I really made some improvements!  My happy disposition was returning and I was feeling better and better.  Then mom and dad had to leave town for a few days.  I love their son Jeff, and our housekeeper Mary, but it just wasn't the same! 

When they got back, I was limping badly again and was really down in the dumps. They were quite worried and called Dr. Baker to see what he thought.  He was concerned about infection or that maybe I'd somehow torn my stitched muscles.  Dad drove me to our local vet, Dr. Floerke who took my temperature and gave me a thorough checkup.  The prognosis was BOREDOM! 
 
Yep, my temperature was fine, my muscles were slowly trying to strengthen, and I was healthy!  But bored and depressed because I couldn't do things that I used to do.  Like go for walks out in the pasture to see the cows.  Or ride around with Kenny and Patches to see the farm.  Or go for long walks down the lane with Mom.  Not to mention that I STILL have these hobbles on! 

When Mom called Dr. Baker back with the report, he said to take my hobbles off a few days early and see if that perked me up a little.  I can hardly wait!  Dad even took me to pick up pizza with Patches tonight and I was really excited to go in the car again! 
 

Mom took my hobbles off yesterday and my whole outlook improved!  I could walk without restriction and lengthen my stride, although I still limp.  Mom and Dad are letting me do a few more things too, like take short walks with Patches when we are both on leashes, and go riding in the car a little more.  Things seem to be getting back to normal slowly.  I'm starting to use my leg more and more and can even sit down properly with my left leg under me instead of off to the side. 
 

I am already walking better now than I did before surgery!  Also doing a little slow trotting once in a while. 
 

What a difference a few weeks have made!  I can now easily get up anytime I want, seldom lay with my feet propped up, and am starting to run a little!  Patches and I are also beginning to play like we used to do.  Mom and dad are taking me for a mile or two walk each day and that is probably helping too. 

Doctor Baker said that the best way to help me recover and rebuild my muscles would be to find a big hill to walk up several times a day, but alas, South Texas is flat as a pancake!  Too bad we don't live in the Rocky Mountains.  We do have a wide steep riverbank on the farm and so I've been going up and down it.  Mom thought about getting me an inclined treadmill <doggie grin> but I'd probably think it was really boring.  Being outside is much more fun! 
 

Here I am running in the cotton field (see the little plants coming up?) behind Patches who has slowed down to a walk. 
 

It's  like a miracle happened to me.  Dr. Baker, my surgeon, said that I'd be almost good as new in six months.   I feel almost new already! 

I can run - FAST, play hard, rough & tumble with Patches, and trot beautifully.  I still walk with a slight wiggle, but  that too might change someday. 

Even mom and dad think that I can now do what any "normal" doggie can do!