April 29, 2022
It was my one-year elbow post-surgery check-up. The X-ray showed that the bone was dying, called avascular necrosis. I had two options, have the elbow fused in one position or a total elbow replacement. I would be limited to a weight restriction of 10 pounds. I elected the total elbow replacement. The other concern is that the surgery could cause additional complications with the nerve symptoms I was experiencing. As my medical records reported this disorder CRPS II, there were concerns that this disorder could escalate the pain. I was willing to take the chance. I could not believe it could get worse. We had a plan to do the total elbow replacement and then do the shoulder surgery soon after.
On August 18, 2011, I had a total elbow replacement. He elected to keep my radius bone due to stability complications and restrictions with these elbows versus having your bone. During my two weeks post-op, healing was good and staples were removed. I was to start extending my arm. In my 6 weeks post-op, I was allowed to do anything tolerated except lifting no more than 5 pounds. We agreed that my body needed time to heal before repairing the shoulder with four surgeries and other treatments in less than a year. The shoulder injections did provide some relief. I continued on the drug regimen with Dr. Jones to control the nerve pain.
It was time to make some tough decisions on my horses. I was now limited to a 10-pound weight limitation for life. It would be impossible to care for, lead and ride a horse with this weight restriction. Macy was being cared for and ridden by a young girl
at the barn. They had a great bond. It was easy to decide to give her Macy. Kommander enjoyed life being in the pasture and causing trouble to the barn staff. He needed a partner who understood his personality. He found that relationship with a mom whom my daughter rode with over the years. I was without a pet for the first time since childhood. I concentrated on my health by eating healthy and jogging. My daughter was between jobs and needed help with her dog, Stanley. He was perfect for my healing. We were buds, inseparable. The day came when she decided he needed to be with her. My husband, with hesitation, hinted I should get a dog. I, without hesitation, started to research a dog. I needed a small breed for my limitation. After having large Labrador’s that shed. I wanted a non-shedder. I decided I would pursue doing dog therapy too. When I was 12, I begged for a dog. My dad agreed as long as it did not shed. My mom discovered a breeder that mixed breeds of dogs that were easy to train, small, great for families, and non-shedding called a Daisy dog. I located the breeder. The daughter had taken over the breeding. On my way back from dropping off Stanley. I had an appointment. I completed a 5-page application. We had an hour of conversation about my home environment and my needs and wants for a dog. Based on this interview, she had a few to view. Of course, I could have taken them all home. Then came her last pup, love at first sight. Three hours later, I was going home with a puppy. In honor of my mom, he was named Dominiak. It was her maiden name. I took it seriously to make him a therapy dog. I watched Cesar Milan on National Geographic and read training techniques specific to pet therapy for dogs. He was only 4 months old. He had to be a year old to qualify to get certified to be a therapy dog. In my research, I discovered that Cesar was starting a training session. I jumped at the opportunity. I spent 5 days working with him and two of his trainers about dog behavior. It was a great experience meeting others from all over the world, even better, to have the one-on-one opportunity to work with Cesar. Dominiak was the best medicine. On my bad days, he cuddled with me. On my good days, we spent learning the therapy job and jogging. We even did a 5K run.
Once he turned a year, we were certified as pet therapists. We loved going to hospitals and nursing homes, putting smiles on people’s faces as they went through their struggles and pain.
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