Do you like this story?
Who says Riker is an old dog? Not him!
By Liz Palika
June 2, 2010
Five years ago Riker was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. His veterinarian at the time said, “If I just looked at these X-rays, I would say this dog wouldn’t be able to walk into the clinic.”
But Riker was walking. And running, playing, pulling his two-wheeled cart, and happily doing therapy dog work. I brought him in for X-rays because he was slightly favoring one rear leg and I thought he’d hurt a knee.
Today, at 11 years old, I’m monitoring his weight carefully; keeping him lean. I also make sure that he gets enough exercise to maintain muscles but not so much to make him sore. I also balance pain meds and supplements so he’s comfortable but the meds aren’t damaging other organs.
Riker is still running, playing, and doing therapy dog work. I did retire him from carting, but he’s not happy about that and will still place himself between the shafts of the cart when I go to hook up Bashir. So once in a while I let Riker pull for a few feet and I cheer him on, “Yeah! Good boy!”
This past Memorial Day, we had a family picnic. While the kids were filling water balloons, we discovered the lawn mower had run over the hose, causing a leak. Riker, who loves to play with the sprinklers, thought this leak was his own private sprinkler.
I have learned so much from Riker and I hope he can continue to be my teacher for several more years.
Share & Enjoy
|
Facebook
|
Twitter
|
Google Buzz
|
Digg
|
|
Technorati
|
StumbleUpon
|
Delicious
|
Email
|
Home
Dogs are so amazing. It seems like they are always proving to be more adept.
I am so glad to have learned a bit so that if one of mine is ever injured I will be better able to adjust.
The oldest is 8 and I hope she has another decade to get into new situations.
Comment by Erich Riesenberg — June 2, 2010 @ 10:54 am
Three cheers for Riker! Our oldest beagle lived to be 18 years old, and I hope Riker stays with you that long, if not longer. It sounds like he’s heading in that direction. One of the things I saw with my old Felix is how highly adaptive he was in the aging process. He learned new ways of getting around, how to use “tools” like ramps or low steps to get places he used to jump to. In his youth, he almost never barked, but as he got older he became more vocal as needed, such as when he wanted to be lifted onto our bed! One thing he never did was to lose his cheerful temperament and his “I’ll just get on with it” attitude, also known as bravery. I hope Riker continues to show those characteristics as he ages—he definitely seems to have the right attitude now!
Comment by Glenye Oakford — June 2, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
Glenye: Yes, Riker does have that, “Let’s get it done!” attitude. He’s probably had some discomfort from his hips all his life and he could have been grumpy and cranky. Luckily he’s exactly the opposite and that’s a lesson I’m trying to learn from him.
Comment by Liz Palika — June 2, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
So nice to hear of another senior dog with hip dysplasia showing us all that a little bit of sass and a sense of play are the best way to enjoy your senior years. Nicky probably 7 or 8, but he also has wretched HD. And like Riker, Nicky has made our vets shake their heads in wonder. For us, balance has been the key: weight, pain med, supplements, exercise, play. Nick loves his kiddie pool, loves his farm chores, loves a good stretch and belly rub. He even loves agility, tho’ he’s never done more than jump a 4” jump and help me set poles. But they way he struts his stuff, you’d think he just won a national championship!
When I am the human equivalent of Riker’s age, I hope I’ll have as much fun playing in a sprinkler as he obviously does.
Comment by Melinda — June 2, 2010 @ 3:31 pm
Go Riker! I still remember him as your young demo dog in the training class I took Bella and Darcy to.
Comment by Kim Thornton — June 2, 2010 @ 4:56 pm
After dinner tonight, Riker brought me a toy and dumped it in my lap. When I didn’t respond instantly, he ‘talked’ to me - “uuurrr uuurrrr uuurrrr.” Not a growl - not a bark but his “uurrr” sounds that he has taught us means he wants to play. The two younger dogs were crashed but Riker wanted to play!
So, of course, I did! smile….
Comment by Liz Palika — June 2, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
Melinda: Exactly! smile….
Comment by Liz Palika — June 2, 2010 @ 10:30 pm