Layla

[lynne b]

I am so happy to hear that Layla is doing so well with her cart and sounds like she is making wonderful progress at rehab.
I love reading your updates on her.

[judy]

She is the best!!! How cute that she took off! What a trooper!

[Lindsey]

Thanks everyone!

Unfortunately, after paying bills last night, it looks like we will have to do some major cutbacks on Layla's rehab. We take her three times a week plus she gets acupuncture once a week for an extra cost... basically it's costing about $1000 per month for all of this. It breaks my heart to cut back because she is showing she is STILL improving every day, but I was shocked to see my bank account last night and realized we only have enough in our fund to do this for another month. I know that she's happy either way, but I just want to give her the best chance I can. A lot of stuff I can do at home, but the underwater treadmill, the thing that helps her the most, I obviously can't do at home.

I hate to complain about money because I am lucky to have a good job and a good house and everything, and I can still pay bills and eat, but I love Layla so much and I wish it didn't have to cost so much to keep trying. I have given up paying other things off so that I could pay for her surgery and recovery and Scott said to me last night "Where does it stop?" He will not let me take money out of what I'm saving for Europe or what I'm saving for our wedding some day in the future... he won't let me make those sacrifices. And he's right.

Anyways, I guess Layla is happy as long as we're happy so I can't put us in the poorhouse for her. It won't do any of us good. She's just an amazing little girl and I know she doesn't have complex thoughts but I'm worried she'll think we're giving up on her. Or maybe it just feels that way to me.

[judy]

You have to know in your own heart Linds. Nobody can tell you what to do.

She is a happy little dog, either way!

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by judy

You have to know in your own heart Linds. Nobody can tell you what to do.

She is a happy little dog, either way!

That's true. You've already gone over and above what I would have done.

If you put Layla in the water does she try to swim using all of her legs? Maybe you could fill the bathtub really full and let her exercise in the tub. She may not really need the treadmill.

[Lindsey]

She won't use all of her legs except if she's on the treadmill - we have tried. If she's in the tub she just walks around with her front legs and lets the back ones float and drag around.

We talked with the vet yesterday and I think we've got it down to just two days a week... once for acupuncture (plus keeping her there for the day is free) and once for rehab.

Yesterday we took her to our small town vet for her shots. She did a little check-up and when she put the rectal thermometer in, Layla's back end started running away! Her front end didn't know what was happening, but her back legs were moving in a perfect walking motion. It was so crazy to see!

[gja1000]

I know this is a financial burden for you and I think you have done as much as possible for her. I think she will improve some more though! You are a good mom!