The Flash is bouncing around the yard like a young pup again! He is running almost as fast as before his injuries (blown ACLs in both back knees), and he is jumping on the bed, chasing toys and Sammie. It was nice while it lasted Sammie, but you are no longer the alpha dog in this family!  We are going to begin training again, this time for the Cirque Dog Soleil!

It seems the second ACL operation has been just as successful as the first. Although the Flasher is not yet jumping up on furniture, he has occasionally put his front feet up on my knees. He is also starting to play again with Sammie, chasing after toys – and running down the hill to bark at that which exists only in a doggie mind. He still loves to be right at our feet, and readily follows whomever is moving. He simply does not want to miss a thing. Gotta love that Flash Boy!

Dad

Flash went in yesterday for his fourth and final laser treatment.  Debbie took him to the veterinary office yesterday, and Flash had 4 female technicians around him, just admiring him and doling over him.  With this ACL repair operation, we were advised by the vet that it is “normal” for a dog to walk on 3 legs for about a week, then spend another week touching the ground with the affected leg, then finally – after about 2 weeks putting weight on it. It is expected the dog will be walking normally in about 6 weeks.  That is what we were told to expect.

Well, Flash has his own ideas about ACL recovery.  With his first operation, he was putting weight on the affected leg within 48 hours, and was walking normally within a week. With this second operation, he’s taking it a bit slower. He is gradually using the leg more each day, but still carries it high when he’s moving a bit quicker.  I guess that’s what I have noticed so far.  If he is just walking slowly, he will use the affected leg. If he wants to move more quickly, he will raise it up, and run 3-legged style.  Unless Sammie is barking at something… then its: “Forget the pain – I’m going all out to get there!” and he runs like he never had the operation.  He’s only done that once, as he got out of the house before we got the leash on him.  We are more careful now.

Frank

Today, Flash had his left ACL repaired (actually, more like replaced). He came through it just fine. Well, he’s still pretty groggy and doped up on doggie pain killers.  But the good Doctor Beene says he’ll be back to normal pretty soon.  We’ll go through a couple of weeks of carrying him outside to do his chores, keeping him in his kennel the rest of the time.  If his first operation and recovery is any indication, I expect him to be walking well by next weekend, running by the end of the month, and jumping by sometime in October.

Frank

Well, the Flash has recovered very well from the ACL surgery on his right leg. We’ve had to postpone his second surgery due to a bout with the doggie runs. I believe we’ve got that cleared up now, so he’ll be going back on Friday to have his left ACL repaired.  If his recent behavior is any indication, he’ll be jumping over the fence in a few months. Yes, he’s been so excited a couple of times he has actually jumped, and he’s beginning to jump up in our laps when we sit in  a chair.

Meanwhile, Sammie has come back to life since Flash has been laid up. She perceives that she is now the Alpha dog, running and playing while Flash just lays around and watches. If he recovers from his second surgery as well as he did for the first one, he will be running and jumping by Thanksgiving.

We’ll update soon after the surgery!

Frank

After xrays and a visit to the vet, it was determined that both of Flash’s knees will need surgery to fix his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). If we do nothing, Flash will face pain and arthritis in his back legs for the rest of his life. With the surgery, he will be 90% back to normal, with a much quieter lifestyle. Dr. Logan Beene will be doing the surgery on Thursday, 6/3/10 and we have full confidence in his decisions. His common sense philosophy of veterinary medicine has earned our respect and trust. We love Flash so much and he has brought us love in return. We know that recovery will be very time consuming and the surgery will cost a whole lot.

Flash is such a good boy, especially with the three grandsons. They can climb all over him and pull on his tail, ears and feet and he remains calm. Frank calls Flash his “love sponge” because he will soak up all the attention you give him.

Flash loves to play with the boys in the water!!!

Flash loves to go wherever we wander!

As we all know, everything Flash does, he does with terrier gusto, going all out! His energy level is very high for a guy of his age. Yesterday, he and Sammie were chasing each other around the yard and he “yelped” and stopped all activity. His leg was hurting. The poor guy could hardly walk! We pampered him all day yesterday (Friday) and this morning we took him to the vet. Flash has torn ligaments in both doggie knees and will need surgery to correct the injury so he can walk without pain.

What a blow! Our Flasher boy has to be confined to kennel.  He is so used to running full steam into every situation and now we must keep him still. Flash is on pain meds. We take Flash to the vet clinic Tuesday morning for xrays and then see the Dr. Beane in the afternoon to hear what he has to say.

We love Flash so much! He is a very good boy. We’re going to do everything we can to get him back to normal.

Flash is so good with the kids.

“TOO HOT TO HOOT”  What an understatement! Yesterday, our little outdoor thermometer on the north (shady) side of the house registered a record high of 111.9!!!  OMG! I was speechless when Frank told me how hot it got. I have to water the potted plants every single morning now. And speaking of mornings, that is the best time for being outside. I love to sit on the back patio and enjoy the cool breeze and watch the birds and dogs.

Frank’s got me going to the gym again. I’m glad. It’s a new facility and very nice. Most of the equipment is new and the treadmills have televisions built in so I can watch “Food Network” while I burn fat!

Janice did something monumental today, SHE TOOK THE DAY OFF!  She’s worked at RABC for almost 8 years and I believe this is the first time she’s taken a day off to enjoy being with her family. Heidi came in from NC with grandson Ben and they are going to Cameron Park Zoo today! Way to go Janice!

Grandson James will be turning 4 on Sunday and he’s growing so fast that it won’t been too long and he’ll be 14!! (just kidding, Jen). I hope James and his brothers (and parents too) have a fun-filled time at Great Wolf Lodge.  I know David has been working hard at Cedar Park Middle School and we thought this mini-vacation would be a good thing for James and the whole family! Take lots of photos Jen!

Rhapsody in Juneau

Radiance of the Seas in Hoonah, AK, July 2008

I’m so excited for Michele & Jay and Grant, going to Seattle on Thursday to embark on their first Alaska Cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas! I know you will love it!!!  I pray your packing and travels are smooth. Frank and I loved Alaska and yes, WE HAVE CRUISE ENVY!!

That’s all the ramblings for today.  Debbie