I took Darla yesterday to see the ophthalmologist in Burlington, Dr. Vivian Jamieson, for her two-week post-surgery exam. I took the camera but left it in the van, so the photo above is from last week when Darla was under the lunch table, happily expecting another small treat after another round of eye drops.
In short, Darla's eyes are bright, comfortable, completely visual, and healing very nicely from the surgery. Dr. Jamieson is still not sure what was causing the reaction to the eye meds, but under her direction in recent days we had reduced the number of times Darla was getting the two glaucoma meds, and that seems to have helped. Most important, even with the reduced schedule for those medications, her eye pressures have returned to normal and stayed there. When we checked her pressures at the clinic yesterday, we got the same normal readings we've been getting here at home these past few days. We'll continue to monitor her eye pressures on a daily basis for a while just to make sure we have everything under control.
To address the discomfort from the drops, Dr. Jamieson is now having us add an artificial tears gel to her eyes about one minute before we administer the glaucoma meds.
Overall, Dr. Jamieson was very pleased with how Darla was doing and with how great her eyes looked. After the roller coaster we've been on, that was a real relief!
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After the eye check-up, I had a meeting with the clinic's client services coordinator, Alisha R., and Darla was napping under the chair I was sitting on. At one point during the conversation, Alisha said, "Do you realize she wags her tail every time you speak?" I'd heard the gentle thumping under the table but didn't realize it happened whenever I started talking.
Shortly after returning to the farm yesterday evening, I was sitting on the stairs in the mud room changing from outdoor boots to indoor footwear when Darla came looking for me. She walked right up to me, tail wagging, and then pressed her head into my chest. She leaned into me, nosed buried in my shirt, for what seemed like several minutes. I just wrapped my arms around her, hugged her tightly, and told her how much we loved her. I sensed this was her way of telling me, "Thank you for everything you've done for me." But I know she doesn't realize just how many other people are due those thanks.
SOOO happy for Darla! Whenever I need a good cry I come to your blog, LOL. So many heart warming stories; I just love reading the updates. Thanks for taking the time to keep your fans updated and share all of this with us. :o)
Posted by: patty c | August 13, 2013 at 09:22 PM
I'm in love with Darla from the moment I saw her first Blog Story!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 12, 2013 at 12:04 AM
I'm so happy to hear that all is well with Darla's eyes...I'm sure we were all getting worried there for a while.
I agree with Mary H...she knows your heart (and Alayne's) is true. She knows very well how much you love her and she is showing her love right back to you. She's a lucky girl!
Posted by: Ann | August 10, 2013 at 10:32 PM
You've just got to keep this girl !
Posted by: Roz Sprinkling | August 10, 2013 at 03:34 PM
I am in agreement with Betsy. It was wonderful to see a photo of Darla's beautiful face and hear the good news about her recovery. And we know she couldn't be happier not just having her sight back, but having found her forever home and Dad. Some things are just meant to be. Bless you all!
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | August 10, 2013 at 03:23 PM
This brought tears to my eyes. You and Alayne deserve all thanks. And Darla knows about it. How sweet.
Posted by: Dawn | August 10, 2013 at 11:54 AM
Awwwwww. It just doesn't get any better than that! Mike
Posted by: Mike Marshall | August 10, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Oh my goodness....tears of happiness....for this precious girl....we ALL thank you!!
Posted by: Valerie | August 10, 2013 at 11:11 AM
Oh, that's so sweet the way she snuggled against you, and wags when you speak. I'm sure she is indeed grateful to you for giving her a safe, happy home and for restoring her sight. Glad to hear her eyes have reached a healthy equilibrium.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | August 10, 2013 at 11:02 AM
Darla is always extra precious. We are so happy she has the gift of sight and an abundance of love!
Posted by: Glends | August 10, 2013 at 10:12 AM
thank you for this post...your visual of Darla coming up to you while you were in the mud room went right to my heart. What a dear soul she is. Thank you for giving her such a wonderful life .
Posted by: Susan Kenney | August 10, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Your last paragraph made me cry. You and Alayne are such wonderful people. The animals know it...and so do all of us!
Posted by: Diana E. | August 10, 2013 at 04:37 AM
My eyes are leaking! :)
Posted by: Leila K. - Belfair, WA | August 09, 2013 at 07:56 PM
Great post to end the work week! Hurrah Darla. Hurrah for Rolling Dog Farm!!!!
Posted by: Penny H | August 09, 2013 at 05:45 PM
Darla is a sweet, sweet girl.....sent to help you with the passing of Goldie and all your other loved ones you have lost in recent years. She is truly a "Steve-minion"......
Posted by: KCMarla | August 09, 2013 at 02:56 PM
I am so happy for Darla, and you two too. Go for it Darla.
Again, I am so happy the assorted canine, and other, critters, have you two to go to bat for them!!! Here is to all good luck henceforth, Darla. Maybe Steve and Alayne will give you an extra ear-ruffle and tummy-rub from us and our canine friends.
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | August 09, 2013 at 02:38 PM
Wow. My eyes just got all misty. What love dogs bring us, even if they've had tough roads behind them. She is so happy to loved, and safe, and to be able to see, and she knows it's because of you and Alayne. Darla is officially a Daddy's Girl. Yes, sweet Darla, you are home for good.
Posted by: Heidi & Emmett the Beagle and Moxie the Kitty | August 09, 2013 at 02:20 PM
Darla knows :)
Sure is wonderful to hear such great news!
Posted by: Margaret | August 09, 2013 at 01:59 PM
This is so precious. What could make you feel more wonderful than the tail wagging at the sound of your voice! A wonderful weekend to everyone at the farm, and for all who help and support you.
Posted by: Linda | August 09, 2013 at 01:09 PM
Thanks for the follow-up Steve. I'm glad to hear she is doing well, and sounds like YOU are a lucky dog getting some head butts of love.
Posted by: Lisa | August 09, 2013 at 12:46 PM
What a wonderful update!!!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | August 09, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Your post with Darla's picture has just made my day! I am so happy she is doing well and there were no serious complications. I know she loves you Steve. She knows your voice and knows how much you care. I'm just smiling right now looking at her face.
Posted by: Betsy | August 09, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Darla "sees" your heart is true.
Posted by: Mary H. | August 09, 2013 at 12:14 PM