Before Layla’s surgery, I researched and spoke to many people that had been in the same situation. I was amazed at how others told me that their tripod recovered so quickly and got back to their normal activities. Layla is no exception. I now often comment that “someone forgot to tell her she only has three legs!” She pulls on her leash as though she has eight legs. She has returned to fluffing the blankets on my bed and digging the dirt in the flower bed and covering herself with mud. I think the mud bath makes her feel good, and to think we go to the spa and pay hundreds of dollars to do so as humans! She is so beautiful and I’m proud of her resilience!
Our girl started chemoapy three weeks ago. Because we will be road tripping, she is taking chemo through pills. Her blood work has come back excellent and she has not had any side effects. Just a little extra sleepy on chemo days…or maybe it’s just the hot dog days of summer!
Last weekend we attended an event at Petsmart called Summer Squad. They had employees available for a 10 minute 1:1 appointments to discuss summer fun activities, help with fitting of harnesses and other gear that your dog would need for summer. I found it a great opportunity to bring Layla and make sure that her harness was fitted correctly for her situation. I also got great advice about how to use the seatbelts and harnesses to latch her in the truck for our road trip. we also were able to get her sized correctly for booties which she will need in the hot heat of Arizona. If your local Petsmart is holding these events, I highly recommend attending if you are unsure of the harness fitting for your tripod pet. I had been frustrated that the harness kept sliding to the side because she doesn’t have the one front leg. It still does, but not to the extent that it was before being correctly fitted. Traveling in the car is stressful as it is. She still has not figured out her balance without me riding in the backseat with her. I still would like to start a motion that disabled dogs are allowed to ride with their Service Human in a seat on an airplane.
I have had fun making Layla and I shirts and new bumper stickers for my car. I will try to post the photos on this post.
