Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Lilly Belle was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia as a puppy, and we decided to schedule her for surgery in December. This video show the trouble she encountered when climbing stairs. One week after this video, she underwent surgery to receive a new hip.

We consulted with our local Vets and decided to have Lilly's operation performed by Big Sky Animal Medical Center in Great Falls, Montana. The surgery went exceptionally well and Lilly is now in the recovery phase, wich takes about two months. During this time we do not let her run free, climb stairs or use her back legs to jump, stand, etc. It is important to let the bone fuse around this new cobalt hip of hers.

Lilly is doing very well, but she is bored and restless due to the confined space we must keep her in for her own protection. You can also see the x-rays of her hip joints after the surgery. To learn more about hip dysplasia and see our videos, photos and x-rays, go here.

A Dog’s Prayer

Pack Leader here: I stumbled upon this beautiful prayer and thought it needed to be shared with all animal lovers. If you have ever lost a pet, I'll wager you can't read this prayer with dry eyes...
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Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.


And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.”

In memory of Sugarbear,
our Karelian Bear Dog