Slick and Flicker

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Tails from the Edge

Slick and Flicker:

Two amazing yet fearful border collies being rehabilitated by Bo and Melissa at Peace and Paws

Slick and Flicker Update: SLIGHT setback as far as trust goes after the vet but they seem to be bouncing back and warming right back up. Nothing a neon pink monkey can't cure. I love this pic of them, it makes them look very confident with an air of, "that's right, this is our monkey back off!" We've extended their yard area and they are thrilled with that development. Since we know Slick can get more exercise we are encouraging that for him and so far so good. He actually trotted today:) The fact that months of stress could cripple his hind end, while it makes perfect sense since it can do that to people, I have never seen it happen with a dog in this way so we are doing everything to keep him stress free and so far so good. He's not crazy about the massage but once he knows what we're doing he is very receptive. We will try the leashes again although now they have another negative reference to them (going to the vet) so we will double check with our trainer and see if harnesses (no slip) are an option. I feel it will take a long time for them ever to be comfortable with anything around their necks but again we will check with our trainer and get her input for the best way to proceed. They are awesome dogs and I cannot wait until someone sees them, falls in the love and will have the love and patience to bring them into their home and show them what a real home is like, they so deserve it.

Slick and Flicker Update: All in all really good reports considering. The pups are emotionally and physically exhausted (aren't we all?) :) but resting comfortably now. In a nutshell, Slicks fracture in his right leg has a couple of more weeks of healing and then we can start walking him and getting him some exercise and movement. Although the bones are not aligned, there is quite a bit of callous formation and no stress on the elbow and joints so she thinks it better to let it keep healing. His lameness in his back end she feels is from stress and lack of use of his muscles, possibly a knee issue but bone wise all is well back there. YAY RAH! Flicker had an old fracture to one of her femoral growth plates and one femur is 5-6CM shorter than the other. You couldn't tell by looking at her but by the xray, holy cow! So treatment is...Slick-keep on the Glucosamine Chondrotin, add fish oil, physical therapy, massage, lots of walks, recheck in 6 weeks. Flicker- keep on the Glucosamine Chondrotin, add fish oil and she's good to go. Both dogs need to lose some weight which we are working on. It is important to keep them lean! So I'd say that was pretty great news. Thank you all for your comments, suggestions and support.

Slick and Flicker Update: Soooo the Xrays have been confusing since there is some mislabeling on who is who but both have non-union fractures (I think that is correct, broken bones that are not meeting up etc) that will need to be fixed. Flicker or Slick has a femoral fracture as well that will possibly need repair but all the xrays are going to the specialist today and we will have more of an idea of our plan of action for them. They did say Slick’s back legs did not look bad although all of the legs were not in the films so sooner than later new xrays will be done. And there is arthritis in the spine. As you know, due to their fear issues and stress level, we are wanting to minimize the stress and number of times they will need to be sedated and hoping we can get a lot done in one visit. They did mention Slick could have some neurological issues with the collapsing of the back legs. His right eye is dilated so I am thinking this is a total possibility. He is SO loving and sweet though (they both are) so again, they are both functioning really well considering all the issues they have. They are all smiles, tail wags and talk when they see us so they have remained joyful. Dogs are so amazing I swear. It is not certain whether these injuries were caused from being hit by a car or abuse but regardless, they are moving forward and not looking back so we are trying to do the same.

Slick and Flicker Update: Ok, soooooo, we have our appointment at the specialists on Thursday morning. They will both be sedated and we will have xrays done on all their legs to see where we are at. While I am thrilled to get this going and get some relief for Slick, I am DREADING having to get them in crates, in the car, to the vet and watching them being scared and fearful. They both meet me at the door now, have no fear of me or Bo, no fear of the broom, Slick finally has a collar on etc etc! We finally have their trust and they are doing so amazingly well, have greeted friends with tails wagging and aside from being fearful if new people move too fast they are just like ordinary dogs. I am thinking Slick may need 1-2 surgeries but I'm not a doc, just a feeling. Flicker may be ok with the callous formations on the bone but we'll see. Really looking forward to getting answers but NOT looking forward to scaring them and have them not know what is going on. Sometimes I wish they could talk or at least understand where we are taking them is a place for them to feel better and not be scared. sigh

Slick and Flicker Update: The meeting with Ann our trainer yesterday went really well. She was impressed with how well they are doing and they took to her right away. We are going to introduce the leash since this is obviously something very important they will need to know how to do and have a positive experience with leash walking. Since they have such a strong aversion to it we are taking baby steps using treats and lots of praise. So for now, the leashes are introduced as just toys and things to make them familiar with. They have already accepted them as far as something to have fun with and we have played a few games with them. I have put one around Flickers neck and taken it off quickly in fun with lots of treats and “happy voices,” and so far she is enjoying the game. I have been doing a lot of playful tugging on Flickers collar to get used to some pressure around her neck and things of that nature. I am doing the same kind of introduction with the brush (using it as a toy and associating it with treats and play) since they both can benefit from a good brushing but for now it is just something associated with treats. Both have let me run it over them just a bit but I’m not pushing my luck and taking it slow. My goal today is to get a collar on Slick. The Xrays came on a CD from Alabama and I drove them to our vet this morning and am anxiously waiting to hear what they say about them and am hoping some serious relief is on the horizon for Slick. In the meantime he seems quite happy with the endless supply of toys and games. Both these dogs would benefit greatly being in a home. While they have a nice set up in the heated mini barn, it is no substitute for a real home so if you are interested in fostering one or both please email us at [email protected] All expenses are paid by Peace and Paws. Thanks all for your input, support and suggestions. We appreciate you all so much.

Slick and Flicker Update: Day#8……the pair is doing great as far as temperament and coming out of their shells. Flicker will let me pet her anywhere now, Slick is still cautious but will often paw at you to pet him and will come willingly and sweetly. Flicker will take anything out of your back pocket in a split second, she is a fresh one:) We are very anxious to get the Xrays from Alabama to see what we are up against as far as Slick’s legs. We were told he had some old fractures and he is in obvious and constant pain but we keep his spirits up with lots of fuzzy toys for him to get the stuffing out of. They are both getting Glucosamine and Slick is on Rimadyl for the pain for now. Both dogs eyes seem to be a little runny so we are trying to put our hands on and around their face and eyes, to get them used to this since I imagine they will need some sort of drops and/or ointment that we will need to give them. I do not think they trust us enough to do anything like that now but I feel they will in time, sooner the better I say. Both dogs have a strong aversion to the leash and our trainer is coming out tomorrow and will help us introduce that component although Slick won’t be doing much walking for now I assume. I let them both out in the big yard and while they were both thrilled, Slick was obviously very sore afterwards so we’ll have to keep him confined for now. Right now Slick is sleeping and Flicker is chewing on a nylabone. I wish we didn’t have so many dogs ourselves, these two have a way of crawling into your heart. They will make wonderful companions for the right family and they will be devoted pets. I promise you that:) We’ll let you know what the trainer says tomorrow. Have a great day everyone.

Slick and Flicker Update Day#5……well tons of progress with me. They are very affectionate with me and the trust is building daily. Next will be leash walking and working with our trainer. Slick is in a considerable amount of pain though and we are waiting to receive the Xrays from Alabama so we don’t have to traumatize him by bringing him to the vet so soon. He has several old fractures and something with his elbow as well and more details than I can write. I feel so badly for him but know he is feeling safe and loves his toys so I give them new ones daily:) Flicker is constantly at him though, grabbing at his legs and separating them may be the best for both of them. Slick does not seem to have a lot of attachment to her and is relieved when she is outside and he is inside. The only time they huddle together is if they are scared and that is it. Flicker is constantly pushing him out of the way and in his fragile state I am always gently nudging her away from him. While they will share toys that is sporadic and it is always Flicker going to grab his toy etc. Slick doesn’t trust me enough to let me help him lift his hind end to get up so watching him struggle is sometimes more than I can bear. So all and all they are doing ok, probably better than I am:). I am anxious to receive Slicks Xrays and see what we can do to get him out of pain. For now we are putting them both on Rimadyl (Flicker has an old fracture as well but is definitely not in the pain Slick is in) for pain and we will continue to make them as comfy as possible. Slick needs a place to heal and Flicker needs a place to run:)

Slick and Flicker Update Day #4……tons of progress although sometimes I forget they are not my dogs and will reach down to fast to pet etc and will spook them a bit but they quickly recover now. They love attention, really and seem much more comfortable. Slick talks to me every time I come in and both dogs are just loves. They have no food aggression or resource guarding and Slick prefers to carry his bowl to his bed to eat, often scattering food everywhere. Flicker likes to eat laying down as well. They are fine with me at their bowls putting food in but Flicker does not like the reaching down and putting of the bowl in front of her. Something is definitely wrong with Slicks knees (I believe it to be his knees) seem to go out often where he will put no weight on them (one of the other) so I am anxious to get the Xrays from AL so we can see what is going on. I don’t want to put him through any more trauma so hopefully we will get those this week and we won’t have to bring him to our vet yet. I also learned that laying over and exposing their belly can mean “leave me alone” although when Slick does it with his fuzzy toy so I am not sure that is what he is saying but not certain. I just let him play. We are still looking for a suitable and experienced foster home or adopter so if interested email us at [email protected] All vetting will be paid for by Peace and Paws and obviously anything surgical Slick may need for his knees or hind end will be paid fully by rescue

Slick and Flicker Day #2: In 24 hrs they have come a long way. Taught them to use the doggie door in about 30 seconds ….SMART dogs. Flicker does NOT like the flap on her back so we have been slowly getting her used to that part. Slick definitely seems to be the older of the pair, middle aged boy is my guess. Yawns a lot when I first get there to spend time with them (yawning is often a sign of anxiety) but then he settles right down. He smiles and talks and circles and when he is ready, lets me pet him and he LOVES it but only in small spurts for now. He will roll on his back but that just means he’s getting comfortable, not that he wants his belly rubbed, way too early for that. He prefers his chest and under his chin and sometimes his ears. He is a sweet little soul. There seems to be some pain in his hind end and one of his knees seems to pop out where he won’t put any pressure on it:( We’ll get that checked out. Flicker is more mischievous and active. She likes to nip at my pants and run and circle initiating play. She plays fetch when she feels like it but both dogs prefer the stuffed toys. The squeaks of the toys scared them at first but now they are non-stop. An over all productive day. Called the trainer and will hopefully get her to come out sometime this week.

Slick and Flicker Update: They seem to be doing remarkably well. We have been letting them do their own thing and smell us etc Flicker LOVES toys and has managed to bring most onto the dog beds. She has decided she loves the stuffed frog the best:). Both are timid but wagging their tails and we have been giving them treats and that seems to have earned us some serious points. They have both let me pet them but they are still cautious. I do not pet them past their shoulders since that seems to be the time their body stiffens. It will take time. Definitely not as bad as I was predicting. They just want to trust people……you can tell.

Flicker's first chance to run, I'd say she enjoyed herself:)