One paw forwards …

I have to confess that, whilst things are going well with my new hip, it isn’t all plain sailing! I am relatively pain free most of the time, although I do find that I can’t sit on my right side at the moment which is a bit frustrating because I like to vary the way that I sit. Laying down is also a bit of an issue, but I am generally pretty comfortable. When I go outside, I have to be supported with a sling which can be a bit frustrating because he doesn’t move as fast as I would like. That said, I am not really supposed to be doing anything very quickly, so I suppose he’s trying to do the right thing. In a note from my personal surgeon, Bonito de la Puerta, Alex and Richard are instructed that I am not allowed to run, not allowed to jump, not allowed to use stairs or steps, not even allowed to play games! It is all a bit frustrating. Mind you, that isn’t the worst of it – this flamin’ lamp shade around my neck is the worst thing – I can’t lick my wound (which apparently is what it is there for!), I can’t pick things up (I haven’t had a taste of remote control or glasses for ages!) and it irritates me because it rubs on my bald leg when I try to get to the wound to lick it!

Now, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before (I think I may have mentioned it in passing) but he’s not very bright – the aerial doesn’t pick up all the channels, if you get my gist. I mean, does he not understand the anatomy of a dog? I am a male dog! When I need a wee, that sling gets in the way! It took him two tries before he realised that I need the sling removed so that I can go for a wee! Fortunately, it washes well and can be dried in the tumble drier. Actually, talking of him, he’s moaning again – just for a change. You see, he is saying that we’re taking one step forwards and three backwards on some issues. Mind you, that just shows the caliber of person I am having to deal with … the saying is ‘one paw forwards and two paws backwards’. Honestly, my loyal fans will know that I am incredibly patient with the challenges I face with him. Anyway, back to what I was saying … ah yes, one paw forwards … you see the problem is not with my new hip, it is with me. (I know, can you believe it!) He is moaning that I have become very anxious again.

You see, he is already sleeping downstairs with me because I can’t go upstairs but – and I have to admit that this is true – I really don’t like him leaving the room. If he leaves the room, even for a few seconds, I am doing a lot of barking! And when I say a lot, I am even surprising myself. If he leaves the room, even to go to the loo, I bark at the top of my voice. And I just keep right on barking until he is back in the room with me. He thinks it is probably just because I’m a bit sensitive at the moment and insecure. Sensitive? Sensitive, my paw! The last time he left me I had my leg sliced open, part of my bone chopped off a new mechanical hip installed (I won’t explain that process) and my bum shaved! And he calls me sensitive?!

I have had so many lovely messages, cards and good luck wishes, it has been lovely. Last night my friends Zena and Simon came to see me. Well, Simon and him went out to some meeting or other and I spent some quality time with Zena and Richard. It was really nice to see Zena, but I had to try not to get too excited because I would jump up and I am not allowed to do that. I was very good, but Zena did have to spend the evening sitting on the floor with me so that I didn’t try and jump up. They left the telly on because I find that quite calming and I did have one of my toys that I like too. It was all OK though but I would have preferred to have been able to jump around like I usually do!

Talking of jumping up, my exercise routine has been somewhat interrupted. You see, I was walking between four and six miles a day before my operation. Now I am only allowed three 5 minute walks a day which is ridiculous! I can’t get anywhere and back in 5 minutes, so I am having to stick to the garden which isn’t much fun because the bits I like best are up the steps! (And he wonders why I don’t look very happy!) I have had a look on Doogle and it appears that it will be at least 12 weeks before I am fully back to normal, but hopefully when I have had my stitches out I will get rid of this flamin’ cone and things will begin improving. A quick note on the kitchen – yes, the builders are still here – it is nearly done though and then it will be just the decorating that needs doing. I have no idea when that will be, but obviously there’ll be more dust, so that’ll be fun! I have decided that the best thing I can do for now, since I can’t go out, is push out a lot of ????s. Not much more to say at the moment. Just need to push out a lot more ????s so, for now,  must paws … ????