Scarred but Strong
“Some people see scars, and it is wounding they remember. To me they are proof of the fact that there is healing.”
― Linda Hogan
Our wildlife watcher, back in his element.
Mojo had his last remaining sutures removed yesterday. To say it has been a long month is such an understatement, since we had to pretty much change up his entire routine to allow his incisions to heal.
He has never slept on a dog bed until these surgeries. His preferred sleeping space is on our bed and since he is a rescue with many fear issues, that has never been an issue for us. He eventually accepted the dog bed and didn’t fuss often, which is incredible in itself since he deals with a hefty bit of separation anxiety, especially where I’m concerned.
We’ve enjoyed our multiple daily walks together and there is enough space to explore on our property that we managed to keep boredom at bay for the most part. It helps that spring has arrived and there are new sights and sounds to enjoy pretty much daily.
Heading to the vet clinic for hopefully the last visit for awhile.
Once we pulled in to the clinic parking lot, he became excited since he knew exactly where he was. When one of the techs came out to lead him in, he was happy dancing to see her again. They always remark about how incredible it is that is is always so happy to see them despite the many painful procedures he has had there. I’m so relieved that it is a positive event for him because he has more negative memories than any companion should ever have, and like many rescues, he has a very long memory when it comes to people and situations that frightened him. The staff makes him feel safe, and that goes a long ways.
He is off most restrictions, except for one of his favorite past times: rolling in leaves and grass. As you see via the first photo, the largest incision is still very raw. That area is still healing and quite tender, so we will continue our leash walks for a couple of more weeks until it is healed over.
On my own health front, I will be having another PET scan soon, to check on the size of the lung growth. No matter what the scan shows, I will be going in for an aortic valve replacement before I go any further with cancer treatments or surgeries. My heart is too weak to withstand more treatment until the aortic valve is healthier (and larger). I have both cardiology and pulmonary testing to complete later on this month.
But, I will be doing so with a health companion by my side. He may be scarred but he is strong and healthy and he reminds me each and every day to live in the moment. I’m so very grateful that he is once again a happy and healthy boy.
