After 3 months Lolly is still toddling about like a 90 year old. She isn’t in pain but has auto immune arthritis and has learnt how to be adorably disabled. Our vet recommended we make an appointment at the ARC Animal Rehabilitation Centre nearby. To set about organizing a program to help Lolly recover I thought swimming in a warm pool or bath seemed like a good move because she automatically starts paddling her legs when she hits deep water. And there would be no impact just exercise. Now water is not Lolly’s favourite medium because it requires being wet.
DOGGY LIFE JACKET
Bath time in the laundry is always a challenge because she sits down and hates getting her face wet. As the water hits her head she stands up on her hind legs and grips my arm as though she is going to drown. Considering this I decided a doggy swimming life jacket would be just the ticket as it would make her feel secure but also make her relax enough to paddle.
WATER IS WET.
Now as a tiny Lolly refused to walk or, in fact even move with a tiny collar on…. something didn’t feeling quite right, I had to be careful to find a light, comfortable vest. On Ebay I found the tiniest orange vest. Adorable, although Lolly needed convincing.
In preparation for physio I popped her into a warm deep bath. I was thrilled because she paddled immediately. Unfortunately she quickly discovered that this “iffy” contraption held her up… no paddling required, so she was delighted to just float about…… not really my aim. The next day we were off to her appointment at physiotherapy. Here she is in the basket ready to go.
GET READY FOR PHYSIO
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As we arrived at rehab Lolly let out a shocking and frightening howl and we hadn’t even gotten out of the car. Amazing how our pups recognize that we are anxious too. On arrival we walked passed an elephant sized Great Dane doing his damnedest to stand unsupported, poor love. The physio took a deal of time assessing Lolly and decided we should move to the underwater treadmill. Dread! Water is not Lolly strength area. Good luck with that!!!!
The tank is dry to start with and the physio hopped in behind Lol. Slowly the warm water fills in from the bottom. I felt embarrassed because I was trying not to laugh. Here was my darling little Lolly looking bewildered and I found it funny. When she discovered water leaking in she was horrified. Whimpering ensued! Slowly it fills till her weight was lifted and she could still touch the bottom. By that time Lolly, however had accepted the water, warm and wet so sat on the bottom waiting, I guessed for the soap in this unusual bath.
THE UNDERWATER TREADMILL.