Rufus | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
First, Rufus (and his humans) would love to thank everyone for their well wishes. We have been truly touched by the support and kindness y’all have shown us. It was a very traumatic day yesterday, and I think for the most of it, we were all in complete shock.
Now, here’s your update: Rufus FINALLY peed early evening (after eating dinner and getting his pain medicine) and that was a much needed relief for everyone. Last night Rufus and I slept on the floor in my office; it just seem like a safer option to the tall beds. It was a very long night. He started in the crate with his cone on and with me laying next to him. We then transition to him outside the crate, laying next to me with his cone still on and then we finally ditched the cone around 2 am. Rufus is surprisingly a good boy and when I tell him not to lick his wound, he obeys. We’re so lucky in that respect.
Yesterday Rufus yelped and whined a lot and showed significant discomfort when moving, but today is a new day and he seems to be doing much better – thankfully. He took his breakfast, his antibiotics and pain medicine this morning easily. He appetite seems good. He has had his morning elimination outside and all seems to be good considering all that he endured yesterday. I even gave him a few minutes of supervised sunbathing.
I’m on a self-imposed house arrest and will be spend the next 24+ hours with him – every minute, but I’m hopeful (at this point) that his recovery will be fast and easy. The stitches can’t come out until 13 more days, but I’m really much more optimistic today from what he has shown me.
Two things friends:
1) According to a chart in my vet’s office, Rufus is the equivalent to 60 years old in human years. And for me that’s the part that hurt the most; that my old man had to experience this trauma at this point in his life. And although it might take a little longer to heal (as it does for all of us as we get older), I’m am confident and committed that Rufus will make a full and complete recovery.
How Old Is Your Dog by Weight?
2) I have to, of course, give a BIG public shout out of appreciate to our two girls: Emily Sue and Lily Blossom. Yesterday as I was carrying Rufus back to the car from the beach covered in sand, sweat and blood – the two girls walked themselves right by my side, dragging their own leashes, to the car without incident. Remember it was just me and the dogs meeting a friend (who we insisted stay behind and enjoy the beach). They have also given Rufus lots of space at my request. Nurse Lily is probably the most curious of the two, and slept with us last night on the floor. Emily has an obvious upset stomach because we can all hear it gargling, and she was up last night like 4 different times to go outside. Her poop seems to be solid so… I think perhaps it’s just the stress from everything, and under the circumstances she’s being a complete superstar.
Lily Blossom & Emily Sue | June 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
I believe these things happen, and it is how we handle them with grace that makes us better people. I’m also grateful to have very supportive family and friends. People were even willing to come in from Texas to help, but thankfully that’s necessary. Today Rufus and I are feeling much better and we’re very humbled by the outpour of love, support and kindness. Thank you all for making a very difficult and ugly situation better. We’ll keep you posted on Rufus’ progress.
Rufus will live to see another day! | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
Rufus’ nose puncture | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
Rufus’ leg sutures | September 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
rufusontheweb 
Its a massive relief to me and the rest of my family, my wife and my daughter who are die-hard Doxie fans, that Rufus is getting better. That wound which looked so ugly yesterday is better and not so ghastly. From my experience I have noticed that they are very resilient animals despite their size. But I also loved the space given to Rufus by Emily and Lily. They are so gorgeous and how concerned they always are! Don’t worry too much … He will get better. Best wishes and prayers
Thank you! We really appreciate it. 🙂
Poor baby! Get well!
Hang in there Rufus. We love you. This really sucks and will cause me to be much more aware of everything going on around me at a beach or dog park. Since so many of us have been doing this for so many years without incident, there was no need to worry. Not anymore. I will be much more cautious. So glad the girls followed you the way they did. I had an incident at HB years ago with a rescue dog. I went to the wrong beach and was completely worn out after walking a very long way including up through the parking lot carrying stuff and walking a rescue. Kasie stayed right by my side unleashed and unsupervised the entire experience. Each time I looked down, there she was. I was so grateful to her and didn’t know how I could repay her for her help. So glad the girls did the same. Good girls Emily & Lily. Take good care of your brother.
Could you give Rufus a very warm hug from Brazil? He is in our prays and will be much better day after day. Go for it, Rufus!
Yes! We will. Thank you!
I too am very impressed by Emily & Lily’s reactions to Rufus’s emergency yesterday. It is very obvious that these 3, bonded with your guidance have learned respect for each others needs.
Bless you all and we will continue to pray for Rufus’s healing and for your pack to get back to your active lives. Hugs to you all friends. ❤
I’m so glad that everyone is doing well! I wish for Rufus’ quick recovery!
Praying for sweet Rufus to heal with no problems .
Johnny, you will be surprised to see how fast these little guys recover. My Dori ( 8-ish) was found to have resorptive lesions in July to our vet & dental specialist’s shock ( who had examined her only a few months prior) this was suppose to be routine dental. She was in surgery for 4 1/2 hours trying to remove the remainders of the teeth ( the body reabsorbs them) . ( this is fairly rare thing in dogs, common in cats) . Vet said she had to have been in so much pain & the surgery was very hard, yet she bounced back so quickly it amazed us all! Even the vet!
So, your little man will amaze you with his strength & recover much more quickly than a human woudl!! Our best wishes to all of you!!
Thank you! That’s so good to know. Hoping for the best. 🙂
Thank you for the update. Get well fast, Rufus!
Hi there.
All my love goes out to your sweet boy. May he recover soon from both the physicsl injuries and the motional trauma.
When our dachshund boy had his back operation, we took the base from our bed away for a few months and slept directly on the mattress. This allowed Harris easy access onto and off the bed. We even put big couch cushions next to matterss as a step for him. Yes I believe they have to feel you and that helps healing. Love sleeping with my dachshunds.
Glad your little guy is on the mend, I’m sure your love and positive energy is helping
Poor baby, here’s to you feeling better soon!
So sorry to hear this. I hope Rufus recovers without any emotional scars! I had a dachshund that was attacked (10 yrs ago). She had 30 stitches. Two dogs were running loose and Sassy was just defending her yard! After she recovered she was always afraid of dogs when we would go for a walk and a dog would come by, she would bark frantically and shake. Of course she was fine with her sister doxie. Hugs and licky kisses to Rufus and all your pack. Healing prayers! Saundra and of course Emmy & Cocoa
I’m so glad Rufus has a dad that will take such good care of him. I know how painful it is to watch your little guy go through this ordeal. I’ve slept on the floor many nights with my Duke after his back surgeries (3 of them). Sending well wishes and love to Rufus.
Love your pics and posts. So sorry for Rufus. When our babies hurt, we hurt. You have a loving, strong family. Every day will be better. Wish we were closer so we could do one of your meet ups.
Thank you!
How is Rufus doing? We are thinking of you and Rufus.
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