[mayers]

Susie and Tink,
I just saw this posting today and unfortunately spent a good deal of time at work reading the posts (not what I get paid for). I couldn't tear myself away, I didn't want to miss any of your posts. I have always been a firm believer of not going to the back of the book to see how things turn out. I love both of your strength and love. The separation must be so difficult. All I can offer is this: Both of my dauchsunds blew out their backs, Bratwurst at a fairly early age, he was only two. I had to bring him to NC State for emergency back surgery. Afterward the doctor told me he would probably never use his back legs again. This tore my heart out remembering is cocky little jaunt as we went on walks, but I would deal. One and a half years later after much water and sling therapy he was back up and walking (not running) about and he had an even cuter wobbly jaunt. My female was 7 when her back went out. Same story but her recovery was quicker with my experience.

Another, more inspiring story was from a co-worker who told me this when I cried to her about what had happened to my young boy. She had a female doxie of about 8 that suffered a traumatic back injury which totally paralyzed her. Abby could lift her head and eat, the rest of the digestive system just happened and Patricia was constantly cleaning her, but could not have her put her down. Day in and day out she fed her, cleaned her, tried to get her to walk. For three years this continued until it was an excepted custom of life. Abby was a blob in a small dog bed. One day Patricia noticed Abby's tail move, amazed she did pain tests on all of her feet with no reaction. The next morning Patricia went in to clean and feed Abby and she had her front legs straight out in front of her in a sitting position. Long story short three days later Abby was walking into the kitchen to get her own breakfast. This is a true story and at a ripe old age of 15, Abby still gets her own breakfast. Her bowels and pee continued to be a problem but a small one considering. If it hadn't been for Patricia and Abby's story I would have lacked all hope for Bratwurst ever walking normally again. I have a picture of Abby over my desk with 'my hero' under it, even though Brat has been dead over a year. I hope this gives you a little inspiration, it did me.

As far as the rehab center . . . dogs have incredibly sensitive senses. First Tink knows she doesn't feel good, she senses that you (her life) does not feel good. When you couple that with strange smells (unhealthy smells) unhappy, unhealthy people. Even though her cognition is compromised she still senses all of this. Its going to put her in a funk and at this point she really can't process all of the smells and feelings that are going through her scarred brain. Best to keep her in comfortable, familiar surroundings. Best for you to get home, back with your fluff muffin and cuddle. Love is what you both need to heal. Sorry for the long post.

Melissa and Rambeau (I lit a shiny stick for Tinky and Susie hope they like it)