Anit-Spinning!

Hey there you all!!

I got Lloyd reading this next "blog" that was written by his daughter, Sarah. She is going to the University of Colorado and planning on going to Law School next fall. Anyway, she wrote this next piece as I "stole" if off her her school blog. I hope you enjoy it!

Take care of yourself!
Gus

In my last of FIVE academic advising appointments this week, my advisor, calmly looking over my schedule and graduation requirements, asked me an interesting question. Amidst “Do you participate in any clubs?”, “What are your plans after graduation?” and “You know you have to take a test for that, right?”, she slowly looked up at me and pointedly asked, “How is your head not spinning?”
Half joking, I responded by telling her that it indeed IS spinning and that I am just an amazing actress. She did not, however, find this to be as amusing as I hoped and proceeded to lecture me for 20 minutes on the value of “downtime” and “asking for help.” Mostly because this lady was now on the verge of making me late for work, but also because – as most of you know – “asking for help” often makes me lightheaded, I did not exactly receive her message with open arms. In the last moments of the conversation, as she tapped her pencil on my knee to re-grab my attention (OH NO SHE DIDN’T), she said it: “You know, Sarah, you can’t do everything. And even if you’re going to be stubborn and try, you need to figure out a way to get your head to stop spinning.”
Deprived of sleep AND caffeine, my initial reaction was to politely (and yet, obviously combatively) tell her that “Thank you, but I already have one mother. And she’s prettier AND nicer than you.” Miraculously I was able to resist this temptation, and my real mother will be glad to hear that I instead shook her hand, insisted I was late and really must go, and flashed a warm smile.
For the rest of the day, however, I could not get this woman out of my head. After a few cups of coffee I realized that maybe – just maybe – a small part of what she said was true. We all need things from time to time that “stop our heads from spinning,” and perhaps I haven’t exactly been dutiful in finding those “things.” At least that’s what I thought on Friday.
Then came Saturday…which, I’m glad to report, was perfect. It started simply – with a screaming alarm clock at 7am, with yogurt and granola, with green tea, with laced up running shoes, and a fully charged iPod. The weather was beautiful, and the town even more so. Leaves are changing, the air is chilly and crisp, and at 7:30 am, the hoards of obnoxiously stupid college kids are at bay. It was in the first 10 minutes of my run that I re-discovered one of those anti-spinning “things” : Boulder Creek. Running along this path is nothing short of a moment of “zen”. As I ran past fly fishermen, full strollers, drenched dogs, and fellow early-morning exercisers, I could feel my head clearing stride by stride. The spinning was starting to slow.

At the end of my run, legs numb, chest pounding, I found myself in the middle of one of my favorite places in the entire world: the saturday morning Boulder farmer’s market. I glanced across the rows of tents, the tables of food, and the sea of people, and the spinning slowed a little more. In what I can only attribute to an act of God, I remembered that I had stuffed 10 dollars in my iPod armband, just in case. Ahhh, let the grocery shopping being. Apples, Tomatoes, Bread, Tortillas, and a smattering of free samples later, my job was done. Arms full of goodies, I began the trek back home as I intently munched on what can only be described as THE BEST APPLE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. The spinning slowed a little bit more .
When I found myself home, standing in our front yard, I realized what a productive day it had already been. It wasn’t productive because I had read or even opened any text books, or because I had written a essay or a personal statement, but because I had allowed life to get quiet for a while. The stress melted, the spinning stopped, and the contentment settled it…not because of any great event or because I had gone out of my way to escape obligations and commitments, but rather because I tuned out all the noise for just a few hours and let only the most important things filter through.
So to answer your question, Ms. Psychology Advisor, it’s early morning runs, the boulder creek path, farmers markets, and apples. That’s how I keep my head from spinning.
Cheers
-S.

Family and "Imperfections"

Ok, it's been way too long since Lloyd has let me near the computer. But, I've finally pushed and barked my way enough to have sometime alone on the keyboard.

Lloyd got this video from a dear friend and when I saw the tears in his eyes I just knew I had to share it with you. You all probably have people in your life that are precious to you. But when you think about them I'll bet you don't think about their "imperfections". Please watch and remember those people who's imperfections make your life perfect.



Take care of yourselves!

Gus

Surgery Update

Gus is home and doing well! Well, he looks pretty silly with one hind leg shaved and the other just growing back hair. :)

Gus had significantly more discomfort than after the firt surgery. But, he is doing much better now. He needs to use his pain meds more than the first time but that's OK. He had a good ride home to GJ and is laying around enjoying being home.

The surgeon said that Gus' muscles were pretty fibrotic (scar tissue) from holding is hip "in place" while the other side healed. That made getting the new hip set more difficult. They were able to use the same type and size of hip prosthetic device during this surgery as the first - that helps with recovery and gait in the future.

I'm really glad the surgery is in the past and we cab focus on recovery now :) He will have x-rays done in about 6 weeks to determine how the bone growth is. Depending on the healing process, then he can start to play "normal" again - for the first time really. This time pain free.

I want to thank everyone for their support - be it financial, prayers, or emotional during this past 6 weeks. Can't believe we are done with surgeries and that Gus only has recovery and then a great life to look forward to.

We'll keep you posted as to his progress during this next 6 weeks.

Take care
Lloyd

Another Upcoming Surgery

We wanted you all to know about Gus's upcoming sugery (number 2) that is scheduled for Sept 10, 2008. In preparation for his surgery we decided to take him camping - had nothering to do with Trevor being home:)

Here are pictures from the camping trip. We leave on Tues for his Wednesday morning appt with Dr. Reicks - Cannine Othopedic Specialist. We are once again staying in my Mom's motorhome and will keep you all posted via the blog on his progress.

It is amazing to see his progress thus far. Kind of sad to know he has to go through all the recovery "down" time again. He really is a happy dog!

More to come......

Gus on TV

Found out that Gus is going to be on Channel 11 tomorrow, Sunday 8/17/08. Initially they thought that the story would air on Tues, but it was changed to Sunday. Sorry if this caused any confusion.

Gus had a great time with Sarah home this past week and Becca is trying to convince him to be her therapy dog since she had all four wisdom teeth out on Thurs. That is not going so well. I guess Becca has to be in a hospital for him to "take care of her" :)

Gus continues to heal wonderfully and starting to get his coat back. He wants to play and play HARD. But, right now, he is confined to playing with a leash on and playing with his toys inside the house.

I want to thank you for the donations that many of our friends and family have dontated to Gus' cause. You have no idea how much it is appreciated.

Gus in the Daily Sentinel

Gus - the movie star

Gus will be in the Daily Sentinel tomorrow (Tues 8-12-08)http://www.gjsentinel.com/
and on Channel 11 on Tues as well.

Lloyd

One week after coming home

Well, it has been one week since Gus got back home. He is doing great!! It is amazing how fast he is recovering from his surgery. I would say that dogs recover much faster than us humans from surgery.

Gus has been to work with me everyday this week. Patients and employees were very happy to see him back at work. It just amazes me how many people have asked about how he is doing. He certainly has touched the lives of many people.

I was contacted by Channel 11 and the Daily Sentinel this week. Both are going to be interviewing Gus and I this coming Monday. Be sure to watch for their news stories about Gus next week.

He gets his staples out on Monday at Amigo Vet clinic. We have scheduled his next surgery for September 10th.

Thanks to each of you who have contributed to Gus' surgery fund. You have no idea how much you are appreciated.

Lloyd

Gus Home

Well, Gus got home late Friday afternoon after picking up Anne in Boulder after her trip to IL. Even not feeling so good, he was sooooo excited to see Anne, Sarah and Becca! He just wiggled all over!

He did well on the trip home - slept most of the way. We stopped on top of Vail pass to let me stretch a bit and boy the looks he got - he does look pretty strange I have to admit. I'll post of picture of him but you all can't call him "chicken leg" like Sarah and Becca did.

It is just amazing how well he is doing. He is up and about most of the day - taking naps and resting as he needs. He is on a leash most of the time since he can't slip and fall. We have up baby gates again at our house so he can't go down stairs. Didn't think we'd ever see those things again in our house. At least not for a long time!!

I suspect that Gus will go to work with me next week for those of you who want to see him (and his chicken let). He really needs to be with us all the time or has to wear a "party hat" (cone) so he doesn't lick his wound. He would also have to be crated all day and that just doesn't sound to fun.

Thanks for all your encouragement, thoughts and prayers. We'll keep you posted on this recovery!

Lloyd and Anne - Guss too

Just after Surgery

Gus did great today with surgery. He is "home" in the motorhome now - still a bit confused, but home. He looks like he hit about 5 too many parties - really out of it and sleepy!

The Vet said everything went just as expected and he predicts an excellent outcome! Now comes the rehab process - on leash all the time, physical therapy - yes physical therapy, limited outdoor time - just to go to the bathroom for now.

We'll stay in Colorado Spring until Friday just to be on the safe side. Then back to GJ Friday afternoon.

Any questions just let me know!

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers! Lloyd

Surgery Consult

Gus met with Dr. Reick this morning and is now at the clinic awaiting surgery!!! What a great guy this vet is. Very compassionate and clinically seems excellent. Was able to answer all my questions completely. He says that Gus will go "home" this evening and the he (Dr. Reick) lives very close to where we are. If Gus has any problems, he will simply come over to our motorhome to see him.

He is replacing the L hip today and then in 6 wks we'll come back for the R hip. Quite the recovery/rehab phase, but we will make it. Dr. Reick says we'll have a new puppy when he is all through with this!! Can't wait for Gus to be pain free and able to do all he wants.

I'll post this evening just to keep everyone up to date.

Thanks for your prayers and support! Lloyd

We're here in Colorado Springs

Here is a picture of the clinic where Gus is being evaluated and hopefully will be a good candidate for surgery tomorrow morning. We had a good drive over and tonight staying in my parents motorhome- thanks Mom!

The name of the clinic is Colorado Canine Orthopedics at the Veterinary Specialty Center.

I'll post tomorrow what the Dr. says after our consult and then after surgery to let you all know how Gus is doing.

Lloyd

Camping with Gus @ the Volman's property

Some shots of Gus camping. THANKS Steve and Kay!!!

Donations for Therapy/Service Dog Gus

It was suggested that we set up an account for Gus at a local bank. That is completed. He has an account at American National Bank - "Surgery Funds for Gus" that people can make donations to.

Questions

Anonymous said...
What a heartfelt story. Gus sounds like a very special dog with alot of great work to do for the humans in his life. I wish you all the best and great new hips for Gus. Is there a fund set up for his medical costs? I know that kind of surgery is very expensive and I would like to help if I can.

Blessings!

July 25, 2008 9:22 AM

Anwer:
Yes we are trying to raise funds to off set the expense of the surgery. Each hip costs around $4,000. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at GusHips@gmail.com Thanks, Lloyd

June through July 20th

In June we got the terrible news that Gus, our Service/Therapy dog, has severe hip dysplasia - bad hips. We looked at several procedures and Gus' condition did not allow for any of them to be done. We want to thank Amigo Animal Clinic and Adobe Vet for their un-ending support and advice regarding how best to treat Gus.

In June it was decided to put Gus down, however friends and famly just won't allow that - which was wise on their part as just last week we found out Gus is a candidate for total hip replacement.

We (along with Amigo Animal Clinic) looked at CSU, Purdue Univ, Alameda East, and finally chose Canine Orthopedics Vet Specialities in Colorado Springs.

Gus and Lloyd are headed out for a last camping trip this weekend to let Gus play in water before his surgery. Then we are headed out to Colorado Springs Tues evening as his appt is scheduled first thing Wed morning. To save money, Lloyd's mom is letting us use her motorhome to stay in during the 3 days in the Springs. Will be much more comfortable than a motel!!

We'll let you know how the camping trip goes and post pictures of the upcoming events.

Thank you for all your support!! Lloyd, Anne (and the kids) and of course Gus himself!