Easton is off the DL - for now

Easton has been on the DL (disabled list) for almost 4 months now. After being blind sided by an illegal block to the back by a misguided mix-breed linebacker, much to his disappointment, Easton has not participated in any full contact running and fetching since the incident. Until yesterday! I'm happy to report he has returned to his "just adopted" retrieving condition with an extra dose of enthusiasm.

We headed to our secret off-leash area, 4 blocks from home, hoping no one was there so we could conduct a controlled work-out for the NFL scouts. Golf ball retrieving for about 15 minutes went very well. His enthusiasm was sky high and his running looked good. Eventually we had company sharing the field. Thank goodness it was a responsible owner and her sweet, balanced dog. Holly is a 5 year old Labradoodle who is a wonderful playing companion for Easton. Kathy, Holly's Mum, brought the chuck-it and a tennis ball. That's all it took to wear Easton out. He went full bore for about 20 minutes, but then I had to cut him off. We took a long, slow cool-off walk home. Easton was one tired, but satisfied boy. 

I know how much he misses playing. He has the play drive of Devo, but has not been in any shape to ask his body to do the things his enthusiasm demands. We'll continue to walk every day and are still going to swim therapy every couple of weeks. We brought the Costco dog bed up from the garage hoping he would use it after his workout. As you can see from the pictures, he took full advantage of the opportunity to crash in style. Both Cosmo and Devo would sleep together on this bed. It's the perfect size for one Big Red! He never showed much interest in it before, but I think he's coming around.

Can I play through?

Easton is getting around pretty well these days. We are slowly reintroducing his toys as his leg gets stronger and more reliable every week. The retrieving dummy is pretty low key compared to a tennis ball, so he gets to carry that around whenever he wants. However, when I come home in the evening, he makes sure that any golf balls that are hit into the net are properly retrieved, slobbered on and mayhem ensues as he insists on collecting them all. Good thing I have a whole bucket full of practice balls. I laugh and laugh at his antics. He is so serious about performing what he thinks is his job. He sure has a good time!

As you can see, his coat is starting to grow out and fill in. He is turning into one very handsome boy. Strong, loyal and as it turns out, very obedient! I've let him off leash a couple of times in the last two weeks with great results.He runs around and when he wanders a little too far, I get the head snap, back to my call and he come a runnin'. I haven't worked with him that much because he has been on "light duty", so his progress is amazing. He is such a good boy.