Sunday, May 8, 2011

Green Light!


My girl, originally uploaded by sarah ....
game on!
Seriously, how adorable is she??

It's been 6 months since Gyp's Illospoas injury diagnosis. On Friday she had another treatment and was given a new 4 week conditioning plan - this time it includes Agility equipment!!! YIPPEE!! It's been through acupuncture, laser, chiro, massage, chinese herbs and mega conditioning that she is getting back!!

It's been a very cool learning experience into learning how much we ask our dogs to do - and making sure they are conditioned enough to do the job. Kaleb is 9 and has never been lame a day a in is life. He is massaged regularily and gets adjustments as needed too - but that's it. He has done a ton of agility, hunting, running etc. He is IRON DOG, and I think that is in part to his conditioning as well as his build for working.

But I have now have a new view on how important conditioning actually is, even thought I THOUGHT I was doing a good job as I know the benefit of it with myself also. I am not talking about 30 minute walks a couple times of day - that is the bare minimum and not considered any part of our conditioning plan - it is just a given. I also ALWAYS give my guys a day off a week of anything - just a casual walk in the 'hood. Now they get 2 days off a week. I am talking about challenging the dogs muscles and co-ordination with a variety of strength and endurance skills. I always did the peanut ball, jogging, hills, active ROM exercises etc ... but not to the extent I have been to get Gyp back, better than ever - we've added a few more things than what I've listed also. My Body worker course has been amazing also, I have learned so much and am getting a really good feel for my dogs and others too. I think that has been a HUGE benefit also.
Gyp has more muscle than she ever has had, it's amazing really. And it has payed off for Kaleb to. I THOUGHT my dogs were in good shape before ... but the difference now is pretty cool.
My dogs are my pets, but they are also athletes - and I think people need to have this mind set more, given what we ask them to do for us. I happily drive a 4 hour round trip for a 30 minute treatment ... but it is worth it and it has payed off. Dr. Devall has been amazing over this journey, I am so lucky to have her knowledge, honesty and encouragement ... she is now Auntie Veronica given the fact she is a big support for our family ...

Gyp and her "trainer" are focused and ready to go!

6" grids today ... conquer the world tomorrow ...

aahhh what a great session (thanks Acey for helping me train her)


Kaleb didn't miss a beat given that he had 7 weeks of off equipment (because of my surgery). I did some proofing ... me sitting on the ground, taking a photo while I sent him through the poles, atta boy! I don't want to brag ... but I did some pretty good handling myself ... yep, front crossed, rear crossed and I ran pretty hard too. Oh ya! I'm back!!!




Green grass, blues skies ... happy dogs ... happy me.

6 comments:

Judy said...

Its GREAT to have you and your dogs back , Sarah!

Taryn said...

It is a testament to your strong willpower that both you and Gyp are back and better than ever! My hat is off to you!

Jules said...

Hooray! I am so glad you and Gyp have both been cleared to work.

You are one of the very few people I know who have taken the time to really rehab the iliopsoas injury. People are in such a rush and it really isn't fair to our dogs. Congratulations!

Paws on the Run said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

yay for you, and for Gyppie!

I said you and Gyp would back stronger than ever. :)

-amanda

Petreceri Burlacite said...

She is gorgeous, an adorable dog. I have one like this, but is smallest and it is a boy. Anyway i think they are the greatest dogs.