Tag Archives: running

A runner in the making

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Themba at the end of run – enjoying it!

Dear Zak,

Themba is becoming a runner! I don’t think he will ever have the passion for it that you did and I certainly hope he doesn’t develop your habit of running at the front of the truck when I was being too slow.

We let him and Tia out on the road where we used to let you out but Themba is more interested in sorting her out than running. Tia, poor girl, was never a runner anyway but now she’s getting old, as you can see by the colour of her muzzle. It’s not really running weather either at it’s getting quite warm even at six in the morning. Having a long coat of hair doesn’t make it any easier. We are going to let Themba run the first section by himself on Monday and see how it goes. Who knows, we might have a runner in the making.

Love you as always.

Themba and Tia after a cooling dip in the night storage dam

It’s good news!

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The morning run

It’s good news – we can’t see any sign of your cancer!

Am I cured?

No, probably not. It’s called “in remission” meaning it’s not active but it’s still around..

So it will be back?

I’m afraid so, we can’t say when.

So the cough was just that, a cough?

Yes, the vet couldn’t see anything bad on the X-ray. Bone cancer often moves to the lungs but nothing. Clear in your back leg too.

But in the meantime I can go running?

Of course, but it won’t be for a while.

Oh, it’s that covid thing again isn’t it.

Yes, but this time it’s for a whole month.

A month. That’s a long time for us dogs.

I know, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

I don’t like that photo, I am coming third. I used to be able to beat Tia and Roxy easily.

Well you have got 3 legs so it’s appropriate.

That’s not a good joke. But I am improving aren’t I.

Yes my boy, you’ve come a long way.

You just can’t keep a good Ridgeback down!

 

That’s not fair!

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I’d rather be running

That’s not fair!

I’m sorry my boy, cancer is brutally unfair.

Why can’t you take me along for the ride then, it’s better than lying here.

Because it’s so difficult to get you into the pickup. I can’t help and Marianne is not strong enough. That’s how you hurt your leg last weekend and look how far it’s put you back. I know how much you like getting out but I needed to take Roxy and Tia for a run to get rid of some energy.

I wanted to come with you to work on Thursday too.

I know, I know. I remember how much you liked coming to the office with me even if you didn’t do much when we got there.

Us Ridgebacks have good eyesight so it was always great to see what was going on from the front seat. And I dig get to chase the odd chicken when you weren’t looking.

Jenni also liked coming along for the ride, she’d often see francolin before I did when we were out on the farm.

I’m not going to run again am I?

No, I don’t think so. I am building a wheelchair to support your back leg. That will allow you to run.

So that’s what that thing is. Not sure I’ll like it.

Please try, you will be able to move much quicker.

Oh, I do miss running! I can still run in my dreams.

So can I.

You haven’t always used walking sticks then?

No, when I was young I could run. I wasn’t as fast as you of course  but I did enjoy it.

Wow, I’d have loved to go running with you!

We can run together in our dreams.

Yes, we can. That will be fun.  I will slow down for you.

 

 

 

The bad news

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A regal fellow

It’s not good news my boy, the cancer is back.

Oh. That’s disappointing. Is that why I find it so difficult to run?

Yes, it’s weakening the bone in your back leg. I’m so sorry, I was hoping you’d get another year at least.

Oh, so it’s going to be quick then?

Yes, a few weeks at the most if we don’t redo the chemotherapy.

What will that give me?

A few more months at the most.

What about the side effects?

The vet couldn’t really say. They might be bad or not and there is still the risk that the leg could break.

Like happened to Kharma? I don’t want that!

No, that would be terrible.

Please don’t cry, you’ve given me a good life. I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for me.

But we were supposed to grow old together!

Ah, well some things are not meant to be. I’ll always remember the running, it was so much fun – what I was born to do. I was fast wasn’t I?

Yes, 50km per hour at a burst. I wasn’t so impressed with you running and barking at the truck.

Ah, well, us Ridgebacks need a little danger for excitement.

What do you think of the photo?

I like it. It’s me – quite regal! Print it out to remind yourself of me.
You will be there at the end for me?

Of course.

Rub my ears won’t you?

Yes, I’ll do that.

 

 

 

Going away

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zakwaitingYou are going away – again.

I know, but this time I have no choice.

Why?

Because my body is failing and I need a neck operation to stop the damage.

Wow, will you be able to come running with me when you get back?

No my boy, that is never going to happen. Hopefully there will be more cycling.

How long will you be away?

I don’t really know, I guess about 2 weeks or so.

I’ll be waiting for you.

I know.