Miss Lula Bell (Emma Lou) seems to be on the road to recovery. We have been faithfully massaging, flexing, and working on her two bad legs on her left side. I used the tilting board, and physical therapy ball 7 times yesterday, and so far twice today. Sandra said to use it 10 times, but Emma gets so tired afterwards I didn't have the heart to push her. Today I am striving for 10 times.
However, she is trying to use that left front leg (the worst affected) and is using her left back leg much more, and it isn't knuckling over hardly at all. Today, she was able to easily get into the correct stand to urinate, and it was exciting! With her sling on, she also followed Ben around in the yard while I used her sling and steadied her.
We had one slight set back when she attempted to follow the other dogs outside and jumped off the bed while I ran towards her yelling "no Emma, no Emma, no Emma, no"! She didn't stop, jumped for it, and fell when she hit the floor. I freaked out and checked her legs, back, and reflexes. She seems to have come out unscathed, thank god. I have to learn to be more vigilant, because she wants to get moving, and like her Mama isn't being patient about it.
For now, she seems to be making huge strides, and the sooner I can get that sling out of the picture, the happier she will be. I have ordered Emma a
Lupine Harness, collars are now only for identification. There will be no more neck straining with leashes attached to collars. Emma is first, but soon all four of the children will be sporting them when we go out.
Tomorrw I will be dropping her off for her first physical therapy, and I can't wait to see the results!
