I’m so sorry to hear. Sending much love to you, it is a shock when our dear dogs are restricted from doing what looks like a natural part of life. I find that hiding treats around the house and getting Snowie to find them tires him out immensely. He sometimes walks around looking, mostly trots cos he’s excited, but not boisterous, so it is fairly safe for the joints. I make him wait out of sight, then I place one or more treats, or a toy/ball, and then call him to “find it!” He really loves this game, and his nose works overtime.
Rourke diagnosed with tendonitis of the shoulder joint.
- Thread starter Stacia
- Start date
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Oh @Jelinga no wonder you feel sad for dear Rourke. Cassie and I too send hugs, well a gentle one from Cass, if she can!
I hope you feel heartened by the responses and suggestions that you've had to help occupy him through the coming months. Lead walks are not the end of the world and he is a good boy. Try to hold on to the idea that it can be healed.
You can still walk with your friend, and take strength from one another.
I hope you feel heartened by the responses and suggestions that you've had to help occupy him through the coming months. Lead walks are not the end of the world and he is a good boy. Try to hold on to the idea that it can be healed.
You can still walk with your friend, and take strength from one another.
Oh no, I am so sorry, I really feel for you. But at least you now have a diagnosis, and you can work on a plan going forward. You will work out how to deal with this, and although it wont be want you had planned for, you will still be able to have fun with Rourke and he will have a happy and fulfilled time with you. Big, big hugs - I know how awful it is when you suddenly get a set-back like this.
- Location
- Isle of Man
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Yes, I would really appreciate @Jacqui-S suggestion of a thread on restricted exercise. The six months lead walk does not lead to a cure, only 50% success, I would feel much happier restricting him if it was. With OH as he is, Rourke was my comfort and escape. I must make the best of everyday though
- Location
- East Sussex
I'm so sorry about Rourke.
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
Just a note on lead walks: *you* will get fitter! This is what I noticed when Snowie was restricted to lead walks. When I walk him off lead, I tend to amble. On lead and I take on a cracking pace (a slow dog pace is still much faster than a human pace!). So, you might find you get a lot more out of it than you expected!
- Location
- Essex, U.K.
Poor Rourke, Maisy sends 
too
too
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
I wondered about that as I was walking him this morning, seemed to be walking faster and further
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
I remember I had to build up from 5 mins twice a day to 60 mins twice a day.
I would never be able to fit that in my working day now!
I would never be able to fit that in my working day now!
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Good Gracious! What was the problem with your dog? I don't have those restrictions (but did when Drift broke his elbow) and in fact have to be careful not to walk him too long.
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Emily_Babbelhund
Mama Red HOT Pepper
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
With OH as he is, Rourke was my comfort and escape. I must make the best of everyday though
I've met @Jelinga : she could walk/hike/hunt anyone here under the table. While I really think she'll learn to like taking long walks with Rourke, I can't imagine how much fitter she could possibly get!
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Thanks @Emily_Babbelhund xx
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Agreed. The most in shape 82 year old person I've ever met, fitter I'd say than many half her age.
- Location
- South Wales
Sorry to hear this, Jelinga. Hope you can find a new routine that will be good for both of you, and that Rourke improves quickly and well. Hugs.