"Champion, Only the Best for Her"

Gigi was a very happy active Keeshond puppy. At seven months of age, I heard her begin to whimper.  It wasn’t long and she began to bunny hop holding up one of her hind legs as she ran in the yard with her dog companions.

Gigi was born on February 2, 1987.  At that time there was not much that could be done except remove the head of her femur (FHO = femoral head ostectomy) and I chose not to do that.  The hip replacement components were still too large for a medium size dog like Gigi.  So Gigi waited and finally in November of 1995, we found Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery and the surgeons there did her hip replacement.  She was a good patient and recovered nicely with tender loving care.  Gigi has enjoyed having the full pain-free use of her hind legs.

Though the years, I had play trained with her in obedience (you cannot show a lame dog), and she loved the attention and games. So after the hip replacement, we began to actually show her.    On November 2, 1996, she earned her Companion Dog Title (CD) from the AKC.  She also got her United Kennel Club CD in January 1998. To get a companion Dog (CD) title, no jumping is required.  So the next step was to start training her to jump and retrieve with a dumb bell. Well, she always liked tennis balls and when we went on walks, she would hold a ball in her mouth for 3 miles!

I taught Gigi to jump a high jump and retrieve the dumb bell. She thought that was so exciting. That was just so cool for me. Then she learned to master the broad jump with no problem.  Now it was time to go for the Companion Dog Excellent title (CDX).  Gigi got her open title with two first place finishes in July 1998, Not only did she achieve her CDX Title, she earned her CD at 9 years of age  and her CDX at 11 1/2 years of age. You can teach old dogs new tricks, and they love learning. It keeps them young and keeps me active.

Gigi will be celebrating her 16th Birthday in a few weeks.  She still gets around and goes outside to demand training when she sees me working her companions. I feel that the hip replacement gave her a second chance to enjoy her life and her old age.  My husband and I feel so blessed to still have Gigi.  Thanks to the surgeons and the wonderful team at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists.

Contributed by William D. Liska, DVM, DACVS  Houston, Texas