[turbotaina]

I have a amputated tripod (OS) and have read about many others. It's the first I had heard of swimming lessons for rehab.
I was wondering if Winslow had a special problem or just better parents.

Swimming is wonderful rehab for all sorts of injuries. I've never heard of it being used for post-amp surgery, but it will build up muscles nicely, so that should help with balance/coordination, I'd guess. Like Diane said, it can't hurt

[Burpdog]

May 31, 2007

).... someone was asking about why Winslow is swimming?

Winslow cannot run. He has a bone spur on the front foot that sometimes gave him trouble when he ran. I was about to have it removed but he got sick. Removal now is out of the question. So is running. We just can't have any accidents or lameness in his remaining legs. He no longer has the stamina for long walks. His hind leg gets too tired, but he still needs exercise.

Swimmng is the safest with no impact. It provides the exercise of a good run without any of the hazards. Having worked with horses, I know they do this as rehab for everything involving the legs. Why not with dogs? When I asked the cardiologist and the oncologist if Winslow could do this, they thought it was a fabulous idea.

I'm not the only one. Many others have already discovered swimming as rehab for their dogs. Many rehab vets use underwater treadmills now as well.

This pool does a good business with dogs and horses. It's designed for easy entry and exit with rubber on the ramps. There is a great big dog washing station for afterward. They do not chlorinate as heavily as people pools.

For Winslow, it's perfect and he likes it.

Glynis



June 2, 2007

Diane,

Winslow had swimming lesson #2 today. He learned how to do a u-turn in the smaller pool. Here is a series of photos taken by our friend John Frye who went along to cheer and document the event.

We arrive.



Winslow waits his turn on the sofa.



Winslow suits up.



Swimming






Cheers







Hugs





All done!





Glynis

[Aerosmom]

Good for Winslow! He looks so proud of himself. What a great mom he has, to do all this for him.

[Burpdog]

June 4, 2007

As you can see Winslow has taken to swimming. He likes it because he doesn't get hot! This boy hates the heat. Just wants his AC..

Tomorrow is his 1 month oncology check up. I am hoping it will be good. He doesn't seem to be having any problems.

I'm going to get another kidney and liver check up, too. He had a normal test last time and I took him off the denosyl but have continued with the milk thistle and vitamin E. I just want to be sure it's still normal.

The psychology of swimming is this: I have noticed that Winslow seems more confident of himself now that he is getting exercise. He doesn't seem to be as clingy (something that started after his surgery) and he's getting up during the night and sleeping on his own bed. When we are outside, he's happier and not fearful of other dogs... even growling at one yesterday... He hasn't done that in a long time. Instead, he was hiding behind me. He seems to sleep better, too. The behaviors that I thought were going to be permanent seem to be fading. I really think it's from swimming and actually getting out there and doing something again. When he comes out of the pool and I cheer, he is really happy. It's easy to see his sense of accomplishment.

Glynis

[Patsy]

Winslow, you are one heart-stoppingly gorgeous boy! Keep up the good work--and that picture of you on the coach waiting your turn is amazing!

[Burpdog]

June 10, 2007

Things here were good.. All of Winslow's lab work came back.. Everything is good. The vet said a bit of a low thyroid, but after discussion of Greyhound thyroids and since he has absolutely no symptoms, we all decided it was just normal for Winslow. As Dr. Couto put it, when I asked him about Winslow's thyroid levels.. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Good advice.

So, his 1 month oncology exam is all good!!!!

Winslow had another swimming lesson today. It's exciting to watch him getting stronger every time. He has been swimming laps and now understands how to turn around in the water and go back the other way. He's now up to 3 laps before resting between. It just keeps getting easier for him. He has no hesitation going into the water any more. He loves it. Now I just have to say "Turn" and he does it. He's very proud of himself! I'm beginning to see more of the "old Winslow" returning-- confident, fit and really happy. Instead of being tired because he's sick, now, he's tired from his workout.

Glynis

[Jackandgrey]

Winslow

[Aerosmom]

for Winslow. He is so cute.

[turbotaina]

Keep it up, Winslow!

[Burpdog]

June 19, 2007

Hi Diane,

Busy busy. First, the swim:

Saturday's swim went very well. Winslow showed me that he would turn for Roger, but didn't feel the need to turn for me. Ok, so we turned some, didn't turn some. Whatever makes him happy. As I told Roger, we aren't exactly training for the olympic 3 legged greyhound swim team. So, we all had a good laugh and Winslow did it his way. He came home and slept most of the weekend. He has another swim tomorrow.

Now that Winslow gets the idea of swimmng, he's getting more out of it so I am cutting his swim to once a week. He's losing a little weight from all the exercise so I have increased his food by adding an egg yolk per day, 2 sardines per meal and an additional 1/2 can of food per day. Winslow is in heaven! He isn't under weight, but I would like to see him stop losing and perhaps gain 1-2 lbs. There is a scale at the pool so I can keep up with this. The weight thing is a very fine line. Not too heavy- it's hard enough getting around on 3 legs, yet not too thin because if he were to get sick, I'm afraid he would have complications and deteriorate quickly.

Everything is a balance.

We are still fighting the heat. AC or not, this boy doesn't like summer. He spent previous summers on the kitchen floor. He can't do that this year because he can't get up. So, he's on the bed, AC AND fan going like crazy. My electric bill is through the roof and I'm sitting here in a jacket so his majesty is comfortable. He's back on the night shift for walks. If I didn't know better I would think something is wrong with him, but I know him and this is the same as previous years. Anything over 72 degrees and he's hot.

I think thats why he has taken to swimming. It's cool and he gets some exercise without getting hot. He's from New Hampshire. Loves the cold. No possibility of us retiring to the southwest.

It's a good thing I don't bake the biscuits. There would be absolute mutiny if I turned on the oven in this house before November.

Glynis

[whatahound]

Great News, sounds like Winslow is doing wonderful.

[Burpdog]

June 26 & 27, 2007

Yesterday was a hot one! Winslow still hates that mat. Hates the neck cooler too. The only thing he wants is ice in a bowl and, of course, his beloved fan (fondly referred to as "Fannie"). He licks the ice for a few minutes and that seems to help more than anything.
I have tried a wet towel and misting him with water. He doesn't want any of it.

So, he gets ice and the fan.. I just try things until he says it's helping. All of this because the house got up to 77 yesterday.

You know, I'm from Arizona. I freeze every summer because Mr. Menopause over here thinks it's hot.

Today is better. He's not hot, and because he's going swimming today, he won't get hot. His swimming lesson is at 11:00. Right now, he's on the bed, Fannie is going full blast and he's happy.

I'm hoping his weight has stabilized. I'll weigh him today. I've been feeding him more food and have added 1egg, 2sardines, and 1/4c. whole yogurt (not at the same time). He loves the extras. He doesn't look like he's gaining, but I just want him to stabilize and find that balance.

Next Tuesday is his oncology check up with chest xray. He's not having any symptoms or problems, but you know, I'm still really nervous.

Glynis



Good news! He gained .8 lbs in 1 week. That's about the same rate that he was losing it. More food and dropping the swimming to once a week seems to be the answer. I think maybe I just gave him too much swimming to start. I'll watch the weight and see about swimming more later. He had a good swim today. Now, sleeping for the rest of the day.

Glynis

[Burpdog]

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Winslow had his 6 month check up on July 3. All his bloodwork looks good except that thyroid level. It's a bit lower this time than last time so this time we are going for the whole panel on Tues. He has no symptoms of hypothyroidism, in fact, he's the opposite of the symptoms, but we are going to get to the bottom of this and make sure he's ok. All of the other blood and urine tests were perfect!

NOW FOR THE BIG NEWS! WINSLOW'S LUNGS ARE CLEAR!!! Very exciting. We are relieved and very happy. The oncologist probably needs a hearing aid after speaking to me this morning. I'm sure all the screaming destroyed his hearing.

We are so happy!! There is nothing that would indicate any other problems. I asked about the heat thing and after all the tests, the vet says Winslow is hot because he's hot. That's all. Aside from the thyroid thing, he's a dog in perfect health.

We went swimming today and his weight is holding steady. No loss, no gain. I'm still trying to get him to gain a pound or two. His appetite is good and since he's swimming only once a week, that should be easy enough. He's going into the pool without coaxing now. I think he really does like to swim!

Looking back, the last six months have been very difficult, yet some of the most rewarding times of our lives. We have been living every moment and doing everything we can with him. He's happy and healthy and we aren't taking any of this time for granted. Winslow has a lot of friends and he has given us all so much. I am just so grateful that he is doing well. All of the decisions we made about the amputation and chemo were the right ones. I would not have given up this time with him for anything.

We will be celebrating tonight with yogurt and boiled chicken.

Tomorrow some friends are coming over to paint. We take turns painting at each other's houses. Winslow loves having them over. He is quite the art critic and watches me paint a lot.

Insistent on being in the middle, easels will be set up around his kitchen dog bed. He will watch us paint, and give us periodic inspections. I will have to send a photo of the Winslow critique- Last month at the vet, they were asking about the interesting color on his neck. One of the painters (probably me) had apparently given him some scritchies in blue. It's not uncommon to see an odd color on his white parts. The others don't mind him being in the center of the room. They all bring treats and toys, so he loves painting day with them.

I'm happy and relieved. Winslow is sleeping and couldn't care less.

Glynis


"Shhhh! Can't you see she's working?"




"I have to check her brushes."




"Hmmm, what color is that?"




"Nice Job!"

[turbotaina]

Aw, Winslow

What fantastic news that his lungs are still clear! Amazing!

This post has been edited by turbotaina: 09 July 2007 - 04:38 PM

[Aerosmom]

Great news! I feel like I'm following Winslow's journey step by step. He's such a cutie, helping with the painting.

[paulamariez]

I'm sitting here crying as I'm reading Winslow's story. He's such a pretty boy too! And he's even more handsome since he lost his leg, I think! What a strong boy. I hope he is continuing to improve each and every day and I will keep Winslow in my thoughts and prayers.

[Burpdog]

July 9, 2007

Winslow has done some of his own paintings in the past, but has not been doing any since he got sick. He has his own painting set up. Perhaps this week I can get it out and make a photo of Winslow, the artist. He actually likes it. I think he can do it laying down. Let me work on it awhile and I'll send you some photos.

We hope you are having a wonderful reunion.

Glynis


Glynis:

Do you think Winslow would do a painting for the Greyhound Angel Network auction to be held in October?

Diane


I am attaching photos of Winslow painting that I took today. Also photos of 3 of his paintings. He didn't seem to have as much fun with it today, but I think it's because he's just hot or tired. He's had a busy day. Moody artists! Maybe he's given it up? Should I buy him a camera? Maybe he wants to take up photography.

We'll do it again when the weather is cooler, but you get the idea.

I know he would love to do a painting for the auction- better look at them first to be sure you like his style.

Glynis.

[Burpdog]

July 10, 2007

Hi Diane,

Here we go. You know somebody is going to ask about Winslow's career as a painter, so here's the story:

I paint. Winslow has been interested in it since the beginning. He spent time in my studio, watching... always watching. Sometimes, he got a little too curious and stuck his nose where he shouldn't have. If I didn't catch it right away, it could be quite a mess. Once, he stuck his nose in the Alizirin Crimson and then rubbed it on his white bottom. I thought he was injured. Scared the heck out of me. Another time it was the blue.. Regardless, it's not really good for him to stick his nose in oil paint. So, I thought since he liked it, I would give him the chance to express himself more safely on someplace besides the furniture or his own fur.

He uses non toxic acrylic paint and wears a muzzle with a sponge attached to the front.

Call me crazy, but I think he gets it and I think he knows that he's doing what I do. I also think he believes he's better at it than I am. He's probably not alone in that assesment.

Glynis

www.glynisberger.com new art 6/07!
www.de-yong.com

[maximum]

I cannot put into words how much I love, love, Love how much these people love their boy!! Winslow and his humans are an inspiration. I look forward to reading more about Winslow's adventures! Keep up this good check-ups, big guy!!

[Burpdog]

July 9, 2007


Also, Winslow has a new routine for the toys. He is currently removing one leg from the stuffed animals. He's never been destructive. Never torn them up. Now, it's just one leg. We have a tripod lambie and a tripod elephant. What do you suppose he's thinking? (We have a one eyed pig, but I don't think that was his fault). He has a lot of animals. I want to see if it's a trend.
This is one for an animal communicator. Don't you agree?

Glad you're home.

Back to the madness.

Glynis




July 11, 2007

Good Morning Diane,

Today, we swim.

I'm taking my camera. IF Roger is available, one of us will make a movie of Winslow swimming. IF that happens, I'll try to get it onto youtube. IF I manage to do that, you may have a movie for Winslow's thread. IF I manage to figure it out, it could be fun, or a worthless DUD. But, I think it's worth a try.

IF it doesn't work for you, Craig will enjoy it. He's in NY this week and homesick for his boy.
He calls a couple of times a day to either ask about him or speak to him. Before Winslow, he didn't call very often. It's obvious that Winslow enjoys the phone calls. He snots all over the phone. Craig has always called, even before Winslow got sick.

If I wasn't the same way about the boy, I might be jealous, but I think it's great. He's just as much in love as I am. That's a good thing, especially now.

When we got Winslow, Craig was in NY all week and home on weekends. I took care of Winslow during the week and then Craig took over totally when he got home so Winslow wouldn't get too attached to just me. It worked.

Now, Craig works from home and when he goes away, we have one day of depression. Winslow has to go down to the office and sniff Craig's chair. He whines at it for a minute and I tell him it's ok. Then he's fine. When I go away, nothing. I think they drink beer and watch football. He doesn't miss me. When I call, he doesn't even show any interest. Go figure.

When we went to the regular vet she asked about how Craig was with Winslow's illness. I told her he was devastated but handling it well now. He's been as much a part of the recovery as I have. She said it's amazing the number of spouses that don't want to pay for treatments. She says it causes a lot of problems when a pet is sick because one or the other doesn't want to deal with it. I can see that, I guess, but to us that would be grounds for divorce. It would be horrible.

The only time we have disagreed on something for Winslow is when I wanted to buy him a vet scale. Craig said that I could weigh him every week at the pool and obsessing probably wasn't a good idea. Ok, he knows me. No scale. On the other hand, this is a guy that didn't even flinch at the king size bed in the dining room, so we can all sleep together. Yep, he's a keeper.

I'll let you know about the video later today.

Glynis





We are back home after a good swim and shower. The videos were harder than I expected. Winslow is used to having me go with him. He couldn't figure out why I was still behind him, but he went anyway. The quality isn't that good, but here they are.

Turn down your volume- I get a little excited. The second one is better.

Winslow Swim #1


Winslow Swim #2