Life of Rylee

Rylee was born on September 28, 2005. A Golden Retriever and Yellow Lab mix. I had decided when I was ready to get another dog, this was the mix I wanted after I’d met a puppy in training to be a guide dog for the deaf in Philadelphia.

I brought her home towards the end of November and our friendship began. She was a normal puppy full of energy and curiosity. My Mom gave me the book “Marley and Me” for Christmas that year and at times I thought Rylee must be a distant relative of Marley. I could relate to the book.

She has a large fenced yard with plenty of room to run and neighbor dogs to play with. When the gates get opened to the fenced field she helps herself to whatever fruit is ripe on the trees. I think apples are her favorite, as that is the first trees she runs to. She’s even been caught picking raspberries right off the vine.

We move ahead to February 9, 2008 – One of the scariest days of my life. Rylee was playing outside on a sunny Saturday afternoon, minding her own business when the neighbor dog Buddy flipped the latch on the gate between the two yards. Buddy had been known to be quite the escape dog and all the gates were usually latched tightly and bungee corded for extra safety. On this day the extra latch had not been secured and Buddy was able to open the gate. I’m sure Rylee thought “Oh boy, another area to play and explore”. Little did she know where this would lead her.

 Normally getting into the neighbors yard wouldn’t be that big of a problem as this yard is also fenced. On this day, however, the neighbor had left the garage door open and off Rylee went. She was only out visiting the dog across the street for a few minutes when she thought she better get back home before someone missed her. The trip across the street wasn’t as easy the second time around. A car caught her back right foot. She came yelping back into her own yard and I ran out to see what was going on. All I saw was Rylee limping and a bloody mess hanging from her back leg. She tried to run around as if she could run away from the pain. I finally caught her and held her tight. Some neighbors came over and helped me pick her up in a blanket and load her in the back of the Jeep. I knew already that there wasn’t going to be anyway to save that foot, but I wasn’t ready to give up on my dog.

 After a couple of hours at the Vet Hospital they filled me in on her condition. With multiple surgeries they could save the foot, but it would probably never be the same. I asked “What would be the best for Rylee.” The Vet explained that amputating the leg would be in Rylee’s best interest and that since she was such a young healthy dog she would recover fine. I had never had any experiences with a 3 legged dog, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

 I am happy to tell you that the Vet was correct. She was up walking on her 3 legs the next day. When we got home she had to stay quiet for 2 weeks after the surgery, which was quite the chore. The day they took the staples out I asked what limitations she had and the Vet said none. I let her off her leash in the back yard and she took off running. It was so amazing to me. She now has the lovable nickname “Try-lee”.

 Rylee still loves to run and play in the field with the other dogs. She jumps up and down on her one back leg waiting for the gate to be opened. She keeps up with them most of the time. She just has to lay down and rest a little more often.

 For anyone who has to go thru the experience of an injured dog, don’t ever give up on your dog. Trust me that they adapt very quickly, and they’d never give up on you.