[yipyap]

My 3 year old yorkie, Taffy, changed his own activity level quite a bit after I became diagnosed with advanced degenerative disc disease. The early pain-shot treatments only made things worse in the long run. Poor Taffy, who was used to a bouncy owner during his first 2 years--someone who took him out in the yard a lot and was always taking him places--like to the big pet stores or the park in good weather, now patiently sits with me in our den or follows me slowly about in the house. If my pain meds help, we do get to throw toys and play tug and do his favorite commands for treats. But on other days, I have to stay quiet with heat packs. I have noticed that my husband has tried to step in and play with Taffy much more, and he even takes him outside to "pee"--shock! Taffy now gets excited when Hubby comes home as he gets some "extra physical play". It is interesting to see how Taffy has tried to adapt. He is quieter with me and follows me everywhere in the house. He loves to play with Hubby and sits both with him and with me during our evening t.v. time. When I have to go to bed earlier, he always follows soon after to join me on my bed upstairs. It is interesting to see how he has adapted his "rough and tumble" to my Hubby, and then his quiet times to sit with me. He too eats well, drinks well, and pees & poos, but I can tell he is a quite a bit "toned down" around me, though he surely would prefer to have me as I used to be. He empathizes with my limitations, though I'm sure he gets bored. I use both perky & quiet voices with Taffy, he can distinguish my mood and activity ability very quickly now. He is a wonderful companion! - Sue