I love Jazz! She was too cute at the park yesterday but also did very good! Growls but just to inform the socially inept pups. It is an honor to be in Jazz's presence.
While my ankle did not handle the 5k that well this past Saturday, Jazz did beautifully. We wandered around in the beginning for her to get comfortable. Of course, lots of people wanted to pet her and she gave her consent. I took a shot of the race/walk beginning and then got in line to cross. The race benefitted the church that I go to - basically building a playground. We had 200 show up and raised almost $4000 toward the goal. I do not walk very fast (at all) due to arthritis and the need to have knee replacement surgery on both knees. Jazz didn't pull at all - even on the hills - and was having the time of her life. Here's a few shots:
Well the ankle is not as swollen this morning - I'm thinking I may only need to use my cane instead of the blasted crutches (that I hate!!!!). I was able to stand without help and once meds kick in this morning - I think most of the pain will be gone.
Harlow - thanks - I got her harness personalized for when she becomes therapy certified. I still crack up at the number of people that ask me her name (while they are petting her). One good thing about the injury is it means that I had to get out my wheelchair, walker, crutches, and cane (I've had to use all of them at some point in my life - some due to injuries, some to illness, and others to the arthritis). Part of the therapy test involves Jazz being approached by each of these. On Saturday when I used the wheelchair, she was puzzled, but came up and sat beside me. She's not as fond of the walker, but seemed okay with the crutches - I'll find out how she feels about the cane soon.
RA is a pain (literally!). I have several family members with arthritis and we try to just deal with it and go on. I was diagnosed at 15, but I chose to ignore and work through the pain. 20 years later, it makes me wonder if that was such a smart move. It took a lot of injuries and therapy to give up sports, which lessened some of the pain, but then because I wasn't working out like I had been, I gained weight -which is just as bad for the joints. I have fought with doctors about pain meds for years. As long as I can deal through the pain, I don't want to take them. Lately, that's been getting a lot harder to do. I know to take my meds before a major event and after, but still live as much of my life as I can without the meds. At some point, I will have to give in - my eldest brother made it until 42 before he started taking meds full-time.
I'm really proud of her for doing so well. I'm going to be working more with her while I'm using the contraptions - like walks and what not. I will then transition to one of my nieces and nephews sitting/walking with them and I'll have her on leash and we'll walk up to them. This gives me more encouragement that she has the right stuff for the therapy dog certification.
She had been running around for about 20 minutes before I thought to get out the camera to video. I'll try to get some when we first start and she's racing about.
I furminated thursday and removed enough fur for a puppy. We just got back from the park and Jazz did pretty well - she ran around for a few moments and then held court. She followed after a beautiful red/brown husky (he had long hair) for a fair amount of time.
She acts all reserved when others are around, but in her house, she gets a little crazy. I told you she was a shiba, she's just shy in front of others.
She has begun walking further and further away at the dog park, but still checking back to make sure I'm in the same place. The moment I turn and take a step, she's right beside me.
Okay, I finally got one of the shots from the actual 5K - this was about 75 yards from the finish line. My feet have finally recovered - we did a mile last night with no ill effects from the stone brusies, so we'll get back to our normal walking schedule soon.
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Harlow - thanks - I got her harness personalized for when she becomes therapy certified. I still crack up at the number of people that ask me her name (while they are petting her). One good thing about the injury is it means that I had to get out my wheelchair, walker, crutches, and cane (I've had to use all of them at some point in my life - some due to injuries, some to illness, and others to the arthritis). Part of the therapy test involves Jazz being approached by each of these. On Saturday when I used the wheelchair, she was puzzled, but came up and sat beside me. She's not as fond of the walker, but seemed okay with the crutches - I'll find out how she feels about the cane soon.
Its also great to hear that Jazz did so well with all those contraptions you threw at her. She's such a sweet dog! :-)
I'm really proud of her for doing so well. I'm going to be working more with her while I'm using the contraptions - like walks and what not. I will then transition to one of my nieces and nephews sitting/walking with them and I'll have her on leash and we'll walk up to them. This gives me more encouragement that she has the right stuff for the therapy dog certification.
I cant believe she still has that thick coat! Especially with the heat here.
How old is Jazz? I love her sweet little face!
I furminated thursday and removed enough fur for a puppy. We just got back from the park and Jazz did pretty well - she ran around for a few moments and then held court. She followed after a beautiful red/brown husky (he had long hair) for a fair amount of time.
Jazz turns five in July.
She has begun walking further and further away at the dog park, but still checking back to make sure I'm in the same place. The moment I turn and take a step, she's right beside me.
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