Just photographs today, in honor of the Easter weekend, spring and the insanity of our last few days. So, it’s all MEANWHILE, back on the farm:
I’ll get right to the insanity part (as if we all needed more in our lives). Skip was running with a visiting dog, and came back to me on three legs, his right rear held up high and in a weird, unnatural position. It was sticking out laterally at the hip, as if he’d dislocated it. It looked horrific.
I’ll give you the good news right away: His hip is not dislocated, and it is doubtful that he tore anything. However, we didn’t know that for several days, (we’re still not sure) while I snot-sobbed about an endless recovery after hip or cruciate surgery under Covid-crisis conditions. But, cross your paws oh please please please; it looks more like he just bashed it and bruised muscles or perhaps his patella. I’ve had extensive conversations with a great sports medicine veterinarian, (Dr. David Edinger), and will take Skip in soon if he doesn’t continue to improve. I’ve been icing it four times a day, followed by massaging the muscles around the injured area. He is starting to put weight on it, which is a wonderful thing. No matter what it is, it’s clearly going to take some time to heal, which means no long walks twice a day watching the BCs play, no working Skip on sheep. That’s part of what’s keeping me sane, so cross your paws for a recovery sooner rather than later. I’ll keep you posted when I find out more.
A few things to note about the photo below: First, I am not tearing Skip’s ear off or doing a chiropractic adjustment to his neck while icing his knee. He turned his head that way himself, and I was stroking his ear. Please do not contact animal welfare. Second, I have sheep on my socks. Thought you should know. Third, I have red nail polish on, which is as atypical of me as it can get. I did it last week in a moment of desperation for something different and silly. Of course, it was half gone in two days after gardening, washing my hands 10,000 times; not to mention doing a crappy job of it.
Maggie is worried. It didn’t take anything special to know that something was terribly wrong the last few days. Here she, staring at me while I ice Skip, while sitting outside of the Ex-pen we are using to keep Skip in the living room (which is actually open cuz mostly he’s been on a leash with us if he’s out of the crate).
Maggie and I just worked the sheep, which helped her head immensely I think. (Mine too no doubt.) Less so the sheep, newly shorn, who were not thrilled about having their grazing on spring grass interrupted:
Here’s the other good news: The world is going on as usual around us, and it’s really spring. And crocus are such perfect Easter colors:
We took a walk at Walking Iron Park with some dear friends Friday afternoon, a wonderful diversion. Here are the first flowers in the prairie, Pasque Flowers:
Jim got this photo of a male Bluebird, who entertained us along with his mate on our walk:
And last, here’s what we did yesterday with some eggs, food coloring and some “food decorating pens”:
Here’s to you! Stay safe, stay well, and let us know how you are doing. (And stay tuned, another Come, Sit, Stay podcast coming up this weekend. I’ll let you know more soon.)
HFR says
Oh no! Here’s sending fast healing vibes to Skip. Sounds like he’ll be fine given time. Not unlike everyone else these days. 😀
Debby Gray says
Many many healing thoughts to Skip and you and this whole world. May you and Skip and all of us be healed in many ways.
I especially love the photograph of the bluebird!
Zazie says
Poor Skip! What a scary thing to happen. I hope he is back to normal soon. Stay safe, all of you.
I love the sheep socks and the spring photos.
Trisha says
Thanks Zazie, I know you get it. And sheep socks rule!
Amy C says
What a stunning photo of that bluebird! Well done! And best of luck to Skip for a speedy recovery. 🙂
Kathy Noble says
Poor Skip, and poor you, too! My now almost 13 year old Golden Retriever developed a “luxating patella” when she was about 8 months old. In other words, her patella would pop out of its groove and she would be unable to straighten her leg. It would happen at odd times, and indeed, she would be on three legs and with her leg at an odd angle, but with little or no apparent pain. We went to a sport medicine veterinarian, and he explained that the bony groove that is supposed to support the patella is too shallow on her leg (only the right leg was ever affected). He prescribed water treadmill work, which took care of it within weeks, and it has never recurred since. When it did happen I learned that I could gently straighten her leg and I could actually feel it pop back in. But my goodness, I remember the awful feeling when it first happened, and how sure I was that she would never be okay again!! I am sending you AND Skip healing thoughts! And many thanks for sharing your beautiful spring photos!
Susan Wroble says
The picture of Maggie is what I kept coming back to — worry captured in her pose and her gaze. I hope that as Skip heals, the worry for all of you calms. Best wishes!
KC Wilson says
Hi all,
As everyone else is doing, I too am staying put at home and watching more TV than I should. For those of you who like farm life, I ran across these shows that may interest you.
Chicken People
Addicted to Sheep
Moo Man
Cindy says
I enjoy your posts so much Trisha! I will be praying for an even more expeditious healing for a Skip.
I love your sheep socks!
I’ve been enjoying my flowers popping up as well I seeded the fenced-in heart of my acre of yard on the 70 degree day we had a week ago. I’m praying that the seeds germinate with this chillier weather but I believe God answers all of our prayers.
Thanks again for all of these enjoyable blog entries, Cindy Hinsch
Jen Fleck says
Prayers for a speedy recovery for Skip!! Glad that you and Maggie still have sheep to keep you sane. My border collie and I woke up on Easter hoping the Easter Bunny had brought us sheep. Then we remembered that we live in the city and until we can visit our friends again, sheep will remain only in our dreams. At least there’s cuddling on the couch!
NormanWilkes says
Nice written blog!
Charisse says
Hi Trisha, If you can get hold of a cold laser it might help your Skip heal. I first learned about them years ago from our horse vet. Bought one for myself and 8 years ago and use it on my extremely bad knees (failed knee replacement) and I wouldn’t be without it. I have used it on one of my Afghan hounds that had a failed oral fistula surgery so we had nothing to lose using the laser. It finally closed the opening into his nasal passage. I use it on injuries, and it is especially useful on skin. Olympic trainers use them a lot now. Hope he heals w/o any complications.
Margo Harris says
Trish, your photos are gorgeous! Wow! Totally brightened my day.
Oh, I can just imagine your panic when seeing Skip’s weirdly bent leg… especially now, no no!
Thank Heavens he seems to be improving, and I love the photo of him and you (and poor puzzled Maggie), and I bet that snazzy red nail polish is quite cheering in its silliness! Sending good wishes for a fast recovery for Skip. He looks like he’s enjoying the attention, ear stroking and all, I must say. Ha ha, my old dog Charlie LOVED ear stroking…he would go all goofy and blissed out, even though otherwise he wasn’t a particularly cuddly dog!
(cool socks!)
Cathy Balliu says
I’m a big fan of fun socks so I have socks with sheep, bunnies, border collies, cats, bugs, butterflies, dogs – life’s too short to wear dull socks. And I can relate to Skip’s injury – your mind goes to the worse case (and most expensive) scenario when your dog is so dramatically lame. Here’s hoping the rehab, massage and ice bring around complete recovery without the dreaded “s” word.
Margret Abbott says
A cuddle for Skip and prayers for a quick as possible recovery. And a hug for you during this very crazy time.
Charlotte Kasner says
So that’s what a bluebird looks like -seriously blue! Contrary to song, there are no bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover (and no nightingales in Berkeley Square either).
Mostly just BBBs here – boring brown birds.
Mind you, I am now getting so used to hearing them to the exclusion of the usual city noise that a rare plane that came into Heathrow this morning woke me with a start. Usually don’t notice them.
Best wishes to poor Skip.
Tails Around the Ranch says
Sending oodles of poodles of ‘pawsitive’ healing energy for the Skipster and hope his injury isn’t too serious and recovery is quick.
Kim says
Aww, sweet Skip, best wishes for a speedy and trouble free recovery … thank you for the beautiful flower pics
Sending much love and good thoughts ❤️
Diana Clark says
Love your sheep socks! Sending love and light to you and Skip and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Chris from Boise says
Ack! At least the prognosis is reasonably good, but oh my! I feel almost worse for Maggie losing her play pal than Skip, who looks like he’s reveling in the attention. Life of a lapdog – what’s not to like?! (Well – at least for a few moments…).
Just-shorn sheep are so skinny. Yay crocuses – what spirit-lifters!
Kandy says
So sorry @ Skip. You look wonderful and your nails – wow! I love the crocus photos as mine are not blooming yet, although the daffys are ready to pop. Thx for your uplifting post. Helps so much right now.
Thks, Patricia and keep the good stuff coming. We all need to know we’re in this together.
Helen says
Oh no! Like any of us need more stress at this time. Wishing Skip a continued speedy recovery; poor baby! I bow down to your sheep socks and may have sock-envy. My fave are some red and white striped Pippi Longstocking socks…I like how you’re keeping it real and have painted your nails.
In a similar spirit I got jealous over someone’s cool car sticker and ordered one too: “Tell your dog I said hi.” But that didn’t seem enough so I added, “So do Jack, Boo n Lenny.” Just so everyone knows I am that crazy dog person, and more importantly, the names of the dogs riding in the back.
Thanks for keeping us partially sane with your continued posts.
Kat says
Wishing Skip a very speedy recovery. Fortunately for me the worst injury D’Artagnan has sustained so far is an overstrained wrist from pogoing up and down when he saw kids on a backyard trampoline. Something about screaming kids flying up into the air above the wooden privacy fence and then disappearing behind it only to reappear flying into the air was beyond exciting for him and pounding the front paws on the pavement as he leapt along with them did his wrist no favors. A couple quiet days and he was fine. Here’s hoping ice and time set Skip right.
I enjoyed your spring blooms. My crocus have long since come and gone but fruit trees are beginning to bloom and the lilacs aren’t far behind. Meanwhile, everytime I’ve had to go to Costco to pick up a prescription I’ve brought home another pot of dianthus. My yard smells delicious. I’m missing the plant sales that normally abound this time of year and the dianthus are satisifying some of my need to plant.
D’Artagnan sends Skip his sympathy about not being able to work. A Therapy Dog off work is very bored indeed. And current circumstances mean he can’t even continue training which is hard on both of us. As a substitute he’s been learning tricks and just passed, by video, his evaluation for his AKC Trick Dog Novice title. Someday when he’s able to work again he’ll have tricks to show off.
Michael says
Positive Thoughts for Skip. The weather has been awesome and things are in bloom. Will not be long before the heat is on here in Texas but is one of my favorite times of the year.
Stacey Kline says
It’s so great to read about dogs on a farm…it’s my dream! Hopefully, Skip will be able to run and herd the sheep with Maggie soon! The eggs are beautiful…do you have chickens, too? 🙂
JOAN L LINDBERG says
A facebook friend who is a member of Collie Rescue Network (in Canada) has a 12 year old collie who tore her ACL this winter. They didn’t want to risk surgery, so she bought a neoprene knee brace for dogs. I’m pretty sure you know about the existence of these braces. But thought I’d bring it up as an option. It has done wonders for her collie. Not sure if it would work as well on a young dog though. I know Skip is getting the best of care from you. Sending collie hugs your way…as I also send to that facebook friend…her collie actually sings “snow songs”. She had a check-up this week and they were applauding her as she walked back and forth down the hallway. They loved her walk and also her big floofy butt sashaying down the hall.
muttzrule says
Poor Skip, sending prayers for a speedy recovery. It sounds like he’s getting excellent nursing. As a lifelong collector of sheep, I really want those socks! The original flock of six stuffed ones I’ve had since I was little has grown to around 50-60, I stopped counting long ago.
Margaret Eckert says
Poor Skip! I read all the posts before me and no one mentioned arnica montana… it comes in a homeopathic pellet form and also in many lotion styles. I will give 1 to 3 pellets at the first sign of injuries and give it every hour for 3 to 5 times then 3 to 4 times a day until I see improvement. I can’t tell you how well this works for me and I always keep it on hand. It is never too late to start it… Good luck and prayers for speedy healing to both of you!
Alice R. says
Poor Skip, poor you! Why do these things always seem to happen at the worst times. I have somehow damaged/ irritated my good knee, and after three weeks cannot seem to get it better, just up and own. I’m madly sewing masks with that knee anyway (mmm, could that be part of the problem?), but sadly for me and pup who’s feeling isolated, having to shorten our long walks. With so much to be grateful for, it seems just wrong to fuss about it, but boy, do I hate the limitation right now. Plus it’s a little scary as three years after surgery, this is the first trouble I’ve had…worrisome. Hang in there, everyone! We will get through this, and be better than we were from all the lessons learned.
Nate says
Great post!