Reggie's Recovery

Most people who know me don't realize we have two dogs except for the occasional off-hand mention of Reggie. I spend most of my time fawning over Rufus--my perfect match in canine form. I admit, Rufus just has this rebellious, tenacious, feisty, psychotic, yet lovable attitude that I can't resist. Reggie, on the other hand, is by far the sweetest, most passive and submissive dog you could ever find--a big shy, lovable sweetheart of a cuddle monster. Which is why it was so sad and shocking on Monday that he was attacked by another dog who was being walked off-leash.

This other dog, Azure, is actually one that we've had problems with in the past--in fact, he's even attacked Rufus before, but thankfully Rufus came out of that scuffle with just a few scratches. We have never seen Azure confined in any way or tethered to any object, even when he is at home. We avoid the block on which he lives because he can most always be found hanging out on his owner's front porch and he is fairly aggressive towards other dogs.

During Azure's attack on Reggie, Reg received a gash on his side and a puncture on his lower back. When we took him to the vet we discovered that we needed to have surgery due to the puncture since the wound created a pocket underneath his skin for bacteria to thrive. During surgery, the vet had to insert two drain tubes under Reggie's skin, one at each end of the pocket to drain the bacteria. We have a few pictures of Reggie during this ordeal and let me say, he is taking it like a champ! His wounds are all healing great and his personality is bouncing back little by little every day that goes by.

Pre Azure Attack and Surgery

Reggie partakes in Skeleton Lego Wars.

He is also a closet Vader fan.

Post Azure Attack and Surgery

Reggie's first few moments at home after surgery. Since the puncture was in his lower back, and the wound under the skin ran all the way up to is front shoulders, there was little choice but to wrap him in a full body bandage. The Buster Cone is to prevent him from chewing his bandages and ripping his drain tubes out.

The green sweat band was where his IV was. He just looked so sad after surgery. He was mopey and had trouble moving around. Later this same day, he started limping because the bandage was chaffing his front legs so bad.

This was after Brendt and I changed his bandages ourselves for the first time. He was so happy to have the cone off for a little while.

Reggie goes in tomorrow morning to get his drain tubes removed and then he won't have to wear the cone collar anymore! We'll keep everyone posted but so far he is doing great!