Fifteen Month Checkup - 7th March 2011

Hi everyone

I am just back from my fifteen month checkup for my fibrosarcoma - I had an Xray of my chest and the vets had a look in my eye, which keeps weeping and a good look at my mouth.

And the good news, I got the all clear. Next appointment in six months time for an ultrasound and more Xrays. This doesn't mean no vet visits - I am still trying to figure out my knee, which blew up a few weeks ago, leaving me temporarily a three legged dog. I am now back walking and building it up again at physio. So I'll still be seeing my physio and my orthopaedic vet. But at least there's no cancer.

Sadly, my radiation vet Dr Valerie is returning to her home town in Canada, so this was my last visit with her. Farewell Dr Valerie - mum, dad, Misty and me all agree we could never have done it without you. While we're sad you're going, we think its great you'll be closer to your family. We hope we'll get to see you again some time.

Love Gromit

Happy New Year

Here we are in 2011 already.

Misty and I had a quiet Christmas - it rained and rained and rained. The farm flooded and we didn't get outside much. So now Mum has us all on a diet because we've all eaten too much over Christmas. I am still doing physio for my leg, but other than that I'm well.

Last Friday night, I had a trip to the Emergency Vet. Well, I thought it was me going. Turns out it was Misty, who'd managed in that labrador cross puppy way, to break the antcapping on the corner of the house and slice her own foot off. Well, not all the way off, but it was pretty bad. Bad enough to go to hospital overnight and go to theatre.

This time last year, I had the bucket-head, anti-biotics and pain-killers. This year, same bucket, same anti-biotics and pain-killers. Different Dog. Of course, I could give Misty some hints on getting through doors and turning around. Or maybe I'll just have a giggle when she gets herself stuck.

Happy New Year all. 2011 was going to be the year of "no vet", but day 7 of the new year and we blew it. I guess mum and dad won't be giving up work any time soon.

Check Up - 6th December 2010

A big check-up. Today I had an xray of my chest to look for cancer, a poke and prod of all my lumps and bumps (also looking for cancer) and an xray of my leg to make sure the bone is healing.

And guess what???

It's all good. I am continuing with my rehab on the leg, but I can now go into the yard and up and down the stairs under supervision. My cancer checks all came back clear. Other than physio and water treadmill, I'd don't have to go the vet for a whole three months.

Yippee.

Now I just need to sleep off the anaesthetic.

One Year Later ...

It's hard to believe, but I just realised it's been a whole year since Mum and Dad found that yucky tumour in my mouth. I'm glad they found it cause I feel much better now it's fixed (if only they could do something about the puppy!)

Hervey Bay Holidays

October is holiday time at our place and we're just back from the fabulous Hervey Bay. Now, there was lots of discussions as to whether or not we could go this year because of the cruciate repair. Worst case scenario - a sore leg while we were away.

Mum and Dad decided to take the crate, and me and go anyway. Lindsey, my fabulous physio, said no beach or loose sand but keep up my walking and stretching exercises. So, off we went. Our holiday house was great - the crate was set up inside the lounge next to the TV, and there was an undercover area off the living area. And across the lane and down a bit was the cat rescue lady from the local rehoming centre - Hervey Bay Pet Warriors. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to visit the cat enclosure.

We had a routine while we were away - each morning Mum and Misty walked over to Aunty Allison's house, where Sienna the doberman lives for a play date. Dad and I stayed home, watched TV and ate Coco-Pops. Then we hung round till 4pm (and laid in the sun), when the off lead beach opened. Misty went for a walk and paddle while I stayed home, then Mum and Dad walked me over to see the beach. After five days of following this punishing schedule, Misty started to falter. And we thought a not-quite two year old labrador cross was unbreakable.

Our first day home, Misty still hasn't woken up properly, I haven't stopped smiling and Mum and Dad are checking their 2011 diaries to book for next year - a great holiday had by all.

Happy Birthday to Me - 10 Years Young

Happy Birthday to Me....

Its my birthday, and I'm ten (in dog years), about seventy in human years. No wonder I sometimes feel a bit old.

Even though I'm stuck in the garage I'm still having a great day. I went to physio this morning, then dropped in at the local vet and saw Jacque and Jacqui who gave me lots of pats and little bits of lamb puff. Unfortunately we were too early to see Trish, but later in the day she sent me a lovely email, which made my tail wag. Everyone says I am walking fabulously, and they can't believe I'm only three and a half weeks post-op.

Its been raining today - torrential at times - a good day for a cuddle up in the crate. For dinner tonight Mum made bacon and egg burgers (Grandma and Grandpa McDonald had a snack bar when Mum was little, and Mum makes a pretty good burger), and then we had cake. Rich gooey chocolate cake. Yum. Mum did try for a photo, but really, can't I eat my cake in peace. (Yes I can because I kept running away from the camera)

Of course, now my belly's full and I'm feeling a bit sleepy. Might just go and have a nap.

Crate Wars

At Chez Gromit we are currently undertaking a battle which shall be known as Crate Wars. You see, the crate only comes out when someone isn't well, and right now that's me. Although I'm not sick, I'm just recovering from my knee surgery. My crate, bought for my 2007 surgery and decorated with my special moon and stars doona cover, is in the garage on a non-slip mat until I'm allowed on the stairs.

I'm doing really well with my knee - walking and happy without any pain relief. I've just started physio and four times a day I get to go for a 5 minute lead walk, and do my bending and stretching exercises. I love getting out and about - there's only one problem - every time I get out of the crate, someone else gets in.

It seems Misty is a lover of all things crate, and despite the fact we don't both fit comfortably, she keeps hopping in with me. Sometimes I let her, and sometimes I bark and bark until Mum or Dad comes running.

Last night, we had a really big storm. I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm a bit scared of storms and I had to get Dad, then Mum to sit with me until I stopped shaking. And you know where Misty was? Fast asleep in MY crate.

The Great Crate War of 2010. Let the battle begin...