Gunner #2
Gunner is a 1 year old male lab who spent a month in a shelter after being found as a stray.
May 20, 2010
May 15, 2010
4/25/10
FMom tried out a new leash today. It was so cushy and cool I showed FMom how I could take myself for a walk. Then Dawkins (my doggie bud) thought he’d try too. It was fun until FMom caught up with us and took the leash back. Apparently there’s some unwritten rule about a human having to be on the other end. So FMom and I went outside and loaded into the car for a ride to that Camp Hill fashion show she’s been talking about. Oh there was rolling green grass, other furry friends and snicky-snacks. I really enjoyed it. Then they dolled me up in a bow tie and brushed me. I was whisked into a building and handed off to a nice man in a tuxedo. He looked very kindly at me…in fact I think all the humans there were quite friendly . Apparently we were to walk our fashions down the runway together to help raise awareness for the rescues we belong to and all rescued animals. My photo and write-up even made it into the program! After the show we waited outside to greet the guests. I rolled over at their feet right there on the sidewalk hoping they’d scratch my belly…and they did. They offered more treats and pats, and I met a couple more fantastic Brookline volunteers! I snoozed on the seat for the return trip home. All-in-all, a pretty good day.
- Gunner
4/18/10
I went back to the woof doctor for a checkup. He told me my hip is recovering nicely…thanks in part to the good care I received at camp while my foster family was away. I’m starting to go up and down the stairs a few times a day, with swim time and plenty of walks to continue to build my strength. I’m to stay lean and buff he said…just hope they don’t cut out the cheese COMPLETELY!
I’m still going to the pool and finding it easier to do those laps, especially when doggie friends join me. I’m not crazy about those horses that keep popping up at my pool, but I find that if I give them some space they don’t bother me. FMom took some video of my great swim strokes – I’m quite fast you know – so hopefully she’ll fix the camera connection so you can check me out for yourself.
In the meantime, I’ve been keeping busy supervising FDad clean out the garage, and having meet and greets at the occasional Brookline doggie event. I met Sunny and Lady at one today. Then I several very nice people came over to offer belly scratches and treats. I overhead FMom tell the people there that I’m going to be in a fashion show in Camp Hill shortly. What’s that about? Well I think I’ll snooze on that for now and catch up with you later.
-Gunner
Well, my foster family went on vacation and I went to camp while they were away. I am hanging with three other guys, but they are on the senior side so not much play time for me. I am told that is a good thing since I am still recovering from hip surgery. I did get to go swimming three times with Oakley – turns out he needs to swim because of his knees. It also seems he likes swimming. What is that about?!?! It is cold and wet and I need to get my feet wet? I can swim, but it’s definitely not my favorite thing. I have been a very good house guest and will soon be going back to my foster family. But first a nap…….
Gunner has now been in foster care for three months, having had FHO surgery on his left hip in January. He began recovery like the true champ he is. An unfortunate slip on the ice and ‘jailbreak’ on the same day, led to a setback in terms of swelling and pain for him. However, he still takes meds with delight (as they’re hidden in cream cheese), and tolerates manipulation of his leg, pool exercise and the e-collar. Movement is restricted until complete recovery, so he spends most of his time hanging with his foster family in two big rooms, and taking brief walks on a leash.
At his one month post-operative check-up (Feb 24th), his anti-inflammatory drugs were extended, and additional therapy recommended for another full month. Like a kid, Gunner doesn’t know his own limits, and enjoys each walk in the snow with a bit of happy hops. His foster family hopes that Mother Nature is more cooperative from here forward so that his therapy can be maximized and he can romp and return to better health…and a new furever family!
2/12/10
Well I had my first swimming therapy earlier this week. We made our way through the snow to a barn with a funny shaped pool where they exercise horses. They dressed me in a horse harness of all things! I know I’m big but not THAT big, so I had to wear it around my entire body. They hooked me up with leads to either side of the harness and pulled me to the water. I said, “Whoa, not so sure….” but I did it anyway ’cause I’m that kinda guy. Then it was time for warm showers and a dry-off. I told the resident pooch I’d catch up with him later, and used the ramp to hop in the van to go home. Therapy made me hoppin’ sore for a couple days. Fortunately the snow has prevented us from doing it again…so far! Speaking of snow, it’s a doggy’s dream out here! I showed FM my happy hoppy snowy circle dance I also like to sniff the wind, or go to the end of the driveway and gaze down the street. The black lab neighbor wags his tail at me if he’s about, but it’s still too slippery to visit. I am soOOOoo ready to run and jump in the snow and wrestle with my foster buds (at least I think so)! FM uses the gate to stop me from leaving the room and going upstairs, and she tosses laundry baskets on the bed so I can’t jump there. But I’m a young, social guy and I must confess, I might know something about that hole in the gate. In any case, it got me this yummy Kong, wahoo!
1/31/10
Thank goodness for puppy meds, I’m feeling a bit better now. FM takes my collar off for dinner time and walking, and I’m actually putting some weight on my healing leg. I tried to chase a deer in the snow and run up the stairs, but FM is somewhat of a party-pooper about that. I’m supposed to spend time in my kennel, but I told them I didn’t like it so much and they gave me a small room all my own. It made moving about with that fancy schmancy collar a lot easier. My buds drop by to say hello occasionally. Maybe I can get them to put a t.v. and a Wii in here…At least I have visitation privileges.
- Why am I stuck with this thing on my head?
1/19/10
Well, just like my foster parents, I’ve managed to put on some poundage over the holidays. (Except mine was intentional.)
- More food.
- More drink!
People are telling me I’m even more handsome and fun-loving than before. My foster girl calls me “joyful” as I bound towards her to welcome her home from school.
- My bad hips.
- Me & Foster Dad hanging out.
Gunner
12/24/09
Today was fun because I got to travel in the car. Yeah, we went to the mall to visit the dedicated Brookline volunteers that were wrapping presents at Borders to help pups like me. I left a letter for Santa there, asking him to be generous this year as I need an expensive hip operation. I didn’t wind up seeing Santa, but lots of last minute shoppers helped out and stopped to admire my dashing good looks and nice manners. I met a new foster friend named Zoey and boy was she cute! I barked a friendly ‘hello let’s play’ but she was busy chatting up her fans. Her foster mom gave me a sweet Christmas bandana so I could look my best for a few special people that stopped by just to see me! Then we were off home again to continue with more fun. My girl gave me a chewie bone as an early present – it was all for me and wow was it delicious!
I love my toys!
Then we needed to finish up some wrapping. I learned a lot from those Brookline volunteers today, so I tried to help mom with the bows.
- Working on those bows.
I think I need a longer piece.
She said ‘thank you’ but thought my specialty was working on the wrapping paper cardboard tubes, so I finished them off for her.
I’ve done my part Mom.
And that was a lot to do in one day. So I’m off to visit with the sugarplum fairies now…ur, at least I will as soon as I find that plate of Santa’s cookies.
12/20/09
Woohoo, over a foot of snow is great fun! I run and wrestle my foster buds outside, taste the snow and then crash with the toys inside on the carpet until we do it all over again!
- Did you get my good side?
12/2/09
Mom brought home some cool new toys. My bud brother and I had a blast with them tugging and running. My sister, well, you know how sisters can be. So the toys are away for kennel time only, which helps to make going in there a bit more fun.
- Gunner and Dawkins playing.
12/1/09
After about a week on medication I’m beginning to feel more like a lab again: playing w/my siblings, looking forward to mealtime, and chewing on…stuff. My foster family is happy with me and to know that I am housebroken, neutered and chipped. Showing appreciation is important, so I take treats gently, come when they call and get off of furniture when they ask me to. If I want some scratchin’ and attention I just throw myself across their laps – works like a charm!
- Who could resist a face like this?
11/24/09
My foster mom says I’m adjusting to my new surroundings great. But even a calm, cool and collected guy like me feels a tad bit stressed. I show it by humping my new bud -siblings. Mom and sis especially don’t like that and so mom pulled out a squirt bottle. Yuck! I decided real quick, I’m not doing THAT anymore.
11/23/09
Finally sprung! A year old pup like me needs room to romp you know. I run about on the grass a bit then settle down like a good boy for a long car ride home and trip to the vet. He said my ears need a cleaning, that something is wrong with my leg, and that 78 pounds is too light for my frame. When I get to my foster home I find two friendly labs there. Yippee!
Gunner meets his foster siblings.
