Bman and his New Brother

Well, we recently tried to change Bman's name to Armstrong (as evidenced by the last entry) but it just didn't stick. He truly is a little Bman:) He has been making wonderful progress with his physical therapy. We do his PT every day, and each day I can feel him getting stronger and stronger. He works so hard. His little muscles are just quivering when we finish from working so hard. Recently just after completing his PT I helped him stand up in the kitchen. My kitchen has linoleum floors, so it’s not the easiest place for a dog to get good traction to stand. He stood there for about three minute’s straight, trying to stand as long as possible. When he started to let his legs fall to one side, he would pull himself back up with no assistance from me. After three or four minutes of this, he actually took two separate steps with his back legs to walk out of the kitchen. I am so proud of him. He works so hard everyday and we are truly seeing great results!

Video Postcard from Armstrong

A New Beginning, A New Name!

Lately we have been discussing B Man and his adventure with us. Since he has been overcoming so many obstacles and now ready for adoption, we wanted to give him a new name that embraces all of this. First let me explain where the name B Man even came from.
When this little fellow came into our lives, he had no name or place we knew as his home. We took him in and here, all our babies need good names. At first he was Stray but we actually had a doggie in the hospital whose actual name was Stray. Too much confusion when we were trying to work on him.
First came Bullet! It was a strong sounding name and he actually had a bullet in his back. This name was something we came up with quickly just so we could get closer to him. Eventually the name was shortened to B Man. Saying Bullet seemed to be a constant reminder as to what brought him to us. So B Man stuck until now.
Some cultures put a great emphasis on a names meaning. In Hawaii a name holds great meaning and they believe that you take on the character of your name. So what do you name a strong spirited boy that has over come obstacles time and time again. While our staff member was out on the beach with B man and his wheelchair, it dawned on her. How about Armstrong! As she said, he loves his wheels and he is a fighter.

So we would like to introduce Armstrong to everyone. He is starting over and we know he will continue to display the strong characteristics of his new name! Also please remember our little boy still needs a good home. ~AP

Bman Goes on Vacation

051508

Last I wrote, we received Bman's his wheelchair and was zooming around the animal hospital. He is still getting use to life with wheels. We are continuing his physical therapy and trying to get his legs and body stronger and stronger. He is eating well and staying very active. No matter what, he is still a bundle of energy who does anything to get our attention.

This is going to be an exciting weekend for B Man. One of our very trusted staff members is going to the beach for the weekend and asked if she could take B Man along. It was quickly approved and now B Man will be getting some good beach hydrotherapy and hang out with her other doggies. Everyone needs a good vacation and we think this will really lift his spirits. You can't beat physical therapy with the sound of the sea and the wind in your hair.

Bman Gets His Wheels!!!!

Today was a very exciting day for us. B Man's got his wheelchair! Of
course we wanted to try it out right away. It took us a few minutes to
to figure out and adjust this new contraption and make sure we have it
fitting properly. That was a little challenging becauseBman kept
wiggling and wanting to move while we were adjusting him. But once we
had him in it correctly, we let him go. Boy, did he take off! He was
running everywhere! I think the whole hospital staff stopped to cheer
him on. We dubbed him "speed racer" during his first event.

We
took him outside into the parking lot so he was free to move about
without obstacles and let him wheel around until he tired. When an
animal first uses a wheelchair it must be done in small time increments
to get their bodies used to it. He used it for about 15 minutes and
then needed a break. He was pooped! It's a new process for him and he
did wonderful on his first try. Most doggies need encouragement the
first times because its a new way of getting around that is not natural
for them.

His second day we took him outside again to make it
fun for him. He loves being out and about so its all about positive
reinforcement. This wheelchair has been a real blessing for him.

His
physical therapy continues to go well and he is getting stronger
everyday. But now that he has his wheels, the skies the limit! His
spirit has always been strong from day one, but I think now he is
really ready to take on the world again. This time, he is definitely
surrounded by love and encouragement from people all over the world.
His story traveled far and touched people from everywhere. It was
wonderful to hear from loving people all over who wanted to help this
one small dog with a huge heart.

At the animal hospital we
consider ourselves animal advocates, we are their voice and we were all
behind this little dog that was just dumped.

At first we
thought he was sent to us to help and make his life better but in the
end, he has proved that he is their to add joy to our lives. He is our
little miracle and we are just so blessed to help orchestrate him
literally getting back on his feet.
Again, that's to everyone for their support. I will continue to keep you updated! ~ AP

Bman's Bath:)

Healthy Neuter Day

Yesterday was B Man's "Healthy Neuter Day"! He did great and is recoverying well. He also received a good dental cleaning while he was under anesthesia. So now his "smile" has an extra glow to it.
We did skip his physical therapy yesterday since he was having surgery. Of course we will start it again today. The only thing he will get to take a break from is hydrotherapy. He can't be in water for 7 days after his surgery. If you ask him, thats good news. He is still not sure about being in the water.
I just wanted to let everyone know how his surgery went. Now that he is neutered, it will help him stay even healthier in the years to come. Obviously we are huge supporters in spaying and neutering of all our animals to save lives and keep them healthy! We love our B Man so we only want the best for him. When I see him today, I will pass on all of your well wishes to him. He was already back to his peppy self last night when I left. You can't keep a good dog down!~AP

Physical Therapy - Week 1

04/15/08
B Man's first week of physical therapy is over and he is doing great! He is always in the mood to get up and do his exercises. OK, occasionally he gets distracted but he overall he is a wonderful student.
B Man is standing better and for longer periods of time. Instead of just a few seconds, he is getting up to a minute. This still does not mean he will regain all of his walking abilities back, but he is getting stronger. We are still taking it one day at a time. Today while he was sitting around, he was placing his legs correctly. The physical therapy really does seem to be helping him. It is really such a joy to work with him. Whenever you walk in the room, he just makes you smile. His energetic and friendly spirit is very contagious. If you are having a bad day, I recommend just spending a few minutes with B Man and your attitude will definitely change.
Hopefully we will be neutering him this week. We wanted him to recover from back surgery before tackling another one. He is strong and healthy so its a good time to do it. I will be sure to post how that all turns out. We have warned him that his "Happy Neuter Day", is coming. So he is prepared.
Overall, I think B Man is doing so well. He has such an amazing spirit about him, we all know the surgery was worth it. Everyday we tell him how many people love him and are pulling for him. He is not the type that will let us down. You can just look in his eyes and see he really knows we care. Everyone who has met him, just falls in love with him. Its impossible not too. He does enjoy all the attention he gets. Every morning I go to work, I look forward to him barking when you are the first person to enter the hospital. He is protecting his temporary home.
I am going to try and take some more pictures of him this week. Hopefully of some of his physical therapy sessions. That way he can show off his progress. Thank you to everyone who has sent so much love and prayers to this little guy. You can tell it is all working! AP

4/08/08

It has been one week since B Man's operation. We waited until now to begin his physical therapy so the incision on his back had time to heal. B Man was very excited to start. He loves any form of attention and does anything to keep it. He is too cute. You would never know he just had back surgery just a week ago by his upbeat personality.

We began his therapy by towel walking him outside. I chose to take him outside because the weather was beautiful and we try to make sure all therapy is fun and upbeat. I started massaging his rear legs to warm up the muscles for the physical therapy.
Next we did PROM (passive range of motion). I stand him up and take one leg at a time and move it in a bicycle motion. We do that for 15 reps. He had a good time during this because he was busy watching some of our cottage cats walk around.
Next we did the flexor. I lay him on his side and take his rear paw and spread his toes while stretching out his leg. We want him to pull back his leg from my hand. This does not always occur right away. Of course B Man was a show off and did it right away. So I thought this was wonderful.
Next was our hydrotherapy. Yes this involves water. I place him in a bathtub up to his shoulders and try to get him to walk back and forth. I think B Man is a little scared of water but he worked through it. He would get to the slightly deeper end and want to rush back to the other. So I just want to make him comfortable and try and take it slower. I did sneak in a little shampoo and give him a quick wash.
Over all I think it was a great start. I did his therapy twice today. I am hoping to work up to three. I just do not want to tire him out in the beginning. He stays so happy during all of his therapy. There is not much that breaks this little man's spirit. I just look at him and know he is such a special guy. He is really giving his all! AP

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April 6, 2008

The little angel had his surgery a week and ½ ago. We feel very fortunate that while his back was broken and healed in the broken position (about 60 degrees) it did not sever the spinal cord but did cause significant swelling. They removed approximately 20% of his spine to both straighten it and relieve the pressure on the cord. Now, he is going through recovery and intense rehab. We are not sure what his prognosis is long term but do expect his care at the hospital to continue for the next 4-6 months.

His bladder has to be evacuated several times a day. We have to be cautious of potty accidents so urine does not get on the sores he has from dragging himself around for a month and cause toxicity. We are trying to get him to strengthen his back legs in hopes he will gain some function once the swelling has gone down. He has been doing physical therapy several times a day and had been fitted for a wheelchair. We hope to receive enough money to order it soon.

He is so stoic and SO grateful. He looks like he is smiling all the time. I feel sure he has never had so much love and attention even though the circumstances are so bad.
We really do still need assistance and are accepting donations via telephone or via mail.

If you know anyone interested in making a contribution, I can be reached at:

Pampered Paws
662-236-9500 option 2
or via mail

Pampered Paws
Lumpy Angel Rescue Fund
Attn: Kellie Owens
226 CR 162
Oxford, MS 38655

Thanks so much for caring!