Cooper Has Surgery

In October of this year, Cooper suddenly, and for no apparent reason, was not feeling well.  After a couple days of rest, he seemed back to his normal self, and we put it out of our minds.  But then one Saturday morning in November, after doing one of his favorite things - running a 5K - he began acting strangely again.  After a few more weeks of rest, vet visits, and declining health, it became apparent that Cooper's back was hurting him quite badly.  When he got to the point that walking was difficult and even laying down hurt, we were referred to a veterinary specialist.

After an MRI confirmed our suspicions of a spinal disc herniation, he went in for surgery to repair the areas that had degenerated.  We were very anxious, but hopeful, and the vets said his prognosis was very good.  Plus, all of Cooper's friends were pulling for him, which definitely helped.  A couple hours later, the vet called to say the surgery had been very successful.  The very next day, the vet called again to say that Cooper was already up and walking around again!  He stayed a week at the hospital, receiving the best care.  Halfway through his stay, we were able to visit him and let him know we still loved him.  We were thrilled to see that he was eagerly walking again, and no longer in pain!  We teased him a little that he looked like Frankenwiener, with his fur shaved and a big scar stapled shut running down his back!
MRI:

Frankenwiener:

We were so happy to finally bring him home, where he's back to his old self - cute, cuddly, and happy.  He's getting plenty of therapeutic walks, massages, and treats, and all in all feeling pampered I'm sure!  The whole thing was quite an ordeal, and we are so relieved to have him back, healthy and in our arms again!
Up, and full of energy:

Cooper's ready for Christmas:

~Lindsay

Derbyshire

Last month, my Dad came to visit us while he was in England for the annual H:O Le Mans race in Derby.  H:O is a scale of models, cars in this case, and Le Mans is a type of car racing and a track in France.  Derby (pronounced dar-bee) is a city in Derbyshire just west of Nottingham.  Dad comes out, most years, to race with friends on a gymnasium-size slot car track, for 24 hours straight.  There are eight teams, sometimes international, that compete for the trophy.  This year, Dad was racing for the host team DHORC, since Team USA was sitting this year out. 
The DHORC Team Car:

We drove up to Derby to prepare for the race.  When we got there, the track had been assembled, and we had a nice meet and greet with some of the other drivers.  That night, after dinner at The Harvester, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and the next morning, we were off to the race!
The Track:

Lindsay and I stayed for the start of the race, and the first hour or so of Dad’s driving stint.  We then left to go site seeing.  We also drove east for an hour to see Nottingham, where we toured the town square and local Westfield Mall.  We even got a chance to see a movie, before returning to the race.  We kidnapped Dad for dinner at Pizza Hut, and then returned him to the action.  Lindsay and I opted to stay at the Holiday Inn rather than set up camp on the gym floor, as most of the drivers did.
Dad Driving:

The next morning, we drove to the Peak District National Park where we got to go hiking across the beautiful landscape.  Lindsay also got to see her favorite British animal, sheep.  We then returned to the race to watch the finale.  Dad’s team didn’t win, but he said it was the most fun he’d ever had. 
The Team Results Line-up:

Hiking Trail in the Peak District:

Back home, we got to spend more time with Dad, including a nice hike in Hinchingbrooke Park with Cooper.  The fall colors were everywhere and Dad got to see English woods, a major climate change from LA. 
Hiking in Hinchingbrooke Park:

We always enjoy Dad’s visits and look forward to his next one early in 2012.  Derby was a wonderful treat, Lindsay and I really liked it.

~Blake