White Dog slept later...and sounder...than usual. We took this to be a good sign, a bit of relief from stress, and time to just let her body work its own healing magic. There have been no recurrences of the limp or foot dragging but my girl has hidden out most of the day avoiding all. Following the ER vet's advice we have let WD have her space and the rest of the White Dog Army has worked very hard to create an environment of calm and tenderness.We spent the day together, just us, and took lots of time to sit together (as much as was prudent given the situation) peaceably. Steve welcomed the bevy of supervisors as he did paperwork and I enjoyed a team effort in preparing for Michael's upcoming graduation party. Life stuff...nothing truly exciting...yet in its own steadfastness reaffirming to all.
When we went out in the late afternoon to run errands, we took White Dog with us for some special time. She was not really interested in walking at the little Park but humored Steve. The treat of pistachio ice cream made her smile a bit. When we got home, WD retreated once again to her private space behind the chair.
More and more we think that yesterday's limping episode was a manifestation of the incredible pressure WD feels as leader of The White Dog Army to keep everything running smoothly. She has been asked to adapted to not just Puff's condition and its effect on every member of the household but also to YoYoMa coming to join us and Steve's changing schedule/routine with his new job...and let's not forget Michael's ups and downs about the idea of making a major step forward in his life (graduation and a new community integration program). Through it all my girl has been a trooper but perhaps a snap or a snarl or just a plain old hissy fit would be good for stress relief.
The ERV faxed its report to Dr. Julia and I will talk with her first thing on Monday. She knows White Dog intimately and her history and will have some worthwhile insight. Our vet also knows WD's fear of the office so will, I am guessing, not subject her to any additional stress if it seems unnecessary. She will insist on doing whatever is necessary to insure our girl's health is not compromised.
The entire White Dog Army and especially myself, thank everyone for your positive thoughts and kind encouraging words throughout this entire adventure from YoYoMa's arrival through White Dog's scare. It HAS been a lot to deal with but we are confident that with friends at our side we will come through this a better pack and family for the experience. You give us strength and clarity and perspective...and most important, love.
For now all I can do is gather each of the white dogs into my arms and whisper, "As of today we are past the halfway point; it gets better from here." And to White Dog, I add a special hug and cry a little into her fur for the pain she has felt, "Thank you, Little One, I love you."