Anim Graphic ©1997 Kitty Roach

(For this page, pretend this dog is limping on three legs!)

MISHA'S FIRST DAY HOME 26 JULY 1996 On 14 June 1996, Misha fell UP the basement steps, tearing the ligaments of her right knee. (This is why we didn't name her Grace.) She had surgery on 25 June 1996, performed by Dr. Ianakov of Chicago, a specialist in cruciate surgery.

Misha's leg looks as though a Poodle-groomer began shaving her leg, then realized she wasn't a Poodle and quit! After a day of waiting at the vet, and then an hour of surgery and a day of recovery, Misha is pooped.

Misha was able to stand and walk for a little bit, but for the first day she didn't go outside, or even move, for 15 hours.

Misha made the most of the situation, having her food and water brought to her wherever she was lying at dinner time. The first day, she could only have one-third of her food and water once per hour, for three hours.

"Look at that -- an Airedale Terrier on my card from Jeanne & Ken Abrahamson!"

Misha received her first get-well card and gift on the day of her surgery. If you've read their page, MISHA & APRIL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, you'll know that Misha loves to open presents. However, this first night home, she had all she could do to read her get-well card.

The next day, however, she was only too happy to tear into her gift.

The tension mounts -- what's in here?!?!

It squeaks!!

"It's convenient to rest my head on, too. Thank you, Jeanne & Ken, and to all a good night!"

Despite the cream the veterinarian gave us to deter her from licking (she just thought it was a cream sauce to make the stitches taste better - to an Airedale, there is nothing that doesn't taste good), she had to wear her Elizabethan collar for about a week.

"Hey, Pops! Is the TV reception any better now?!?!"

Fala Pink & Skye Blue Lewallen, Scottie Canine Companions of Dot & Chris Lewallen. Well, Dot is a cross-stitcher, and a very good one, too, I might add, and she created this shirt for Canidlover. Isn't it beautiful? Thank you, Dot!

In October 1997, Misha had an emergency splenectomy.
Read all about it at MISHA'S NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE

In July 1999, Misha had cancer surgery.
Read all about it at MISHA'S SURGERY TWO: CANCER!

In Summer 2001, Misha had another bout with cancer, this time incurable.
Read all about it at MISHA IN MEMORIAM

dogs have joined Misha (@RB), April (@RB), Cari, Rico, RoseiVi the Shy & Daisy2Legs on the couch (where else?) since 16 AUGUST 1996. We hope you all were comfy!!

INTRODUCING MISHA (@RB) & APRIL (@RB)
CARI, RICO, ROSIEVI & DAISY2LEGS

Remember to bring along your virtual pooper-scooper!