One of the first things we noticed about Tanner when he arrived was how he sloped down in his hindquarters while standing or walking. It looked like that half-leg he was carrying around was literally weighing him down. If you go back and look at the various photos in his arrival blog post, you'll see what I mean. Here's one of those shots:
The day after his surgery to remove that stump, we watched him moving around the front yard and immediately noticed a difference. His back was level as he walked, and when he stood still, his rear leg was perfectly straight. In the photo at the top, which I took on Sunday, you can see how different his posture is.
Here's another view:
And now when he walks or runs, he's almost skipping across the ground. Alayne calls him "Twinkletoes" these days. Having taken off many a leg over the years, we knew Tanner was going to be better off without that stump, but we were amazed to see what a striking difference it made in his case. Here he is running:
Of course, all of this newfound ease of motion is great, but in Tanner's mind nothing quite compares with this:
Thanks to all of our wonderful donors -- your gifts made it possible to do this for him!
---
2014 Shelter Challenge Underway
The first round of the Shelter Challenge for 2014 is underway and runs until March 30th. You can vote every day here. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We've won thousands of dollars in the previous contests, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
Please note that I cannot help with technical or voting problems. I also do not have an "inside track" to anyone at the Shelter Challenge, and I don't know any more about the contest than anyone else does. So if you find yourself having issues, please consult their FAQ page here and their Rules page, which is a pop-up you can find linked on this page.
Thanks for your votes!
He looks so good!
Posted by: Holli | February 13, 2014 at 04:21 PM
Rolling Dog Farm - you've made such a positive difference in this dog's life. It's so wonderful to see how Tanner's health and movement has improved and how he is enjoying life so much more now. Keep up the inspirational work!
Posted by: RuffDogSupplies.com | January 21, 2014 at 07:24 PM
IT HAD TO BE HARD ON HIS HIND HIPS CARRYING HIMSELF THE WAY HE WAS - TANNER LOOKS GREAT NOW. THANKS FOR TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF HIM.
Posted by: FELICIA | January 21, 2014 at 03:07 PM
Amazing! Seeing your dogs bloom via the blog makes my day. I can't imagine what it is like to see one on the doggies actually enjoying life for the first time in person.
Posted by: Bob | January 21, 2014 at 12:33 PM
Wow, the difference in Tanner is amazing. He is standing tall and proud now! You rock, Twinkletoes!
Posted by: Ann | January 21, 2014 at 02:05 AM
Soooooooo sweet! Thanks!
Posted by: Leila K. | January 20, 2014 at 10:09 PM
I knew he'd be better off without that half-leg, but the difference in his posture is amazing. Congratulations to Twinkletoes Tanner!
Posted by: Tonya Allen | January 20, 2014 at 07:39 PM
Thank you for making a difference!
Posted by: Mary H. | January 20, 2014 at 06:15 PM
That's just awesome, God bless you guys for helping Tanner find his rhythm. He looks so happy to be running!
Posted by: patty c | January 20, 2014 at 05:18 PM
Wow!!! The difference in Tanner---oops, I mean Twinkletoes!---is wonderful to see!!! Thank you both!
Posted by: Colleen Vermillion | January 20, 2014 at 04:44 PM
What a difference! Tanner looks so proud as he stands up straight. You have given him a new lease on life.
Posted by: Betsy | January 20, 2014 at 03:53 PM
That's just wonderful! Tanner looks great and apparently doesn't even know he's missing a leg. Great post, thank you!
Posted by: Linda | January 20, 2014 at 02:43 PM
That is great to see. He looks like a completely different dog. Obviously he feels much better.
Keep up the excellent work.........voting by the way
Posted by: Ev | January 20, 2014 at 02:34 PM
Fred Astaire, step aside! There's a new guy in town!
He's so handsome and I'm beyond thrilled for this wonderful outcome.
Ginger, here he comes!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | January 20, 2014 at 12:48 PM
GREAT way to start off the week. So inspiring and heart warming!!! Yeah Tanner.....thank you RDF!!!!!! HA Ha--Twinkletoes!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | January 20, 2014 at 12:38 PM
What a difference. You can see what a happy boy he is now. And with no cone around his neck! His healing must be coming along well. Thanks for taking such good care of this new fellow.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | January 20, 2014 at 12:22 PM
Tanner now looks so healthy and happy! Great job taking care of this handsome boy.
Posted by: Jennifer Drysdale | January 20, 2014 at 11:32 AM
Tanner, You look so happy. No more painful stump to get in the way. And nothing quite like lying on a soft, comfy pillow inside where it's warm.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | January 20, 2014 at 11:06 AM
Wow! These pictures are so wonderful to see. He looks so free and comfortable now. Go Twinkletoes. We love you!!!
Posted by: Chloe | January 20, 2014 at 10:38 AM