Rough Week = New Insight

It’s been a rough week for our Bichon, Riley. For 2 months, he’s been fighting what appeared to be an ear infection. When different antibiotics wouldn’t help, the decision was made to sedate him so the veterinarian could get a good look into his ear.  Since he was going to be sedated, we decided to have a small growth on his leg removed at the same time.

The ear diagnosis? – the presence of a foxtail very close to his eardrum. Deja Vu?  Yes, this is the 3rd time Riley’s had a foxtail (or foxtails) in his ears. I think I’m going to get him a knit cap to wear when he goes outside.  He came home with antibiotics for his ear, with 5 stitches in his leg, and a big bandage to protect the surgical wound.

Five days later, on the morning of his post-operative appointment, Riley wouldn’t put any pressure on the leg he had surgery on, although he had been fine all week.  Off to the vet we went, worried he had an infection.

The vet asked if Riley did a lot of jumping. Seems he now has a sprained /strained ACL. Sigh… so now Riley has an even BIGGER bandage on his leg, that looks and feels very similar to a cast.

Poor Riley.

But through all of this we were able to learn something new about Stella. It’s been obvious since the day Stella came into our family that Riley adored her. He follows her around, wants to lay by her wherever she is, and pretty much lets her do whatever she wants to him – like bark in his face, try to get him to play with her when he doesn’t want to play, things like that. But Stella? Did she love Riley as much as he loves her? It didn’t seem so.

But after this week, I am happy to say that we were wrong. Stella was very upset when Rick took Riley to the vet and she was left behind. She whined and wiggled out of my arms, then ran over to the door where she could see them driving away. Did she want to go? No. She hates getting in the car. But she didn’t want to see Riley go somewhere without her.  She sat by the door, looking outside, waiting for him to come back, for 30 minutes, without moving a muscle.

When Riley got home, Stella sniffed him all over, followed him around for a while, then gradually went back to acting like she didn’t really care what he did.

Ahhh… but now we know. It’s all an act.

Stella Waiting for Riley

Riley's leg

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Comments (15)

  1. Sharon Wiest

    Your story about the dogs gave me goosebumps. Poor baby, I hope Riley will be back to normal soon. I love your story telling!

    October 17, 2019 at 12:43 pm
  2. Nancy Hill

    What sweet puppies…. Love Story. thanks so much for sharing.

    October 17, 2019 at 2:39 pm
  3. aaaaw, the love they share! It’s amazing to have them in your life, right?

    October 17, 2019 at 11:02 pm
  4. Poor Riley! My heart is sad he is injured this bad! Now you know Stella loves Rikey! Such a sweet story!!!

    October 18, 2019 at 3:27 am
    • Karen

      Thanks, DeLoris. It’s so sad to see him limping around. 🙁

      October 20, 2019 at 7:41 am
  5. Sue Ogden

    Poor Riley! But at least now you know he’s got a loving friend for life, whether she really shows it or not! Hope he gets well soon!

    October 18, 2019 at 10:07 pm
    • Karen

      Yes, I’m really glad to know that. Thanks, Sue.

      October 20, 2019 at 7:40 am
  6. Steph

    Great story. Although not so great for Riley. Hope he heals quickly and we need to see a picture of him with his cap, if he gets one!

    October 19, 2019 at 7:49 am
    • Karen

      LOL! Absolutely, Steph.

      October 20, 2019 at 7:39 am
  7. DeLoris Musick

    Poor Riley, I hope he mends quickly. I love reading about your babies and their adventures!

    October 26, 2019 at 11:37 am
  8. Awe Karen, this hurts me to see Riley with a cast on, poor little fellow. I LOVE dogs, I love all animals and can’t stand to see them hurt, it breaks my heart. I’d wear the cast for him if I could. At least it’s purple. LOL Not funny, I know. I hope he heals fast and knows how much he is loved… even by Stella too. 🙂 If only they could talk to us. I love your stories, I don’t always comment, but I always read them. Big hugs, one for Riley too. <3

    November 5, 2019 at 3:02 am
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