Wow, it is hard to stay away from the blog for a week. It makes me realize how addicted I am to the process of putting my thoughts down about the little furry ones and also reading all the fun things that people are saying and doing in their worlds. I must say that it was kind of freeing not to have to meet the deadline of a postaday (which I had been doing for 14 months), because, sometimes, I did find that to be stressful, and that is not what I want this experience to be.
I have been out of town on business all week so I have been crazy busy without blogging, but I have missed it. I wanted to tell you that life has changed here at the zoo a bit since I decided to take a week off. Not just because we are still trying to get used to the loss of Miss Constance Kitty and The Muffin Man, which we feel every day, but because, I badly injured my knee last Friday (final diagnosis yet to be known) and currently I can not walk the dogs (or myself for that matter). This has really complicated my life since I love to walk them. It is hard enough for them with my travel schedule, because no one walks them when I am out of town (mostly they go in the yard and then to day care twice a week), but now, even I can not walk them. I have 2 active puppies who love the time with me and also have the need for that type of exercise. I am worried because Louise usually waits and will not do her business until I take her for a walk. I have no idea how long before I can really walk far again and if I need surgery, ‘Oh Boy!’ that will really tie me down. Should I hire a dog walker? I know this is silly but I don’t really want to because I am jealous and want to be the one to be with them, but it needs to be about the dogs, not me.
What do other people who can’t walk do? Will the dogs get used to just being ‘yard dogs?’ Will they still love me? (I guess I am feeling a little low…) What a weird post to restart my year but it is going to be a little different for a while.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
DogDaz Zoo 
Ann Paws
January 12, 2013 at 00:32
Sorry you hurt yourself 😦 I don’t think it would be a bad idea to hire a dog walker. Or maybe doggie daycare is enough? If they get to play during that anyways. Dogs are smart, I bet they will figure out that you are hurt eventually. You could always just sit in the yard and throw a ball for them or something if they like that. Hope you feel better soon!
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:33
Thanks Ann. Day care is a good day for them. I am just sad that I miss out on the fun, but that is me feeling sad for me.
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barb19
January 12, 2013 at 01:25
I hope you won’t need surgery as that would prolong the agony of not being able to walk the dogs yourself. In the meantime, why not hire a dog walker to do it for you and keep the dogs active and happy. Don’t worry, they will still love you, you are still the boss as far as they are concerned!
Hope you get positive news about your knee.
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:32
Thanks – I am worried but hopeful. Maybe they can become sled dogs and pull me around. 🙂
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Raud
January 12, 2013 at 01:33
Exercising a dog’s mind is just as important as exercising their body. You could get a training clicker and a book of dog tricks and have some fun indoors.
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:32
I like that idea. I have tried some games but usually they involve me moving about, so I have to look at ones where I can stay sitted. Thanks
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Raud
January 12, 2013 at 14:56
There are books that list off a hundred different dog tricks. It’s fun to go through them and choose one to teach.
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 15:56
Cool. Thanks
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Animalcouriers
January 12, 2013 at 02:57
Raud’s idea is a great one. A dog walker would be good too 😉
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:31
I guess I will have to go that way if this lasts to long.
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mythreemoggies
January 12, 2013 at 03:01
A dog needs to be walked as they get bored xxx
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:30
Yes they do.
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angelswhisper2011
January 12, 2013 at 03:36
That’s to bad, I’m sorry for you. Hope everything will work out fine with your knee. We have a dog walking service over here in the Netherlands to help you out.
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:30
I may just have to move up north. 🙂
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bumpyroadtobubba
January 12, 2013 at 03:39
When I was quite a way through my pregnancy with Bubba we had an issue with Bella at the park. She was with the dog walker who wasn’t looking so no-one knows what really happened, but I was suddenly faced with being about to have a baby and losing my dog walker. At that point Bella and Beary’s daily walking diminished significantly and they became (and still are) more yard dogs than anything else. And we have a very small yard. They have toys to keep them occupied. And they have each other. They also have a mumma who is painfully aware that they need more exercise. Now that Bubba is a little older it will be easier for us all to go to the dog park together but I’ve felt really guilty about it. Having said that, they are as happy as they have ever been, and they have not been any more destructive than they were when they were exercising loads every day. Hope you are on the mend super soon.
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:29
Thanks for the support.
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Genevieve Petrillo
January 12, 2013 at 06:40
I feel your pain. Literally! I’ve had RA since I was 17, and lately it’s reared its ugly head in my knee. I’m presently getting a series of injections that may or may not help me avoid surgery, so Cupcake has had to get used to walking around out in front of the house for 5 minutes at a time. She’s little enough and the apartment is big enough that she can run and jump and play inside a lot, and she is happy as a clam. But taking a walk together is just ….fun! Once in a while, I drop her off to a friend who is an obsessive exercise walker (and lost her dog last year), so Cupcake gets to see the world at a faster pace, now and then. And I AM a little jealous! If I do have to have surgery, I will have to hire a dog walker. I don’t have a yard. 😦 I hope your knee turns out fine without any major treatment. And your girls will love you no matter what!
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:28
Thanks. Sometimes I wish they were lap dogs. I will keep you informed. Not good right now, but this too shall pass, right?
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Genevieve Petrillo
January 12, 2013 at 10:38
With any luck, it will….
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katiebblogs
January 12, 2013 at 08:37
Oh no, that’s terrible. We are so sorry to hear that and can’t imagine how you are coping with such a big change. Hopefully everything will work out without serious longer term treatments and you have plenty of cuddle company while you are off your feet.
Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 10:27
Thanks – day one of figuring it out with the dogs. I’ll let you know.
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Vicki Flaherty
January 12, 2013 at 13:29
I am sorry to hear about your knee…I trust you will find a solution that serves you, and you and the pups will grow and stretch from the experience. Good luck.
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dogdaz
January 12, 2013 at 14:41
Thanks – we will find a new balance, that is true
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colliesofthemeadow
January 12, 2013 at 20:43
Ever since Trevor’s stroke and then death last year our walking has not happened…. we tend to play in the yard and run around till they and I collapse…. walking is something I love dearly but I firmly believe dogs love any sort of activity. They seem just as happy running around going crazy as they do walking…. and my time hasnt allowed for walking lately and I dont have to walk thinking about Trevor not being there…. I guess what I am trying to say is that they will love any type of activity…. you can toss balls, throw frisbees…. or even some strange toy and they will be just as happy… 🙂
Hope this helps…
the collies and chuck 🙂
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dogdaz
January 13, 2013 at 10:46
Thanks Chuck. I miss my walks with my Squash E Bear, so I deeply understand how different it is when that one special dog is no longer there. The trouble seems to be that the dogs want me to be part of the action and I am in so much discomfort right now that I am of little good to them. I agree though, they will adapt as long as they are active. Thanks and I definitely like the strange toy idea.
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Bassas Blog
January 13, 2013 at 04:20
I am so sorry to hear about your knee. I do hope that there is no permanent damage. Collies of the Meadow makes a good point. Racing around the yard will help to keep them in shape until you are well enough to resume walking.
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dogdaz
January 13, 2013 at 10:43
Thanks. I definitely need to get a mechanical squirrel to keep them on the chase.
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themisadventuresofmisaki
January 13, 2013 at 15:40
Sorry to hear about your knee, I hope it’s not too serious. Everyone above seems to have great suggestions so I hope you figure something out
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dogdaz
January 13, 2013 at 16:43
Thanks – the dogs seem to have their own ideas about what I should do. LOL
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readingwithrhythm
January 13, 2013 at 17:53
go out in the yard and play some games. Or even in the house. My Mom Person broke her leg one time and I learned a lot of new tricks! I even had to learn to throw the ball in her lap! It was all just as much fun as going on a walk. Something new every day!
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dogdaz
January 13, 2013 at 18:01
Thanks. That sounds like fun
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zannyro
January 13, 2013 at 18:25
They will still love you, even though changes have come……they will love the yard and you! I hope that you don’t need surgery…but if you do, then I hope you are up and about in no time flat!!! xoxo
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dogdaz
January 13, 2013 at 19:14
I am trying to play with them but they want to walk. I guess it will take time. Thanks
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zannyro
January 13, 2013 at 19:38
🙂
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Lynn Delage
January 13, 2013 at 21:19
I have an electric wheelchair (powerchair) which thank goodness, I not longer need all the time. However, i still cannot walk very far or very fast, so I use it to take my dog for his walks. The problem for me comes in when it is raining. I cannot take my chair out in the rain so I turn him out in the yard but he wants more exercise than that and bugs me so much until he can get a regular walk. You might have to get a dog walker temporarily. I hope your knee is not seriously hurt.
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dogdaz
January 14, 2013 at 09:59
Thanks – I put them in daycare today. That way they run around and I don’t have to worry. It is raining. 🙂
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