Maddie's Day Out!

 

It wasn't just because she was jealous of Ellie's day out a couple of weeks ago, Maddie needed to be looked at again by a vet. We wanted a good exam, not just a quick look. She's getting older and we worry about how she has trouble getting up sometimes and how she's getting 'lumpy'. 

We went to a vet in Lincoln after getting quite a few recommendations from our neighbors. They still have Covid restrictions for their office and don't let us back during the exam, but the doctor came out and explained everything, took his time and answered all our questions. He gave us two medications for Maddie as he believes her pain issues come from her spine and age. He answered all our questions as to what the meds were for and why it was okay for her to have them daily. As for the lumpiness, he said it's a common problem and if they seem to grow quickly to call him, but it's would be a lot of pain for the dog if they were to remove them without knowing if they were cancerous. So, we will continue to monitor them. They don't seem to bother her. 

We told him we monitored her activity; shortened walks, no more ball chasing and limiting jumping, since it seemed to make things worse, and he said, with the meds she should be able to do more. He said if she wants to do it, let her. I have to say, that since she's taken the meds she's been so happy and bouncy! I wish the dogs could tell us more when they are in pain or uncomfortable. She rarely whines when having trouble getting up, so I didn't know she was hurting like she was. The only indication of pain, I think, is when she's more grouchy with the other dogs. 

We felt good about this doctor right away, so off to the dog park we went! Of course, we weren't going to over do it, but she hadn't been to the park for a really long time.

While walking from the car to the gated dog park, she found a ball that was graciously left by another park goer and Maddie just assumed it was a gift from heaven! 

She carried it around the whole time we were in the park and was given several throws to chase it and retrieve it, only to drop the gooey thing at our feet and the feet of all the other people in the park, hoping for another throw.

A quick stop at Petsmart to indulge the Lab with a new toy was next on the list of course. She was quite happy wandering around the store, sniffing everything with a happy wag. She would have been happy with anything, of course, but this avocado toy seemed to be the winner!

A bit of cream to finish off the day. She only got a few delicious licks, though. It was hot and didn't want to upset the tummy for the ride home.

She was such a happy, tired Labbie! She hadn't had a day out in such a long time! And I'm happy to say that the meds have been helping. She's been happy and more bouncy! She's getting wise about what we hide the pills in, though, so we have to stay creative!