Blu Cartwright, the amazing Aussie

It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I am making this post. On Tuesday, Blu made the trip over the rainbow bridge and he is able bodied again. He is able run and jump and do everything he used to do before the accident. He is playing with Emma and Mogli and I know Kent was happy to see him. What a time they are probably having right now. I'm sure Blue is smiling again, something we hadn't seen him do for some time.

We gave it our all - every treatment available was tried in the hopes that we could get him up on all fours again but it just wasn't meant to be. He had SanaWave, laser, acupuncture, water massage and therapy, land therapy, a quad cart, Chinese herbs to name a few. To be very honest, I really thought he would walk but his front legs just couldn't bear any weight. Now, I'm thinking there was more nerve damage than was originally thought.

We had a great summer taking all the buggy rides - he enjoyed his daily, sometimes twice daily walks. We walked up to every Farmer's Market on Saturdays and he basked in all the attention he got. He became a fixture at the markets and everyone came up to talk to him and pet him. He went back to Put In Bay for a couple visits. He made a visit to a radio station and was interviewed. He had lots of cool experiences and met lots of great people that loved him and really tried to help him. We have friends from Toledo to Avon Lake!

It was when the weather got cold and we couldn't get out for the walks that we started to see a change in Blu. We were still walking in December on decent days but couldn't get out daily like before and he just wasn't happy when we couldn't get outside. He lost some of his motivation to work and we saw other signs that he was getting tired. He wasn't happy laying around, even though we tried to keep him engaged and busy. You could see it in his eyes - the usual spark wasn't there. We noticed a change in his breathing as he panted more and sometimes it was more labored. As pet parents, you know your pets and you know when it is time. It was time . . . for him to be whole again. Run, Blu, run!!!!!!! We love you!

Everyone likes me. I must be pretty comphy.

This is Smokey. I think she loves me.

Shout out to Karen and John for the sweet lambie. He makes a great head rest. Maizie likes her little duckie too. It was so thoughtful of you.

Check out the placement of that front paw.

A buggy ride in December? It was a bit breezy but we made it around a couple of blocks. Not bad, but that headwind, wow!

News flash! No picture but Blu stood for about 3 seconds. He bore weight on his front legs and balanced fairly well. 3 seconds today, maybe 4 tomorrow. This gramma is happy.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Gramma here . . . as usual we did our exercises this evening. We are working on sitting up from his bad side. We are making some progress. He used to fall right back over once he sat up. He couldn't maintain his balance. Now he can sit that way for quite a while. He moves his hind legs so he can get over to his comfortable side.

He really surprised me tonight with his front legs. First time we've seen that kind of action! Hopefully these front legs will continue to improve.

Good Morning! I hope you have a good day. I'm headed to water therapy later.

Turkey Day has me all tuckered out. But I am thankful for all the help I'm getting and for all the good wishes and prayers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 2 in Toledo. First a massage, then in the pool.

This was a first for me and they said I was the first official dog in the hoist to get into the pool. It was scary at first floating in the air but I was safe and they were very careful.
Super Dog!

I'm at a new place today. Gramma is always trying to find something to help me. Sometimes I'm not too sure I like her help. I have to say it's a pretty cool place, the water is very soothing and the people are really nice. I think I'm going to like it here.

I think she missed me.

Do I look excited? Gramma forgot the cart, luckily the buggy was still in the car. Another day in paradise!

We went on a long walk today, almost 3 miles. Of course gramma did the walking and I just took in the sights. We walked uptown to the last farmers market and then through Little Hedges Park to Heidelberg.

Gramma met a friend that she used to teach with and we ended up at a tailgate party. Mary was there with her daughter, Nikki, who Gramma had in first grade. They were there because Nikki has a son who is a sophomore who attends Heidelberg. Now it's official, my gramma is old!

Uh-oh, he's a traitor!

Good Morning! I'm just a bit lazy today.

Happy Birthday to Blu! Follow the link to read more and donate if you want. ❤️ https://gofund.me/f05e2f7c

I got quite the surprise today. I had rehab and then we stopped in Sandusky. I just thought Gramma needed to get something but instead we met Jill and Harper. Jill took me to PIB to see my dad. Boy was I glad to see him! Then we went out to Pam Jack's and got to visit with them. Pam is the one who used to walk me all over the island. She said she's going to take me for a walk tomorrow, in my stroller of course. I wish I was able to walk but I do enjoy being pushed around, maybe a bit too much. I also heard them talking about taking me down to the resort with my wheels, which means they have a plan to make me work. So, if you want to see me, I'm going to be on the island till Friday. Give my dad or Jill a ring.

I had rehab today. Jody said I did better today. I got even with her for working me so hard - I pooped in the water!

When I'm done working Jody holds me up for a while and I can watch all the dogs in doggie day care. There are all colors, shapes, and sizes. I just had to show you a picture of this one - he or she was huge! I've never seen such a big dog. Jody told us the breed but I can't remember and neither can gramma. All gramma could talk about was the amount of hair in the house!

It was a beautiful night for a walk, can you tell where we went?

Gramma here . . . I just want to clarify something. The comments made on some of the posts have not been made by me. I asked Jill and Nick if they were making comments and they said no. I know Blu is really smart but his front paws don't work very well so I know he hasn't been at the keyboard. I'm not sure what has happened but they aren't coming from me.

Gramma here. I hope you never need a rehab place for your dog but if you do, this is the place. Up and Running in Avon Lake is amazing and the people who work there are so friendly. My life has been enriched by getting to know them.

Blu just spent 2 nights in their care. They walked over to the clinic to get him each day for therapy. It's across the street from the rehab center. Jody went over early both days and brought him over just to hang out for a while. He just watched the other dogs and what was going on. He did take a nap and Jessica sent me this picture. That's how comfortable he was and how caring they are. Even though it's an hour and half drive I love going there.