Road Trip

We have just returned from our ten day road trip to San Diego via Arizona. Both places were fantastic and a welcome change from the cooler temperatures of Montana. In Arizona we were able to continue our walking schedule with our friends and family, all of whom enjoyed Sampsons company, and even my moms dogs got used to sharing their space with him. The same cannot be said for my moms cat! [She opted to stay in the garage the whole time we were there].

In San Diego Sampson did a little swimming, but only on the Bay side so that he wouldn't get any water in his ear. My best friend Audra went with us and she was able to hang out on the beach with Sampson while I was in class.

The cottage I rented was perfect for all of us. It had a fenced yard, outdoor patio set and beautiful lawn, garden area. We were able to do our early morning walks on the beach and the rest of the time the three of us just hang out in our little oasis by the sea.

Sampson is a great traveler! Even Audra commented on how easy going he was. He had the whole back area of the car complete with doggie beds, pillows and his favorite sleeping bag, so he wasn't exactly roughing it. The weather was perfect for the road trip, rolled down the windows and let the breeze blow through the car. He

was only a little scrunched during the 20 minute drive after I stopped at Trader Joes for my summer provisioning! We have no Trader Joes up here, so it was an added bonus to the trip.

After we got home he was beyond excited to see Andy and the two little dogs. After a quick walk everyone seemed to fall right back into the normal rhythm of things. The day after we were home Sampson had a little flare up in his ear, so I am continuing with the medication until we see Dr. Lawson tomorrow. As for the leg, he has been strictly on leash only for all activities outside the house. Even when he went in the bay I held his leash, so we have stringently followed the Dr.'s orders there. His walking stride is looking really good. The hardest thing at this point, is his desire to really run after anything. During our short visit in AZ he was faced with rabbits, ground squirrels, lizards and quail all within the first 100 yards of walking out of my moms front door. Even though he was really tempted, he did great and just kept walking and sniffing all the new smells.

Tomorrow is our big six week check up. This is the scariest part for me. During the surgery on the other leg two years ago, it was at this point where I was able to see that recovery was not going as hoped. We have kept him off the stairs and when going in and out of the car, I physically lift him or use the towel so that there is no strain or pressure on that knee! For our living/sleeping conditions I am still sleeping on the couch next to his bed and after six weeks it has just become "normal". I am keeping my fingers crossed and know that we have done all that is possible for him to recover.

Sampson takes a road trip!

After experiencing two unseasonably beautiful days of 75* weather in Montana, it quickly went back to the normal temperatures of 50* with rain and occasional snow. This only kindled our already blazing "spring fever". With Sampson feeling better, and my commitment to attend a work seminar in San Diego, we packed up the car and hit the open road southbound, leaving the rain and snow showers in our rear view mirror. Sampson is a great traveler. I learned this two years ago after his first ACL surgery when we drove cross country to attend my brothers wedding. We left the other two dogs at home with Dad and know they will all have fun getting back out on the trails and getting a little one on one attention.

The weather was great so we drove straight through, making 1300 miles in 22 hours. We weren't too rushed so Sampson was able to get out plenty and stretch his legs and take in all the new smells along the way.

We left on Sunday and as dawn broke on Monday we were just outside of Lake Powell and though it was only 6:30am it felt so warm and welcoming. Here is Sampson taking in his first sniff of the red rock and cactus.

We are staying in my home town in Arizona for a few days to see family and have a little car work done. This is giving us quality time to take nice slow walks, and watch the Quail and Jack Rabbits cross our paths.

Sampson is even helping Grandma in the kitchen with the dishes!

We are taking our morning walks with his new friend Maggie and her mom Audra.

Tomorrow we head for San Diego. Sampson has not been in the water since his ear flared up, and I have been diligent about keeping it dry and applying the drops twice a day so I think we are in good shape for him to try out swimming in the ocean.

His leg is also doing great. He wants to do far more than I am allowing him to do. We are at one month and all is well, so better to err on the cautious side of things. The incision scar is healing up really well and you have to really look to see where it is. Hopefully in another week the hair will have completely grown in.

Knock on wood, things are going great. The sun and warm weather make all things a little better!