Blind Helen looks as if she's prepared for some holiday boating, doesn't she? The blue thing around her neck is an inflatable ring that serves as a "soft" alternative to the hard plastic cones for post-operative wound protection. A wonderful supporter of the sanctuary, Sue R. in Colorado, sent us an entire collection of these neck rings, ranging from Dachshund-size up to a Helen-size Rottie.
Helen just had her right rear leg removed because of a fibrosarcoma, and unfortunately the only way to eliminate the cancer and make sure it didn't spread was to take off her entire leg. We brought her home last week, and I took the photo over the weekend. This has been a more difficult transition for her than the typical dog who loses a leg, mostly because she's totally blind. Helen is also a big girl, about 100 pounds, so there's a lot of exertion required in moving that body around on three legs. She's getting the hang of it, but it's been slow going.
The ramp leading up to the front door of our house is ideal for a dog like Helen coping on three legs, as well as for the Dachshunds with bad backs (like Daisy, who you see partially hidden behind Helen), or for the old ones who struggle with steps. That's new arrival blind Austin the Beagle on the ramp, and blind Callie waiting at the door.
As for Helen's tongue ... one of the funny things about this sweet girl is that she often falls asleep with her tongue sticking out, and after she wakes up, she doesn't seem to realize it's still sticking out. We like to say that Helen is one of those really dangerous Rotties who will lick you to death if she gets a chance, so maybe she just likes to have her tongue out and ready in case you happen to be walking by!
I was involved in her original rescue, and am so pleased that she is being well cared for. Thanks to all those that helped Helen from Big Sky Rottweiler Rescue.
Posted by: Rich D | August 01, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Helen--kisses and more kisses to you! You are a brave girl!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | July 09, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Oh sweet, sweet Helen, you poor baby! I know its tough to understand what happened to you, but hang in there sweet girl, you will get better. Lots of love and hugs from Wisconsin!
Posted by: Heidi & the kitties | July 07, 2008 at 11:26 PM
This interesting. At least one of my two dogs gets to wear the "cone of life" or the "cone of money" as I call it once a year. Tell us how it works...how it attaches, etc. I can see my 9# dogs slipping out of this. The upside is they can still drink water and play with their toys while wearing it.
Good luck Helen! You're in good hands.
Posted by: craig from great falls | July 07, 2008 at 11:03 PM
What a precious face!!! Hope all goes well with her rehab so that she will be feeling better.
Posted by: Nina | July 07, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Ahoy there Helen! I am glad to see that there is an alternative device to the dreaded plastic cone. The ring looks much more comfortable. Three cheers to Sue!
Posted by: Shelli Smith | July 07, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Helen looks more embarrassed that she has the ring around her neck. Hopefully she be on the run soon. Kisses to you pretty girl.
Posted by: Debbie | July 07, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Never saw those rings before. What a great alternative to those Elizabethan collars! We're sure thinking of Helen and wishing her the easiest recovery/transition possible. She looks like SUCH a sweetheart!
Posted by: Margaret | July 07, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Such a sweetheart! I sure hope better times are ahead for her. I'm sure she gets lots of love and encouragement - what more could she need! You go girl...
Posted by: Suzanne | July 07, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Aw Helen - I know those licks are as sweet as sugar - like you. I will envision you taking your time to learn a different way of moving around - I know you will find a way.
Posted by: Angela | July 07, 2008 at 10:59 AM
The inflatable rings look very comfortable; thank you for the generous gift, Sue!
I hope Helen continues to get comfortable moving around on 3 legs....what a sweetheart she is!
Posted by: Boundforglory | July 07, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Helen looks great though!!
Thanks for the news about the collar my dog is going in to be fixed in two weeks so this is a great alternative!!!
Posted by: gayle | July 07, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I'm so sorry Helen had to have her leg amputated!:-( Hope she will soon feel more comfortable walking around on the remaining three.
Our Leo has a message for Helen: hang in there, sweetheart!
A big hug to all of you from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | July 07, 2008 at 02:01 AM
poor helen! i am so sorry to hear about the operation. thank goodness you were able to save her, but she will have a lot of adjusting to do. please give her lots of love over the next months!!!!
she is absolutely adorable in that picture.
Posted by: maggie | July 06, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Dear, pretty, Helen - - I would kiss your sweet face if I could. I wish you all the best in your recuperation and rehabilitation. You have a hard row to hoe, sweetie, and I'm pulling for you.
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 06, 2008 at 10:10 PM
So sweet! Glad to hear Helen is on the mend! Happy belated 4th of July!
Posted by: Kristen D. | July 06, 2008 at 09:42 PM