We have some wonderful snowsled packed trails on my husband’s family land, across the road from our house. Down and back, through the loops that we have total about 2 miles. Some are a bit hilly, which has been tough for Maggie but also good rehab for her building her up. Last year, being Maggie’s first winter as a Tripawd, Norm and I doubted very much Maggie would ever be able to get to the end of the trail now being a Tripawd(the end is where Norm taps trees for sap). We thought we may have to take her up on sled somehow.
I’m so happy to announce that Maggie has done this trek not only once but many times this month so far! And last night, I took her on the entire loop…which is even more hilly over on the trail we call the Deer Loop. She’s doing it! She’s doing approximately 2 miles!!!!!! I remember when a 1/2 mile wiped her out completely.
The other thing that is really helping her accomplish this with ease and not being sore/tired after, is she is loose. So she can choose her pace…which is much faster than ours when she is on her flexi. Walking slower is so taxing on her. If she can get into her “Tripawd gait” it’s easier for her. Even though she never goes much farther ahead than 20-30 feet…she stops and waits for me or sniffs around or does her usual grabbing whatever branch/small tree she can get a hold of to mutilate. 🙂 Being loose is so much easier on her body.
The other part that amazes me is that she is still building herself up, despite the fact that she is now 11 years old. Her remaining rear leg muscle is huge now! 🙂
So….here’s to saying “NEVER SAY NEVER!” I don’t think those words are in Maggie’s vocabulary!!! It may have taken a long while to get her built up but WOW she’s still amazing us with her feats, even after all this time after her amputation in October 2009.
Needless to say, I’m am so proud and amazed at Maggie! She is a true Tripawd Warrior! You ROCK Maggie!
