When we moved into our new home last January many things in our lives improved. However the house is in a very "walking unfriendly" neighborhood and that has been a big disappointment to me. I didn't realize that it has also been affecting Pupzilla.
For several years (and three houses) now, Pupzilla has made ample use of a backyard. However in the old house I also took her on long walks to the park. This was an activity we both enjoyed. In the new house I drove her to the park once. While there she bit another dog and she hasn't been on a walk since.
On Saturday it took her a long time to get out of bed and then she proceed to fall down. One of her back legs just refused to work. The vet told us that she had a "touch of arthritis" in that knee and the humidity was through the roof. We figured that her arthritis was acting up. Still it was sad and a little scary to see fall down the steps and not be able to get up on the couch. In a few hours she was doing better but I decided we needed to be diligent about her exercise.
So we've been taking a constitutional after dinner every night. Each night she goes a little further and tonight her step was jaunty. We walk along the busy street until we can turn into a little neighborhood-y section. There are no sidewalks but the streets are quiet there. She walks as far as she likes and then takes a section of leash in her mouth to gently turn me around and lead me back home.
For several years (and three houses) now, Pupzilla has made ample use of a backyard. However in the old house I also took her on long walks to the park. This was an activity we both enjoyed. In the new house I drove her to the park once. While there she bit another dog and she hasn't been on a walk since.
On Saturday it took her a long time to get out of bed and then she proceed to fall down. One of her back legs just refused to work. The vet told us that she had a "touch of arthritis" in that knee and the humidity was through the roof. We figured that her arthritis was acting up. Still it was sad and a little scary to see fall down the steps and not be able to get up on the couch. In a few hours she was doing better but I decided we needed to be diligent about her exercise.
So we've been taking a constitutional after dinner every night. Each night she goes a little further and tonight her step was jaunty. We walk along the busy street until we can turn into a little neighborhood-y section. There are no sidewalks but the streets are quiet there. She walks as far as she likes and then takes a section of leash in her mouth to gently turn me around and lead me back home.
4 comments:
Walk on, Pupzilla.
As someone with a "touch of arthritis" myself, I know how important those daily outings are, even (especially) one is a bit stiff starting out.
What a sweetheart - good girl, Pupzilla.
Chloe and I still walk daily - it's a bit harder now that she can't see, but it's really good for both of us to stay with the routine.
So while I'm sorry that the neighborhood isn't walk-friendly, I'm glad you're finding a way to make it work.
The Boy has stopped going for walks. I think it's just too hard with the tumor and arthritis.
It is hard to see our fur-kids slow down. We know they are puppies at heart.
It's sweet, the part about her gently turning you around and leading you home. It sounds like the exercise is a great help to her.
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