Yesterday Kylie went to a local veterinary clinic for her spay and today I picked her up at 8AM.  The difference between this vet and the vet who took such excellent care of her after her injury - well, lets just say we will drive the extra distance for all future vet needs.

pain management was such a huge part of her care after her injury while we tried to save her leg and afterwards that I just assumed there would be some pain management following this routine surgery - but that was not the case.  Evidently it is "standard" practice to let the pain/discomfort manage/regulate the activity level.  After we got home it was quite evident that Kylie was more than a little uncomfortable - when her eyes are dull, refuses to eat and doesn't even look at a treat - something is not right.  Thankfully we had a supply of pain meds from her leg injury.  Half a dose was enough to take the edge off and she was able to take an hour nap comfortably (stretched out rather than curled into a tight ball).  Afterwards a quick trip outside and then a bite to eat and slurp of water - her eyes were brighter and it was evident she was feeling better but still tired because she was ready for another nap

Another half dose of pain med before bed so that she gets a good night's rest.  We won't be heading to the pond or going out on our 1mile loop for the next ten days but we can spend some quality time enjoying the front lawn.

Jackie ...

Working 11P-7A has its challenges so please accept my apology at not getting back with you sooner.  Yes, the Texas Heeler is a cross between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd - both are working dogs and have a strong work ethic.  Personally I prefer the Australian Stumped Tail Cattle Dog - which is different from either the ACD or AS.  The Stumped Tail is a little more "dingo" than the ACD and require a strong "pack leader" to keep them out of trouble.  It did not take a long to learn that we could not leave Mattie (our first who is now 14) alone as a pup - she destroyed one crate and had a field day with baskets, shoes and furniture legs in her one and only 4 hour unsupervised time alone (and she was less than three months old).  Front that day forward, she went everywhere with us - including work.  In her prime as a two year old she was running 25miles in 4 hours with me as I conditioned my mare for endurance.  Fast forward to Kylie and I am sure we would have had the same scenarios with her if she had not had her accident but because of the intensive care required and her physical limits she is not quite as demanding BUT she is with us constantly.

We have a 24 acre farm with 8 or 9 llamas, half dozen chickens and three horses - and of course barn kitties.  Kylie's day begins with walk around the property, including a trip the pond and barn.  She will take a nap with me while I catch a few zzz's after work and then we've got barn chores.  Once or twice a week I take her out on our 1.25mile loop and I'm hoping that she will be able to work up to 5miles by the time she's 2 but that's a loft goal.  We have completed the puppy obedience and intro to agility and will enter beginning agility when the class opens up later this summer.  I highly recommend these avenues of education as its a thinking game as well as a physical challenge.  In her day, Mattie loved playing fly ball and hide and go seek.  Kylie enjoys chasing balls and chewing on her deer bone (yes, it is a real deer bone - Mattie had one too at that age).  Mattie enjoyed swimming but Kylie still hasn't ventured out further than chest deep.  I've been toying with the idea of introducing Kylie to ORT (odor recognition training) which would be less demanding that long distance but certainly add a bit of spice to life.

These dogs are extremely loyal and, if you are like us, could never imagine our life without one.  So if you have a spot in your heart and life for this 5month old, bring her into your family - take her to puppy classes - get her spayed - find a way to engage her mind and give her a "job".  She will give you her heart unconditionally.

Keep in touch!

Cheryl

I just stopped to realize it has been five months since Kylie's surgery and six months since her original injury.  The 10 yo girl that allowed Kylie to get in with the horses is visiting next door and my husband remarked that I should invite her over to go riding.  I just can't seem to change my decision that city kids have no place near my barn or animals.  While I've come to grips that it was just an accident, I can't come up with a good reason as to why I should put any of my 4-legged kids at risk of another accident.