On Monday, The Boy and I roadtripped to Auburn University with Asta. She was seen by a team (yeah, a team) of veterinary students and the orthopedic vet she saw previously in Pensacola. They were trying to determine the next course of action in her treatment. The migrating pin in her leg was causing more pain and discomfort than was originally thought, but despite our efforts to help her rehabilitation, the bone had not knitted as well as hoped.
After more X-rays and more exams, and a heartfelt plea from me about selling a kidney to pay for any additional surgery if needed, they decided to just remove the pin. To give her the best possible chance to avoid more surgery, Asta was also ordered on strict confinement/rest for four weeks.
We recently sold our large travel kennel, so once home, I had to improvise by penning her behind several ottomans. It wasn’t the optimal plan, but so far it’s worked well. After the first day home, Asta was already walking better, putting her foot down and using her injured leg.
Because I didn’t feel comfortable leaving her alone at home in her makeshift cell, and because my menfolk had other plans on Saturday, I stayed with Asta, letting her roam around the yard with me on my photo hike.
My meager garden has begun blooming and has the promise of a harvest soon. I have jalapeños, strawberries and tomatoes ripening. My jasmine is in blossom (the scent is intoxicating) and Gerber daisies adding much needed color to my front yard.
You can click on any image to see a larger photo, or the series as a slideshow.
(Photos shot with a Nikon D60, using an 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle, 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, Nikon CoolPix S205 and/or iPhone4)
For more photos, please visit my Flickr photostream.
Thin spiral notebook 
Poor doggie, I’m so sorry.
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