The Original Velcro Dog

Recently I had surgery on my foot to remove infected bones called osteomyelitis. Apparently when you get infection in the bone, it’s difficult to get antibiotics down into it to kill the bacteria. Instead of getting an amputation, the doctors opted for surgery instead.

in a nutshell my foot was filleted open and the sesimoid bones were removed. The tendons and ligaments were stitched together so my toes wouldn’t simply splay around loosely. The primary foot bones were cut across the joints and hollowed out. Bone cement was added, then a contraption was added with pins, screws, and bolts to,hold everything in place until the bone grows back together and fuses solid.

Wrapped foot

I now have a mechanical device that immobilizes my foot until it heals.

Mechanism attached to my foot

I had general anesthesia because I didn’t want to be awake while being carved up like a Thanksgiving Turkey. Apparently I had a reaction to the ketamine and was freaking the nurses out during my recovery. The most surprising thing of all is that Ryland was allowed in the recovery room, seeing that she’s a registered service dog. She immediately jumped up on my hospital bed and lay across my stomach and legs. She refused to move the entire time, so the nurses had to,work around her so I could be released to go home. I didn’t know that she would be allowed to stay with me.

Ryland sharing a pillow

Since I can’t climb the stairs to get to my bedroom, I’m sleeping on the couch downstairs until I can walk again. Ryland has been with me every step of the way. She lays her head on my pillow at night and curls up on the couch with me.

Snoozing with Ryland

She even sleeps on my chest when it’s not uncomfortable. This pooch will not let me out of her sight.

on the couch

If longevity of life was granted to the best creatures among us, dogs would outlive us all, as far as I’m concerned.