Zatoichi's Journey

I know sometimes people see an amputee pup and think they’ve been diminished in some way, that they are different now.  Today I was reminded by Zato that he’s just as much of a hoodlum (at times) on three legs as he was on four.

He had left it alone since his surgery, but today he decided to revisit his attempted hole in the back yard up against the house.  I thought this was pretty impressive for one leg and 10 seconds (the time it took me to get there!)

“I’ve been framed, man! I didn’t do it – Eli did!”

Four legs or three, Zato is still very much Zato – our sweet boy!

First of all, I’m sorry for being offline for so long!  I’ve just been enjoying every day with Zato and the time has flown.  I also had a bout of shingles that left me feeling pretty crummy for a few weeks, but thankfully (hopefully) all the weird and wacky things from that are coming to an end.

I am heartbroken to read of the passings that have occurred recently.  I know some of those sweet pups had their surgeries around the same time as Zato.

He’s doing great.  We haven’t done any x-rays or other tests because he feels so well.  He actually seems to be feeling better than he has in a long time, even before he got sick!  I don’t know if it’s the remedies and supplements, but we are enjoying watching him have so much fun.

Zato has been spending a lot of time, as usual, with Cadpig.  There is nothing she likes more than for Zato to lick her head.   A nap together after a bit of wrestling is nice, too.

And sometimes, you just need to display for the camera!

Life has returned to normal.  No constant vet visits, or watching him limp, or trying to assess his pain level.  For the first time in almost a year, I’m at ease.  A peaceful calm has descended upon me.  I don’t know how long it will last.  But I have wrapped my arms around it and am holding on tight.

We go for short walks a lot. We watch the deer.  We sit on the porch and he sniffs the breeze.   We take little trips to interesting places. When I’m lying on the sofa watching tv, he hops up and gets behind my legs and rests his head on me like he used to.  He bounces up and down like a pogo stick when he wants a treat.  He doesn’t try to get on the bed by himself anymore, but if we don’t pick him up fast enough, he makes his little grizzle noises.  We have our routine of supplements and remedies and medications down pat.

Zato had a therapy consultation last week.  I really liked them and we will go on a regular basis.  We’re so grateful that Zato is a recipient of the Maggie Moo Fund!  Here is the link to his rehab visit.   He was definitely  styling in his new Tripawds shirt.

He was so excited to be going somewhere that he got away from me before I could get his shirt all the way on.   I kept saying, “Easy!” because I worried he’d strain something!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEOk6t4B0-0&feature=youtu.be

I know the statistics and I have no idea what is going on inside of him, but on the outside, he’s happy and playful and whole.  That’s good enough for us, as long as it lasts.  Here’s a picture of him on this beautiful afternoon, helping us work on our deck.

Zato is feeling better every day!  He had a little display when we were outside earlier, which was great to see!  Silly boy!

He’s also snuggling up more, so I know he’s more comfortable now.  He edits my posts :).

This is has been a rough few days for the Tripawds family, which is why I’m trying so hard to stay in the present and enjoy THIS moment, because it’s the only one we have.