Last year at this time, Jake’s legs went from ‘his gait is so funny’ to ‘why is he not using his hind legs!’. A vet visit led to an emergency neurologist appointment. MRI, Spinal Tap, the works.
After we looked at his hot mess of spine on all the photos, and determined that it was not cancer or infection, we sat down to discuss what would happen next. The net, net was: he will never get better, and in fact, he will only get worse. They couldn’t tell me how fast any of it would happen and they didn’t even feel like they needed to see him all that regularly. In that moment I felt like I was not qualified, I mean why wouldn’t we come back weekly so they could tell me what point he is at? What would happen to him? How would I know what was happening was normal?
The neurologist was wonderful. He immediately sensed the panic (ok fine, I may have been crying hysterically and talking in a pitch that only Jake could hear) and said 1. Here is my cell phone number, call me anytime. If you ever think Jake is in pain, we can help with that. 2. He reiterated, he will not get better. He will have good days and bad days and eventually he will not have much use of his hind legs at all.
It was so matter of fact. Up to that point, every issue I ever had with my dogs was along the lines of ‘let’s try this and see’. I asked when he’d need wheels and the vet said: not yet, but you’ll know when.
Jake is being measured for his wheelchair tomorrow.
And I’m ok with that and I’m so flip floppin happy that wheelchairs for dogs exist and that we can afford it. I am not sad. In the last year I have learned to champion Jake. When others look at him and say they are sad or ‘poor Jake’, I say with complete and utter conviction: he is fine.
I’m fine guys. 
Here is the thing though. If Melvin started limping, I’d have him helicopter’d to the Mayo Clinic. Melvin’s issues still need to cause me concern and I need to be aware of his changes. My vigilant eye for Melvin must stay honed (in case that mystery cancer shows up) but for Jake I have learned to separate the inevitable from something that could be new/treatable. For Jake, I have had to learn that today is just another day closer to him not being able to walk. And if he knuckles all day, well, whatcha gonna do? I am not nearly as upset seeing knuckling as I was one year ago. That is due in part to my now split personality. Also, I think I may be a vet.
Jake’s getting his wheels! We’ll keep you posted on how long it takes after the measurements happen (tomorrow) and the order is placed (later this week). I’m guessing he will be rollin by early 2015.
Two very different dogs. Despite the illusion, both are looking at the camera. Even jazz split. 
Yay for the ability to procure wheels for the googly-guy! I’m sort of envisioning all of the ways you will be decorating his new hot rod and feeling positively giddy.
smooches.
Yay for the ability to give our dogs wheels. I am already envisioning the ways in which you’ll be decorating Jake’s new hot rod and feeling positively giddy!
Smoochels.
Agree on all fronts, including the smooches!
I’m glad Jake will have some wheels to get around in and I’m sure he’s going to look and feel fabulous!
He’s built for wheels!
I read this article while shaking my head “yes” the whole time. I can totally relate.
When Lainey was 9 months old she tore her ACL which started a snowball affect of leg issues. After 5 surgeries, 15 months of confinement, rehab, massage, laser therapy, electro therapy, etc. we are finally at a place where we don’t even blink an eye when she hops off something and starts limping. The old Amy would have loaded her in the car and driven straight to the emergency vet. The new Amy accepts that she is not as agile as a normal pup her age (3). She has braces for her hock, arthritis, and two wonky back legs. She too has good and bad days. You learn to just “go with the flow”.
PS ~ As if Jake couldn’t get any cuter….now you are going to put him in wheels. Gahhhhh….I can barely contain myself!
Old/new Tracey loves old/new Amy! They transform us!
That’s so cool! Looking forward to seeing the daredevil in action
I doubt they will be on par with your acton shots but he will give it his best shot!
Awww i can see Jake rolling down that sidewalk leaving all agog..born to be wild!!!
Yes!!! He will need a leather vest!
Oh I will join in the chorus of those who can’t wait to see Jake decked out in his new ride–a guy like Jake has gotta have shiny chrome fenders…fuzzy dice…thumpin’ bass coming from his boom box…and how ’bout some pin-up girls (or should that be pin-up rugs) on his fenders? Because of Dance Mom, I know Jake will be the flyest Frenchie ever (literally, and in the coolness factor too)!
I have learned so much doing rescue work, including that so many dogs thrive in their chairs or should I say chariots when it comes to speed and style!
Your vet sounds awesome. So are you in sharing life lessons! Hugs to you and your fabulous crew.
Cheers
Rebecca (loyal servant to M’Lord Sir Humphries)
PS A word to Jake: no, a chair does not qualify as a car that allows you to sneak off to the drive-through! I doubt that big head of yours could get anywhere near the height of the order box anyhow!
I adore Jake – what a rockstar that boy is. His new wheels will just make him even more of a stud. <3
I am sorry that Jake’s legs are not working properly, but I am so happy that you are able to be there for him and get hims his wheels to get around. You both are rock stars!!