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Health & Fitness

The Puppy Chronicles: A Pup Perseveres

A dog overcomes physical issues and thrives.

This blog was originally started because of one lost puppy that needed help. 


Mac's story:
http://highlandpark-ca.patch.com/groups/heather-mccarthys-blog/p/bp--patch-blog-how-mac-got-his-name

In today's article I'm writing about Mac's best friend, Togi, who turns 5 today. His path, like Mac's, wasn't easy either. 

Before there was Mac, there was Togi, a fluffy Alaskan Husky pup found abandoned at 6 weeks. My husband discovered him and brought him home. Right away he was a love bug. Quirky, charming, and very energetic with a permanent grin. 

At 6 months we began taking him to puppy socialization classes to help tire him out. It was in this class that we noticed something was wrong with his hips. He fell to the ground one day during class screeching in pain. Yes, screeching. Alaskan Huskies can make noises reaching ear piercing octaves. I picked him up and took him right to the vet. 

A couple of X-rays' later and we were told he had severe hip dysplasia in both hips and if left alone, they would never work correctly. Basically, the ball of his hips weren't able to stay in his sockets. 

A TPO surgery was recommended. This surgery puts the ball of the hip into the socket. It's usually done on puppies before a year to avoid arthritis setting in. 

At 9 months Togi had his left hip operated on. He needed to be crated and watched around the clock the first few days. About a month later he had the right hip operated on.  This time he was hospitalized for a week due to pain. With Huskies it's hard to tell sometimes what is really an issue since they can be very "dramatic".  I remember calling the vets office to see how he was doing and I could hear him howling in the background. Togi is a VERY needy big baby of a dog. 

After the initial healing Togi had doggie physical therapy. Yup. I will admit I took my dog to animal physical therapy. It sounds kind of silly, but it really worked to help him become active again. He walked on a treadmill filled with water chasing after some peanut butter. He was terrified of the big exercise ball and refused to go near it. He climbed over a fence on the ground and played ball, which is one of his favorite things.  He was massaged which he LOVED. He'd flop down on the ground legs sprawled out on the therapists lap.  He still loves this and will flop in front of us, demanding we massage him.

He really had to learn how to use his legs the correct way. He was so used to being in pain that he needed to learn that he could use his legs and not have it hurt. Yup, even dogs have psychological issues. It took him a few years to really understand how tall he is. Now, nothing on the kitchen counters are safe. He's now 100% sure with his legs. 

He can run 14 miles, hike, swim, and jump with no problems. He's the best running partner and the most wonderful greeter after a long day. 

I'm a trail runner and love getting "lost" in the woods. It's calming. I am so lucky and thankful to have Togi by my side, in the moment & ready for the next adventure. Thank you and Happy 5th Birthday to this woman's "best friend". 

If you'd like to find a furry best friend there are tons of shelters and rescues that can match you with your perfect pup. http://www.petfinder.com/
 
Local Glassell Park shelter: http://www.yelp.com/biz/north-central-animal-shelter-los-angeles

To find a local Los Angeles Shelter near you:http://www.laanimalservices.com/

If you cannot have a dog or cat you can always donate towels, food, or financially to any animal organization. 

My favorite is Red Rover. They helped our pup Mac after his accident. http://www.redrover.org/


 

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