Ralphy
Ralphy is a French Bulldog who is special in so many ways.
He arrived to us at 8 weeks old, he was a teeny, tiny bundle of happiness.
Welcoming Ralphy into our family was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was going through a hard time during lockdown and he really helped with my anxiety and the issues I was going through. We were so excited once we could start walking him, I mean who wouldn't be. There's so much exploring to do, Ralphy wasn't sure about the outside and it took a lot of patience and rewards to encourage him. By time time he was 6 months old he was much more confident about walks and enjoyed exploring the world. One evening however something spooked him, to this day I'm not 100% sure what.
Ralphy ran off down the street, his lead attached, which I was at that point untangling from my friends dogs. He wet himself while running and didn't stop. Suddenly Ralphy fell, I'm not sure how but I assume he tripped. He rolled over and was scratched up on the face. He wouldn't put any weight on his front left leg. Crying and scared for him, I picked him up and carried him home. When I got home, I noticed he wouldn't put his head down, I called the vet and went straight to the out of hours. I was told he had likely pulled out some Ligaments. His arm was placed in a cast and he was given some pain killers. I was instructed to bring him back the next morning for X- Rays.
The next day he was placed under anaesthetic and had x-rays carried out which showed a Y fracture to his front left shoulder. He was referred to the Hospital where I was informed the fracture was a complicated fracture and that there would be a risk of him having a life long limp. I left Ralphy in the care of the hospital.
The following day, Ralphy was admitted in to surgery and placed under anaesthetic again to have the fracture repaired and a metal plate fitted. Not long I thought and he would be home.
During the surgery I received a phone call from Ralphy's surgeon. The news broke me and I was beside myself with grief, confusion and fear.
The surgeon informed me Ralphy's bones were too soft and were crumbling during the procedure, the bone would not take the plate, the only option was to amputate his leg.
I can’t even begin to explain the pain this news caused. My beautiful boy would now be having an entire piece of him removed. So many questions were going through my mind and all I wanted was to see him.
After the amputation, the surgeon called to confirm the surgery was successful and Ralphy was coming around from the anaesthetic and was very responsive.
We collected him the following day and when I saw him I could see the happiness on his face, I didn't even notice his amputation at first. I was just so happy to see him OK. He was fidgeting and wriggling in the nurses arms as he saw me. It really was a magical moment.
He came home and it was really hard watching him struggle and adapt not only to having 3 legs but to the pain.
He wasn't himself and for the first few days struggled getting comfortable laying down. He adapted very quickly to walking on 3 legs and I was and am still, so proud of him.
His stitches were removed 10 days later and I was so happy when they brought him out to me quickly. He was so good no anaesthetic was needed.
Once the stitches were removed every day got easier, he was running around and walking much more. He was Ralphy again.
Every day since he has proven how resilient he is and strong. He can walk for a good 2 hours at a nice pace in normal temperatures. He can run super fast and oh my, can he jump!
He is my Hero and my Rock, just as I know, I am his.
Jamie x
