This used to be our dining room. We never actually dined there so it's really no loss. It's basically Krysta's Rae Dunn collection and a table. Bentley spent his first few days isolated here to keep him away from the other dogs as we weren't quite sure how they would all interact. We try to take his "windshield" off as much as possible as long as we are there to make sure he doesn't rip open his stitches. He really hasn't tried that. He does try to lick them sometimes.
I took Bentley outside for a little while yesterday. It was cold and raining but my woobie kept him warm. It was really his first day out of solitary and back into general population. As you can see here, big sister is checking him out and asking for his milk money. It actually made for a funny video. She kept sticking her head inside his windshield and running around him in circles. Right after this photo was taken she delivered a big right hook. Good times had by all.
Bentley wanted to watch the Redskins game with me so I brought him out for a little while. He doesn't really like photos and I think that's evident by the look on his face. Actually, maybe he doesn't like the Redskins. I hadn't actually considered that. Maybe that's why he's not actually watching the game.
Bentley Fell asleep about the same time that the Redskins offense did. That was immediately after kickoff. Bandit snuck in for some clandestine cuddle time. This is as close as they've gotten since Bentley came home. They just haven't connected yet. To be fair, all the dogs have avoided him for the most part.
Tonight we took Bentley to see the Dr. who conducted his surgery. He showed us the proper way to stretch out his back legs. We have been doing it wrong and not being hard enough on him. The concern is that the scar tissue will build up and prevent him from having the flexibility needed to walk properly. It took three of us to hold him down and get it done. He was screaming in pain, but we could see the range of motion improve. They also got him up on the table and cleaned out his undercarriage. He had been holding his pee for over 24 hours and they were able to empty his bladder to. It was totally like the scene in Austin Powers. The dude urinated for about 5 minutes straight. We have an appointment with a rehabilitation specialist next Monday and she is going to spend a few hours with him. This whole thing has been about learning.
Thanks so much for the continued support. So many people have donated to his campaign and it's made a world of difference. If you're wondering about the cost.... it's a lot. We picked up more pain medications for him tonight and that alone was almost $200.00. To this point we are somewhere over $7,000 into this thing and haven't started rehabilitation. That probably sounds insane to some of you and I suppose on some level that's a fair way to see it. It has all been a little overwhelming and has really changed our whole lifestyle. It's like raising a baby again.
A few months ago I led a fundraiser earning enough money to buy over 8,000 pounds of food for the food bank in Augusta. Krysta and I always make it a point to "pay it forward" when we are out with our kids. We always look around the restaurant and find a family and pay for their meal. I also support St. Jude's and Make a Wish Foundation every year. I only tell you that because some of you donated your hard earned money to save a dog that you didn't know because he meant the world to me and my family. You've confirmed (to me) that what you put out in the world comes back. As soon as we are back on our feet we will be putting more back into the world. I hope to do for you what you have done for us. Ya'll are amazing. Bentley's GoFundMe page
In January it will be three years since we brought Bentley home. He was the last of his litter, the runt, and his poor little toe was hanging off his foot. We found him running around in a pen by himself in the breeders front yard. He was tiny and Bo-legged. You can see how happy I was. He was mine. The first time I got to pick a dog....ever.
This dog would be the same dog that would jump through our front window, wearing the frame like a collar as he ran up the street chasing two lap dogs and a baby stroller.... Just so he could lick the puppies. He would end up with a earth shaking bark and a tender heart.
Today we spent some time outside. Even injured, he sounds off at anything moving. He truly thinks he's protecting us. That's what you have to love about dogs. This guy has no clue that he's the one who needs help. He doesn't feel sorry for himself at all.
I let Bentley lay on my woobie this morning when we went out for our "walk". I think he likes the fresh air and just keeping a eye on the neighborhood. He tires so quickly. He refuses to stand for too long. He's not using his right leg at all which is starting to really worry us.
The good news? Bentley walked a little bit on his own late last night. I was laying beside him and he stood up. He did a full turn and laid back down. He used his front legs and his back left which he centered behind him. Later on while I was in the kitchen, he made his way to the front door. I took this picture to send to Krysta. Still not sure if he walked or drug himself.
This is my buddy giving it his best. You can see him struggling and avoiding pressure on the right leg. He typically won't even extend it and let it touch the ground until he is exhausted.
Going to keep at it. If you can't see the video above or it's not working, you have to use internet explorer. Not compatible with all browsers or devices.
Bentley was a completely healthy Rottweiler living with five humans and a team of huskies on the outskirts of Augusta GA. On 21 November 2016, Bentley escaped from his back yard in hot pursuit of his best friend Bandit. Bentley was struck by a car just outside of his neighborhood. He was rushed to Saint Francis in Augusta where he received emergency care and his initial X-rays. It wasn't good news. In fact, it was really bad news. However it wasn't the worst news, and that's where Bentley's story begins.
Bentley's back legs were completely destroyed. He had eight breaks in his left leg and three breaks in his right leg. He was immediately transferred to Augusta Animal Emergency where he would undergo a nine hour surgery the following day. The surgery was successful or at least we are hopeful that it was. We're about to find out.
However, the real story in what comes next. How does a 100 lb dog recover from such trauma. From what we've been told, not too many dogs his size experience injuries like this and live. We tried to research it, but we couldn't find anything showing us how to care for a dog in this situation. The Dr. has given us some tips and we have a place to start. Our hope is that we can document this process and if successful, share it with others who find themselves in similar circumstances. We also want to share this with those of you who committed your thoughts, prayers, and hard earned dollars to give this dog a fighting chance. You have no idea how much it means to us.
Please stay with us! If nothing else, we are all about to learn something.
