Fresh whipped cream and blueberries.  Eaten with a spatula and begging dog in the background = par for the course.

Oscar's recovery

Almost immediately before our vacation in October, our dog Oscar got injured. He was running up and down our neighbor's yard, in a fit of glee and joy (probably because he was happy we were leaving him with her). Suddenly, he yelped. When he returned home, he had difficulty walking.


I took him to the vet the next morning, as he had not improved overnight. In typical Bermuda fashion, he was diagnosed with something that bore no relation to what the actual problem was. But, we convinced ourselves that the vet was right, and agreed, it must have been his swollen anal glands. Limping dog? Obviously, it's his ass that's the problem. I often say that about myself when I limp home after a long run.

"I'd be such a better runner, if it wasn't for my ass!"



While we were in the U.S, our neighbor cared for him diligently; and even took him back to the vet for x-rays and another examination. Thanks Jane! I know how much you did for him while we were away. Oscar has been eyeing your driveway fondly for days now, and we'll have to stop by. On a leash this time.



When I returned, it was clear that the issue had nothing to do with his butt, and everything to do with his leg. So, back to the vet he went. This time, his limp was sufficiently obvious that the vet diagnosed him with a knee injury.



Fast forward to last night - Oscar returns from his forced medical spa day. A few stitches later, and four adjustments to his knee, and the vet promises me he will be walking normally again in a few weeks.



At the park today, Oscar did not look too convinced. But we had a long chat, and I encouraged him to take a few gentle steps on it.



I reminded him that the vet was very pleased with the weight he has lost since I put him on a "no-treat" diet. In fact, the vet was quite impressed with Oscar's weight loss (and it only took a week and a half!) So, while I remain unable to lose my last ten vanity pounds, I am apparently quite good at depriving others of their treats and getting them to look svelte.

Oscar and I are going to continue to work hard on his physical therapy and diet in the meantime... at least till Thanksgiving.

For inspiration:

Cue the following (minus the trip to Philly, God-awful grey sweatsuit, 70's headbands, leaping over park benches, running up stairs, or being chased by a pack of rug rats):

It came from Mars!!!

Oscar had hernia surgery today. Don't laugh (as I initially did when the vet told us he needed surgery). Apparently some dogs develop hernias, or are born with hernias that don't correct themselves. Or the vet needed to make payments on the snazzy little BMW his wife pulled up in this morning. Whatever.

For the record, I actually did ask the vet what on earth could Oscar possibly have done to develop a hernia, considering his major form of exercise consists of jumping on the couch in open defiance of my "no dogs on couch rule." See above for his answer.

Oscar had hernia surgery today because, as I like to remind Jeff, he is a member of our family and we love him. And if he needs life saving surgery, or as the vet claims he does, we will help him. Unless he bites us. In which case, he is on his own.



Oscar wears the cone of shame.

We took advantage of the fact that Oscar was under anesthesia to get a two-for-one special and have him micro chipped as well. It's not because we just felt like blowing extra cash (my initial impression of people who choose to get their dogs microchipped). It's actually to comply with pet importation requirements imposed by Bermuda. If we want to bring the dog over, he has to be microchipped. I don't fully understand why. But, as they say.. ours is not to question why.. ours is but to do or die. Or something like that.

BTW, if anyone is considering career options - being a vet in Englewood, NJ is a very lucrative profession. Consider it for your children. I will.

edited to add:

While on the subject of children, Jordan and Mina were fascinted by Oscar and his cone of shame. Jordan was also interested in Oscar's bandages (site of his iv tube) and this turned into a lovely lesson in empathy wherein I explained that Oscar was not feeling so good right now because he had been under anesthesia.

Jordan: what did it taste like? (Apparently, pediatric anesthesia patients have a choice of anesthesia options. Jordan told me his was cherry when he went under last week.)

me: Oscar's was dog-food flavored.

Mina: What does that taste like?

Me: Um... it tastes like chicken and rice. Just like daddy cooks for Oscar.

Mina: yummy!

The Real Wildlife of NJ.

Yep. There they are.

And if that isn't enough for you, feast your eyes on the other little beasties who've made themselves at home in my yard.





Jeff is under the impression that this is a hedgehog.

"No way," I said. As demonstrated by Cute Overload, this is a hedgehog: Look at that cute little face! Those teeny-tiny little paws!



I think that furry thing in our backyard is a beaver. His tail doesn't seem as fully formed as an adult beaver, but his features look the same.



According to Wikipedia. I dunno...

Anyone? Please let it not be a rat. There's only so much I can take this week.

Regardless of where this thing falls on the scale of fuzzy to repulsive, there's one member of the family who is not too pleased.



Knowing full well there was no chance in hell Oscar would be able to catch this thing, I let him out because when you're stuck at home with a sick kid for the second week in a row... you need a good laugh.



And sure enough, Oscar did not disappoint. He charged. The thing waddled off, his fur barely ruffled by the effort...



A day late, and a dollar short. Right, Oscar?

It was so unseasonably warm today..

We decided to go for a walk.





Little Monkey was in charge of Oscar.



Oscar seemed less than thrilled about this prospect.



We took some practice laps around the driveway to get the hang of it.



There continued to be some resistance.



It was a long road, after all.



But he got the hang of it.