Gunner's Story

Mom, look in to my eyes and see if you can see what it is I’d like to say to you today. I hope so. I hope you see that I love you and that I’m so glad your “mine”!  I hope you see that I appreciate you, so very much. I hope you see that I wouldn’t want a day without you in it.  I hope you see just how much you mean to me………..

Mom, if you ever have any doubt how I feel about you, just look in to my eyes……….I Love you, Mom!

~Gunner

Gunner is so proud of his new ruff wear gear! He would like to say “ruff ruff ruff” to those who made it possible for him to have it, the Angels before us and the Angels among us. Paws up!! How very special! Thanks soooo much for the support, literally!  Now if I can just get it adjusted a little better. It seems to want to slide to his right side.

Today is week #5 for Gunner. He is doing fantastic. If anything, he is doing a bit too much. He seems to really tire himself out running around the yard. The loss of his leg doesn’t slow him down at all. He is adjusting just fine. He is playful and happy. 

Special Thanks again for the “Lift”! Can’t tell you how much we appreciate the “pick me up”!

Well, four weeks seems like forever ago! One month out, oh my. A milestone for us!

All is well, that’s for sure. Gunner is happier than I’ve seen him in a very long time. He is playful and goofy. Almost puppy like at times. He’s taken a few of his little sisters toys and he’s not giving them back! Squeaking baby toys and enjoying them!!!

He seems to have a new attitude. He’s enjoying life. It’s comical to watch him, the big lug. Rolling all over and showing his silly side. He actually snuck in to Anja’s area and took several of her toys and hid them under his blanket! hahaha. She is NOT happy about it at all!

Little Miss Anja getting annoyed with Gunner! I had to get her a couple new toys just to keep her busy. She got a puppy treads tire and a pink rubber kitty that she dearly loves! Just to keep the peace, I told her the gifts were from Gunner!!

Overall we’re doing great. Recovery is going very well so far. Hopefully this weekend Gunner will venture out for a walk in the woods. A slow and easy hop down the dirt path may do us both a world of good. We’ve been cooped up in the yard for a month! Time to get back to business and enjoy the nice weather!

Hey! This morning I was laying out on the deck enjoying the sunshine, okay, I was napping. Anyway….when I woke up I found this baseball??? Whats up with that? Wonder where it came from? Must be baseball season some where!

Guess I’ll just keep an eye on the ball and see if anyone comes to claim it! Hmmmmmmmm!?

Gunner is celebrating “3 weeks” so he got his Bunny early.  A new fur friend to keep him company. Someone for him to tell his story to.

It’s been a good week, overall. Gunner finally slowed his pace down some and is adapting very well to his new “style” of travel. He’s getting around the yard very well. He comes and goes easily as he needs to, without any obvious concerns. He’s settled in to a routine and much of the nervous excitement has passed. We’re back to the calm and lazy Gunner, once again!

Things are getting back to the new normal around the house. I’m even starting to relax a bit and accept things as the way it is now. Gunner told me that he is going to continue being Gunner, no matter what. He’s getting use to it and so am I.

Looking back is not a good thing. There is no point in it. It’s hard to believe it all now. Just three weeks ago and yet it seems like forever. We’ve come a long way, and it changed us all, forever!

Gunner and I came scratching at the the Tripawd door three weeks ago. We were lost, scared and hurting. We were facing a nightmare. You guys, gals and dogs opened the door and welcomed us in. You cared and you comforted us. You guided us and encouraged us. You gave us strength and the wisdom of your experiences.

Gunner and I thank you all so very much for taking us in! What a special place! We are so glad to have found you all. You truly helped us to find our way……..

Have a Hoppy and Blessed Easter, our Tripawd Family!

Gunner had a really great day today!

He roamed around the yard quite a bit until he got tired and then came up and lounged on the deck. He enjoyed the fresh air and actually played with toys that he hadn’t touched for a very long time. He chased a rubber hamburger all around, squeaking it and even rolling on his back! Like he didn’t have a care in the world.

I tried not to act concerned as I read my magazine, peeking over it as he played and romped like a puppy. I decided to go inside for a cup of coffee and see what he thought of that idea. He didn’t even notice I was gone! I watched him out the window as he stretched and sprawled out for a nap, just like old times!  So I was able to go about my work, for a change! 

It’s so good to see him playing again! 

Gunner had a BIG day at the Vet!

His staples were removed.  He didn’t care too much for the staple puller. Several were really in there. Oh what a relief it was once they were out! His incision layed out nice and flat. They were very pleased with the healing.

So he got an A-OK! No more restriction! Cleared for take off and free to resume his normal activities!! Now he can move about at his own pace and get accustomed to his new style. You can imagine what he thinks of that idea! Woo Hoo!

Our ride home from the Vet was so much different from the last few we’ve done!

Time for him to venture back in to the yard and see what he can get in to! Business as usual!  As I opened the door for him to head outside, he looked at me to be sure he was allowed to go! Alone, even! Free at last!

So, Gunner is out marking his spots in the yard and checking to see if everything is as he left it. He’s getting around very well, considering. It’s been two weeks since he’s been out on that side of the house. He’s amazed not to have a leash holding him back. Lucky he’s fenced in and can roam freely. Time for me to get a big ol’ cup of coffee and relax a bit! Wow, what a ride it’s been!

Happy, happy day at our house!

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What a different attitude tonight! Gunner is almost strutting around the house, so proud of himself! Romping here and there. He sure isn’t taking it easy anymore. It’s almost like he knows, he’s graduated from Cornell! haha, my funny boy!

Good to see him in such high spirits!

Let’s see how tough he is at bedtime when he realizes his “Spiderman” collar is gone! I picked up a Spiderman pillowcase for him instead but I’m hiding it till bedtime! Tonight he gets a real pillow for a change! That and a great big graduation bone will keep him busy tonight!

We both feel a whole lot better tonight! I’ll rest easier, too.

A week is a long time, isn’t it! Longer than it’s ever been over here! And to tell you the truth, MY legs hurt! I’ve been very busy “over compensating” for Gunner!

He’s doing great! As we wrap up week number one, he’s coming along nicely. He’s in good spirit and moving around as if nothing has changed. He is definitely the “New & Improved” Gunner.

His incision is doing fine. Staples are due to come out mid-week. Hope that goes well. For the most part he hasnt bothered with it. Just an occaisional attempt to scratch with his hind leg. We’ve kept an eye on him for that.

His “Spiderman” collar has really worked well!! Don’t you know he broke his e-collar on a Sunday when everything was closed! Quick thinking and $2 at the dollar store really saved the day. I could have replaced it with the high priced version but it was working just fine and he was able to sleep comfortably with Spiderman on, why mess with it.

My biggest concern right now is that he’s starting to like this! He’s enjoying it and maybe he’s even getting a little too big for his britches! (Ha Ha!) He’s getting pretty spoiled and fussed over and he’s liking it!!

I’m just thrilled with his progress and his ability to handle this. He is getting around fine and I catch myself telling him to calm down, slow down, take it easy and relax! Isn’t that funny. Wait til he’s cleared to resume his normal activity, oh my!

So if week #2 goes this well (or even better) we will be moving right along. Having his staples out may set “ME” back, something new to worry more about. Hopefully everything is healing and all will go well.

Gunner has a new way of life but he also has a new attitude. A pain free look about himself! A happy face and a big ole Gunner smile!

Paws up!

Week #1 is done!

That’s a great question! We’ll choose to go forward, at any pace. Can’t look back now.

One week ago, our lives took a turn. It was all quite a shock and the uncertainty of it all was more than a bit scary! We had a few decisions to make but the bigger one was made for us. We were told what needed to be done. Past that part, I really can’t remember much.

It all happened so fast.  We went in for a consultation and the decision was made. We left Gunner there to prepare for his surgery. The ride home was long and emotional. The “what ifs” and “whys” and the sadness made for a difficult night.

The following day we waited to hear how things went. As expected, they said. But wait, we didn’t expect any of this! Gunner had come through his surgery and was waking up, as THEY expected he would. (oh, ok! Now what!!??)

This was all very routine to them, but to us it was NOT. We really had no idea what to think. This was all very new to us. It was our 1st time! Could we do this?  Could Gunner handle this? Could we? What would it be like? How would he walk, run, eat, play, potty…………! What were we going to do to help him deal with having a handicapped life, from now on? The questions and the doubt were endless!!

We made the trip to pick up him up. Preparing ourselves to do whatever we had to do to help him. After all, we love him so we’d do what we had to do, right!

Well! What we weren’t ready for was the new and improved “Gunner”! The joy and the happiness that had replaced the pain and the sadness! They had not just taken his leg, they had taken the pain and the problem away. It was gone.

Gunner was ready to GO! He let us know that it was time to get out of there. He wasn’t staying. He wanted to get on with life and the sooner the better. WOW!

He is amazing! Although I worry and nag him quite a bit………he’s not worried. He’s going to get through this and get back to his routine. Sometimes I think he’s actually laughing at me for the way I act. He doesn’t see the problem, its gone. It’s over and now it’s time to move on! Silly me, huh!

His eye’s thank me, over and over! Sure, he’s sore but then again not as sore as he was. This is temporary. This will heal and there will be no pain. Hopefully the meds help and with the pain and make it tolerable.

We’ll be ok. We’ll heal and we’ll go on! Gunner says so! He’s decided and that’s that I guess. There is no turning back now. It’s a new way of life and Gunner is going to live it to the fullest, that’s for sure! He’s good, and as for us……….we’ll adjust!

Gunner is loved! Thats what really matters!

Time heals all wounds! One day at a time!

~RUN GUNNER RUN~

Gunner is doing ok. He’s in pretty good spirits, considering what he’s been through.

His positive attitude is really making this easier to handle. He’s extra affectionate and he’s enjoying all of the attention. The treats aren’t bad either!

I decided to get some of those rubber floor mats that fit together like puzzle pieces for the tile floor. With the rain and snow it was a dangerous situation.  WOW, what a difference! I feel so much better with him going in & out. We can’t afford to slip right now. What a great investment. Twenty bucks was nothing compared to the relief it is giving me at the door! He’s safer and I’m much more calm, woo hoo!

Post Amp

Gunner had a really good day today! He even posed for some pictures.

His biggest complaint right now seems to be the confinement. Gunner likes to wander and he isn’t fond of being cooped up.  We are trying to pass the times with a bone to chew and some toys to play with but he is really not amused.  He wants out. He wants to be free.  Guess he’ll have to get use to the idea for a little while!

Everything must be tightening up. Gunner yelped out as he tried to get up this morning. He has an awful lot of staples. Still a week till those come out. Once he was up and stretched a few times, he went about his business without a problem. Morning meds should help some.

It snowed a couple inches during the night and I was so worried about him slipping on the deck. He did fine. It didn’t seem to phase him at all.  He’s very sure footed, considering the situation.

Another day, another pot of coffee!

We’re getting better everyday!

Paws up to all you!

Thanks so much for all the kind words and encouragement, it really does help.

Gunner settled in and made himself at Home!

For his first day back, he did very well and he had a pretty good night. He made a few extra trips out but I think he was more showing off than tending to business. He had to check everything out and make sure it was still there. He was so excited to be back home!

He ate well and enjoyed the extra attention. The meds seemed to slow him down some. Bedtime came early and he slept very well ( lucky for me, I was ready). I checked on him a few times during the night and he was OUT, comfy and snoring like old times!

This morning he was up and at em! Ready to get right out. He moved very well and didn’t seem to have any trouble. His balance actually seems better than before. Almost like he had been compensating for the bad leg and now he is free of the burden. Maybe it’s me, maybe I’m thinking too much about it. He seems to be ok with it, even relieved of the pain. He’s getting around so well, I really can’t believe it. He was more clumsy before actually. He seems “free-er” to go about his business and pain free, even. Might be the meds, huh!? He is a little loopy!

Well, I feel better than I thought I would. I didn’t know what to expect. I was worried about him adjusting and wondered if he would be able to cope with the loss. There really isn’t any choice, is there? It is what it is. He is going to go on, and he’s showing me that no matter what. Not much is going to slow Gunner down. He has really impressed me.

 The biggest concern I see so far is scratching at the incision with his hind leg. That may become a problem. I’m watching him and trying to keep him busy but he’s aware that it’s there. He has a shirt on to cover it but it still worries me. He has staples. Maybe I’ll put a sock on his foot, he wont like that much! We’ll see.

Over all, I’m shocked. Pleasantly, tho. He’s a tuff guy.  Day by day,  but our first day was A-OK! Let’s see how today goes………..

We are en-route to Cornell to pick up Gunner! It is about a 3 1/2 hour drive, each way. This is a great day but a long one, I’m sure. His progress so far is even better than expected so he is “good to go”!  He is looking forward to the long ride HOME! It’s true, there is no place like home!

I know he is ready to begin his new way of life, I just hope I am! I’m nervous about it. We tried to set everything up at home to make his arrival easier. Its hard to plan things ahead of time. I’m sure we will have to adjust as we go. The most important thing is that he’s coming home. We’ll go from there, one step at a time.

Ready or not…………..here we go!

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WOOF WOOF! Gunner was ready to go, BIG TIME! 

 We went over all of the details for his recovery, medication and care before Gunner was brought in to the room.

 I could hear him coming. It wasn’t his usual trot but I could tell it was him. Once the door opened and he saw it was us……OMG! He was thrilled!! He couldn’t get in the room fast enough. He wasn’t concerned with the pattern of his steps, he forged ahead with his Tech hanging on for dear life! His e-collar banging everything in site as he tried to get to us. He was sooo excited to see us.  Licked to pieces is an understatement. Gunner was going HOME and he knew it. Right then, right now!! He wanted outta there!

Sporting his fancy HUGE e-collar and covered with a cool-dude wife beater t-shirt & bandana…….he headed for the door! He knew the way out and he was going. His e-collar hit everything in sight but he didn’t care, he was going Home. He didn’t count his steps or how many were necessary he just headed for the car. It was all we could do to hang on to him. He was in & ready to go. Nothing fancy or “handi-capped” about his bull moose entry to the car, he wanted in!

He’s resting now. Right were he always layed. He’s soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the ride. He knows exactly where we are going.

As for me……..I’m better than OK! I was so nervous and upset heading in to this today. The moment I saw him I was ok. His face, his eyes, his smile and his big clumsy self barreling in to the room….thats all it took!

The incision isn’t pretty, it’s serious. It’s huge. It’s there and his leg is not. He doesn’t seem to mind. It sure didn’t slow him down any!! It didn’t bother me like I thought it would. We can do this. The T-shirt is a nice touch! It’s covers the site and looks good on him. The bandana is colorful and draws attention away. The e-collar is enormus and I’m quite sure he isn’t liking that part most of all!

So, Gunner is napping and on his way Home! The sun is shining and we are together. The rest is yet to come…….

Just got the morning update call from the Hospital. Much better report than last nights: Gunner wasn’t getting up as expected. They were concerned and said it may take extra work to get him up and an adjustment in the pain meds. This morning when the Tech came in Gunner was sitting up and stood when he saw her. She said he practically dragged her down the hall to get outside! WOW!  That’s more like it!

So today is a new day! A good day. Go Gunner! There is talk about him possibly coming home tomorrow. Today’s progress will determine if he is ready. My bet……he’s ready! Gunner is a home boy. He loves a ride or a road trip but “There’s no place like Home”! Home, he owns!

So we’ll keep our fingers crossed and our hopes high that Gunner will have a much better day today. Hopefully a few times up & out will help.

 We made it! Thats the best news so far! All went well and as expected.

Now for recovery. Time to wake up and face what lies ahead. We can do this!

Hi there, my name is Gunner.

This is my story. I haven’t had an easy life, that’s for sure. Times have been tough and I have had to go through some hard times in my short life. Its been a long road.

I won’t bore you with my puppyhood, it sucked. I can’t change it but I’m glad I got out of there, alive.  They gave me away.

Life improved! The new family loved me! I went to the Vet and got shots. I got a BATH!! I got brushed. It was awesome!! We played together, we walked together and we spent time together.  Finally, I had a “life”.

I tried to hide my limp but at times, it showed. My new owners made some calls to research my background. They discovered an ugly story. Long story short, I was hit by a car before I was one. My front leg was broken and I was pretty cut up. My people couldn’t afford a Vet and considered ending my life. I was left to heal on my own.  I learned to walk on the bad leg.

A sore developed on my paw. Maybe something bit or stung me, maybe it was from the inside, we weren’t sure. Off to the Vet we went. I got medicine and I got care! But the sore got worse and worse.

Today I’m at Cornell University’s Companion Animal Hospitol. I’m scheduled for surgery this afternoon. They are taking my leg. The Doctors say that it has to come off. Its not repairable. They say I will adjust and be better off without it. 

My new owners love me! They are getting the medical care that I need! They are taking care of me! I’m special. I can do this!  I will be glad that the pain is gone. Its been a long time.

So, that’s it!  The end of one story and the beginning of another. When I wake up, I won’t have a bad leg anymore. I’ll have three good legs.