Sick Leave

I  resorted to taking pictures of the dogs today.  Sneaky is Lauren's Corgi.

I resorted to taking pictures of the dogs today. Sneaky is Lauren’s Corgi.

It has been three weeks today since the orthopedic surgeon cut into my shoulder to repair my torn rotator cuff and remove numerous bone spurs. I am tired of sick leave. Don’t get me wrong, I am immensely grateful to have sick leave and not to be fretting over how I will pay the bills during this time but I am so ready to be back at work (did I really say that?) and back to be able to do the things I enjoy doing and need to do.

Lauren will rush from the house eager to be anywhere but here and I will agree to do something simple like put on Mickey’s and Feather’s fly mask for the night and send them out to pasture.  Go try to put on a fly mask or halter with one hand.  Good luck with that.  Even if I am left with very simple things to do, I cannot do them.  Frustrating!

At this point in my sick leave, my daughter, my mother and all my animals are sick of me.  Yesterday, I dragged my mom and Lauren to the nail place to get our nails done.  Fun for all but not necessarily in a group.  Today I was lying down with my mom after lunch and she called the aide to come give her shower.  She told me, ‘see you later’.  Wow, that is harsh.

I am pretty fun but dachshund Lula says she is old and doesn’t want to go out to the barn again to look at the horses,  We already went seven times.  The poodle can usually be talked into to chasing the ball, which I throw with my right hand, using a “Chuck-it” that makes it go really far, but even he had enough of chasing the ball in the 80 degree sun today.

I don’t know.  I started taking random pictures of the other dogs and even found a Welsh Corgi Facebook page to post Sneaky’s picture on.  They are running from me now.  I took some pictures of BrownDog but apparently there is not a Lab-Australian shepherd with maybe some Doberman mix Facebook page.  Don’t know why.

Lauren and Kona at the final 'rally' at dog class last night.

Lauren and Kona at the final ‘rally’ at dog class last night.

Even the obedience class which was good for a few hours of entertainment on Mondays, ended last night.  I have to say that Kona has learned a lot but most interesting to me was that Lauren who has been around and worked with animals all her life, had never been to a formalized training session.  J-Canine Pet Resort in Rosenberg, with trainer Martine, did an outstanding job of helping  both the owner and the dog learn productively.  Lauren learned a lot about patience, giving good commands, providing strong feedback and getting the best from Kona.  Wow, what kind of class was it?  Because both Lauren and Kona learned a lot!

We will be going back for next step in training as well.  Bravo!

I will stick out another week at home and get back to work next Monday.  I am beginning to understand a little about why Bruno wanted to escape and his fascination with watching the cows across the road.  You have to do something.  By next week, I might drive everyone nuts.

And things change

Life is an ever evolving thing at Six Meadow Farm.  A week ago Mickey was attacked in our pasture by an “unknown assailant”.  He is healing.  He is as Jordyn says “tore up”.  But at this point we seem to have warded off infection and all the bites, scratches and cuts are healing.

Mickey and Bruno went to the vet this afternoon.  Mickey for some routine stuff and a check on his injuries.  Bruno, to have his stitches removed from his injury on March 4th that was re-stitched during his trip to Texas A&M.  That is one injury, with its casts, and wrappings that I am very happy to see healing well.  His front hoof, the old bad hoof, is looking great.  Time goes on.  Healing takes place.

We decided against the purchase of a donkey at this time.  I just can’t deal with one additional thing right now.  Hated to let Jack go, tho, I think he would have been the perfect donkey.

Lauren working with Kona (Watch me!) during obedience class.

Lauren working with Kona (Watch me!) during obedience class.

Tonight Lauren  took over as Kona’s trainer in obedience classes.  I saw the orthopedic surgeon last week and he decreed immediate surgery to my right shoulder.  I am scheduled for a rotator cuff repair (four times is charm-I pray) next Tuesday morning.  Have you ever heard of anyone having four repairs to the same shoulder?  But it is so hard.  Each time it is repaired the shoulder is a little more fragile but my work on the farm is no less strenuous.  Last time, I tore it (I believe) reaching up into the Christmas tree.  This time, I believe it tore completely simply reaching my arm up over Leo’s head (yeah, that was awhile ago) to put on his halter.  So, I have been careful.  And I will be ever so careful this time as I ride the road to shoulder re-hab this final time.  I do not think it will take another repair.

Amother dog in obedience class showing his owner love during play time.

Another dog in obedience class showing his owner love during play time.

Amber (the nurse practitioner) will come in next week to help out with my care.  All my girls will be there as I go into the operating room.  It is nice to have their support.  All the grandkids will be here so that will be a welcome diversion as well.

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Jordyn called me early this morning to tell me-THREE DAYS UNTIL PIN OAK, GRANNY!!.  She is so excited.  We are down to the final details now.  Packing her things to be sure everything  from bows to boots are clean and shiny for her trip in the ring.  Caitlyn will be leading Ky while Jordyn rides.  I think this will allow for a great chance for success as Ky knows and trusts his owner, Caitlyn.  Caitlyn is actually wearing a dress.  We have tried to get Lauren to step up but her dress selection seems limited to sun dresses or prom dresses and neither seems very appropriate.

I am scrambling to get a million things done before I am side-lined.  Please say a prayer for me.  Thanks for riding along.