If you have a few minutes to read, buckle down … I’ve got a lot to say on this post! 🙂

I’ve got some good news about Bruce! We took him to see Dr. O’Keefe this afternoon. (There is a picture below of Bruce in the car on the way there) It has been determined that Bruce has a mild dermatitis that is just topical. This goo is not coming from Bruce’s surgery site! And there is no pocket of fluid anywhere that it could be coming from. Dr. O’Keefe gave us some topical powder to apply to the area 2-3 times a day. Our vet is not concerned, and is very confident that this should clear up in a few days. I am optimistic about the prognosis.

While we were at the vet’s I got a refill on the tramadol. Many of you suggested I do that, so I did. And, you all are right. It’s better to have some on hand just in case. In addition Bruce still has about a week’s worth of anti-biotic to finish up with.

While we were at the vet’s Dr. O’Keefe suggested we shave Bruce! And, my husband agreed! The conversation started out as just a joke, but I think my husband is serious now! I couldn’t believe it! Rottie’s do have a double coat, and it is getting very hot outside. We are located in Florida (USA), so it was in the 90s here today. What do you all think?

Ok, ok … back to Bruce. Lol. Bruce is really getting back to his old self. He was running in the yard today. He is giving me hugs like he used to. He is finally starting to relax more, and lay down on his side to sleep. It has been 4 days since he has cried out in pain, from the phantom pains! I am VERY thankful for this especially!

On a different note, have I ever mentioned that we have another dog? We have an 11 year-old, female, pit-mix. She is a very chill, mellow dog, and lays around a lot (probably due to her age). But she is oh-so sweet and loving! During this stressful time with Bruce we have been giving him much attention, and attending to his every need. We give him extra care and spend much more time with him than we ever used to. And, our old girl, Tinkerbelle, she has been such a trooper right along with us. She is very patient, and doesn’t get upset because we don’t give her as much attention. She knows we love her with all of our hearts, just as much as we love Bruce! And, she is a truly understanding dog. And, every time we take Bruce outside, she is right by his side. When we got Bruce as a puppy, Tinkerbelle was 4 1/2 years old, and she treated him like he was her little pup. Although, eventually he outgrew her! But, even now, she stays by his side like she is still protecting him and watching out for him. She knows that Bruce has been through something traumatic. I believe that dogs understand when times are tough … (there is a picture below of Bruce outside, and Tinkerbelle is behind him in the grass).

Today while I was cleaning in the kitchen Bruce came out and kept me company. The place where he laid down didn’t have a carpet or rug there, but that’s where he wanted to be I guess. My husband says he is my shadow! He follows me down the hall to the bedroom. Bruce follows me into the bathroom! And just yesterday when I took the trash out to the side of the road, he was there sitting in the door frame watching me, and waiting for me to come back into the house. I just love it though! It is true, he follows me everywhere. His energy level has really gone up in the last couple of days. It is easy for him to stand up. He lays down normally. And, every time we take him outside to do his business he seems to want to stay out longer.

So, all in all, things are going great! I couldn’t be more happy about the whole situation. I just LOVE this dog so much!!! Thank you for all your support, comments and advice. Keep them coming!

Love from Sabre and Bruce