Sunny the Sunshine Puppy
During the summer of 2007, the most adorable golden retriever puppy bounded into my yard and into my life. My neighbor had one puppy left and he found his way to me. Of course I scooped him up and let him in. I had visions of long hikes and companionship for years to come. And what a wonderful companion he has turned out to be. Playful, smart, and loving - I couldn’t have asked for more! I named him Sunny for all of the sunshine he has brought into my life.
Over the first couple of months I had Sunny, I wondered if I should have named him Floppy because of the way he flopped over when playing with other dogs. Over time I came to find out that he has severe arthritis (already bone on bone) in both of his elbows and hip dysplasia in both of his hips. I was heartbroken. He was only six months old at the time of the diagnosis.
Since that time Sunny and I have entered into the world of alternative medicine for animals. He receives acupuncture one time a week and responds to the treatment very well. He is on a supplement that contains glucosamine and chrondrotin. He participates in hydrotherapy (a treadmill in the water) as a low impact exercise to strengthen his muscles.
I no longer have visions of long hikes in the mountains with Sunny. He is teaching me take him for shorter walks more often. He loves playing in creeks, rivers, and lakes. I have learned to monitor his activity level, as he is just over a year old and he has more vitality than his joints can support. Sunny is a very social guy and loves hanging out at the office, coffee shops, or anywhere that someone might pet him.
If you are in the neighborhood come by and say hello to Sunny!
|