You may recall that Struan Farm's resident dog Clifford, an elder statesman at age 13, loves to live life on the edge. Several months ago he blew a ligament in his right rear leg chasing turkeys, something that destined him to a life of long term inflammatories each month. He hasn't been in pain, and has been walking around more normally with this medication.
I've been keeping an eye on him. He goes for walks, but doesn't have the energy anymore to barrel around the farm all day accompanying John. My biggest fear has been that he jumps off a retaining wall or goes on another tear after turkeys or rabbits and hurts himself. They're around. Try as I might to protect him, I've had to surrender and leave this in the hands of the universe.
This past week Clifford and John went out for a morning walk and Clifford went after a rabbit. John heard him yelp in pain, and saw him stop and lift his back leg. They arrived back at the house and I was seriously worried at first that he'd blown out his other leg. He wouldn't sit or lie down and I could see it in his face (I'm sure you can too below). I thought we might have to make a trip to the vet to end his pain. It was raining so we closed him inside in the garage, where he finally laid down to rest and recover. A little roast chicken seemed to help.
Fortunately for him and for us after resting he is fine, or rather back to his previous condition. A bit of a limp with that right leg but nothing else injured. I'm happy and relieved to say that this dog has nine lives!
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