Darbi's 11th

Happy 11th Birthday to just the best dog ever.

Darbi turns another year older today and she is doing fantastic.

She has failing eyesight, but she is otherwise very healthy.  She is on no meds and has not limped on her arthritic feet since she retired from Field Trials.

She "might" have some hearing loss, but I think she hears me just fine and chooses to ignore me most of the time.  That's okay...she deserves to do what she wants.

She is my heart dog.

Darbi and her granddaughter Hattie.  Hattie is going to be at least as big as Darbi.  Darbs is a good sized female.

She's 6 1/2 months and has started her yard work.

Darbi's son Turq, who recently achieved his FC.

He is going grey early like his momma.

Another shot of Hattie.  She comes by those big ears honestly.

Field Champion!!

CONGRATS to owner Tim Mueller and his NEW Field Champion "Turq".

Luckiest Man Alive and Turq got a third in the Open today and this titled Turq.

Turq is now FC Backwater Smokin Turq and is from the Prime x Darbi litter of 2008.

Turq is quite accomplished at only 4 years young.

Canadian National Finalist at 2
Qualified for US National at 3
Qualified for US National Amateur at 4

Atta boy Turq.

Darbi and Turq

It's gone.

The toe is gone.

Libby had surgery a couple of days ago and all went well.  We go for our first dressing change tomorrow where I will be able to see what her foot looks like now.

She seems no worse for wear and doesn't fuss with the bandage on her foot.

Apparently she can return to work in 2 weeks or so.

Amazing.

The Great Toe Debate

I just picked Libby up from the vet...WITH her toe still attached.

She was supposed to have the toe removed today but my vet, Dr. Wonderful, called me to say he was apprehensive and he'd like to reschedule.  You see, this is what I love about my vet.  He is anxious to do a great job because he knows Libby is an athlete and a return to full work is the goal.  He has consulted multiple orthopedic vets and came to the conclusion that he would like one of them there for the surgery.

We are rescheduled for Tuesday when Dr. Wonderful will do the toe removal, along with an orthopedic colleague.

Luckiest Man Alive says he doesn't know what all the fuss is about and he could remove the toe himself no problem with some kitchen utensils, but I doubt his method would have much finesse.

I imagine the rest of the year is a wash for Libby, however she may be back for a couple of trials in October.  I told Dr. Wonderful that I'll do whatever it takes to have her for next year and all the years after that.  The rest of this year just doesn't matter in the big picture.