Buddy went back to the dog park for the first time a week ago… or the weekend before this past weekend. I took some video with my phone to share with you all. I’ve finally put it up on youtube to show you Buddy happily hopping around the dog park.
We went again this past weekend – with all the other pups in our doggy family. Buddy again enjoyed himself. But he really tires very easily and lies down. I’ve tried to encourage him to walk / hop around. But I don’t want to push him too much. It’s really hard to tell how much he can take.
I let him lie down then call him to come with me to walk a little. Then let him rest and again walk around. But he seemed really exhausted this past weekend on Sunday. I’ve always taken the dogs to the park for an hour a day when I’m home (usually 3 days a week – now just 2 days a week). When we were all younger we’d do laps around the lake at a fast clip. In recent years the little dogs can’t keep up that pace and I’ve started sitting more myself.
Buddy has to work so hard to move around now. It seems that it takes more effort for him to just go 100 yards as it used to take for him to run around the lake. How much should I be asking him to do?
Sweet Buddy! You are looking very fine my man!
Yes, being a tripawd, especially in the summer, is extremely exhausting! Many of us found with larger older dogs, that they gladly traded shorter walks for more tummy rubs, more hugs and m ore ear scratches!
As you already know, it’s about core strength, muscle building and adjusting, rather than length of walks. Buddy’s muscles are probably a little bit sore still has he continues to redistribute his weight, etc. Gentle massaging and stretching before and after walks may help.
And this is just my unprofessional opinion, but as long as Buddy is walking some and he prefers to lay down more and watch the activities, that’s okay. If he’s resting, it’s because he feels he needs to.
Buddy is just the sweetest soul! You see it.in his videos! Most imlortantly, you see how very happy and joyful he is and that’s what it’s all about!!!
And the photo bomb is priceless!!!
Thanks for the update! Buddy is very special to us!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Buddy looks great.!
Being tired for our Tripawds in the summer is a definite.for some of the dogs it just takes longer, and I agree with Sally if he needs to rest that’s ok. He’ll give you the clues to what he needs and doesn’t.
I also think we want the “normal” that was presurgery. The new “normal” is walks are usually shorter, heat gets to us quicker, and things can get sore like in our backs and legs with our weight being distributed differently now.
So as Mom and Dads we learn to rethink things for our Tripawds, but that’s ok and good. We now have a little different “normal” but it’s good because we are here and happy.
Esther and her Angel Snoop
Thanks Sally and Esther for always giving me good advise and encouragement. And Buddy thanks you too. Everyone here has been such a wonderful help in this whole thing. I will definitely give Buddy stretching and massages at the park to make him happy and help his muscles. And if he feels up to it maybe some walking/hopping.
God knows at my age I also need a lot of stretching to get my legs to work for me!
He loves to go greet all the people and get pets from them. His favorite is the kids. He’ll stand, or sit, or lie down with them as long as they pet him. Then if they stop he bumps their hand with his nose!