He had this idea about me using a "walking stick" to reduce the strain on my good leg.
What a pathetic idea, as you can see I just couldn't get the hang of it:

Message to Buddy. The chip wasn't anything to eat, we all know that (going to England must have made you go a bit tup). I had one but it wasn't the deluxe one which DLT and his mates can use to tell your temperature - as you will find out we still have to have this thing stuck in a very undignified place. Still at least the chip wasn't on my shoulder as you will see from my smiling photo:

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Still going OK (ish) but I do seem to get tired quite quickly compared to before.

P has been taking some pictures for the photo competition - says entering will mean no foodies for a few days but I'm sure I can wheedle some out of D(aphne). Have to have a word with Tyson & we'll gang up on her.

I heard her say that I should go back on full rations again to build up my strength, so that's good news. I'll have to remember to keep looking exhausted.

Pleased to report Spencer's back, which pleases Pickwick as he's been missing his hot water bottle:

Spencer is the black & white cat. Hopefully he's got over my hopping gait now. I'll have to try to move about only when he's settled.

Jackson

Jackson: October 3rd

Sunday (03 October 2010)

Terrible weather so we've not been out much. 


P(eter) thought it was 'The Rainbow Walk' today, but I told him it was last week & that he stopped us going because he had some golf-thing to run. 


Yesterday he was away on another golf-thing and D(aphne) had to take me for a walk (he's got to get his priorities sorted out that old man). 


When he came back I was really jealous as he had obviously been wallowing in some serious mud and he didn't take me.

I've had a bit of a telling off from D&P as I have been very selfish and not introduced myself to the cats in our family. D is very much a cat person and still has two of them wandering around. 


One, Pickwick's his name, is a Balinese and was really handsome (for a cat that is) but is now 15 which according to D is positively ancient for a Balinese (or any sort of Siamese). He is really intelligent (again for a cat) - you can tell because he really likes ME. 


Pickwick & me: what a team!

We also have another cat that D "adopted" from Gareth (their youngest son) called Spencer. Spencer and I don't get along - we were getting on better before my op., but then all 30 Kgs of me bounded into the kitchen and nearly mowed Spencer down. At which point he broke the world record for 'exiting through a cat flap' and disappeared for 24 hours. Like all cats he came back for food and has started to sleep in at nights again. We did manage to get a picture just before he went out but still by the cat flap, just in case.

What with me and my three legs, geriatric Pickwick (and P) and paranoid Spencer we are a pretty dysfunctional lot.

Even D and Tyson aren't truly normal.

D is old but somewhat mad, she is out running a 10K race this morning in this weather! She runs at least 5 miles 3 times a week (even though she has a bus pass and there's a stop at the end of the road) and takes Tyson with her. 


D and her daughter took me once before my op. and they ran down by the river where she lets Tyson off his lead. He's a bit of a mummy's boy and just goes for a little paddle about and comes straight back. He doesn't like water too much, he told me. What sort of Labrador doesn't really like water? Not me! 


It was WATER! 


When D looked around she panicked ... no Jack to be seen!  Well, 'course I'd taken full advantage and I was over in the bushes on the other bank. Fortunately D heard me crashing about but then I was stuck - couldn't get down the bank. All ended well though, but D gave me a real telling off for causing her so much worry. 

But hey who's normal anyway?

Jackson

Jackson: September 30, October 01 2010

Thursday pm (30 September 2010)

A much better day.

I have been perky after P(eter)&D(aphne) decided that using an ice pack (well, frozen peas) would help. I can't see why they used peas and not frozen mince I could have saved them taking it back to the freezer. It certainly seems to have improved things and I was very patient and just lay there (see picture)

They have taken me out twice today and I have to say its great to be outside and playing. I have managed to break a stick - it was hard to to the old way of holding it down with my front paws and pulling. Wasn't allowed to go far but feels great to be out in the fresh air and Peter's getting quite good at camera angles and shadows so that I look my best:

Like my mates I love chewing sticks

Tomorrow stitches out - P&D are not looking forward to getting me in to see Dai Leg Thief so they hope I've forgotten - fat chance of that. Still D will feel sorry for me when we get home - so will get a special treat if I look sad enough (I'm good at that). Roll on Saturday.

P is talking of bringing me to the Hailey Bridge thingy on Sunday but doesn't want me to go too far and the weather might not help so we'll just have to see.

Jackson

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Friday afternoon (01 October 2010)

Well the stitches are out and 'Dai Leg Thief' was very pleased with me said how well I'd done - if it hadn't been for you I thought I wouldn't have had to "do well" at all. However, HE was very good and I just lay there wagging my tail as he removed the stitches - mind you, he did give me a couple of bikkies that helped smooth things along.

Thanks for the advice Maggie! When I got home I put on my saddest face and D was going for one of the biggest treats when P said "Don't be fooled he didn't feel a thing - wagged his tail all the time", so no treat.  Well you find out who your mates are, don't you?

P made up a bit - he took me out in the rain this afternoon and let me go in a PUDDLE. 

Wow! I'd forgotten just how much fun going in puddles can be. 

It wasn't very muddy though, so it wasn't the sort of puddle I like best, but still great.

I suppose now I'm getting back to just being 'Jackson' again so I won't bore those that haven't already been bored and I'll just post updates every week or so - except for me getting into the car. 

I just leap in - even the 4x4 (whatever that is - am I now a 3x3?) is no problem P&D were quite amazed and  I just know I'm going for "walkies" again. 

If they had a stretch limo I could have a minibar with dog food and water bowls - some even have a hot tub I understand, how much fun would that be!

Thanks all for your interest it has helped a lot certain P&D have been encouraged that so many care its just down hard work now.

I was reading about Clover (Symdaddy's Four Paws dog) and feel really sad for her. She has had it hard all her life up until now. 

Although what happened to me is sad, in a way, at least in my life both before and after Fourpaws, I have been happy and contented and well cared for. That shows in everything I do. 

No animal has problems coping when they grow up feeling understood and wanted. Poor Clover didn't seem to have that - I am sad for her and hope she becomes happy and settled.

Jackson

Jackson: September 27 & 28, 2010

Monday pm (September 27)

Ooops! 

Spoke a bit too soon. 

Not such a good day I think I overdid things yesterday and have a sore back leg; now only have two good ones - not a satisfactory situation. So had to go back to see the man in the green coat. I'll have to get some super-glue on my paws because P(eter) still managed to drag / carry me in to see him. Once in I was OK but I still watched him carefully - last Monday he pinched my leg! I went to see him two days later & he didn't give it me back - is it any wonder I don't trust him. 'Dai, the Leg Thief' (as I call him) seemed to think I had strained a muscle & told me to take it easy for a couple of days. 

D'ya see now why P&D have been trying to get me to slow down and not rush things. 

From what Julieann (forum) said the high five is spreading thing. Perhaps it will be in the Four-Paws 'training' section next. Perhaps Barack Obama should teach it to his dog (be a bit difficult for the Queen with her corgis - suppose there could be a "low five" for them).

P&D's Note:

Noticed the problem after the post last night but people had already replied so left it as it was.

Trying to research more about tri-ped dogs we found a recent project that had studied tri-peds because "canines are known for their resilience in the face of limb loss, often managing to move about admirably on three legs". Certainly Jack has amazing at doing that from day 1- too amazing probably.

The research only involved putting tri-peds on a treadmill for two minutes and filmed their movement with high speed cameras and analysing the results

It found that with an amputated hind-leg the fore-limbs acted almost as normally and the dog needed little or no compensation in the way it moved. But with a missing fore-leg (like Jack) the remaining limbs were "forced to undergo careful adaptation to co-ordinate with each other by a process called "gait adaptation". (From day 1 Jack has been totally oblivious to the careful bit). The researchers felt the difference was due to the higher loading of the front legs as they carry more of the dog's weight. The vet confirmed that there is more twisting of the spine with front leg loss. The way Jack moves puts a tremendous load on the front leg and the spine twisting puts a strain on the back leg on the side of the missing leg - the one where Jack's trouble has developed. Hopefully it is just a strain and clears up as quickly as it came, he is certainly moving a little better this evening, don't think we could face another X-ray.

[The notes are posted as much so Fourpaws have some data should they need to talk to others after an accident etc but the front leg stress was news to me and it may be useful to owners in injury situations. Having had a dog with cruciate ligament problems I wasn't aware that the back legs took less of the dog's weight than the front.]

.............................................................................................................................

Tuesday pm (September 28)

A boring day just "resting". 

I have tried to show them that the leg strain is nearly gone but its difficult to tell as I walk / hop completely differently. I feel I'm nearest to my old self running - but that's not allowed at the moment.

Can't they see I'm a lot better today? I have to admit that even I don't know how much though. 

I've been much more cheerful and perky - I was a bit down yesterday. I took them a toy & wagged my tail furiously yet still no joy, so I sat looking at them with my "intelligent" look. 

I followed D(aphne) into the other room and listened to the piano but that didn't work either - I'm running out of ideas here. 

 Have I lost my charm? 

In the end they took me out - just long enough to do 'those things' that I need to do. 

It's not good for a dog like me to be bored - they'll be putting on the Marley & Me DVD next. Well even that would be better than Masterchef (Mod note: Anything is better than Masterchef!).

Not long until Friday when the stitches come out. My hair is not really growing yet but it's getting a little stubbly, I suppose - where did Graham Gooch go to get his baldness sorted?

Jackson

Jackson: September 26, 2010

Sunday pm (September 26, 2010)

I am really getting into things again now. Tyson, Peter & I went on a joint walk yesterday afternoon and this morning. 

It is quite exhausting though and 10 minute bursts are enough - I come back quite tired. 

This hopping seems to take a lot more out of me than the old way. I am lucky as very nearby we have a place with big areas of mown grass (as I shouldn't be there I can't tell you what it is used for) which helps take the shock of my front leg when it thumps down.

Unless I find a big tree cocking my leg up is difficult. With the big tree I can sort of balance with the cocked leg leaning in the tree I suppose it looks weird (P - yes it does). Tyson is a pain - keeps shoving a stick at me to wind me up - I reacted like I used to at first but found turning in tight circles caused me to lose balance; now I let him get on with it. At least now we can go out together its easier on P&D as they don't have to walk us in shifts.

Nearly everything I could do before I can do now - but my "trademark" high 5 is out I think. Good that Lablover has got another daffy lab to carry on the tradition.

I hope my progress has replaced any sadness with cheeriness - sorry for blurring last week; everyone that had fuzzy screens then please be happy for me now. 

The bruising has now nearly disappeared and the stitches appear to be doing their job well. Some dog hair restorer to cover the bald bit would help stop people saying "Aw poor thing" - it looks a lot worse than it is really. Given the amount of dog hairs I seem to generate normally (D calls me a fur factory) that should come soon. I have just seen "Beautiful Bridget" in her sweater / jumper perhaps I sould get Judith to knit me one. Think the yellow is a bit attention-seeking for me but it certainly suits B (who is beautiful but smaaaaall).

I bounce around the house , greet everybody I know with a vigorous tail wag, yes I now feel back to my happy old self. This afternoon I even barked to frighten a stranger who came to the door (that seems my job as Tyson is a bit of a wimp). I intend to enjoy life while I can - you never know what the future may hold. (P&D: our fingers and toes are crossed about that). As soon as I get permission to go haring off I'll get my fitness back - promise.

Thanks for all the interest & kind thoughts; you have all been marvellous I know you helped to P&D through a difficult time early last week. I'll keep posting any interesting pictures of my progress.

HAPPY Jackson

Jackson - Post Op Weekend

Saturday pm

What a lovely day!

I can now get up the steps into the garden - it's great in the sunshine. Now Tyson is back we can chat.






Jackson:  "Tyson how do you like the new me?"

Tyson:   "Don't know - I can't look"

Shiny coats are supposed to indicate healthy dogs. If they do, then I'm healthier than him (Tyson)!

Ah, well!  Back to my life mission - ridding the world of plastic bottles - prefer them to rope toys, balls and everything. He's always been winding me up - no different now - perhaps he hasn't noticed I'm now a tri-ped

(Owner's note Jackson seeks and finds plastic bottles and carries them around two or three at the same time. Never had that with any of our others).

Back to basking in the sun

Jackson.

Sunday pm

I am really getting into things again now.

Tyson P & I went on a joint walk yesterday afternoon and this morning. It is quite exhausting though and I find10 minute bursts of energy quite enough - I come back very tired.  This 'hopping' seems to take a lot more out of me than the old way.

I am lucky very nearby we have a place with big areas of mown grass (as I shouldn't be there I can't tell you what it is used for) which helps take the shock of my front leg when it thumps down.

Unless I find a big tree, cocking my leg up is difficult. With the big tree I can sort of balance with the cocked leg leaning into the tree. I suppose it looks weird (P - yes it does).

Tyson is a pain - keeps shoving a stick at me to wind me up - I reacted like I used to at first but found turning in tight circles caused me to lose balance; now I let him get on with it. At least now we can go out together its easier on P&D as they don't have to walk us in shifts.

Nearly everything I could do before I can do now - but my "trademark" high 5 is out I think. Good that Lablover (forum name) has got another daffy lab to carry on the tradition.

I hope my progress has replaced any sadness with cheeriness - sorry for blurring last week; everyone that had fuzzy screens, please be happy for me now. The bruising has now nearly disappeared and the stitches appear to be doing their job well. Some dog hair restorer to cover the bald bit would help stop people saying "Aw poor thing" - it looks a lot worse than it is really. Given the amount of dog hairs I seem to generate normally (D calls me a fur factory) I won't be bald for long.

I have just seen "Beautiful Bridget" in her sweater / jumper perhaps I sould get Judith to knit me one. Think the yellow is a bit attention-seeking for me but it certainly suits B (who is beautiful but smaaaaall).

I bounce around the house, greet everybody I know with a vigorous tail wag.  Yes! I now feel back to my happy old self. This afternoon I even barked to frighten a stranger who came to the door (that seems my job as Tyson is a bit of a wimp). I intend to enjoy life while I can - you never know what the future may hold. (P&D: our fingers and toes are crossed about that). As soon as I get permission to go haring off, I'll get my fitness back - promise.

Thanks for all the interest & kind thoughts; you have all been marvellous I know you helped to P&D through a difficult time early last week. I'll keep posting any interesting pictures of my progress.

HAPPY Jackson

Jackson's Blog

I came out of the high dependency unit last night - glad not be have my sleep interrupted by P’s snoring next to me. 

Life is getting back to normal day by day although they won't let me off my lead for long and keep telling me to slow down. 

This I can't understand. 

Even when I bring a stick and jump up and down they don't throw it - that's ALWAYS worked before. 

I've shown them I've no problem with steps, even leaping into D's car with its high shelf so I wish they'd let me get on with things! They're so SLOW when I'm on the lead.  

Anyway, rather than me lazing about, I've arranged for some action shots: First posed so the toy was strategically placed (well so P said) shot.  

My mate Tyson (named after the boxer he is black and bit people's ears when he was a pup hence the name), the other lab in the family, came home today from his "holiday" with Judith. He's a "working" dog so doesn't possess my good looks and aristocratic breeding. He's was OK and sympathetic but not enough to let me have his share of the food.

We spoke with Chico's (3 legged Great Dane) family today and it turns out we live in the same village - D said she'd seen a GD on the Taff Trail never thought it would be the same one. M gave us reassurance and Chico was very similar to me so it was a help - thanks M.

Cheers for now

Jackson

For Jack - The Blog Goes On!

Jackson: Got A Problem? Moi?

All Friends,

As you will see from Jackson's first blog (Jackson's Journey Wednesday 22/09/2010) he is doing fine now.

Daphne & I will "leave things to him" .

In some ways I apologise for his levity but I think today that's how he is approaching life again - as are we. There were times when we wondered if we were doing the right thing, right up to the last minute - it was the last question to the vet.

No questions now - Jack has answered them all.

I will say that we really regretted we wouldn't be able to go on holiday but today has been such an amazing day with him we would have been hard pushed to get such enjoyment out of our 10 days away.

There have been tears but more of pleasure than anything.

No! Jack hasn't done anything that he wouldn't have done before, but that's precisely it - he hasn't NOT done anything either .

Today he was back in the kitchen whilst we were cooking, then sitting in front of us "begrudging" every mouthful as we ate, wanting to play with a stick, even gallop off to pinch someone's golf ball. He lies on his stitched area just as if nothing had happened. He's outside the study door waiting for "walkies" as I write. He jumps up and down when I pick up his lead, tail going 10 to the dozen as if to say "Got a problem - Moi?"

For us it is still a little sad looking at what was a magnificent animal but anyone else seeing him would still see a very handsome dog and we are genuinely proud of him. Pictures (from his good side of course) will follow as soon as I learn how to post them.

Again sincere thanks to all who have contributed it has been so reassuring to us both and we feel the Fourpaws family is behind Jack. He is certainly a great advert for having a dog, (Labradors in particular to us), and the Animal Rescue service Fourpaws provide, Probably what has happened to him has brought that home to us probably more than ever we would if everything had been routine.

P & D

Jackson's Journey Wednesday 22/09/2010,

(Jackson takes up the story)



Well it's my blog now as ‘P’ (Peter) has got writer's cramp. 


Today he let me off the lead on grass & I went haring off - can't manage the old turn of speed yet, but it will come. 


Found a stick, stood in front of him wagging my tail but he didn't throw it. All he wanted to do was tell me to slow down and take it easy ... I can't understand him sometimes.  


The wizz around was good but not long enough. There was a little crowd gathered and everyone seemed amazed at what I was doing. 


Nobody gave me any biscuits so it couldn't have been that good.

Then he took me in the car to the same place (vet) he took me Monday ... this time for a "check up". 

I got inside and thought "Last time I came here I came in with 4 legs and went out with three" so, as I couldn't afford to lose another I was rather reluctant to go in. 


When I was in I saw the chap who nicked my leg but he gave me a couple of biscuits so he's OK again. 


Like everyone else, he was amazed and very pleased with me.

I hope they don't re-christen me Robin (Reliant*) but P(eter) & D(aphne) seem a lot happier and I hope you are too. 


Thanks to everyone who has passed on good wishes. 


Extra special thanks to Zoe and all the carers! 


Please don't let them chuck me out of fourpaws even though with only three, technically I don't qualify any more.

Jackson




* Robin Reliant = three wheeled car, ca 1970's

Jackson Pt II

(Originally posted on the FP-Forum on September 21, 2010)


Members of the Four Paws forum have sent us, and Jack, messages of support, sentiments and good wishes we  will try to do Jack justice. 


Things like his "high five" may be a thing of the past but knowing Jack he'll find a way.    
 

Well, Jack had the amputation yesterday at about noon & came hopping into the surgery when we picked him up at 4.30pm the same afternoon! 


All at the surgery were absolutely amazed at how well he'd done. Before the Op the vet had told us he would be pretty miserable for a couple of days then it could take up to 4 days to get him mobile. 


Not our Jack - his tail wagged when he saw us and it was as if to say "I'll show you I can do it" just like everything else he does..  

He was a bit "spaced out" all night and I didn't get much sleep. 


Today we have managed to get him into the car (not so difficult as he leapt in the hard bit was just trying to stop him falling over) & took him to the field this morning where he managed the water part of his ablutions. 


He is much better than ever we thought to would be he is even lying on the wound now whereas yesterday he yelped when he tried.  He looks as ungainly as Ann Widdecombe on Strictly at the present. 


His biggest problem is keeping balance with his tail wagging all the time he is out.

Someone asked about photographs? They will follow, but at the moment Jack would prefer to wait until the fur has grown back as it looks as if a bit from an old leather sofa has been stuck on his side.

I will write a weekly or so update as best I can through Jack's eyes. If I can become more than a visitor and post directly so much the better.


Peter & Daphne

Jackson (“Jack” to all) – Black Labrador

(Originally posted on the FP-Forum on September 21, 2010)

I would like to chronicle the story of Jackson, whom we acquired from Four Paws only 6 weeks ago. It is, at the present, a sad story that may have a happier outcome – only time will tell.

Having lost a Labrador in March due to a very sudden onset of arthritis in his lower spine and being both nearer 70 than 60 we were looking for an older dog and Jack came into our lives. His story was sad but not bad, his previous owners split up and they could no longer give the Jack the attention he needs and deserves. Luckily for him Four Paws were on hand to give him second chance. They were most careful to stress his needs were their top priority and, as we had had Labradors for over 15 years we had a head start. Even then we had to go through the checks they consider essential, especially as we had another Labrador and two settled-in-their-ways ageing cats. Having met Jack with his carer I have to admit to some nervousness that we might be turned down.

Jack’s personality and training saw him through all tests with flying colours (not us - it seemed like he was the one who wanted to please all) and some six weeks ago he arrived; within days he became a member of the family in every sense. He won over everyone in the “dog community” here and with his energy and “joie de vivre” (even though nearly 7 he is like a puppy) he was simply a pleasure. He is our 4th Labrador and embodies all that we consider best in “Labrador characteristics”. He checked out as fit as flea with the Four Paws (and my) vet; his previous owners also obviously really cared, he was well trained (even bi-lingual) and they hadn’t succumbed to his doleful pleading eyes when food was around so he was superbly fit! 

Nothing to be sad at all and everything couldn’t be better. It seemed to be too good to be true - and sadly it was. Jack had shown a slight almost fleeting lameness occasionally in his front left leg that both the carer (and us) put down to muscle strain or a sprain as he was suddenly being given three vigorous walks a day. It went away as quickly as it came but then recurred a couple of times, so we took him to the vet where a regime of anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers was prescribed. At the end of the 10 days the lameness re-appeared whilst he was in the house and with no obvious reason.

Back to the vet and devastating news Jack very probably had a bone cancer. We were both dumbfounded, and when a second opinion confirmed the terrible news, it was time to assess the situation. Jack appeared exactly the same ebullient, full of life dog, but choices had to be made. Bone cancer is apparently very aggressive and the only way to relieve pain, and have any possibility of preventing spread, was amputation – devastating to humans but something apparently dogs can usually cope with. Drastic but without it Jack would probably not have more than 2 to 3 months to live. Due to the aggressive nature of the condition it was decided two days after the diagnosis, in conjunction with Four Paws and the vet to operate as soon as possible. Internet research confirmed that, short of leaving Jack to his fate, losing the leg was the only way forward.

There was a further complication as we were due to go on holiday next Tuesday but we felt that Jack deserved the best shot at beating the cancer so we cancelled. Sunday came and Jack is a “water dog” so we gave him his last treat on four legs and took him to Rest Bay where he was in his element. In many ways it was terribly sad to think this would be the last time he would be able to play normally with our other dog like he was doing but we can only do our best for him – he certainly deserves it. Looking at the trust in his eyes makes things so difficult and it is impossible for us to tell him either what is coming or that it is for the best.

Sadly that is not to be and life will change for Jack forever. The decision to amputate wasn’t easy in terms of what it will do to him especially not knowing how he will react, or cope. It was easy in that it gives him the best chance of a long life, or even a short one free of pain. The fact that he is well capable of undergoing the operation and coping with life on three legs is very much due to his previous owners caring for him as they did. 

There isn’t a good long-term forecast either, although there is a chance that the cancer hasn’t spread. If it hasn’t then he will live to an old age but if it has the future is not good. We won’t know this for some time, as only X-Rays will tell. Both of us looked at the situation and all we can do is commit to giving Jack our every attention and all the assistance we can. There are three on this journey and we will try to give Jack confidence and help him to have as full a life as is possible.

We have been extremely lucky that we have had the pleasure of Jack’s company even for such a short time. It is amazing that Jack has had the effect on us that he has and it is a tribute to him that such a bond has developed in less than two months. It is Jack that has been desperately unlucky (less than 1 dog in a thousand gets bone cancer but then again he is a one-in-a-million dog) but he seems to have the heart of a lion and I’m sure he will fight to the end. 

The dreaded day has come and the second chapter of Jack’s life begins from now. It was extremely upsetting to take him for his op. and the enthusiasm and pleasure he showed jumping into the car only made things worse. I feel stupid that I am so emotional and will have over the next few days make sure that he gets lots of TLC and support (probably literally) to help him adapt to his new life. I hope Four Paws will let me tell his story as it unfolds – Jack deserves no less. 

Four Paws do a tremendous service to animals who want nothing more than a loving home and give so much. Jack’s misfortune should not deter anyone from adopting a dog – genuinely wanting to adopt is the critical step, as it maps you out as a person who loves animals. Short though our time together has been Jack has more than repaid our commitment to him now it’s our turn and I just hope we don’t let him down.

Peter and Daphne