We've Come To That Bridge

Photo Courtesy of Jean Ballard
Thank you Aunty Jean

Back in 2013 we made the happy decision to adopt Lady May. We knew she would eventually need some form of support for mobility.  We knew there was no correction therapy for Lady May's severely damaged left leg. Amputation was discussed. It was not an option we wanted to take.  She made good use of her little bent leg and used it to help hold her toys and chewys.  It enabled her to maintain her balance that she needs to run and zoom around the yard. There was no pain involved from it. She has managed exceptionally well for many years.  We knew there would be a time when we would need to reassess her mobility issue. We were prepared to cross that bridge when we came to it.
We have now approached that bridge. The years of constant hopping on her "good leg" have paid the toll. She now has acute osteoarthritis. We are managing her weight and pain.  She maintains good nutrition on a special mobility diet. We try to provide ample exercise, based specifically on her ability and need and she takes adequate meds for pain management. We ensure she receives her daily dosage of liquid glucosamine, a daily pain relief med, and a cartrophen injection every 3 weeks.

We now find it increasingly difficult for our little girl to get to where she really wants to go on her own.  We purchased a buggy to transport her around the yard on her painful days. She climbs into it willingly and we have trouble coaxing her to come out. She loves it.
The arthritis is requiring more time off her feet and more time laying down. Lady May is still full of vim and vigour with a strong desire to RUN!  Her little brain does not understand why she has to lay down, but her body reminds her.

So as we step forward onto the bridge, we are researching our best options for Lady May. At this point her running has ceased and we resort to playing catch with her instead of  allowing her to run after the ball. I have so many past videos of her happily zooming around after a ball. When I compare where she is today, it makes us sad for her. We want to give her that opportunity to run around the yard again. Exercise is such an important aspect of maintaining good physical health with arthritis.

Her damaged paw hangs lower and as she runs it scrapes the ground. We found that providing her with a t shirt helped to protect her chest and paw.  Of course in the hotter temperatures we nixed the t shirt and use a simple boot I fashioned for her to stop the end of her paw from being damaged. She was just so energetic and refused to stop running! She has given us years of laughs at her ability to ignore her disability. We want to give more opportunities back to Lady May. She is not ready to just lay down.

You can visit our Youtube page and view Lady May's past videos here.

Royal K9 Korner Videos - Lady May
The option we are looking at is a FrontEnd Wheelcart custom made for Lady May. We have made contact the makers of Eddies Wheels and we are proceeding with the application process.
Below is a photo of the cart we believe would best suit Lady May. We shall see.

https://eddieswheels.com/p/17/Front-Wheel-Carts

Puppy Lady May
Photo Courtesy of Lady May's
previous owner

Lady May was born Oct. 27th 2009 with 4 fully functioning legs.
Something happened.
'Lady" was surrendered at the age of 2.5 yrs. to
Turtle Gardens Rescue Society in Topley BC.
You can read how we came to adopt her on this blogpost.
March 3rd 2013
Her atrophied shoulder and her little paw have now hindered her ability to have fun and go like crazy! This little speed bunny has never shown any desire to slow down. Today she is forced to.



We hope you'll follow us through this journey and send all your positive support for our little girl.
Please "LIKE" us and follow our progress on our Facebook page Royal K9 Korner Day Care
Thank you.

Lady May on arrival day Feb 2013