PUDSEY'S DIARY

Hello all you lovely human people. My name is Pudsey, and my new foster Mum says I am adorable, (on this occasion I have to agree with her). I am a very handsome yellow labrador and I am a whole year old. I now live with my new foster family in Rugby. I used to live with my old Dad, but he had to go out to work a lot and I was often left by myself. I did have a brother but he had went to work in something called the Police. Because my old Dad said it was not fair to leave me, he thought I should live somewhere else, so that is how I came into the care of IRR. I have very sore back legs, some times they hurt so much I just lay in my bed and cry. I would love to tell you all about my quest to find my new forever home and what I expect to be a long road to recovery. Please log on to the website where my diary will be updated regularly. I would be very grateful if you could be kind enough to donate a little to help IRR pay for my new hips, which my foster Mum says will give me a new lease of life. Thank you for taking the time to read my diary, sending you lots of licks. Pudsey xxxx

Pudsey has a lovely temperament in spite of his pain and we need to raise around �6000 for both his hips to be replaced. If you would like to help Pudsey have a happy, fun life, which he deserves, you can donate by paypal by clicking on the donation button above.

THIS IS AN XRAY OF PUDSEY'S HIPS
As you can see they are really bad and will cause terrible pain

SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER

I woke up and at first it seemed a very normal day, except my Dad was home with me, which is unusual because he often goes out for a very long time at work. About 10am the door bell rang, as usual I had to give my little bark, as Dad went to answer it. He let in a lady and said her name was Julie, I do not know why but I felt a little scared, my Dad said that she was here to take me to my new home because he could not look after me anymore. Dad and Julie chatted about me for half an hour, I sat next to Dad the whole time, I had a strange feeling my life was about to change. Julie then said to Dad it was time to go , and Julie put me in her car. She spoke to me all the way and said she felt sad for me as I was very scared, I had been taken away from my home, but everyone was telling me it was for the best. I was not in Julies car for very long when she met another nice Lady called Mary.
Mary then took me out of Julie car and put me in her car. Mary said she thought my legs where hurting as I was a bit stiff. I have to tell you she was right, my legs hurt most of the time. I was quite happy travelling by this time. Mary said that I had a long way to travel to my new home, and there would be a lot of nice people I would meet, who would give up their Sunday to take me. I could not see what the fuss was about, and nodded off. It didn't seem long before Mary pulled off a very busy road, I'm sure she called it a Motorway and waiting for me was another lady called Lesley.
I began to feel very lucky, all these ladies where saying how handsome I was !!! Lesley said she wished she could keep me but it just was not practical, and any way my new foster Mummy was so excited about having me. I was not in the car long when we stopped again, and Lesley took some pictures of me and said that she really wished she could drive me home I was just a lovely dog. When Lesley got out of her car she met two people who said they where my foster Mum and Dad.....erm at this point I am not sure about this, I think I would have liked to have gone home thank you very much. Had a wee bit of an adventure which involved an unexpected but enjoyable (for me) ride in a police car and gave me the nickname Freeway but Mum and Dad say I must try to forget this bit as it sends shivers down their spines. My new foster Mum and Dad are very kind, Denise my new foster mum talked and stroked me all the way to my new home, while my new foster Dad Phil drove.
Mum (I think I will call her that as she is very kind to me) then walked me into my new home, and boy was it busy!!! There was dogs, and teenagers, maybe this is going to be pretty good after all. I met Brodie, who is a lab like me, but chocolate. Mum says we are the same age, but he sure can run round more than I can. Next is another Lab but black, and guys I can tell you now, this girl is Hot!!!! She is far more gentle than Brodie. Next I met Jake, my new mum says I have to watch him, he had a bad life and comes from Ireland, and IRR helped him too, but Jake can be grumpy. I then met Chloe, who seems to keep herself to herself, she is a springer spaniel. At last but not least we have a little dog called Eddie, he is brilliant, a bit a mixture of breeds, and a pup too about 8 months. He seems to really like me and wanted to play, I wish I could play back with him but it hurts to much, Eddie soon learns to play with me not running around and jumping on me.
Well what a busy day I have had, I gave gained 3 foster brothers and 2 foster sisters, phew one I quite fancy! Also I seem to have a new foster Mum and Dad, but will hold judgement on them as I do not really trust humans at the moment, but they seem kind enough. And then I have teenagers and loud music in this new home. Mum says "At least I wont be lonely anymore".

MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER

I had to sleep in the kitchen last night by myself as mum says we can't trust the other dogs yet, I did not mind though I was shattered after yesterday. I have had a peaceful day today, and just getting to know my new family. Mum says she didnt really want to take me for a walk until she has spoken to the vet. She says she wants to make sure I get the correct amount of exercise for my sore legs. I havent really got much more to say about today I will tell you more tomorrow, Mum says I am of to the vets for something to do with neutering....... I havent no idea what she is talking about!

TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER

OUCH, I have learned what neutering is, and I am not impressed. Mum took me to the vets today and then after saying how much she loves me already, she goes and leaves me behind, cheek of the woman! Anyway on the brighter side the vet people were nice, well they was until the stuck a needle in my leg, and I went to sleep. When I woke up I was awfully sore and my furry plums had gone, how dare they, Ebony is never going to fall for me now. I didn't know, but while I was asleep they took some pictures called X-rays of my legs. When mum came to pick me up she was upset, and I thought she loved me!!, Anyway it turns out she is upset because the vet man said my legs are very bad, infact he says it's one of the worse cases of hip dypalasia he has ever seen...I could have told him that without all the effort of the X-rays and the removal of my furry plums! The good news is, Mum and Dad do love me they came to get me and took me home!

WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER

Oh boy, I am so sore, my legs hurt and my bits (or lack fo them) are sore, I am crying in my bed today, but mum and dad are giving me lots of cuddles and decided to give me my medicine early. Hey presto! half hour later I am feeling better. Yesterday the vets told Mum and Dad that I could chose how much I want to exercise, so mum takes me out, yippee-do! Mum takes me out and says I am such a good boy, I do not pull on the lead, I sit at the roads. She let me play ball too, what good fun that was, I came back to her every time, I only played for 5 minutes then my legs decided enough was enough. Mum said we would rest before I went home, so we sat on the park bench and had some bonding time with mum and watched the world go by.

THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER

Hey guess what? I was allowed to sleep in the lounge with the other dogs last night, oh that sofa is so comfy. Mum and Dad took me out again today, we went in the car for a ride up to a very busy place they called Town, there was a lot of people about, but I wasn't bothered at all. I walked really well again. On the way home we stopped in this cool place, it had loads of toys, beds collars and food. Mum and Dad brought me a new collar and lead and a new toy as I only came with a bone. The other dogs were impressed with my new toy, I think I will share it with them. Eddie has become my best friend, and Ebony hasnt noticed my furry plums have gone so everything is cool!

FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER

I have a bigger family, I have a nan, she came to visit me today, she is nice, but she took my mum out shopping, I stayed at home with Dad. I have to say I really am enjoying my new family now, they give me lots of cuddles and I always have company. They even have cats!!!! Dad says I'm good with them, I will only give one bark then ignore them. I have had a quite day today, my legs where a little stiff again this morning, I will be glad when I am better. I didn't even want a walk today, so Mum said I didn't have too and brought me back home.

SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER

I feel a bit sore today, Mum says she cant wait for me to have my operation because then I can start to feel more like a pup again. Eddie my little mate is being so kind to me, while I was playing with my ball, which by the way is my favourite toy ever, I threw it in the air and it went flying across the kitchen, as I said I am very sore and really could not be bothered to get up and get my ball, the next thing Eddie jumps out of his bed and picks up his ball (at this point I am thinking typical, I have of lost it again) then the little boy brings it to me and drops it at my paws. WOW what a great foster brov he is, Mum and Dad were pretty amazed too. I overheard with my big floppy labrador ears those new foster parents of mine chatting about a holiday, erm I am not sure about this, does this mean I am on the move again, oh I hope not, but then they said lets take Pudsey too, Fantastic I am off on my holidays every one, watch this space for holiday pictures, Mum said it was over the New Year. I don't really know when that is, but Mum says its not long now, time to pack my balls (hang on I lost those when they took me to the vets!). Mum and Dad went out this evening and left those teenagers in charge, funny people teenagers! They left us downstairs and between us dogs we pulled Mum's and Dad's Christmas tree on the floor, we played with all the ball thingys and the shiny toys, we all had so much fun, but the best bit was when Mum and Dad came home. I have never seen Mum's face go that colour before, it was nearly purple he he, those teenagers got shouted at.

SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER

Mum is still cross with them teenagers, she say that's the last time she goes out, shame that, as we had lots of fun. I feel a little bit better today. I was running and playing around the house. Mum took me out with Brodie today, she usually takes me out by myself, but she said it would be nice for me to have some company on my walk. We had a lovely time, but I can't keep up with him, he always gets to the toy first and I don't think he was to impressed that we only played for 10 minutes. Dad spoke to Lorraine today, she is the nice lady who runs IRR in the uk and she said that it would be better for me to have my hips replaced rather than repaired, so hey guys, I am getting new hips, how cool is that. I will be able to keep up with Brodie then. Dad had to fix his computer desk tonight so I thought he really could do with my help. We both got under the desk, although Dad says he didn't need my help I think he was just being polite, so I kept licking his face and head and I looked after his tools for him, dad kept telling me to put them down, but I really wanted to help. I have been with my new foster family for a whole week now, and apart from the incident at the vets with my furry plums, its been quite a good week. All my family are kind to me, I get lots of love and hugs, fed and walked, it's all a dog asks for really, unless your name is Pudsey then you ask for new hips!

MONDAY 18TH DECEMBER

I have had a quiet day today, just resting after my wonderful walk with Brodie yesterday. I only went for a short walk, mum said that I was too stiff to go far. My new foster brothers and sisters have got used to me being around now, Jake hasn't moaned at me at all today, he even gave me a sloppy kiss (yuk, he is a boy!). Mum and Dad went to see the vets today and I am glad to say I wasnt required to go. The vet advised dad to top up my medication a little, and they where discussing what operation I need. Oh nearly forgot to say, I really don't see the problem my self, but Mum went that strange colour again today after I took a nice chunk out of the dining room table, then when I was outside, me being a lab an' all, decided that I was quite hungry, so I decided to eat the wooden bench, I think it's now got a nice new shape, with half eaten arms, but Mum says she wasn't to impressed with it...The woman has no style! She wasn't too cross with me though, in fact, within a few minutes, her and Dad were having a little laugh about it.

TUESDAY 19th DECEMBER

I have had a brilliant day today, I always seem so busy just lately, I never get lonely anymore. Mum and Dad took me to my nan's house and she has a puppy, he is a little bit on the small side, I think mum said he was a cavalier, his name is Troy and I think he is so cool, we played all morning and I gave him loads of baths. I think I have cracked it with Ebony, guys I have pulled!! She has been kissing me and trying to play all afternoon, way hey, I'm so excited!! ( who needs furry plums!!). Mum, Dad and the nice people at IRR have had some good news today too, a really nice lady has said she would like to help me, so she is donating �500 to help me as long as we could get a paper involved, so dad being a little bit cheeky decided to call our local news paper and they want to run my story.....hey everyone I'm going to be in the paper, I have a appointment lined up for a photo shoot. Now I know I am gorgeous.

WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER

I feel a little bit better today with the increase of my medicine, after all of yesterdays excitement I was still able to walk this morning, although im still a little stiff. I went in the car again today, on that motorway thingy, and mum was surprised to see I wasn't scared at all. I had little Eddie with me to keep me company. I have a Gran too, we went to visit her today, she has a dog as well, she is called Chloe like my foster sister. She is as big as me and loved me...oh how will I cope with two girlfriends. Mum left Eddie at my grans and took me to visit Lesley who helped to bring me to my foster home, I met her dog a yellow lab like me, called Elsa, the poor girl is a bit old, and she didnt really like me in her house, but I forgive her. When we went back to my Grans mum and dad gave Gran some parcels, something to do with christmas. I went into my new grans garden and thought she may like to have her garden bench redesigned like mums and dads. She was ok with the new design, I may take this up as a living to help me pay for my operation, im sure it would pay. Mum says I can have a quieter day tomorrow, which will be good, it hard work this family stuff.

THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER I have had a restful day today after yesterday excitement, I went for a little walk this afternoon. Mum and Dad keep talking about this Christmas thing, not to sure what they are on about, but they did go to the something called the post office and pick up a parcel with my name on it and mum says its for Christmas. Mum went round to the neighbours house for what she called a ladies night in so me and the other dogs had a boys night in, We had to let Chloe and Ebony come though, Dad said we could make them boys for the night. While Dad was busy on his computer thing and mum was out boozing I got a little bored, and well, when a labrador like me gets bored, youve gotta do what a labs gotta do, so I chewed the dinning room chair.....next time mum will think twice about going out with out me, and Dad will pay me some attention. It was very strange though I didnt get told off to much, Dad pretended to be cross but I could see he wasnt.

FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER I am going to be famous, I had to go to the vets today, Mum and Dad said it was to have my photo took for the newspapers, but when I got there the vet man took me and put me on the table, I was a little nervous so I had a little accident and had a wee all over him, whoops, so embarrassing, he then took my picture called an X-rray of my legs, the vet said I was very good because I didnt need an injection to go to sleep, I laid really still. The vet man then brought me down stairs to mum and dad, and then the man from the newspaper came and took our photograph, ours being, Mum, Dad and the nice vet man, I say nice, I like him know as he didnt give me a needle this time. After the vet we went to visit Troy and my nan, when we got there, I got introduced to my new Grandad, He said I was a lovely boy and what a shame about my hips, I quite like him, he gave me a biscuit and boring mum said I couldn't have anymore as I need to loose some weight....erm I think she is a right one to talk!!!!!

SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER After yet another hectic day yesterday mum says I need to rest and I have to agree with her, I don't feel to good, I just want stay on the sofa all day today, mum had to even help me out into the garden for a wee, oh I do wish I can have my operation soon, I feel so sore today. Mum is real nice she said I don't have to go out and have a walk today.

SUNDAY 24TH DECEMBER Well I have been told by my mum and dad that is is Christmas Eve, I looked at them and tried to understand what they was saying, but they kept saying something about Santa coming to see me, but I won't see him, so now I'm a bit confused, if he is coming why can't I see him! I do have a strange mum and dad sometimes! I had a short walk across the field today, I am so sore again.

MONDAY 25th DECEMBER OK Guys all I can say this Christmas thing is great, remember that parcel thingy from the other day, well I got to open it and its full of toys and treats!!! I got some new balls too, and some other doggie treats. I want it to be christmas every day, Mum was right Santa did come and he brought me all these good things, I didnt get to see him, but I do like him! Nan and Grandad came for the day too and everyone had far to much to eat and drink. I had a lovely dinner, I had some turkey and vegetables. I love christmas.

TUESDAY 26TH DECEMBER Today we visited nan and grandad at their house, I had a great time with little Troy again, I played with his new christmas toys too. After we left Nan and Grandads, Mum and Dad brought us home, they said they had to fetch my new Gran.... it's so busy this christmas lark. Gran has come and brought the other Chloe dog, I an now officially living in a mad house, there are so many people and dogs, but I have to say I do like it, I never get to lonely, there is always someone around for me.

WEDNESDAY 27TH DECEMBER I have had a lovely day playing with chloe, I love my new house guest, and my Gran cuddles me on the sofa, it's really cool! I have been running round the house so much that mum said I should have a little rest, after my nap I found it nearly impossible for me to stand up, Daddy had to help me up, some days I feel like an old man. I had a bit more turkey for my dinner today, Mum said as from tomorrow I have to start my diet all over again. How boring is that, I like my doggie treats and turkey.......when is it Christmas again?

THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER I have a a nice restful day today, Mum and dad have been doing all the rushing about, they tell me it's our holiday tomorrow, and that I am going to the seaside. They went and brought a new heater for the caravan as Dad says I mustn't get too cold as that will hurt my hips. Mum and Dad have been talking about something called their wedding. They left me at home with all the other dogs including my new friend Chloe while they went out and booked the hall for their wedding, Mum sounded all excited, so im sure it's going to be good fun, she says we cant come on the wedding day, but I'm sure if we work on her, and give her lots of kisses that will not be the case. Dad took Chloe and Gran back home tonight, the house seems very quiet again now, and while Dad was out mum packed for our holiday!

A few up-to-date Pictures

FRIDAY 29th DECEMBER Well today we are off on our hols, I'm a very excited boy, mum and dad are running around like headless chickens and I am having fun running around with them, they say I am not helping by keep running in front of them, but I just want to make sure they don't forget me! We all got in the car and we also had this strange thing on the back of the car, mum said it was a caravan and we are going to sleep in it.....and they say labradors are mad! It took a long time to get to the seaside, but Eddie and me went to sleep. Mum and dad left the other dogs with the teenagers, I feel so lucky. We got there after lunch and something really funny happened, we got stuck in the mud, the car sank deep and as much as dad tried he couldnt get it out of the mud, I thought it was great fun. at last someone came to help Mum, Dad and another man pushed the car out the mud while a strange lady drove the car, she got a big shock when she got in the car and I sneaked up behind her and gave her a big wet pudsey lick! Well at last I get to see in this caravan thing, and it looks ok. The best think is I get to sleep in bed with Mum and Dad, how cool is that. In the caravan next to us is my nan grandad, and the little pup troy, this is going to good fun.

SATURDAY 30th DECEMBER Well, Mum and Dad went into town and left me and Eddie in the caravan, because I have a slightest tiniest chewing problem, Dad said it was better to put me in a crate while they went out, charming!!!, but it wasn't that bad I got a new chew to knaw on. When Mum and Dad got back from town, they had brought me a new lead and some more chews, so I forgive them about leaving me in the cage. After lunch mum took us for a walk in the forest, I was really good but Eddie was such a bad boy, Mum let him of his lead and the little so and so did a runner, Mum couldn't find him and eventually, 20 minutes later, he comes trotting back with a look on his face as if to say well that was good. Again at bed time I curled up in bed with Mum and Dad.

SUNDAY 31st DECEMBER Today Mum and Dad took us to the beach, Eddie was good this time and didn't run off. Dad was having a panic as he hasn't been out with me off lead yet and he said to mummy that after the motorway incident, I couldn't be trusted, Mum tried to argue but he wasnt having any of it and said I had to stay on the long lead.....time to take things into my own paws I think, one sharp pull and I run and Mum falls, face first, flat into the sand and sea, oh did Dad and I laugh, but I came straight back so dad says ok he can come off the lead.... Mum could have got away with out a soaking and a mouthful of sand if Dad has listened in the first place!! We came back to the caravan and Mum and Dad went out for the evening, Dad says it was ok to leave me out the crate as they where going to be out for a few hours and he didnt think it was fair to leave me in the crate that long, so mum gave me the biggest chew I have ever seen and I was set for the night. I was ok, I only chewed a tiny bit of the corner of the table. Nan, Grandad and Dad came back quite late a a little bit drunk, mum was the only sober one!!

MONDAY 1st JANUARY It's New Year's Day today and I have to tell you, I don't feel much like celebrating, I think I over did it on the beach yesterday, I can't walk to well, Mum has restricted my walks today to trotting around the caravan until I do my business. Nan and grandad came round for tea and we all had some fun.

TUESDAY 2nd JANUARY We came home today back to the mad house, but even Jake was pleased to see me, the all love now, they missed me I can tell! Not much has happened today, I was good in the car again just slept all the way home. Tried to sneak upstairs at bed time to curl up with mum and dad, but they weren't having any of it, they said it was back downstairs for me! Disgusting!!!!

WEDNESDAY 3rd JANUARY Again another quiet day, its my nan's birthday so Mum and Dad went to visit her, they left me at home as I am still a little bit stiff. I have been helping mum take down the Christmas tree by taking all the decorations of for her, just because I was chewing them at the same time, I can't see what the problem is myself. I have another visitor, her name is Hayley and she has come to stop a few days, she is Mum and Dad 's niece, and a nice girl to, she says she likes me, that's not really surprising is it.

THURSDAY 4TH JANUARY Hey guys, I am Rugby's most famous dog, I have appeared in the paper (all please line up in an orderly queue for my paw print signature). The article was good and Mum and Dad had a phone call to say that BBC coventry and Warwickshire radio to say they wanted to come and do an interview and we could invite Hugh the vet man. Hayley took me for a walk with mum today, she is such good fun, we got covered in mud, it was right up to my waist. Ebony has played with me a lot, I can tell she loves me, it must be my fame that appeals to her!

FRIDAY 5th JANUARY OK I don't like being famous, this woman came, she was from the radio, and she came at some ungodly hour of the morning, and she was late, dread to think what time she would have arrived if she was still early. Dad had to speak on the radio and the silly man has aged me 12 years he said I was 13 instead of 13 months, people are daft. Hugh the vet said I was looking good and had lost a little bit of weight, hey I even have men saying im looking good now. The lady that came to do the radio interview was nice, but she wanted me to bark down the this fluffy thing called a mike, but I went shy. Dad had to do another chat with another radio station too, I think they are getting famous too. I got a little excited this morning so I rested for the rest of the day I can't be bothered to go out for a walk today.

SATURDAY 6th JANUARY Hey I have my own crate today, a lady saw my appeal on one of the dog forums and said she could lend me one until I am better, and guys this is one big crate, Matthew (thats one of the dreaded teenagers) put it up and boy, it's huge, Ebony likes it too, maybe I can tempt her to share with me tonight. Mum was busy on the computer thing tonight trying to sort out with Donna ( thats the nice lady that does this website) a raffle to help raise money for my operation, they said they need lots of prizes and people by buy and sell raffle tickets. At last mum went to bed and oh its heaven guys, EBONY WANTS TO SHARE MY CRATE. She is happy, but Brodie is sulking cos I have stolen his girl, ah well the best guy always wins.

SUNDAY 7th JANUARY I have had a visitor today, Lorraine the nice lady that runs IRR, she is cool, she brought lots of balls for us, (I think she feels sorry for me 'cos I lost mine a few weeks back). We all went up to the vet place and spoke of when I was having my operation and lorraine the vets wife and Mum and Dad all talked about my operation. They come back and had dinner. Mum said, after Lorraine went, what naughty dogs we are as we all showed off in front of her. Jake loves Lorraine he never left her side. Dad was on the radio this morning speaking about my hips. I do feel very special, everyone is trying so hard to help me get better.

Today Monday 8th of January 2006,
I woke up today after all the fun of yesterday and I was so stiff, I had to really try hard to crawl off my new bed Mum and Dad have given me, I did sneak Ebony in though with me and noting was said so I think they are cool over me having girlfriends in my room over night. They told us that they were going to see that nice lady called Phil�'s Mum again, who has that nice foxhound cross who I really fancy so I played it cool and just sat around recovering from my fun day with Lorraine. About midday mum and dad got ready to out and they told me and Eddie that it was a trip we could go on too. When we got to grandma Margate�s, I was left in the car a few minutes while mum and dad got to talk a man in a big car called Len, that�'s the man not the car, then I saw grandma get out of this big car and Mum and Dad came over to get us out the car and I was well excited to be going in to meet my girl Chloe, how we played for a while and mum let us loose in the garden to play and that naughty girl Chloe kept trying to hump me every chance she had boy was she hard work to keep off me, I was a good boy and I didn�t eat anymore of the bench so grandma was happy too. They then took us out shopping for grandmas new shower and they went to a new store that had opened and bought lots of things, we stayed in the car while they went in they said it was not allowed to take dogs in so grandma stayed with us. I was all comfy on the back seat with Chloe hehe so I didn'�t complain. After Mum and Dad came out of this big store we took grandma home and Chloe home and we went to visit dads friends Maureen and Bryan, I had a great time with them they loved me, so I got lots of fuss and hugs again we stayed awhile then we went back to grandma's, so we could have dinner, after dinner I tried to help dad install grandma�'s new DVD player, Dad was not sure I was helping him, but we had fun. After, it was setup dad said it was time to come home, me and Eddie and Mum slept all the way home.

Today Tuesday 9th January 2006
Well I told you I was stiff yesterday today I think Mum and Dad have set me in concrete I am so stiff, I think I over did the amorousness with Chloe yesterday but I have to say it was worth the pain, hehe. Dad says, I have to take it really easy today so he has kept me quiet, I must admit I am not complaining. You know I have had this problem with my hips all my life and not really complained I have joined in fun and frolics with friends when given the chance and tried to be a good boy, but days like today I could sure do with speeding these new hips up, I could run and have fun like all my brothers and sisters have here with Mum and Dad , I would love to run in a field and not feel like hell the next day, but hey I am not going to give in, Dad tells me all the time that my new hip or hips are being made for me as we speak, and that nice man they call the vet is striving to sort all the technical parts out for the op and all these nice people at IRR are trying mighty hard to get the money so the vet can be paid to do the operation, Dad says, Lorraine is my angel and next time she comes to see me I might have my new hip and I need to give her a big kiss to say thank you. I have laid here in the sofa most of the day apart when my Dad comes and gets me off the sofa to go for a walk, but only had short walks today and not played much with the other dogs, but I will feel better tomorrow and will be able to go and play rough with everyone so long as I don'�t over do it. Well it's bedtime Mum and Dad will go upstairs to where the teenagers live, not sure why they don'�t come down to live with us, but mum says it�s a teenager thing! What ever that is, off to my bed I go in my new crate and soft bed to dream of my new home and friends I have made.

Wednesday January 10th 2007
I woke up full of joy and wanting to run around with my brothers and sisters, but Dad did not loose me out of the cage with them, he said I had to stay quiet as he was taking me to the vet man this morning for a check up, I am not happy not being able to wind mum up like we do every morning, but dad is the boss. Well it's 10 am and were off to the nice vet man, I get lots of fuss and cuddles off all the staff when I walk in, I think Dad thinks I am celebrity, we sit and wait for Hugh to call us I try and play with all the other dogs in the vets but Dad keeps me on a short lead so I can�t. When we get called in we go to a smaller room and we sit down while Hugh looks at me and gives me lots of cuddles, Dad asked him about my running around and he said let me do as much as I want and says I will sort my own level out with what I can and can't do and I cant do anymore harm to them, but I have good muscle built up round my hips and this is why I can run round in my bunny hop way so much, but dad has to make sure I don'�t run to much. I get lots more cuddles and Dad was talking about my operation and the nice vet Hugh is looking forward to having me in for my new hips. When we get home everyone is waiting for me and wanting to play and ask me all about my ride out with dad. After we had had a cup of tea because I like tea too. Brodie is a bad boy though he drinks out of mum and dads cup when they are not looking, but because I cant jump up to the table tops I cant do that and mum dad say I am a good boy for not doing it, but if only they knew how much I want to. We all went for a walk over the big fields where I now live dad kept me on a very long lead but the others got let off to play, Jake had a walk but he was not let off the lead as he don�t really like strange dogs I will tell you more of my ups and downs with Jake later, he so bossy that makes Mum and Dad laugh when they hear that word dad says it's because of a lady at the IRR called Pauline who is a bit bossy but everyone likes her lots and she has helped so many of us dogs get new homes.

Thursday 11th January
Well, Mum got us up this morning so we were our normal selves, and ran around teasing Mum, Mum told us to be quiet and sit down or dad would come down to us, he was not in a good mood she said as the old teenager Michael had woke him a 6 am for a lift to work as it was windy and rainy but it was just windy so dad was spitting feathers Mum said, I don�'t understand this human language it so funny, Brodie gave me a good play fight he is my new best friend and I like him lots and he says he will teach me lots of things to wind mum and dad up, he is the chocolate lab so he knows all the wind ups to do. I am still a bit shy with Jake he does play with me but when I came here he was a little bit bossy with me and would not let me join in with all the fun. Mum says he was a rescue dog from the IRR too, he had not been as well off as me and was found round the streets loose looking for food, and didn�'t like other dogs, so he had been in a few foster homes before he came here, but dad has this way with teaching us dogs how to play together, so after a few hard days Jake found out he was going to stay full time with Mum and Dad , it was hard work but now he is a real nice dog and he loves his fuss and cuddles and nice walks and rides in the car, mum calls dad Dr Do Little I know were going to be good friends. Mum took me for a walk in the park by myself today and we played with the ball, I will play lots when I am well and won�t have to have that nasty medicine anymore in my food. I found out today I got lots of new aunties and one called auntie Maxine has sent me some money to go towards my operation, is that cool or what! Mum says, I have to thank all my uncles and aunties too for what they are doing to help me.

Friday 12th January 2007
We had a visitor today, it was Nan, now when she comes it�'s the time to really play up and we all have our own parts to play, we all try to see which one of us can knock her over, I cant jump up so I just have to join in by running through her legs, and boy does this work well, she has to hold onto the wall in the hall till we have finished, we get shouted at but its good fun. Why is it that when I am settled on the sofa on my back nice and warm its time for walks, but when mum and dad are settled on the sofa and I ask for a walk I get told to hang on a bit, its not fair, anyway the lead went on and off we went for a walk, just me and Eddie, we went down to the canal just down the road and walked along the tow path, it had lots of things call canal boats on it with smoke coming out of these tall bits of tube, I look through the windows at the people inside and some even say hello back to me, Eddie he is the short dog barks at them, think he is jealous of me and my good looks. Back at home I just wanted to cuddle up to mum and dad for nice long snooze.

Saturday 13th January
Wow what a day I have had today, there is only one word to describe it and that is fantastic. This morning started out rather exciting again, as does every morning in the mad house. For a change on a saturday morning one of the teenage people ( mum says they are from a different planet, I can see what she means) go up first and went out the door without locking it, and let me tell you all thats all Jake needs. Mum didn't know it wasnt locked when she let us out of crates and he went straight to the door and opened it and off we all went except little Eddie who had sneaked up stairs to say morning to dad...hehe that will teach him he missed out on the mass escape. So Mum's out in street calling us in her pjs and slippers, I have to say Ebony and myself was the best behaved we came straight back at mum first call and whistle. Mum says what a good dog I am, erm good is boring I missed out on all the fun. The boy down the road caught Chloe, so she was back in a flash too, next brodie came back to mum quite quick too, well he did 'till he saw Jake and pulled Mum over in the mud, so now Mum is running round the street with a cut knee, covered in mud in her slippers and pjs. Dad to the rescue, he come out and the boys come back....how funny, mum says what a good job that there are no roads outside our front and although it only took a few seconds to get us all back, it still made her cross. Later in the day, Mum put me and my best girl Ebony in the car and we went for a drive, when we got out the car I was met by lots more Labs, mum called it a labrador forum get together. Oh what fun I had, first I went for a swim, next I found the muddiest puddles possible and then a good walk, Mum was so worried about me, but I was so excited I led the way, mum said she has never seen me look so happy, it was such good fun. I had to have a good brush down when I got home as I was covered in mud. But what a really good day, Mum says when we have the next get together I should have a new hip and can really have a good romp.

Sunday 14th January
Well I have shocked myself and mum, after my walk yesterday I am still able to get about, I am a bit slower to get up and Mum says I am not going out today, I think she is right, I am shattered. Dad took the others out on his own today, Mum stayed at home to keep me company. I have managed to stay out of trouble today......more than I can say about my girl Ebony and Brodie. Mum cheated and had a pudding (she is meant to be on a diet!!) Anyway, she was being a bit lazy and sat at the computer eating her pudding, So Ebony jumped up the work surface and tried to steal the container that mum had cooked the pudding in, so when mum got up to take that off Ebony, Brodie jumped up and stole Mum's pudding of the computer desk....it was soooooooo funny, Mum says it will serve her right for cheating. I have to say if I could have jumped up I am sure I would have been in with it to.

Monday 15th January
I went to visit my nans today and played with the puppy troy and Eddie came too, we had lots of fun, as soon as I went in the house I stole Troys food and then we had a quick play in the garden, but Troy makes me tired, he doesn't seem to understand like Eddie does that I cant play as much. Between us three dogs though we managed to empty all off troys toy box out and pull his favourite toy to shreds, I don't think nan was to happy with us.

Tuesday 16th January I am starting to feel really settled here at my foster home now, I have my favourite foster brothers and sister but all off them enjoy playing with me now. I still have my good days and bad days with my hips, some days I still have a job to move after I have been asleep, but I am also having some good days too, mum says its most likely due to the extra weight I have lost. So now I a lean mean love machine.....oh I do hope Ebony notices it soon. Today we went back up nans as Mum needed to bath Jake, thats Troys older brother ( when I say old I mean old, he is like a grandad). Jake also needed his nails cut, and his fur trimmed, and I have to say I am so pleased that I am short-haired breed as mum looked very dangerous with those scissors next to poor Jakes back end.

Wednesday 17th January Wow, what a busy morning I have had, first nan comes at a ungodly hour, then Mum and Dad went to the doctor thing, I thinks it's like a vet so I am glad they left me with nan. While Mum and Dad was out another lady came, her name is Sandy (she is Mum's friend) and she must have lots of dogs as she smelt sooooooooo good. Mum and Dad came home and Mum, nan and Sandy was acting very strange and giggling, Dad just said it was a woman's thing. They were going to look for a wedding dress for mum for this wedding thingy that everyone keeps talking about. Yippee! I started thinking I was going out... how wrong could a dog have been, Mum says I have to stay at home!!! Well it's was her loss, I would have told her without fear of insult that her bum looks like a elephants bum in that dress. So I had a quiet day in the end, just me and the others until the teenager came home in the afternoon, and then the fun starts as we all have it down to a tee on how to tease the teenagers while mum and dad are out.

Thursday 18th January Goodness, it is so windy out there, everything is blowing around the garden, I love the wind it makes my ears flab about, but its so windy it nearly knocks me off my feet. My Gran phoned Dad, she was upset as the wind had blown down all her fence, so we have to go on the motorway thing to go and help her. Mum didn't like the motorway as the wind was blowing us all over the place but I slept all the way. When we got to grans me eddie and Chloe had a good play, but we couldn't play on the back garden as gran has her fence down and we would have gone into her neighbours garden. Dad couldn't fix the fence as the wind had broken it so gran has to get some men in.

Friday 19th January I went for a nice walk along the canal again today, its such a nice walk and all the wind has gone. Mum only took me by myself, she say im such a good boy on the lead. Sorry, today's diary instalment is only small as I didn't really do much today, as Mum and Dad where running around town sorting boring stuff like bills and money out.

Saturday 20th January It's the weekend so it mayhem in the house again as the teenager are home. Mike that's the older one but not the sensible one had a sleep over last night with lots more teenagers, it was good fun to bark at them all when they came down the stairs. Hayley came to stop for the weekend too, I really like Hayley, and today she said was was gorgeous, told you I was a lean mean love machine!! Mum and Dad have been busy cleaning the back garden, they have made lots more space for us all to run round in. Mum and hayley did some more wedding stuff as hayley going to be a bridemaid thingy......I still haven't seen my outfit, as I am working on them to take us dogs

Sunday 21st January Hayley had to go home today, we all had a good time, After she went home Mum and Dad took me out with Brodie, they say im getiing good at keeping up with him, but over the last few days they have noticed that my back legs cross over at back when I run. I am feeling lots better though, my diet is working, but Mum and Dad need to increase my food now, it's nice being hungry! Mum says I am a labrador, so it's built into my brian that I am hungry.

Monday 22nd January Mum and Dad went to nan's today and the cheeky pair left me at home, I am disgusted at them. They did take us all out when they got back, but I think I would have loved to have played with little troy, he is so much fun. I had another good brush today as I am loosing all my coat, I was so good I just sat and let my Dad do it with out moving, it felt sooooooo nice.

Tuesday 23rd January Well, I have to say I must be the most famous labrador in Warwickshire!!! I had my photo took for the newpaper again today. We had to go over to the vets in a town called Warwick, all the nice ladies said I was lovely, and I sat and had my photo took with a nice lady vet called Linda. She is lovely. It was nice to go out in the car again, I do love to travel.

Wednesday 24th January I am settleing in my foster home so well, I really feel like I am part of a family again, I love all the comings and goings, sometimes it feels like I have been here for ever. Mum and Dad say I am such a good boy, no trouble, and always do as I am told. (Unless I don't want to then I am so stuborn, it usually when they go out and I want to go with them, I wont go and lie down in the lounge, I wait at the front door and wont move no matter how much myum tries).

Thursday 25th January Wow, I have had the most amazing day today. I have been to a T-Touch training day with Mum, Dad and ebony. When I went in, I was quite vocal, and barked alot, Mum says it was because I wasn't sure what was going happen, well actually I was only saying hello to everyone. Marie, that's the lady who runs the T-touch was real nice. She put a lose piece of eleastic around my mouth, she said it was to remind me I was moving my jaw and barking, so I thought I had better stop, Mum and Dad were amazed, Mum managed to keep me quiet with a small piece of elastic. Mum and Dad then learned the basics of T-touch and guys let me tell you, it's bliss! Marie then had me walking up and down the hall and she said I was tense around my front area and that because of my sore hips a tend to carry all my weight at the front, she also found out by feeling my jaw, that jaw was tense too, and that's why I chew the table and everything else. I actually chew as I'm starving on this blimmin diet. After lunch we all had to try some ground work which because of my legs I found it really hard. T-touch is great, it makes me feel real nice, I am sure it's going to be really good for me. I met a few new dogs there, and the funniest bit, Ebony was such a big wimp she was scared, silly girl if she just relaxed a bit she would have had a brilliant time.

Friday 26th January Today Mum and nan went out shopping for the wedding AGAIN, and Dad went to pick up my Gran and chloe as they are coming to sstay for a few days. Mum was out for about four hours, I think it's the longest I have ever been left, but I was really good, no problems at all. Mum came home all excited again as she had brought a bridemaid dress, it really pretty. Then later, the children came round from next door, as one the little ones is going to be wearing the bridesmaid dress, This was the first time I had seen the children and I was a bit excited, they where really good fun to play with. Dad, Gran and the other dog Chloe came back later, just in time for tea. It's really busy in out house again now, with Gran and Chloe. I have two girls in one house, how lucky can one lab BE?!

Saturday 27th January I had a small walk today as Mum is worried that I might be doing to much with Chloe here, as we run round most of the day. Mum and Dad went up to nan's, and again they left me at home. They went up as Mum is now having a fit over this wedding thingy again, she saying that her dress won't look right with the bridesmaid dress, so Mum wanted to try them together, silly woman. It was a wasted trip as they looked fine.

Sunday 28th January We all went out today, mum said we must have looked a right sight with all the dogs but we had a lovely time, it's great having Chloe here, she is a lovely girl, but it get very confusing as we now have two chloes in the house!

Monday 29th January. OK, I have had enough of this Wedding. Mum and Dad went out again to go and give notice at the Register Office, well I'm not happy, as Mum came back and said sorry guys no dogs allowed, I'm really upset it would have briliant to go in my tuxedo and bow tie and annoy the rest of the guest with all my loose fur.

Tuesday 30th January Today I had to go and have my photo taken again, but this time the photo man wanted me to sit on the vets table, which I didn't like, so I ended up having a little accident, I had a wee all over mum!!! The photo man took lots of photos, he was very nice making lots of funny noises but mum said that she thought I had had enough so he said that he would finish it there. Dad then had a word with the vet man Hugh who said that hopefully I could have my operation at the end of February. Yippee, I feel like I really need them now. He also said that because I was a little more agile, because I had lost some weight, Mum and Dad could reduce my medicine to half off what I was taking, how good is that!!! Mum asked the vet if I still need my operation as I was doing so well and he said I did, I only feel better as I have lost so much weight, which is good, but not a long term solution.

Wednesday 31st January It's my Grandad's Birthday today. We are having a nice quiet day today, which mum says we need, as we haven't had one for ages. I went for a nice stroll with Mum, we love our one-to-one walks. I am loving it here though, I love my new family, I love life, I love the other dogs but I hate DIETS and VET TABLES!!!

Thursday 1st Febuary Mum, nan and Gran went out on the train for the day today as mum wanted to change her wedding dress that she loved so much last week, as she was saying that the bridemaids' colours won't go!!, I can't see the problem my self, he he. So I got to lounge around all day with dad, I love our time together, us dogs all snuggle up on the sofa with him and watch the TV.

FRIDAY 2nd FEBRUARY Oh dear, I'm bored of weddings!!!!!! I can't go, so I cant see what all the fuss is about, Mum and Dad have been out again today sorting out cars, why oh why, I don't know, I keep trying to tell them that we will have much more fun having a good walk down by the canal or across the field and playing ball, but they seem not to listen to wise old Pudsey. I have been on my reduced medicine for 3 days now and if I say so myself I am coping brilliantly, I still feel great, I can walk a bit better too, mum says that I will still need my operation and the weight lose is just to help me while I wait for it.

Saturday 3rd February Hey all, I have done it again, I'm in the paper again, and Mum says the write up is fantastic, I will have to take her word on that one though as I haven't quite got the hang of reading yet. I have even made the news page on the vets website. We went out for a short stroll today, as Mum says, I should really learn to rest at some point, but I don't want to, I am just a young pup, it's much better fun to run round with Eddie, Brodie, the two Chloes, my girl Ebony and even grumpy Jake likes to play too.

Sunday 4th February Nan and grandad came to dinner today, so we really did have a house full. I am still feeling grand on my reduced medicine, which is great. I have had some good news today, as although I can't go to mums and dads wedding, I am going on something called a honeymoon to scotland with them a few weeks after the wedding as dad says, by that time I should be well on the road to recovery after my first operation but not quite ready for my second The other dogs tell me its great in Scotland as they went last year and had brilliant fun on beaches and hills.

Monday 5th February Today, gran and chloe had to go home, I feel a bit sad, Chloe had been here for 10 whole days, it was great fun having her here. Mum says I will see her real soon and I have lots of other play pals. I went out down to the canal again today, just me and mum, that cheered me up. My tail has been wagging since I went out. Dad came back after taking Gran home and also gave me lots more cuddles as mum said I was a little sad.

Tuesday 6th February Wow you should see what come in the post today...lots of wonderful and lots of shiny gifts for my raffle, Dad says he will have to take out a bank loan to buy lots of tickets as mum keeps saying when something comes, oh I would like to win that oh and that and oh yes and this, hehe dad will be poor. Oh dear, I am in trouble, but really its mums fault, she shouldnt leave her new shoes on the floor for me to chew, I couldn't help myself, they looked so tasty! Mums says I am still a super dog though, she says im well behaved, good with people and cats and dogs. hehe mum loves me really even if I did eat her new shoes!

Wednesday 7th February I have been to work today, well my grandad's work, mum and nan took me down in my nan's car as all the nice people at grandad's work have brought tickets and some have donated prizes, so mum thought it would be nice to for me to go down and show my face to say thank you. There was lots of people there and they all wanted to stroke and pat me, I was so well behaved, I didn't wee once!!!! They all said I was a lovely dog and asked about my operation, wow I feel famous again, just call me Sir Pudsey!!!

Thursday 8th February Oh goodness, can this week get any better, its SNOWING, yippee, I love the snow, Matthew one of the teenagers didn't have to go to school today because of the snow, he has played with us all all morning. Dad got a call from Theresa thats the lady at the vets saying that a nice lady had decided to donate some money for me �125, its a little bit of a sad story as this poor lady has just lost her husband and at his funeral she didn't want flowers and was going to donate the money people gave her to the dogs trust, but her sister say me in the paper last Saturday and sent her the paper so she thought that I might like it..... What a nice kind lady, if you are reading my diary thank you so much for thinking of me when you are having such hard time yourself. We went up nans in the afternoon and had a good play in the snow with troy, it was such brilliant fun.

Friday 9th February Mum's all excited again as she had another dress delivered today, as it turns out it's for Hayley, as she is a bridesmaid thing, lucky Hayley gets to go to the wedding, I think I need to start up a petition for dogs to be allowed to attend! It's still snowing today, which is great fun, but mum decided to keep me in as I am rather stiff today, it was all the running about yesterday, although I couldn't keep up with Ed and Troy I still gave it my best shot, wait till I get my new hips, then them boys better watch out.

I have settled so well in my foster home, I have a lovely routine, so until I go in for my operation and because I don't want to bore all you lovely people I am going to start doing my diary in weekly instalment, if you have a complaint please don't pick on me blame my foster mum and dad, they are the boring ones that don't do much these days, except talk about weddings.

Saturday 10th February - Saturday 18th February We have been over to Grans again this week and I had a good old play with Chloe. Brodie has been a BAD boy with little Eddie he keeps bullying him whenever there is food about, oh dear, Brodie is in the dog house, hey that means Ebony is all mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Mum says some raffle tickets have started to come in and Dad has been on the phone trying to sort someone to draw my raffle....if its my raffle can I have the prizes, there are some great prizes in there, lots of toys and treats!!! Dad says the Mayor will draw the raffle for me, I don't really mind, I just want the goodies.

Saturday 18th February - Saturday 24th February Oh dear, what a week, it's like living in a war zone...... Jake and Brodie wont stop fighting, it's great fun even I like to have a go when Brodie has Jake on the floor, I can have a crafty nip. But mum and dad says they are fighting after my girl Ebony so she has to go to vets to have her lady bits removed...mum says it's like when I had my furry plums removed, but Ebony hasn't got any anyway so I think she will be fine. People are strange though, it's Brodie and Jake fighting but it's Ebony that has to have the horrible stuff done to her...but it's ok, cos mum and dad says it's Brodie and Eddies turn next month to have furry plums off! Oh I have to tell you all something, guess what my silly mum did this week? She went out shopping with dad (they didnt take ME!!!) Anyway I will tell the story how my Dad does 'cos it,s soooooooo funny. Mum got out the car first and walked to the shop, she turned round to see where dad was and she went to go through the door, except the door wasn't there it was a big window pane, hehe mum walked straight into it, and they say us labs are daft!!! It must have hurt though, 'cos mum had lots of nasty bruises on her eye and hand and she screams REALLY loud when I push my head in her hand for a nice stroke, it's really clever how I can get her to scream loud so I keep practicing at it now! We have had lots of tickets in, mum says it lovely to see how many people are thinking of me.

Sunday 25th February - Sunday 4th March Well guys what a week its been again. I had my photo took for the paper yet again....it gets very tedious having your picture taken every couple of weeks!!!!! This time it was when the raffle was being drawn, we had a lady there in a funny chain, she was called a Mayor or something, and even Lorraine came to see me with Martha and Darcey. They were really nice dogs, Darcey is a big softie and Martha looks a bit like me. Ebony didn't get her lady bits removed but Brodie is now missing his furry plums, ohhh how I laughed. Ebony came into season on the day she was going to the vets so the vet man says she can't have her operation. Mum was a bit cross as Ebony shouldn't have her season thing for another 2 months hehe. But ohhhhhhhh boy does Ebony smell good, but I have to say I don't know what's up with mum, but she will not let me Eddie or Brodie near her, how boring is she!!!!!! I have a date for my operation it is going to be 21st March, but I have to go in and be shaved and start on some medicine or something. Mum looks quite green at the thought. Sunday 4th March - Sunday 10th March Oh dear, I have had a BAD week, I am in so much trouble, but I just can't help myself...ok this is what I have done, I can't see the problem, but mum and dad say they are very cross with me. I have eaten 3 pairs of mum's shoes hehe they taste so good, mum was really cross on the last ones as they where brand new. Ok so they started not leaving shoes about so the next thing I decide to have a go at is the black wire thing to the freezer, now that was fun, but mum says I am lucky im not dead as it went BANG!!!!!. Mum and dad were so busy in the kitchen that they wasnt taking any notice of me so I thought I would play with the phone and I can't help if if my teeth are sharp and they went right through the wire for the charger... well they will leave these things out for me. Mum says its because I cant walk far and I get bored, dad says it because im a pain in the bum...which I don't understand I have a pain in my hips but not my bum!!!!

4th March - 27th April Well it's been a long time since I made my last diary entry, sorry I feel a bit ashamed I didnt know it was that long. It's a shame, but I havent had my operation yet, the vet man had to cancel because he is waiting for a part to come from America. Mum and dad went to see the vets today and the vets said that they had had a letter from America saying that the part will be with them shortly, I wish this America person or thingy would hurry up. I cope really well but some days it hurts real bad, but that doesn't stop me enjoying myself. I went on a little holiday just after Easter, we met lots of dogs on the beach, mum and dad said it was something to do with a labrador meet or something like that, I had to take lots of breaks though because I couldn't keep up with the other dogs. There was a dog called Harry there and he kept getting cross because I kept stealing his stick, but mum said I wasn't to have it as I wanted to chew it AGAIN!! My chewing habit hasn't improved, infact, it may have got a little worse, I will try and chew anything that isn't nailed down know, it's a good job mum and dad are not house proud. We had another house guest for a few days, we had Sunny stop with us untill the nice people at IRR could find him a foster home. Mum and dad only went to the vets to collect some medicene and they came back with Sunny, he is black like Ebony. I also went to wales to a beach for a day out, that was fun too, we could play in the sea, I love to swim, it makes me feel better. Jake and Brodie are now friends again, Ebony has finished her season thing. I also went to meet Donna who does this website, she has lots of dogs too, and she took us to a lovely park, we had great fun.

28th April -14th May

Oh WOW

I have a new leg, well new hip anyway. I have had my first operation. According to Hugh, the vet man, it was very hard for him because they had to reshape my pelvis, and it took him over 6 and half hours, but I feel better already, although it has only been 4 days since my operation

They have shaved me, I look so silly, but mum promises me, my fur will grow back, well I hope its quick!!!

I have to go out for very short walks about 5 times a day and I have lots of tablets to take, they are to stop something called infection and to help with the pain, I would sooner have the stuff the gave me at the vets, its called morphine and wow is that good!!!! Mum also gives me some other medicine from DR Sam, which is homeopathic and it good stuff too.

I am not allowed to jump, I keep trying to though and mum goes that funny colour again when I do...it so funny...

As I said before I feel so much better already, but this new leg doesnt just flop when I sit or lay , so I need to learn how to use it again, I have learned in only 3 days that I can be a normal boy dog and cock my leg at last, oh thats such good fun, I lift my my new leg up to do it, I feel like a proper dog now!!!

I have to go back to the vets this afternoon for a check up to see how I am doing but mum promised I won't have to stay again. When I had my new hip I had to stay for 2 nights and although they were very nice to me I missed home, I wasnt sure when mum and dad was coming back for me. I was so pleased to see them when they did, but I don't know what was wrong with mum and dad they said they wanted to cry when they saw how good I looked, see I told you, you humans are daft!!

I am going to ask Donna (website lady) very nicely to put a picture show on for you all so you can all have a good laugh at my silly new hair cut.

THURSDAY 19TH JULY

Hello all
 
I need to update you all as it hasn't been a very nice time for me. 
 
Everyone was so pleased with my progress after I had my new hip, mum, dad, and the vets said I couldn't have been doing better.
 
About 5 weeks after my op, I was laying by mum's feet and stood up, and oh my goodness I hurt my new hip.  I couldn't put weight on my leg.  Mum took me for a stroll incase I was just stiff.  I couldn't tell her, but it was much worse than stiffness. I had to go and visit the vet the next day, and Hugh the vet man thought that I had pulled a muscle and I had to start taking my medicine again (typical I have just stopped taking it).

A week later, let me tell you how much I hurt, but I was trying to be brave and I kept trying to walk on my leg, well the last thing I want is another visit to the vets. But there was no tricking Mum and Dad, they can tell how much I hurt so I had to go to see the vet again.  This time Hugh said I need to have an X-ray, oh dear, I have heard those words before, and it's not good!!

Later that week, I miss my breakfast, and im quite smart, I know what that means, I'm off to the vets and they will make me go to sleep and sticking me with a sharp needle, it must be for that X-ray thing again.....I have had so many of them now. Mum and Dad left me, and this time I wasn't too bothered, I know they will be back, and I now know all the nice people at the vets too. When Mum and Dad came back to collect me that night, I felt sore 'cos Hugh had been messing with my leg, but why Mum was upset I don't know!!  But the vet tells Mum and Dad that I have  problem, and will need another big operation to fix my leg. My new hip has broken, the cement has cracked and the cup has moved.  Hugh has had to order the cup and that will take a bit a little while to come, but Hugh says it hurts me has the ball is resting on mynerve.
 
A few weeks later and I am back to square one and waiting to go in for a big operation.  I went in last Tuesday and should have had my operation then but when hugh gave me that horrible needle and I went to sleep he noticed that my hip was worse than he thought and needed another part, so I had to wait in the vets overnight......erm this vets place is like my second home!!!
So the next day I had my operation, and boy I'm sure it didnt hurt this much last time!!!.  I had loads of that morphine stuff, which helps a bit. I was feeling so sore, I didnt even mind staying at the vets.  Hugh was also a little worried as I had a very poorly tummy too.
 
Mum and Dad came to collect me on Thursday night and I can tell you mum was worried about me because I was crying lots, but it worked great as mum stopped up all night and cuddled me.  Because I wasn't so good after this operation I had to visit hugh the next day, and he said that mum and dad could take me on holiday if they want.  We went to the seaside and meet little Eddie's litter sister Gracie, and all her other family. We had a fab time although I missed running around and I wasn't allowed on the beach!!!!  During my time away, my tummy got better and I even started to walk on my leg.
 
I hope this time it works, I don't want any more operations thank you very much!
Pudsey xxx
 

Pudsey had his operation last Wednesday and has come on leaps and bounds again (lol although he isn't allowed to leap or bound!!).
The First few days after surgery was really tough on Pudsey, I stopped up with him for a couple of nights as he was in a lot of pain and crying, he needed lots of cuddles.

He is back at the vets on Tuesday for his stitches to come out. Of course, he had to be shaved all over again and his fur had grown back lovely!!
We are just praying that this time it works, it would be very hard on Pudsey to have to go through it again.

TUESDAY 24TH JULY

I got my stitches out today... ahh, that's better! I'm feeling great.

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August - 22nd November
 

Oh dear, has it been that long since I have done my diary, oops I am sorry. I will try and do you all a quick up date on whats been happening to me and I will try not to miss anything out.

In August mum and dad took in a new foster boy called Mackenzie, and I have to say he was rather handsome, but could be a little naughty.

We went to a really big labrador meeting called the labrador forum GT in august in the caravan and we took Mackenzie and he was really lucky because he found his forever home there as well, a lady said he would be perfect for her mum. I did quite well to, I got a second in best rescue at the show. Mum being mum said I should have got first!!!!!.

In August mum and dad were still worried about my leg as I was still sore and I am taking much longer to heal than I should. I think Hugh my vet is a little worried too as he has booked me in for another X-ray.

On September 4th I went into the vets for my X-ray and the news was horrible, my cup had moved again. This time I wasnt so lucky as Hugh didnt have any answers. Mum was very upset, she cried all the way home saying it was her fault, that maybe she let me move around to much, HA, I don't think so, two-three five minute walks is rather boring for an energetic lab like myself, and I am fed up of the inside of a crate. Mum says Hugh has send my X-rays of to a specialist who deals in failed hip replacements (evidently they are quite common in failing...now they tell me!!)

We had another holiday while I was waiting to hear from the specialist, who I am assured will help Hugh fix me all up again, on the 15th of September we went down to Bath for the IRR reunion....mum even braved it and brought Jake along, haha he didnt like it much and ended up being shut away on the Saturday as he was being grumpy, awww poor Jake. It was brilliant to meet everyone, I am sorry if I barked a little to much, I just do that when I am excited and its my way of saying hello.

On the 21st of September I had to go in and have my third operation, this time hugh had had lots of long chats about me with the specialist and they have decided the best route to go down now is to remove my hip.....are they having a laugh, how the hec am I meant to mange. I will leave mum to explain this bit.

Femoral Head and Neck Excision: Femoral head and neck excision is a procedure in which the head of the femur is surgically removed and a fibrous pseudo-joint forms. This procedure is considered a salvage procedure and is used in cases where degenerative joint disease has occurred and total hip replacement is not feasible. The resulting pseudo-joint will be free from pain and allow the animal to increase its activity, however, full range of motion and joint stability are decreased. For best results, the patient should weigh less than 45 pounds, however, the procedure may be performed on larger dogs."

This is an operation that is used quite often when the total hip replacement fails, Pudsey's failed twice due to his pelvis being very shallow and at a very odd angle.

Back to Puds :)

After I had this operation I felt better almost better immeadatly. my pain was almost gone. I found that I could walk quite well considering I have no hip. Within a few days I am walking almost normal..it amazing.

Hugh the vet says, I shall be pain free in a few weeks and should have 95% usage of my leg in a year...well, that will do me just fine!!

Once my stitches came out I was able to swim and mum and dad took me me to yorkshire so I could swim in the sea. While we were there I met a german Sheppard dog who had the same operation, and his owners were amazed at my recovery as I was at the same stage as him, and he had his six months ago! Well us labs do have determination!!

On October 23rd I had my last visit to see the vet for my leg (hopefully) and Hugh discharged me, he is really pleased with my progress.

I now run around with all the other dogs. I can't run around as fast but I don't feel pain. I have been of my pain killers for well over 6 weeks now.

Mum and dad have decided that I have been through so much over the last year, that they are going to leave my other hip, and not operate on it. Hugh agrees too, saying that the muscle is working very much like my operated leg, so at the moment it's best to leave things be....I have to agree.

Oh, I have another surprise for everyone...

Mum and dad are far too soft, mum saw a very very tiny springer spaniel on the Many Tears web site, and mum decided (Dad had to agree) to adopt her. We picked her up on Friday. She is such a tiny frightened little girl. Her name is Skye and she is 3-4 years old, I have taken up the job to show her the ropes. She is doing ok, and I even got her to play yesterday.

I would like to thank everyone who has been asking after me and supported me over this last year.

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PUDSEY'S APPEAL

�2006 Irish Retriever Rescue UK