Kimber gave me a scare!

[kimbersmom]

So Kimber had her spinal injury two years ago this past week. For those who weren't on the board yet, short version: While playing fetch, she collapsed. She lost all control over her back end, and the vets narrowed it down to a spinal stroke or a bruised spine, and we spent months rehabbing her. But it was totally worth it: she is 80% back to normal; she now runs/walks with a notable but functional limp in her back left leg. We call her our American car: she can run pretty fast in a straight line but has trouble controlling her back end. She's come a loonnggg way.

But because they weren't sure what caused the injury, they can't say whether it will happen again. DH and I resolved to enjoy every day with her that we got (things looked *dire* in 2012), and to let her be her labby self as much as possible. A lab wrapped in cotton and told not to run and play would be a miserable lab.

This weekend, I went on a walk with a friend at a park full of squirrels. As usual, I let Kimber chase after one (she's slower now and the squirrels are in no real danger). She was happily chasing squirrel #1 when squirrel #2 suddenly darted out of a bush. Ecstatic, she tried to turn on a dime. Except she so can't. Instead, she spun out on her butt, doing a full 360 and landing on her side. She got up pretty quickly and shook herself off, so I did a quick pat down and continued on our walk. But then she started stretching out her body and tilting her head. Spooked, I left Kimber with my friend and brought my car to the closest lot and loaded her up to go home.

I immediately emailed our rehab vet who, God love her, is always on her smart phone. She said as long as Kimber didn't seem to be dragging her back leg more, there wasn't a need to big-time worry. I kept Kimber quiet that day, but hallelujah, after the first hour of being a bit ginger going on the stairs, she seemed like her usual self. She's been fine since.

I felt horribly guilty but have to keep telling myself she *has* to play. It's hard being a labrador mom sometimes!

[sparky]

So glad Kimber is feeling better.
Its a conspiracy of those darn squirrels!

[ZRabbits]

Glad to hear Kimber is up and about again. Definitely scary, but sounds like you have a great support system in your rehab vet. Just take it easy for a few days, but you know that already.

Definitely tough being a Labrador mom. But think it's worth it. Look forward to becoming a Labrador Mom soon. Again glad to hear Kimber is up and moving around.

KAZ

[Macy]

Scary. I am sorry you had this fright with Kimber. Glad she's okay.

[sheltieluver]

Glad she's ok. I agree those squirrels are evil always plotting ways to take out our labs.

[Snowshoe]

Glad she is ok. I know how you feel, we had similar episodes after Whisper's husky attack and after Jet's back went. Same as you we felt you can't let them not be a dog, they don't understand. Heck, lots of people do understand but still go out and overexert themselves.

[4Thelove]

Agree it's a line between letting them be dogs and protecting them from "Squirrels". Glad she is ok

[Snowco Labradors]

That is scary. So glad she is ok.

[POPTOP]

Scary. Glad she is OK and shaking it off.

Dang squirrels. Even with no problems, Archie has wiped out several times trying to get to one.

I agree with you, letting her be a lab within her abilities.

[kimbersmom]

I think y'all are right- dang squirrels, indeed! They can be diabolical.