For some blogging fun, we're going to highlight some of our staff pets. Today, we’re here with Tahlula, a seven year old Rottweiler, to talk about her life as an Embrace pet.
Q: Hello, Tahlula. Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: Hi, My name is Tahlula, but everyone calls me “Wu”.
Q: So, Wu, what do you like to do for fun?
A: I like naps in my little bed near the space heater, but when it’s warm outside, I prefer lounging outside in the sun, watching the birds in the garden.
Q: So you’re pretty laid back then?
A: Yes, sometimes my body is sore, so I like to nap more than most. I had to have surgery in both of my knees a few years ago when I tore my cruciate ligaments, whatever those are! Mom said that her $50 shelter dog ended up getting $4,000 bionic knees, but I feel much better with them. They still have some arthritis and I also have hip dysplasia, but I take pain relievers for that now, and it doesn’t bother me much. I guess it’s just part of being a senior Rottie.
Q: So you think that these issues are because you’re a Rottweiler?
A: Well, probably. My back pain is also part of being a big dog.
Q: Ow, a back problem?
A: My mom says it’s called IVDD. It means one of my discs slip and put pressure on my spinal cord, which is not only painful, but scary. The first time it happened, I couldn’t walk so well. I would fall over like a baby deer, but I didn’t even realize my legs weren’t working.
Q: What do you do when that happens?
A: My people give steroids, and they drove me to a vet’s office that gave me physical therapy in the underwater treadmill to help me walk again. I got to go every week for a long time! Everyone said that was much better than another surgery, and I agree. It’s on youtube if you want to see.
Q: So you liked therapy?
A: Yes-it helped me pump up my big muscles. Rottweilers look funny with little scrawny legs. Plus, I liked it when they used the blow dryer on me afterwards.
Q: How did the back injury happen?
It flares up if I get too excited and put strain on my neck. Like, a couple of weeks ago I saw a cute puppy on our walk, and we played, but then I was paying for it the next day. Mom says I can’t wear collars anymore-only harnesses, so I don’t strain.
Q: But otherwise you’re life is pretty normal?
A: Yep, it’s good. I can do most everything I want, including visit my friends at the Embrace office. They’re nice, and some of them share their lunches with me. But, that’s off the record, because I’m not supposed to tell my mom.
Q: You like to eat? What is your favorite food?
A: Oh yes! I love fruits and vegetables. My favorites are bananas and apples but most of all green tomatoes! Speaking of which, I should be going. I think I need to remind my mom that it’s almost time for dinner...
Thank you Wu for joining us today. I've got some noms at my desk when you come to visit - we won't tell mom :)
