Know Thy Dog

About two weeks ago I started to notice that Diva wasn't moving as easily as she usually does. Nothing serious, but a hitch every now again which is enough to clue me in that it's time for her to visit the chiropractor for an adjustment. Diva isn't the most stoic of Aussies but I have learned to appreciate that about her when it comes to performance. She will almost always give me signs to let me know she isn't right and this prevents me from pushing her someplace her body can't go at that moment. The heart of an Aussie often sees them working through immense pain and discomfort and sometimes this can lead to permanent injuries and expensive vet bills. Unfortunately it usually takes about a week and half to two weeks to get an appointment with Diva's chiro. 


On Tuesday when I went out to work sheep with friends I really noticed that Diva had an obvious limp after doing some ball chasing with her herding buddies. In light of that I decided to not work her yesterday and started giving Traumeel. My poor girl was hurting enough that when she got up from laying down she wouldn't stretch :(. So this morning I made the long trip across the Bay Bridge to get Diva adjusted and it was not a minute to soon. Her entire pelvis and sacrum were locked up together so that she had very little movement in her back. 2 ribs were also out of place along with her sternum and some odds and ends in her neck! What a mess! You could tell by the serious look on her face during the adjustment that she needed this and immediately after she shook, licked her lips, and sighed. The remainder of today is one of rest and more Traumeel but I can already see the difference in her expression and movement. 


There is a lesson here. Though I know that not everyone believes in or has the resources to have their dogs regularly adjusted by a chiropractor we should always keep in mind that we ask these dogs for a lot and that just as with human athletes they need certain maintenance to remain in their best form. Knowing your dog and reading the subtle signs is a valuable skill with a breed like the Australian Shepherd. Most of the Aussies I know work hard, play hard, and have the heart to back it up. As I said above, just be careful you don't ask the body to go where it can't at that moment.


Good news for Diva though! She is ready to get back to work tomorrow and we have an agility trial in 2 weeks. Time to get going on those open titles and start accruing ATCH points in jumpers :).