Mr. Lava is coming home today!
Aug
28
Lava had a rough first night after his surgery with a bad reaction to his pain patch. He was very restless and spiked a fever, but he did much better on Wednesday. Last night was restful and his pain has been controlled. If all continues to go well, he can come home tomorrow.
Hang in there, Lava-java! Lots of people are pulling for you, Sweetness.
Aug
26
Lava made the very early morning trip to Annapolis to have his surgery today. He dragged us to the car and off we went to make the same trip that we have done so many times in the last several months. He never hesitates to run through the door of the clinic so that he can greet anyone that stops to pet him and if they don’t stop he will run up to the next person or drag you over to someone sitting down so he can say hi. He has the most amazing spirit. The surgery was to take about two hours. The doctor called and said that all went well. He will stay in Annapolis for the next three to four days and most likely will come home on Saturday. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes!
Aug
22
Lava’s surgery has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 26. We’ll keep you posted!
In the meantime, Lava has been happily bounding around the Skis’ big, fenced-in yard on 3 legs already so this shouldn’t be too big of an adjustment for him.
Aug
18
Hey folks:
I know everyone has been pulling for Lava though his journey to recover from his fractures and associated complications. Last week Cindy, Lisa, and Lava did a return visit to his surgeon in Annapolis. The news was not at all what we were hoping for. Lava re-fractured both bones at the original fracture site. Our options are very limited due to the extensive ortho work that has already been done and Lava’s recurring infections, and most importantly, the pain and suffering over another extended period involved in recovering from bone grafts and multiple surgeries to insert and remove plates and screws.
After consulting with our own veterinarian and his surgeon, GEGR has made the difficult decision to remove the source of Lava’s suffering. I know that everyone has been supporting Lava, and your thoughts and prayers have carried him and his care givers through the tough times. I would ask your support again in the coming weeks as we all go down this road. We have been told his recovery will take about two weeks, and about four weeks post op he’ll be a normal, healthy, three-legged pup. While this is hard, I watch Lava and draw from his ability to live in the moment and not regret the past but just keep taking life one step at a time.
I hope soon after his recovery we can begin the Lava Road Show to an event or Meet & Greet near your home so he can meet you, and in his own way give a little back to the folks that gave so much to him.
~ Ted Ski
Aug
11
Lava continues to be a goofy, happy-go-lucky pup, even though he is still dealing with some pain issues. He has a new splint as of this weekend that makes it a little easier for him to maneuver, and he trucks around his little turn-out area with surprising speed! This weekend his foster family caught him attacking a stuffy, which is new for him, so that is encouraging. Lava-java has a check-up appointment this week with his new surgeon; check back later this week for an update!
Jul
31
…and one step back. Lava somehow managed to hurt himself last week and has been dealing with some pain issues and has not been using the leg ever since then. X-rays didn’t show anything (other than the fact that his pin holes are filling in faster than expected! Yay! ). He went back to see his surgeon today who thinks there MIGHT be a little crack at the fracture site, but it’s hard to tell. In any case, Lava is in a splint for four weeks and will go back for a check-up in two weeks. Hopefully, the stabilization of his leg will help with the pain and enable him to keep working on his weight-bearing exercises.
On the bright side, he is on his way to McDonald’s for some post-appointment chicken treats!
Jul
21
What a day. We’ve had some up and downs with the Lava man. He seems to be having some pain issues. I don’t think he really knows what to do with his leg now. He’s not using it much at all. The wrap will come off on Saturday. I think he’ll be more comfortable then. I did cut away the wrap around his foot. Here’s some pictures of Lava’s new set-up. I had to put a sheet over his x-pen. We can’t allow him to jump AT ALL!!!! And Lava is a “bouncer”. Once I can get a hand on him, I can control the little jumping bean. I get in there with him during the day and play “tent”. Miss Henrietta keeps him company while sitting on her window perch.
Yummy Breakfast!
Wanna play "Fort" with me?
Time for a snooze...zzzz...
Jul
21
Lava had an excellent report from his surgeon on Monday, July 14, and he has big news to share:
THE EXTERNAL FIXATOR HAS BEEN REMOVED!
Lava would be doing the Happy Dance, but he’s not allowed to yet… 
Instead, he gets to celebrate with some chicken:
Mmmm... CHICKEN
