- Wilson
I am writing this while waiting for a hurricane to come right through Vermont. Last week we had a minor earthquake. I did not notice the tremors because I was in the hospital on a morphine drip. The morning of the earthquake I had my right front leg amputated. What a week….what a month…what a summer! Let me tell you all about it.
First off, let me formally introduce myself. My name is Kirby Mountain’s Sir Wilson James. I like to be called Wilson. (Sometimes I am called Wilson James – I really pay attention to that name)
I am a intact male English Springer Spaniel. (some people say the “intact” part might have contibuted something to my recent adventures) I celebrated my one year birthday in July.
This was me on the day I joined my family:
I have always been a bit of a clown
I have a partner her name is Kirby Mountain’s Maggie Mae. (Maggie) She is two years older than me. She is also an English Springer Spanier. We are not related by blood, but, we both came from the same kennel. Together we are the foundation for Simpson Brook Springers. Our Pawrent Tim is a bird hunter. Our pawrent Karen is not. She likes to take us hiking and swimming. I like to hang out with both of them
This is me and Maggie getting to know each other.
Here is a more recent picture of us. This was taken hiking up Stratton Mountain – just a few weeks before I had my accident.
What Happened
On Sunday, July 31st, Maggie, Mom and I were going to hike Stratton again. We parked in the main parking area around 6:30 in the morning. It’s nice at that time, there are no cars around and we have the place to ourselves. The main parking area is actually an upper level parking area. There is also a lower level parking area. These two areas are separated by a 3 foot high wall (and a 15 foot drop). Let me tell you something about how I act sometimes. One of my nicknames is “Dominato”. I like to jump up on boulders…steps…benches…snow piles….anything to be the center of attention. I can’t remember how it happened and Mom was getting her backpack out of the car so she doesn’t know what happened. When she turned back around, Maggie was looking out over the dividing wall and Mom couldn’t see me. I had gone up and over the wall and fallen 15 feet to the concrete below. I guess I could have died. I didn’t…What I did do is break the lateral condyle of my humerus bone.
My local vet tried to keep it stable until I could get to see the orthpedic surgeon. I did not like this too much: On Thursday, Auguest 4th, I had an operation. The surgeon inserted a titanium screw and two pins in my leg. I was told to take it very easy and that in two months I should feel pretty good. Taking it easy is hard for me. Mom and Dad took really good care of me, but, I have the tendency to lunge forward. About 10 days ago, I broke the screw. When Mom took me back down to the vet I was told that I could have another surgery that would have a long recovery period and questionable outcome, or I could have my leg amputated. Mom and Dad chose the amputation. On Tuesday, August 23rd, I became a Tripawd. I came home on the 24th.
What it’s like now
I am recovering well. The first couple of days I would be sitting in my crate and look down at where my right leg used to be and then look over at my left and then back to my right. I would then look at one of my pawrents for an answer. They would just tell me that I am such a good boy and so handsome…so I didn’t worry about where my leg had gone.
I have been eating well and trying to get regular with “doing my business”. That still can be a little hard (if you know what I mean).
I hop down four steps to get outside and go around the perimeter of the yard. I hop back up. The other day I kicked around one of the peaches that had fallen to the ground. I don’t really like when I have to hang out in the crate. The best times are when Mom or Dad open up the futon couch out in the deck room and Maggie and I hang out there with them.
- Maggie and Me on the futon
What’s next?
I know I still have to take it easy for a bit. I also know there will be some lifestyle adjustments. Mom said she bought me a harness and life jacket so that I can still do some of the things that I used to do. I love hiking and swimming. If I do go bird hunting (which Mom doesn’t really approve of) it will be on flatter ground and maybe not really thick cover.
I am excited to go for a ride with Maggie again
I also want to go down to the brook
The start up time of the Simpson Brook Springers company ( that I am president of and Maggie is vice-president of ) is up in the air. Last spring Maggie and I were both ready to start the business. Mom and Dad thought it was too soon (we did not think much of that idea and we had to be separated. Being put in “time out” is not fun)
We were told that next time Maggie was ready we could start the “research and development” phase. That time is coming…I can tell. I know these things. However, now Mom and Dad said that the start up funds were diverted to my vet bills, so we might have to wait until spring.
I will be new to “this position” in the company, but, I think I can handle it. Any of my human friends who are males
have told me that I will find a way…
In the meantime, I am getting used to things. Mom does something she calls Integrative Psychotherapy”. She talks to people and also does something called CranioSacral Therapy. I am not sure what it’s all about, but, I do know she gives great massages and says really nice things to me. In the past, sometimes we would go to work with her. People were always happy to see me and sometimes I made them smile when they were sad. Maggie is really talented, she will lie down near a client’s injury. I just lick them. I think I might spend more time at Mom’s office. She thinks I might have a new job.
Speaking of Mom
I know Mom has had a really tough month. She has seemed so sad. Dad seems to be a bit less sad. I think Mom blames herself for a lot of this. I know she has been saying things like “If I had only done this” or “If I had only done that”.
Mom…this is for you….LET IT GO. It’s over. You are a good Mom. I love you unconditionally. You didn’t do anything wrong. I can be a goof ball. Learn how to handle this by watching me. I am moving forward. Sure, I still cry out once in awhile…but that’s part of my healing. If you did have any part in this….I forgive you…so knock it off. Give me a treat and tell me I’m a good boy.
Also Mom….look at some of the stories on the Tripawd website. We should be so grateful that we are dealing with just the amputation. So many other dogs and their pawrents have other things they are dealing with. We just have to deal with this.
This is my first time writing anything on the computer and posting it. I hope I did ok. The rain is really coming down here. We are supposed to get 10 inches today.
Thank you Tripawds community for allowing me to tell my story and for being there for my mom.
I will post again soon….
Wilson
p.s. Mom and I figuring out how to Blog might have been the most challenging obstacle yet
Hang in there Wilson – you have wonderful extended family support as do your pawrents! Loved reading your story – well done!
Welcome Wilson! You did a really good job on your very first blog! That fall sounded a bit scary, but obviously nothing a tough guy like you couldn’t handle! Listen, that fourth leg you were born with was just a spare anyway. All you really need is three! You’ll start doing everything you used to do just as well, you’ll see! And one more perk to being a tripawd: you will get soooooo much attention, love, belly rubs, ear scratches, and treats, even from people who meet you for the first time! Keep us updated on your adventures!!
Welcome Wilson! Thanks for sharing your story, and that sage advice about Letting Go! 🙂
Welcome Wilson! Yes, Mom should let it go 🙂 Being a tripawd is harder on the human than the dog, I think. My pawrents took it hard when I became one.
Good Job Wilson and Mom!
Cant wait to see you at the office.
Hi Wilson! I hope to hear more of your wit and wisdom soon. I also write a blog. Mine is thoughtful and erudite. I live with Evelyn, the Worst Roommate in the World, and she sometimes writes on my blog. Dog blogs are great, and I enjoyed reading yours!
Love, Dakota
You’re doing great Wilson and your Mom ain’t bad either. Just write to your heart’s content, it’s a great way to heal both inside and out. We’re glad you’re here.
Hey Wilson,
Nice first post, you are quite a talented guy. I know a couple of front amp tripawd boys who can balance and, ummm, do their business- so keep trying.
I like Maggies, my black tri-pug was named Maggie- officially Avoncliff’s Margaret. But we were not planning on going into business.
Now I have Tani (Maggie’s little sister) and Obie, both black pugs. No business there either!
Sounds like Wilson is doing great- keep up the good healing.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi Wilson and Mom. I miss you so much. Keep healing (both of you!) Great job on the blog. Beautifully written.
Love,
Auntie Patrice
I love your blog Wilson! Hang in there. 🙂 I can’t wait to see you again!
wilson and karen
you are 2 of the bravest guys i know
rock on !!!!
GREAT JOB WILSON!!!!This is going to work out well as your Uncle Denny and I are getting a bit aged and we dont hunt as fast as we used to. Tell your mother that it will be easier on the birds this way!