BB had back surgery in June. He had 4 ruptured disks repaired. The injuries were caused by an over-the-top dog who loves to play despite his large size and relative clumsiness. It took a while for me to realize he was so badly injured. He was still searching, playing, climbing and, generally, being a nuisance. But after the surgery, it was clear to see he was feeling much better -- the deterioration had been slow enough I had though the changes were more due to aging or other, lesser injuries. I made a flickr album that shows some post-surgery shots and also a few shots of his water therapy. For two weeks, BB was allowed to do nothing. But after that I took him swimming. For 4 weeks, I walked him in the water and then tossed balls for him. After that, he was strong enough to plow in from shore. This is a movie of his water therapy at about 2 months after surgery. Notice Zooey working very hard to train me to come into the water to get the ball. She's an incredibly patient human trainer. It was helpful to take them together to swim. They are a bit competitive and both work harder when they feel they are competing to get the ball. It's been about 5 months now and BB is recovering well and gaining strength. I don't think we'll be playing retrieve anywhere else but the water now!
