AS for our family, we've had a new addition to the family! Yes, I now have a daughter, Connie, whom Bracken has taken well to. Connie's 9 weeks old now and arrived on the 31st Dec 2010. Bracken is loving it really as my wife goes walking daily for approx 4 to 5 miles a day out in the country and Bracken toddles up along with her. We reckon 3 legged bracken can still stick in a 10 mile daily treck!
So I guess that's all for me for now, take care everyone.
4 comments:
Congrats on your new family member! Bracken is looking as beautiful as ever. We've neglected Jaida's blog a lot too, but that's probably because not much is going on: she's trucking right along too. The past year has probably been our little trainwreck's best, actually, and she's just as sweet and lovely as she ever was. Anyways, give Bracken a smooch for me. All my best, Crystal (Jaida's mom)
Craig,
Your compassion and dedication to Bracken is awesome. We need more people in the world like you.
My daughter found a puppy in a parking lot - just about to get ran over by a car. She banged her fist on the side of the vehicle with her hand to get the driver's attention. He stopped. She grabbed the puppy and held her until I got there. We realized that the puppy had already sustained some type of injury that prevented her from walking right. Reluctantly, I instructed my daughter to put the puppy in my car. (I was reluctant because we already have 5 dogs and really cannot afford any more (and, no we are not hoarders, our dogs had puppies and we kept them - couldn't stand to see them go), but what is one to do?
We just knew the puppy had a broken leg so, the next morning on my way to work, I took her to the vet. I was told she had had radial nerve paralysis in her left front limb and that her leg would have to be amputated. Our vet used an instrument to pinched between her toes and determined that there was no feeling. I'm not sure where the nerve damage actually is or if it even matters? He did not do any x-rays and said the chances of any recovery were one in a million. Wow! I was in shock. I just couldn't (and still cannot) wrap my head around the idea that amputation was the only option.
After doing hours and hours of research, I ran across your story. I've read every single post about Bracken and the incredible journey that your family endured.
I have made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon (about 2.5 hours drive from our house) this Friday in hopes of hearing a different diagnosis or at least other options. In the interim, I've been massaging her back, neck and leg and have used an electric massage to stimulate circulation in her shoulder and leg.
She still has no feeling at all in her paw and continues to drag it when she walks. I've tried (unsuccessfully) making a splint and have used ace bandages and tape in efforts to protect her paw. I have ordered a splint and a boot for her. They should arrive in about 4 days.
We have a hot tub, so I decided to put her in (at room temperature) for therapy and to try and determine if she was able to use any part of her leg. I noticed that she was using her shoulder on the injured side, but it appears she may have fractured her wrist.
I have my fingers crossed with hopes of alternate options and treatments for the puppy. She is the sweetest thing and deserves someone to love and care for her!
I appreciate all the information that you've shared about your efforts with Bracken. It has been very helpful.
Best regards,
Carol Armstrong
Hi Carol,
Further to my earlier reply, I would appreciate it if you could keep me up to date on the puppies progress.
I just love to hear from people like yourself who have found my blog informative and of value (Really makes all those nights typing worthwhile)
I really do wish the best for the puppy and we all have our fingers crossed here in Scotland. You should be proud of yourself for taking the time to give the poor mite a chance.
All the best and hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Craig
our lab crashed into another of our dogs earlier this week and the vet thinks he has severed the radial nerve - further checks next week will confirm or deny this - your blog gives me hope - thanks
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