Milestone: Ivy walked 2 miles today

We had a nice 50 something degree day here today, so we got out just before lunch to try a 2 mile walk with Ivy at Oak Grove Lake Park. This is one of our very favorite places to walk as it is a 2 mile unpaved loop around a small, man made lake. On warmer days, she can swim there. She did most of the walk unleashed, and at a steady pace, occasionally trotting. I think she would run, but she just did not see anything to run after. We had been walking her about a mile and a half a few days a week. But, the goal has been to get her back to where she was pre surgery, so I am happy to report that she seems to have made it. She will be 6 months post second TPLO in about a week. We have been back a couple of hours now, and she shows no signs of limping or stiffness. She seems to be hungry, but of course, she is a Lab!

Ivy is sitting normally

This might not seem like a big deal, but I noticed when Ivy went out into the yard to do her business, she sat down for a couple of minutes, just to sniff the air, I suppose. But, she was sitting like a normal dog! Both back legs tucked in! Not one or the other stretched out towards the front. This was really a first. We are now about 5 months post op from TPLO # 2.

Ivy does Key West

We took Ivy into Key West for an afternoon outing. She did great on the leash in crowds of people! We were careful not to overextend her walking, so we stopped at a few places for her to rest. She visited the Southern Most Point in the continental US, a couple of bars, and Dog Beach. When we returned back to our rental house, she lounged by the pool, had dinner, and turned in early for bed. There were no after effects the next day, no stiffness and no difficulty getting up. We are very excited by her progress at this point. She is having a picture perfect recovery.

What a difference a year makes.......one year ago today.....

A year ago today, Ivy had her first TPLO. We are quietly celebrating in the Florida Keys. Ivy had a morning swim down the street at a marina and then spent the afternoon lounging by the pool. What a difference a year makes!!

Ivy in the Keys

Ivy is currently rehabbing in the Florida Keys. We thought the change in climate would do us all some good. We are in a vacation rental for the month of February, about 16 miles from Key West, on Cudjoe Key. The house is in a residential neighborhood, so Ivy's walks will be increasing to 3 walks for 30 minutes, plus perhaps one longer hike every other day as we explore the Keys. Key West is very dog friendly, so I am sure that Ivy will be spending some time there as well. Wasting away in Margaritaville....