The little doggie that could...

So, truth be told, Martha’s made no neurological improvements over the last few days.  As for personality, when she came home she was morose, fearful of people (including me), and unwilling to eat.  

Despite that, there is just something special about this dog.

When I took her home from the surgery, the neurologist said to me, “If you ever need to take a break and get away for a few days, Martha is always welcome to stay here.”

“Really?” I asked.  “A few days ago, I asked one of the techs if she knew of place that would board dogs requiring Martha’s care, and she specifically said that your center doesn’t do that.”

“Well,” said the neurologist, “She was right to say that – because we don’t, and truthfully we’ve only made the exception twice, but Martha…Martha is welcome to stay here whenever she likes.”

Tonight a friend of mine came over and found herself rolling around on the ground with the little pup in the midst of slightly soiled potty pads.  She and I are good friends, but still, I was a little shocked.

Perhaps the most interesting opinion is that of my mother.  When Martha became paralyzed, it was pretty obvious that my mom thought she should be put down.  When Martha went into surgery, I think my mom tried to be supportive by telling me how scrappy Martha was. After the surgery went poorly, my mother went right back into her stories of people spending ridiculous amounts of money on their dogs, of dogs who needed to be put down and owners who refused to do so, of medical heroics, people whose lives revolved around their dog and …yada-yada-yada.

Last night I sent my family a status update on Martha and included a video of her.

My mother replied back with – “Is physical therapy an option??”

As of today, Martha is a little less morose, still not eating much, but cuddling like a champ.  Having your dog fall asleep with her head on your lap for the first time in seven days = priceless.