Sadie Makes it to Age 5!

I wasn't sure Sadie would even see age 5 given the many problems she's had since about 6 months of age

which started with her having to have exploratory surgery to extract two huge toys she ate out of her stomach. That should have been a little foreshadowing for us. The next 4.5 years were a series of issues when she was first diagnosed with Wobbler's at 14 months then misdiagnosed with osteoarthritis until finally we discovered the real culprit over a year later - two bi-lateral knee tears. She's definitely been on the mend since her stem cell surgery/therapy almost two months ago. The right knee (which we suspect was torn earlier) has almost completely healed while the left is taking a little longer (newer injury the vet thinks). Still she is doing so much better than she has in a long while so we're hoping she has at least five more years in her! Tom said we've paid for her about five times over now (it's probably more like 10) so she should live at least that much longer! 

Since we were in Kansas City for a soccer tournament on her actual birthday, we spoiled her rotten when we got her home yesterday. First, she had a bath after being at her boarding facility (much needed!).  Not sure she thought that was her birthday present but after school, the kids and I took her to Happy Dog Barkery to pick out some sweet treats as well as a peanut butter birthday cake for her. She got lots of attention and some of their special banana bread. 

Later that night, when everyone was back home, we celebrated her and her 5 years in style. She absolutely loved her cake and all of the attention. I think she had a good day punctuated by long naps (which she needed as she never sleeps that well away from home - who does?!).

Happy 5th Birthday to our Sadie girl. We love you to the moon and back - even with all of your issues. You are ours. And we're yours. Forever.