It’s hard to believe that I brought Deuce home 3 weeks ago with the expectation that we would have him home for a very short time before he got his angel wings! Our goal was to give him as much love and comfort as possible so he would know just how important he was to us and our family. Deuce was visibly happy to be home, but it was evident how weak he had become and the 1 hour drive home from Raleigh had taken it’s toll on him. Rob, one of our sons, had come from his home in Southern Pines to make arrangements to have oxygen tanks at the house in case Deuce needed it. His pneumonia was still raging and they had to give him oxygen at NC State after we got him into the car. Dr. Tuohy, Deuce’s surgeon, thought it would be a good idea to have the oxygen on hand, just to be safe. They had left his nasal cannula sutured in place in case we needed it. Deuce also had a jugular venous access in case our local vet needed it for euthanasia (his veins had been depleted during his 18 days in the hospital. He also had a foley catheter, so it would be easier for us to manage his urine output. That first night was long and tense, but we made it through.
Deuce continued his decline until Monday evening when he began to turn around. He sat up, ate and drank. Deuce had had minor rallies before, so we tried not to get too excited. But on Tuesday morning he seemed to be even stronger. Bobby and I continued to turn Deuce every 2 hours, did passive range of motion every 3-4 hours along with massage, and we did coupage every few hours. I also dressed his pressure sore frequently. When our vet came on Tuesday morning, she was surprised at how good he looked. We decided to put him back on antibiotics for the pneumonia. Deuce was now eating small meals and drinking water.
We were all amazed at his progress that first week. But, that was nothing compared to the past 2 weeks. Deuce now gets up and goes all over the house. He loves being able to go in the kitchen to his water dish and help himself! One person can take him outside now and he walks around the front yard. He walks to my car and wants to get in and go for a ride! He gets up and comes to my chair just to snuggle!
We know he still has a long way to go, but he is such a fighter that we think he he will continue to look this beast in the eye and tell it, “Not today, and not without a fight.” He channels Jimmy V and says, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!”
I attached a video from last weekend of him walking.
Thanks so much for your support, love, prayers and positive energy. You have made a difference!
Deuce we are so glad that you came here to join us, we kept hearing about you and are honored that your people decided to start a blog and share your story.
You are HOPE defined Deuce! You are an inspawration, a major miracle on 3 paws. We are thrilled to hear that your fighting spirit has carried you through this awful recovery.
Congratulations to you and your pack for a job well done! Wooohooo!
Please do continue sharing your story so that others may find comfort and hope in your journey. We love you Deuce!
Thanks for the update!
FYI: Uploading movie files is a quick way to consume your free space quota. The easiest way to share videos is to post them on YouTube first. Then just paste the view page share link on a line by itself in you post editor and the movie will automatically embed right here in your blog without forcing people to download it. Hope this helps!
Deuce is such a strong guy! What a will to live and what an inspsiration. Keep on fighting guy!
What an amazing dog! I read your other post to get the background on Deuce. He has been through the ringer, but knew his time was not now and has fought through. I wish him continued strength and his family too. You guys have really given him all you could. I too have a dog battling osteosarcoma. He is one week and 4 days from amputation of his front left leg. Luckily, he came through the surgery without complications, but has still been a rough time for us all. Each day we see progress and glimmers of our Ollie. We hope to have him for a long time to come. Take care and wishing Deuce continued progress. Your love and commitment has obviously made all the difference.
This is such a heartwarming and inspirational journey of hope, love and devotion 🙂 🙂
You surely know your Deuce and e surely loves his momma!”
You, and Deuce, have mastered the art of living in the moment and enjoying the bliss of life’s simple gifts—walking into the kitchen, getting in the chair for a cuddle going for car rides.
Jumping up and down with joy for you both! Splendid job! Splendid!
Drat! Wasn’t able to see the video so hopefully can figure that out.
The moments of love and joy are magical! Enjoy!
You are an amazing, strong woman and a “shero” to us all!
lots of love,
Sally and Happh Hanna
Thanx for keeping us in the loop, Joyce.
I know this has been incredibly difficult
for you and Bob and Thor too. but it’s all going to shake out for the very best for all of you.
You are all so brave.
Love and blessings!
YIPPEE!!! Deuce looks great!!! I just watched his Youtube video that you posted on BCD, so I’m commenting on that one.
Deuce is developing some nice muscles in those rear legs too! I love how he is casually snacking on the fresh new spring grass….and being independent and ignoring you (which means he feels better)!!!
At the end when he’s walking faster, his gait is looking good! Charley’s a front amp and he always looks more fluid walking when he trots because he uses momentum and less energy (less head bob).
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Deuce for strength and a continued recovery!!! Keep making us proud Deuce! You’re definitely an “adopted son” to all of us here! 🙂
Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley
31 Month OS Warrior….and counting!!!