I’ve taken a lot of photos and videos of Red moving on four legs, so I thought I would take one of Red on three. We don’t really know why Red is limping on one leg – X-rays and physical showed nothing. We did pretty much rule out tendon or ligament damage. It’s something in the paw or pad.

Could be a hairline fracture, a stone bruise, soft tissue damage, I don’t really know and I’m not sure it matters. I am holding off on more tests until Red has a chance to heal. He was in a lot of discomfort yesterday – panting, signs of anxiety, but today he seems himself, alert, focused, energetic, eating well, sleeping easily, hanging by my side.

The vet is ready for a battery of tests if he is still limping in a day or so, but I am  holding off on that, as I would for myself. I want to see if Red heals, as border collies often do. I don’t want to rush into tests and pills, panic or activity for its own sake. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong with Red’s leg and the vet doesn’t either, so I will take my cues from him. If it persists or worsens, I’ll consider the next step. I’m taking him for short walks, but no running or working, of course.

I’ve lived with border collies for 15 years and Rose often came up limping for a day or two, and then got better. So I’m going to give that a chance, that’s why my instincts tell me. And I will follow them.

Come and see Red on three legs. And thanks, but I am not in need of medical advice for Red, but I do much appreciate how much people care about him. I do. It is a wonderful thing to see.