Red is on a strict rest protocol – no running, jumping, herding, therapy work. This afternoon, we go back to the vet to see how Red is doing (he was paralyzed a week ago Sunday from the waist down, we think it’s a fractured spine).
I ran Red by mistake Saturday, he was in pain afterwards, s setback. This being America in 2o18, a number of people were eager to point out how stupid and reckless I was. No wonder nobody wants to admit mistakes. I can’t get away with that, I make too many.
He has rebounded, he is eating well, moving easily, alert. He is still very hesitant on any incline, so I don’t think the pain is completely gone.
He is a far cry from a week ago, when he was dragging his hind legs through the mud to get to the sheep.
Red is a stoic, you don’t always know. I got about 500 ideas for treating Red over the last week, most from people who know I don’t seek unwanted advice, but plunge in any way. Thanks for the thought.
But no thanks, really. Red’s treatment was some X-rays, a bottle of anti-inflammatory medication, and starting today, four acupuncture sessions. So far, we’ve spent about $550 on his treatments.
He is doing well.
I believe border collies need to work if it is at all possible.
Work is not amusement for them, it is the point o their existence. To keep Red locked up in the house and immobile while we go out to feed the sheep each morning would be a sharp blow to him, and to his canine sense of self and pride.
I’ve seen border collies deflate rapidly in that state, and decline.
So here’s what I am doing. I walk him outside to the pasture gate (above) and then let him in to walk up towards the sheep (video) and keep the sheep and Maria apart while she brings the hay out so she doesn’t get banged into or trampled.
We have loving animals, but they can get excited around feeding time, they rush towards the hay, and they are big enough to hurt somebody or force a fall. Maria is thin.
Red’s presence keeps order.
He doesn’t do out runs, or run, get close to the sheep, he just sits and is a part of the morning chore routine. He’s happy to walk in, happy to walk out, satisfied that he did some work.
Dogs like this have pride, they do have their own version of egos, and I believe this is a healthy as medication for Red, it gives him a sense of having something to do, of being useful, I believe this “work” helps him heal, no mater what anybody else says.
is my belief Red will be working with sheep in two or three weeks, if not sooner, at least on a limited basis. And I believe this will help him to get health and prolong his life.
Dr. Fariello, our vet, agrees. We’ll know more this afternoon, and I will share the news with you.
Sometimes, you have to follow your own instincts. Come and see for yourself.
Nothing to say on this but to say..”you are the man”..and Red is very lucky..
Not too much different from most people, especially men —- who wants to just retire and do nothing and feel almost useless? Far better to have SOMETHING to do and feel useful, even if on a limited basis. Good on you!!!
I just wanted to be another positive voice of support for your journey in life. I admire your sharing, especially of mistakes; and knowing that there are people who will want to “help” particularly if you knowingly make a mistake. Your desire to make Red’s life as meaningful and good for him, as much as a person can attempt to do, deserves to be recognized and celebrated.
How wonderful to see him truly ready and enthusiastic to follow tour commands. As you say, it is very obvious he thrives on following your requests ans doing his job. It is an amazing difference from last week. So hapoy dor all of you!
I agree with Pam, that when we retire, we still want to contribute and feel useful. This journey with Red could be a Universal metaphor for all of us, I think. When we get older, and can no longer do what we used to do, we need to find other ways to contribute and feel useful. To just exist is not enough. I see that in Red, and see it in you, Jon. You have given words to what many of us are experiencing. Grateful to you, as always.
I am so sorry to read about Red. It breaks my heart for you and him. I know retirement for him is the right thing. I was also saddened to read that you would not have another border to herd the seep. Your love of border collies was the main reason I started reading your books and blog. I will, of course , continue to do both but it won’t be the same. This cannot be an easy time for you as you navigate the new normal for you and Red. I hope you and he are able to ease into it easily.
I am sorry Red won’t be able to herd the sheep anymore but, at least he can go out there and just sit and keep them from crowding you or Maria when your putting hey out for them. Like you said he can still do his therpy work at the manison. Don’t beat your self up for the mistake you made. Everyone makes mistakes . At least you admit it. Red is a special dog and he’s lucky to have you and Maria care so much about him.