Saturday, June 28, 2014

MARLEY'S SURGERY IS SCHEDULED

I have finally officially scheduled Marley's Total Hip Replacement. Originally scheduled for last week, we had to reschedule her surgery due to the fact that the surgeon we wanted would be out of town right after her surgery. So after many emails trying to get the surgeon I wanted, she is on the books to be evaluated on August 4th with surgery first thing the morning of August 5th. She should be hospitalized 2-3 nights and then be discharged home for 6-8 weeks of recovery before being seen back at Columbia. After her recheck, she will begin rehab.

 
 
So my late summer and fall will be pretty busy with Marley so KK's agility career will be on hold until Marley is able to travel again. But if it means Marley will feel better, it will be all worth it.
 
 



Wednesday, June 25, 2014

JUNE IN SPRINGFIELD

After a 2 month break, KK and I ventured to Springfield, MO for an AKC trial on soccer turf. We have only been to 1 class during the break and I have worked her some daily on the table that has become our nemesis. She needed a break to be KK and I just needed a break. Our goals for this trial were simple. Most importantly to have a good time and for her to get on the table without bitch barking me.

Her first run of the weekend was Master FAST. She was a little excited to be back in the ring. She skipped a jump in the gamble but got the Aframe and tunnel. So I reverted to training and got her on the teeter because she has never been a confident teeter dog. Excellent JWW was going great until I slightly turned my shoulders and she came with me and got a refusal. Totally my fault. Excellent Standard she decided she must go take the Aframe again, but she got on the table on the first command. She didn't do her down on the table but she got on the table!!


Day 2 I was totally exhausted as my friend and I stayed up until 0330 talking and laughing. We started with Excellent JWW and it was a beautiful run. KK and I were totally in sync and we Q'd and finally got that Excellent JWW Title at 5.32 yps.
 
 
Excellent Standard was going well until a slightly difficult jump series at the very end. I sent her off course and then KK decided to take a few extra jumps. I looked at the stats for that run. In the 8in category, the Q rate was 80% while in the 20in category, the Q rate was 25%. Clearly the faster dogs had more trouble with the crunchy jump series.

Day 3 in Master Jumpers, KK dropped a bar early so I went into training mode and we worked on her distance work. We finished up the weekend in Excellent Standard where she finally got her Excellent Standard Title. Her table was a little iffy but I never receive a gift from the agility gods but today I did. She did give me a few bitch barks but she finished with a great 'go on' and completed the run at 3.4 yps.


It was a great trial for us! Hands down it was the most fun I've had at an agility trial ever. A good non agility friend came with us and we laughed so much everyday that our stomachs hurt. She kept the trial light for me and kept my stress level down. I tend to let my mind wander and get stressed at trials and she kept me very grounded.

 
Next week we are going to a 4 day AKC trial in Monroe. Our goals will be simple. For Miss KK to get on the table and for us to work on our distance. And to be laid back and have FUN!!
 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

BACK TO COLUMBIA

Marley has been having some hip popping and stiff walking. I put her back on daily Rimadyl a few weeks back. I took her in for hip X-rays 2 weeks ago. Her left hip has deteriorated some and my vet thinks we are at the point of surgical intervention. He doesn't want her on the treadmill anymore and added a mild narcotic as needed.

I had her X-rays sent to Columbia for a second opinion. They reviewed them and want to see her. We have an appointment set up for an evaluation with surgery scheduled for the next morning. I can't lie. When I saw the words 'surgery' in print, my stomach turned over. I've always known this day would come and I know it's in her best interest but it's still hard. But it's harder to see her playing and then just crawl under the table and sleep all evening and then hear her hips popping when she gets up. It's hard to medicate her everyday and to restrict her activity when she just wants to be Marley. I just want my best blue eyed girl to be happy and pain free.