Harrison Takes His First Swim of 2011

We have had such a fantastic spring and summer with Harrison, going around doing all the things we used to do, but for the first time in his new condition. Going to the park, playing fetch, but especially going swimming! Each old new event is a milestone that reaffirms our decision to have his life-saving surgery last year. If there was ever any doubt, all you have to do is look at his face and see how happy he is to be alive! (The picture at the top of this blog is from the day we brought him home from the surgery.)

In June, we got to take him swimming for the first time in his new life jacket! He was so excited on the way over to Casey's dock the first time. As I set him down on the dock and got ready to lower him in the water, he gave me a look that said, "You mean, I get to do this again, too??" We were hopeful that being in the water would trigger some movement in his hind legs or his tail. Though the hind legs did not repsond, we got very excited once when his tail went straight up in the air until we realized...he was pooping!! He had a fantastic time swimming and fetching the ball. A family of ducks even came by to say hello. I wondered if the new momma duck was the same duck that came to play with Harrison last year. (She swam back and forth, closer and closer to the dock until Harrison got in the water and followed her. Too cute!)

Stay tuned for the next post: Harrison's Travels :)

How is Harrison doing?

Hi everyone,

I have been meaning to get back to blogging about Harrison, but we've both been so busy since the new year!

So, how is Harrison doing?

He is doing really great! I mean, he still can't use his hind legs at all, but he's the same dog that he was before the surgery. He's healthy, happy, and not on any medication. Best of all, he's in no pain and his condition is not getting any worse.

He still loves to do the same things: chase the cat (the cat actually runs away slowly now!), growl and bark at dogs from our balcony window, take his 'babies' into the living room to his bed, and of course, play fetch with his orange ball at the park or on the Beltline. He loves his wheels and going outside, so we try to make sure he gets to do that as much as possible.

Truth be told, things are pretty much back to normal as far as his daily routine and life goes. We call it "The New Normal." The only thing that has really changed is that we have to do his 'business' inside instead of out. He isn't able to go by himself so we have to press on his belly to make him pee, but he does seem to have an awareness and will actually pull himself over to the spot where we do that and just stare at us if he has to go. He doesn't usually have accidents in the house as long as we are paying attention to his schedule.

It's surprising how easy it is now that we are used to it. I am certainly glad that we went ahead with the surgery because he's still alive and well. It makes me so happy to think that he probably has at least another five years of his life to enjoy, having fun running around in his wheels. All we need now is a life jacket for him so we can go swimming with him this summer! I can't wait!

Thanks to all of you who gave us support throughout this experience. It means a lot to us! We'll keep posting stuff about our life with our Beagle on wheels!