This week, I made the trek across town to take Henry to a physical therapy appointment, and I left with three different supplements, eight pages of physical therapy exercises, a dent in my credit card and one tired dog. Henry went through a thorough 2 hour exam where every part of his legs were checked. When we got home, he went straight to sleep. I really have my work cut out for me. In order to aid in his recovery from luxating patella surgery, Henry must take antioxidant supplements, fish oil as well as a pain/mood enhancing medication. His diet also needs to include only 50 percent commercial food and will be supplemented with various fruits, vegetables and spices. If it was up to me, I wouldn’t be feeding him any commercial food, but because I don’t have the time to cook for him, he does eat kibble and canned food. However, his food is always supplemented with vegetables and pure sources of protein, like chicken, beef and turkey. We make sure to cook for him as often as we can.

Henry’s therapist was the first professional I had met in the field of veterinary medicine that advocated the use of cooked meals and raw, organic foods in a dog’s diet. It was then, that I knew I had made the right choice to take him in for an exam. Every other vet I have spoken to or pet owners in general, usually don’t advocate the use of so called ‘human’ food in a dog’s diet. I always thought this was a ridiculous idea. Despite them being different, a dog’s nutritional needs are not that far off from a human’s. I feel sad for dogs who are always kept on dry kibble and never have the chance to experience the taste of foods that are good for them. What a boring palette. Food is the essence of life, in my opinion and should be enjoyable for humans and animals alike.

But, I digress. For the last 2 days I have been doing exercises with Henry when I’ve come home from work. These include short walks and a number of balance and flexibility exercises. Getting through all of them is hard. I am so tired by the end of it, not to mention stressed. I just can’t wait for him to fully recover. If I had the necessary funds, I would put him in the physical therapy program that the rehabilitation center offers, which includes 2 visits per week, but unfortunately, I don’t.

While we were there, Henry met a dachshund named Lily and he kept pulling on his leash to go play with her. When they took her away, he started to cry! My heart broke. He definitely needs a playmate and I look forward to the day when I can get him one.

It’s been a little over 5 weeks since his surgery, however we’ve got a long road ahead of us. One that involves much exercise, stressful days, sleepless nights and extra cuddles.