Look at the smile on my boys’ face. We spent 11 hours in the car doing a rescue transport. Cheeto was so happy to get out of the house (and the crate). Had his head out the window, shared my breakfast and lunch and just overall did great! I am easing up a little letting him go potty without a leash but he still has to be crated inside because he is a big bundle of energy and soes not understand he needs to take it easy.

Spring has sprung and Cheeto is going nuts with spring fever. Have to bribe him back in the crate every time. I try to let him out in the living room but he goes crazy, jumping on the couch, front door. He has almost destroyed the “indestructible” toy I got him. One more week until stitches come out and I can breathe! He is limping on the remaining front leg. I am not real clear about the ice pack. Where would I put it and for how long? Would massaging the leg help?

We had our first spill tonight. Out for last walk of the night and he turned to get love from me and went down on his wound. He shrieked. I still have a knot in my tummy. No apparent damage but man it scared mommy!

I write a column about animal welfare. Here is a little background on how I came to be Cheeto’s guardian: http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-albany-ga/cheeto-gets-a-second-chance-at-life?cid=db_articles

Today is day4 post-up. Cheeto is feeling GREAT for which I am so grateful. The downside is he is not happy with being walked only to potty and then relegated back to the crate. I am going to shut everyone else out of the living room after our next walk and give him some free time with no one tempting him to tussle. My main question is walking; should I start venturing a little father every day or should I keep it to potty only until stitches are out. I need to figure out a way to burn up some of his energy. I did get a “wake-up” last night when we bumped into each other coming through the door and he shrieked in pain. That said his new favorite thing is to jump on me (I did not allow him to do so before) and give me kisses. I know I am encouraging bad behavior but I figure for a little while I can let him slide:-) And his tail never stops wagging when we are out of the crate!

So my only concern today was that we had gone #2. Gave my boy a little canned pumpkin and about thirty minutes later, success! The seroma also appears to be gone. He is panting a little heavy but guessing that is either pain or meds or both. So far so good!

Mom says I need to slow down but I am ready to go explore. I do wish she wouldn’t watch when I do my business.

Cheeto slept through the night. he is doing great. The only issue we are having is when he lifts his leg to pee. Not so good for a three-legged dog. He is going to have to learn to pee like a girl.

My happy boy is home. Went crazy when he saw me, practically drug me to the car, and only one short nap during the 3 hr ride home. Just had his pain pill in a hamburger and is in his new crate wanting out! I am amazed at his ability to bounce back. I would probably be lying in a bed crying for pain meds! I am thinking my biggest problem is going to be keeping him still. Thanks for all the positive thoughts. I am glad I have you all here. I feel like I have a security blanket.

Mom just got off the phone with Dr. Dennard and I am doing fine. He said as long as she promises to keep me still(guess they have figured out already how active I am) I can be picked up at two so mom is getting ready to head out to Macon! She will update when we get home and get settled!