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Someone asked me about my recoverying alcoholic/drug addicted daughter's puppy last night so I thought I would update on the board. His name is burton, almost 8 months old, mixed lab and a source of strength for her sobriety. I put AA puppy because she use to bring him to her AA meetings with her :) (and probably still will). He was accidentally run over by a pickup less than 2 weeks ago in the driveway while her boyfriend and she were leaving. All his muslces were torn off both his legs and had to be bolted/screwed back into the bones. One leg was broken and the other leg had to have the ball (from ball and socket joint) removed. I didn't know until recently that he had alot of skin ripped off near his groin area too! He has some deep open wound holes that need to heal from the inside out. It cost alot to save him but my daughter had to save her best friend! There are wonderful people out there too that are helping to raise money for burton. The vets did an amazing job on his surgery which took like 4 hours! They were amazed today at how well he is doing so quickly! He stood on all 4s today and took a couple steps. :) He is a real fighter! He may come home soon and we are not sure yet how we are going to take care of him or where. He still cannot walk and has to do all his bodily actvities laying down. I have gotten so attatched to this puppy. Massaging his legs is a main healing factor and I learned how to properly do that today. My daughter is working hard at her new job. She can't always visit him because her work hours are the same as visiting hours. I see it this way. He was there for her in her struggle for her disease and now we are there for him.
One vet said something today about how it was worth it to save burton's life cause he is such a fighter! He is our little miracle and definately a miracle in progress just like the name of this site. Just as we have to all fight and work hard on our program and recovery, so does burton if he wants a better healthier life. He also shows me love which has been healing for me too. He is suppose to be able to walk again. It is so sad to watch him in the shape he is now trying so hard to make those back legs work! We want to cry because it appears darned hard for him! But then again, like in alanon, one hour, 1/2 hour, one day at a time, a good support system which he has and hard work and prayers.
Burton didn't ask to be run over in such an awful accident just like the alcoholic doesn't ask to have the disease or how we don't plan on loving someone with the disease. But when things happen, we do have the choice to fight like burton to gain our health and new way to walk and survive so we can live a healthier happier life! your friend in recovery, cdb xoxoxoxox
I am so sorry to hear about Burton! Isn't it sad, they don't ask to be hurt, abused, whatever. They just love us unconditionally and want that in return.
I will keep you, your daughter, and Burton in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that he continues to be a source of inspiration to you and your daughter!
Thanks CDB I am a real softie where animals are concerned and I can just imagine those little brown eyes looking back at you when he is feeling down. Hope he does get to come home soon it will help him enormously in his recoverywhen he gets back to his own environment. Is the massage you are doing on him Reiki I have had it done on myself but apparently it is very healing for animals as well. Give him a big smooch from me. Luv Leo x
aw, I pray that Burton will continue to improve, and that he will be a great source of inspiration for your daughter. It is amazing what a miracle he is..and will always be...and he loves despite it all..wonderful puppy that he is. Thanks for the update. I will keep the whole family in prayer for this wonderful recovery in both Burton and your daughter's life...take care..and give Burton a gentle "pet" from me...I love animals too..
My husband's dog was just recently shot a few days ago. We too had surgery done to save his life. My husband had been using again and the other night he said he was going to stay sober. He said he figures if his dog can fight for his life (which he did, because we don't know how long before we found out that he had actually been shot--there were no outer wounds--he is a sweet gentle dog but someone shot him in the mouth) anyway!!! he said if Big Dog can fight for his life, I can too.
While that sounds nice. It is great if he does!! I'm still not sure he's doing it for the right reasons, but I'll be thankful he's sober.
Your Burton sounds like a real fighter! I am so sorry you all had to go through that though! I am glad he is doing pretty well!
I'm so glad to hear Burton is coming along ok. Sounds like there is healing going on all around because of this wonderful puppy!! Prayers coming for all of you, Love, TLC
Thanks for all your caring replies and kind words! I just found out that burton will be in the hospital another week. They are concerned if he walks too much the screws may pull out of the bone from where they screwed the muscles back in. I am glad they are taking good care of him and being careful! With my depression, burton has helped me too by getting me out of the house to go see him. I really let loose when I am there and act like an animal myself LOL. I would be embarassed if anyone ever videotaped me LOLOL. Thanks again and special thanks to the prayers given! cdb xoxoxoxoxox
