Sir Ailbe Knights Journey - Day 5

Paws For My Heart

5:45 AM - Wake up
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me (He's still doesn't like eating more,but does finish it by Noon)
7:15 AM - Playtime in the room


Most of the morning I stayed in bed to keep the swelling down.  There is some in the right, but my left foot and ankle are extremely swollen.  I've been keeping them up in the wheelchair, but they needed to have them up higher.  Ailbe got to snuggle up with me today.  We also had people come in and out.  Got my grabber and a handy tool to help get my pants on and off.  All Ailbe did was curl up on his bed and sleep.  He's amazing and I love it that he can stay so quiet.  I wish he was this way at home.  He just knows when it means to work.  He still plays ball in the room and runs lap.  He's totally occupied to keep him busy.

After one morning break I went and put my laundry into the washing machine.  After another break I called into the conference with all the top medical staff which included my doctor,social worker, nurses, etc.  They asked questions and discussed my care.  I don't know how often they do it,..

Then it was time for lunch.  The food is still terrible, but you have to eat.  So, then back to the room to feed Ailbe.  Then it was time for an outside break. Got back in time for PT.  Did more upper body exercises.  Then it was time for pain meds. I went 9 hrs between having any.   Out for another break.  Dang -- my scooper broke (I fixed it later with yarn and hopefully it will work again.  Laid down till it was time for dinner (30 min) and then off to the dining room.

After dinner I checked my email and finished up one program.  Then off to BINGO.  I won winnings because I was on the right of the original winner.  I have about $15 saved already.

Now I'm done with my programs and my blog for today.  So, good night one and all...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 4

This is what the hardware looks like in my ankle...

5:45 AM - Wake up
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me (He's still doesn't like eating more,but does finish it by Noon)
7:15 AM - Playtime in the room
7:30 - 8 AM -  Nap time for me

Around 8:45 AM Ailbe was picked up by his groomer, Deanne

I went back to bed after Ailbe left.  I was exhausted and went right back to sleep till I was woken up for the 10 AM meds.  After that it was clean up and get ready for my day.  Off to lunch at Noon.  When I got back from the dining hall they said I had a Podiatry appointment.  Today it's been two weeks since the surgery.

I got to have the dressing changed and the surgeon wanted to look at it.  The stitches are red and he wants me on a stronger antibiotic.  Otherwise he's pleased so far.  He did say it was a tough surgery with loads of damage from arthritis and bone fragments.  I have another appointment next week and hopefully I'll be able to get out the staples and stitches.  I also hope to have the cast on...

Side View of Ankle

Ailbe was so glad to see me when he got back at 4 PM.  He looks so handsome all cleaned up.  She shaved his face and feet plus trimmed his nails.  There's a little to much off above his right eye, but it will grow back soon.  I think the #7 blade done two weeks ago will be OK for another four more weeks.  Even if it grows out a little bit I think it will look like his normal haircut.  After she left he gave me the clue of  "I got to go... NOW!" ..  After we got back to room it was time to eat.

All tuckered out from my groom....

Mom, I'm trying to sleep...

Hey.... I said I want to sleep...

I went to dinner at 5 PM and sat there and asked for my tray... The dinning staff asked for my nurse and I said she's not here...  So, in a huff she took it out and said make sure your nurse is here the next time...

After dinner Sir Ailbe and I went back to the room till 6:30 PM when it was another potty break before the horse races.  We then went to the races and I kept falling asleep, but I did win 4 Retail books ($1 each -- total of $4).

After finishing my show I was so tired that I decided to go lay down early.  So, one more outing for Sir Ailbe. I went to the front desk to get some pain meds.  I'm now on "as needed" .. She gave me my other meds too and off to bed I went.  The nurse came back for one more med that needed to be given and I said the pain meds I requested hasn't kicked in (An hour since I asked for them).  She said you didn't ask and I said ask the others at the desk and they clearly heard it.  So, pain meds are kicking in and its time to drift off to sleep.

Another day is done and another to begin tomorrow....

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 3

Hey mom -- The view from this bed is AWESOME!!!

As my day is pretty much the same I'll just do a quick run through....

6 AM - Wake up
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me (He's still doesn't like eating more,but does finish it by Noon)
7:15 AM - Playtime in the room

After I got my sink bath and helped with dressing it was time to take Ailbe out for a longer walk/run. I left the room around 9:45 AM and stayed out for about 45 minutes.  He loves the track and we'll take a slow walk and then speed up for run.  He's found one area of the track to be his personal spot and so I'll be using that area during the day.  At night I have to use an area where there's more light.

Today we started eating lunch in the dining hall.  There really aren't many patients here and most do stay in the rooms.  I'm tired of staying in one room plus Ailbe loves going places.  We had help getting to the dinning room, but I had to push myself back to the room.  Ailbe did his normal thing of laying next to me and sleeping while I ate.

After an outing outside and just getting settled in the PT lady came.  I tried to push the chair, but my left arm hurts like heck.  She has this weird attitude and I told her I was having issues.  So, I finally got pushed to the PT room.  Her attitude carried on during the therapy session.  She would not listen to that my left elbow and shoulder hurt during some exercises and "no" she didn't give a hoot.  Then it was over to the table to lay down to do some left leg exercises.  I could not lift my left leg laying completely flat.  I finally said put a bolster under my right knee and I should be able to do them.  My left knee hasn't functioned right for years and the burn hurt like hell.  Even the left ankle exercise didn't sit right for me.  Then it was over to lift weights and she had it set at 7 lbs.  My left arm could not handle it and she lowered the weights to 5 lbs.  The right was OK, but the left can't handle it even with the curls.  I'm now sitting here and trying to type in total pain.  Why won't people listen.

After all that I decided to lay down for an hour before dinner.  I just can't sit for that long. Then it was back to the dinning hall for dinner.  When we got back to the room I fed Ailbe.  Of course he still has a half cup sitting in it.  I'll just apply it toward his breakfast.

About an hour after dinner we went to the Annual Auction put on my the American Legion.  We were given $20 play money.  I saw this large "Civil War" colors American Quilt which I thought I would leave only $18 to try too win it.  Well, bought for $2 the game, Sorry and cute necklace.  I'm given the Sorry game to some special boy and the necklace will be for my oldest granddaughter.  I also won a door prize. Its a Patriotic lap spread with cotton print on the front and flannel on the back.  Its a nice little lap one.

So, when I returned to my room I got his scooper and headed out the door for another break.  We stayed out for a half hour and the only thing he would do was a tinkle.  Back to the room for the rest of the evening.  So, decided to write my blog and then get ready for bed.  I just learned that I have to get my own pants off using a useless left leg that I haven't been able to move sideways for 17 years and with a lousy 60 degree flexion that I've had for years and years.  She says "You have to do it at home and we're  trying to make sure you can do it here" ....  Well lady, at home I have to get in my bed and do some crazy stretches to even attempt it.  So, I try to avoid it with a passion.  Guess I'll just have to suck it up and do it and shut my mouth to even ask for help. I'll just sit in my room and enjoy Ailbe's presence.  At least he doesn't talk back. I'll go out on walks inside and out all during the day to avoid being there.  The day Staff are the kind ones and so far the evenings and nights are hit and misses.  So, talk to you all tomorrow.....

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 2

Sir Ailbe Is A Dreamer

Today begin at a very early 5:30 AM.  After meds I got Ailbe up for an outside walk.  Success, but I'll have to go back in the daylight to pick up his little package. When I returned to the room we both went back to sleep till breakfast which was around 6:45 AM.  Ailbe was also given his new food amount of an extra half cup (he wouldn't finish it till around lunch).

After I got cleaned up and dressed it was time to do our future morning walk/run. I left the ward around 9:30 AM (had to find his night time droppings first and that was a success).  They have this cool, old walkway that looks like a track.  It has a lot of curves and loads of fun to drive the scooter on.  After a couple laps it was time to extend his leash (love that the leash goes from an off shoulder to an eight foot lead) and let hm do what comes naturally.  Total success and then after a quick pick up we were off for another run.  I run/walk four laps in one direction and then turn around and do another.  He absolutely LOVES the quick pace.  The eight laps are about one mile.

Then we sat on the patio and talked to a visitor who was here from Texas.  Her 21 year old Marine Grandson was in a horrible vehicle accident and had just woken up from a coma.  He's got a long road ahead of him for he can go home.  Ailbe is such a magnet of love toward people that he just had to meet and greet.  After an hour of being outside we headed back to the ward.

Then it was back to my room to watch one of my shows.  Ailbe was out like a light from his morning run and it was lunch time.  So far the food here is HORRIBLE!!  I only eat about 4 bites of everything and then quit eating.  At least the Phoenix VA did have some positive and that was their food.  You could choose your menu everyday.  So, a little weight loss is not going to hurt me.

After the lunch tray was taken it was time to go out for another outside break.  Then back to the room for a nap.  I'm woken up so early in the morning that by 1 PM you're ready for a nap.  Ailbe got up and snuggled with me. I went out fast and then had to make a quick dash (a quick dash for me is getting into a wheelchair and getting into the bathroom as fast as you can - LOL).  Then back to the bed and Ailbe finding his spot to cuddle.  This time he did some talking and turning his head as if he was carrying on a conversation.  After one and half hours Ailbe had to go out. So,buzz the nurses, get the assist from wheelchair to the scooter before getting out the door.  This will be our life for the next several months.  His main tasks at the moment are picking up drop items.  He's nailed everyone of them and I'm so proud.  His mobility tasks are on hold till I can walk on two feet.  I'm hoping to add to his retrieve tasks.

The best thing that was said today was what my new evening aide had to say.  They couldn't believe how quiet Ailbe was in the room.  They couldn't believe a dog was even on the floor.  Now that made me feel awesome.  

Dinner arrived and went over to give Ailbe his new 2 cup amount.  He ate all of it.  As I was eating dinner Ailbe got up in bed and I told him "Leave It" which he knew meant -- NO TIDBETS!! So,he just went to sleep while I ate.  Then back out for another mile run and successful potty break.  

At 6:30 PM it was time to head to BINGO which tonight was sponsored by the local Lions Club.  I only won $2 tonight and that was from the guy who won on my left.  So far I've won $10 and its going toward something special in the Retail Store.

Then it was back out for another outside break at 8 and 11 PM.  Goodnight all and I'll be chatting to you again.

It's morning nap time...

Hey mom these pillows are comfy

I love my new bed....

Do I have to get up to go out?

Track area where I can run/walk with mom...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 1

McGUIRE VA HOSPITAL

Ailbe arrived today at 3:30 PM and he was one happy boy.   My daughter's had a busy time unloading the truck and all my things and his are unpacked and put away.  My girls put his crate up and so he has plenty of space to sleep and chill out.  He took a nap for awhile and got to test out his new bed.  I would say he was very comfy.

The girls had to take off to pick up a poop scooper since the one I had didn't make it into the truck.  I like the one they found and it works great.  I got everything set up where I can use my wheelchair for his feeding and to lower the crate door.  His water bowl was placed in the bathroom for it will be easy for me to water him.

There is plenty of space for me to let him to take potty breaks.  I should have picked up a flash light at Walmart for night time use.  I'll look in the retail store tomorrow.  There's not enough lights outside and so its really dark in the areas I have to take him.

POW & MIA MEMORIAL WALL

I got to take him out at 9:30 PM for his final pee break till morning.  They lock the doors at 10 PM and I don't want to be outside and stuck where I can't get back in.

So, day one is almost done.  It was a short one and tomorrow will begin at 6 AM.  Goodnight from Sir Ailbe and his mom...  Talk again tomorrow night...

Sir Ailbe Knight saying HI!!!

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey

Join Sir Ailbe Knight on his newest adventure on being the first Service Dog to be allowed for an inpatient disabled veteran at the McGuire VA in Richmond, VA.  His adventure begins on Sunday Oct 12, 2014 and will end when I can leave the hospital able to take care of myself.

Strict rules have to be followed.  The Staff can assist only me and my needs.  I'm responsible to Ailbe's needs.  A SERVICE DOG ON DUTY sign will be hung on the door for the Staff to know the rules.

So, join us for our Daily journal on our new adventures.

Life Goes On...

Well, a lot has happened in the past few months since I wrote about what's going on.

I graduated from Petsmart months and months ago.  I also was going to class to learn how to be a Service Dog.  Then in April my mom's dad got extremely ill and it wasn't going to be a happy ending.

So, mom had to take time off to take care of her personal affairs.  She had to become her dad's home caregiver under Hospice.  Since her lease on her apartment wasn't up till November she had to see if she could break her lease without a penalty.  That was granted in mid May and she had to stay till July 15th.  Well, her royal PIA landlord declared that we had bedbugs in our apartment (this happened Memorial Day weekend) and needed the place treated.  My poor mom with all of her stuff was following the rules and when they came 5 days later the apt wasn't ready.  Everything had to be packed up and moved into storage before they would treat.  The landlord didn't care that mom was on a 24 hr heart monitor watch either.

Finally, on June 22nd the place was cleared out except for the furniture.  The furniture had to be treated.  On June 29th the movers arrived LATE to move the furniture to storage.  Some of it got dumped at the apt dumpster area.  The final clean out of the apt happened on July 2nd when she had the carpets steamed cleaned.  She's so darn upset about that since the carpets will be torn out when she hands the keys in on the 15th.

Her dad hasn't been doing so well and had to go in the inpatient Hospice unit a couple times.  He's now home and hopefully my mom can handle the stress of taking care of her dad.

I love my new home --- LOADS and LOADS of space in the yard to play.  Mom has to tie me out since there isn't enough fence to hold me in.  She does let me off leash with Shadow and that darn dog chases me all over the place.

Mom has taken me out a few times and I do really great.  She plans on taking me out every night to different stores in the area to practice.  It's so much fun getting into the car and putting my head on the center console for I can feel the cool air.  Today (July 26) I went to my 1st official training day at the Phoenix VA Hospital.  Mom was so proud of me laying under the chairs.  I was a true gentlemen.  I got home and just plopped down because I was so tired out.

June 2012 in my new "Lamb" cut

Pool time with James

Howdy Folks

Ready for take off...