Get Well Soon, Callie!

Well, poor Callie had knee surgery (TPLO to be exact) on Friday, so my mom and I have been consumed with taking good care of her. I always knew Callie had bad knees since she couldn't run with me, but I had never heard of surgery until my mom broke the news to us on Wednesday. My mom took her on Friday morning, and I was really sad...I know my mom was as well, and she was also very worried. However, we got the good news around lunchtime that Callie had done well, and the surgeon was pleased with what he was able to do for her.

Callie came home on Saturday, and my mom says she will have to stay in her crate for 4 weeks. BIG BUMMER. However, if all goes well, then after 4 weeks, she can gradually ease into physical activity again, and hopefully after 8 weeks, she can resume her normal life. Mom and I slept on an air mattress next to her crate the first night. We were going to do that again last night, but it now has a hole in it (I swear I didn't do it!), so we opted for the couch last night.

I have tried to be a really good boy...I don't agitate her...just sit quietly by her kennel. My mom says I have to go into my kennel sometimes, so she can focus on Callie...feeding her, icing her knee down, and just spending time with her. Callie was sporting a bright yellow bandage, but she had that removed today, so the incision can heal. She does have to wear this large plastic collar, so she won't lick her wound or pull her stitches out. She looks kind of funny, but I also feel really sorry for her because I know she doesn't like it. Anyway, I hope she heals fast and ask that all of you send her good wishes. My mom says this is not going to be easy, but the end result will be worth it.

The Walk is rapidly approaching, and I will post about that in a few days. Right now, my mom wants to walk me around the block before it gets dark. We've had a couple of long nights, so I think she is hoping Callie and I will go to bed early, so she can, too.

Baxter (woof woof!)

Blue Devils and Turtles (no, not the kind from Maryland!)

Well, Duke did it. It was an eventful night in my household on Monday. Callie and I were very worried about my mom because we had never seen her act that way. She was VERY tense, pacing, yelling, and cheering. When Duke finally won the thriller of a game, we all jumped and down in celebration. I jumped up on the couch to give my mom a high five and got her face instead. I felt bad, but she said didn't mind the scratch since she knew I didn't mean to do it. Anyway, congratulations to the Duke basketball team on such a fabulous season and the championship. I am already looking forward to next year since I will be a seasoned fan.

Moving on, I did a good deed yesterday...I rescued a turtle. I was outside enjoying the evening spring weather when I spotted something on the ground. I became instantly interested and kept trying to get a better look....my mom said I was acting all "stalker like." She started yelling at me to come because she couldn't tell what it was....she said if it was a snake, we were moving. I think she thought it was a baby bunny or squirrel, but then she could see the shell of the turtle and relaxed. We put the turtle in a bucket, and then Mom took it to a nice wooded spot in our neighborhood- away from the road and near a stream. I wanted to keep it as a pet, but Mom said she had no idea what to do with a turtle, and it would probably prefer to live in the wild instead of in a house with crazy dogs. Anyway, I was proud of myself for helping the turtle find a better home.

Finally, don't forget to register for the Walk if you haven't already- http://www.apsofdurham.org/about-the-walk-for-the-animals/#more-6857. I am REALLY getting excited for it and look forward to seeing you there!

It is beautiful weather here this weekend, so Callie and I have once been outside a lot enjoying the spring here. I hope you have been able to do the same!

Baxter (woof woof!)

One Shining Moment!

Apologies for being out of touch. I am not allowed to use the computer by myself, and my mom has been busy lately which is why I haven't posted. However, she has promised me she will help more frequently, especially as we get closer to the Walk. I've missed talking to my peeps!

I am so pleased and proud to announce that the Tails at Twilight Gala raised over $85,000 this year (http://www.apsofdurham.org/2010-tails-at-twilight-gala/#more-9381)! This is tremendous, and these critical funds will allow the shelter to maintain its operations as well as make some much-need enhancements, including air conditioning the back kennels. If you have ever spent time in NC during the summer, you understand why this improvement is needed. A big thank you to everyone who worked so hard on the Gala as well as to those who attended and so generously opened their wallets. I am looking forward to an equally- if not more- successful fundraising effort with the Walk. The Gala was definitely a shining moment for the APS.

In other news, spring has definitely arrived. Callie and I have been enjoying more time outdoors, especially since my mom bought an umbrella for the deck. While my mom sometimes calls me a "sun god" because I like to bask in the warmth of sunshine, I am mindful of its harmful effects, and I do want to keep my youthful appearance. We spent a good part of yesterday enjoying the outdoors- see photos. I do have to say the pollen is a little annoying...it causes me to make this hacking noise which I don't think my mom and Callie enjoy hearing.

Finally, the real reason this post is titled "One Shining Moment" is that Duke is playing for the National Championship tonight, and this is the name of the theme song for the tournament. My mom has been singing it ever since she got home-- between us, she is a little off-key. Anyway, I'm not sure I get March Madness, but my mom is really excited about tonight's game. I slept through Saturday night's semifinal, but she says I need to stay awake tonight because if Duke wins, it will be history. Callie says she remembers the 2004 Final Four-- apparently, my mom actually went to the games and came home not a happy camper because Duke lost in the semifinals. Callie has told me we really need Duke to win because then Mom will be in a great mood which will mean good things (i.e. treats!) for us. So, in that spirit, Go Duke!

Baxter (woof woof!)