Thursday, July 17, 2008

Welcome Home Brie!

I know you are all wondering how Brie is making out and I do apologize that I have not updated my Blog sooner but things have been much more difficult than I expected :o( DH and I are running low on fumes but at least I can say that this experience has removed any doubts about whether we should have had children or not :oS

On Monday morning we took off for another long drive to PEI and this time I brought my camera and got a few shots of the Confederation Bridge despite the fog -

Photobucket

When we arrived at the hospital, DH and I got to finally meet the new student that had been looking after Brie. Meeting her in person only solidified my opinions of her personality and it's not one that should be dealing with people or animals. We were displeased that she had not prepared Brie ahead of time for our visit. Taking her out to use the bathroom would have only taken a few extra minutes of her time and would have decreased Brie's anxiety level :o(

As it was, Brie was extremely upset that she could not run to us or jump into our arms. My heart just sank when I saw how listless her hind end was but the doctor still had great hopes for her. Poor peanut looked like a skunk with the long, wide, white bandage down her back ;o)

I can't tell you how relieved I was to get her out of there. She was very happy to see the two of us but still very confused as to what was going on. I think there was a bit of resentment that we had left her there for so long but we quickly got back into her good books when we all stopped for some Cows ice cream :o)

Brie's first night home was a nightmare...for all of us! She was very scared and off a schedule she had been on for almost two weeks so that equalled a very sleepless night :o( The second night DH and I became smarter and put her bed beside ours :o) She seems very happy with this new arrangement and so are we. LOL!

We are having a bit of trouble controlling her urination and starting the medication that was given to us just made things worse :o( We have since stopped it and she is gradually getting better. The second night she was up twice in the night. That was the night we saw her tail wag for the first time :o) Last night she was up only once.

DH and I are doing doggy physiotherapy with Brie :o) We do the leg movements during the day and at night we do swimming. Finally, we've been able to use the life jacket that we bought her last year! LOL! Although they are only baby steps, Brie has made remarkable improvement since we brought her home. Last night while talking to my dad on the phone, Brie walked unassisted for about three feet! It was amazing :o) She can even stand on all fours for longer period of times as well.

For the most part, we use the sling when we go out for walks. It keeps her hind end up off the ground but today I noticed that she is starting to swing her back legs to walk. In the house, she just scoots around and when she hits carpet, she can actually pull her hind end up.

So, between the dirty pee pads, learning to walk, the extra laundry, play time and nap time, it's like looking after a newborn baby. No wonder we're both exhausted! Not to mention other things that have been going on but I'll update you about that later....

I have doubted myself a lot during these past three days. There were many times when I thought I couldn't do it. But then I look at that sweet, little face and remember all the times that Brie has been there for me, to lick my tears as they fell and to sit on my lap and comfort me. Now it's my turn to look after her and I don't regret, even for a second, the decisions I made. It is going to be a long road but we brought up a fighter...a girl that never quits and that doesn't know the meaning of the word "No". :o)

26 comments:

Jocelyn said...

She's your friend, Cathey, you'll be able to do it, don't doubt it for a minute. You love her, and you will help her. I know you can!

I am glad she's home and it sounds like she's doing well. You'll all find a way to adapt, you'll see. It will get easier from here!

Anonymous said...

So glad Brie is back home with you,and on the mend.
((((((((Bigs Hugs for you all!!))))))))))

Tammy said...

It's a new and very different situation with Brie healing, but you'll get through it and so will she, as well as love you more for it.

Quick and happy healing vibes for little peanut!

Velda said...

I'm so very glad that Brie is back home! Take care of her sweetie!

Anonymous said...

{{{Brie}}}

You must be a wreck! Don't forget to take care of you.

Chiloe said...

Great !!! let's hope the physical therapy will work fine ;-)

WendyCarole said...

Good to hear that Brie is home.

Ginnie said...

We all think "How will I cope in that situation" but most times we do. So glad you have her back at home :-)

Anonymous said...

That is such good news Cathey! Brie sounds like she's doing so well, in what is really a very short time. What a little fighter she is.

So glad she's home with you. The feelings you had are just the same as a new parent bringing a baby home. I didn't think I could do it either, but you do and it soon becomes second nature. You are doing great. Dont doubt yourself.

((((hugs)))

Daffycat said...

Give an extra snuggle to Brie from me...and a few hugs for yourself!

I'm so glad she is back home. I hope she heals quickly and your lives can get back to normal. Hang in there, she's worth it!

Kendra said...

Welcome Home Miss Brie!

Sounds like she's doing really well! I know it's an adjustment for everyone, but animals are so amazing at being able to adapt to new situations...she'll get it all figured out eventually.

And you're right...sounds like you have a newborn in the house. :-)

Sharon said...

Cathey please forgive me for mutilating your name on my last comment!

Though Brie has a long way to go it sounds like she is making some good progress. Just hang in there! Don't doubt yourself either-you guys are doing a great job! {{{hugs}}}

Rachel S-H said...

Keep strong. The first couple days are the hardest, but it will get better.

Jenn said...

Keep the faith Cathey. Thinks will get easier.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to read Brie's home! And improving every day! YEA!!

Remember to take rest when you can ... you have to take care of you, to take care of her.

BIG hugs, Cathey!

Barb said...

Great to hear Brie is home and slowly but surely improving. It may take a while but she'll make it with all the love you give her.

Irene said...

There is no place like home for love and comfort, Brie is right where she needs to be. Sounds like she is doing very well.

Anonymous said...

You must be so relieved to have her home and it sounds like she continues making progress!! I know the worry alone can be exhausting, but you are doing a wonderful thing! Take care!!

Karen said...

I am glad she is home with you , its the best place

Jennifer said...

I'm so glad for you that Brie is back. It's very lonely to be without them!!! I know it's exhausting, but you can bet she's just thrilled to be back at home, and that will go a long way towards her recovery.

Lori said...

Glad your girl is back and doing better.

Paisley said...

Happy to hear that Brie is back home with you! I hope her PT continues to go well! She's a sweetie!

Christine S said...

I'm thrilled to hear that Brie is back home with you and I hope her recovery continues to exceed expectations!

Sonda said...

Yay, Brie! Yay, you! I'll pray that you keep up your energy and she gets better every day. :)

Crazee4books said...

Hi Cathey,

It's such a lot of work, and a
lot of lost sleep, and a bit
messy, but she's worth it.
And it sounds to me like you
and your DH are getting right in there and doing what has to be done. In spite of your doubts
and worries you two are handling the situation with strength, compassion and determination.
I have no doubt that Brie will
make a brilliant recovery
because of you both. She's in
excellent, loving hands.

Cheers

Jenn M said...

I'm sooo glad you got your Brie home at last, and that she's doing so well. It will be a bit tough, but you can do it, and I'm sure you're grateful that things are as they are and not worse. Brie sounds like a real tough cookie with an cherub's attitude! That's having kids (and dogs who are your kids:))for you; always challenging you and helping you stretch your limits (physically and mentally!) beyond what you could possibly believe of yourself. And through it all you can never quite get over just how much love you have to give, and how much they give back. My best wishes to you and your husband and your sweet little Brie for a speedy and complete recovery!