How is Zeke and the paw coming along?

Zeke has been pretty good, just got back from a brisk night walk with him. Paw is still busted but slowly getting better. We changed his food back about two weeks ago so a slow process for the reaction to end and the mending to really begin. All the bandaging I was doing was really just protecting the wound but its finally closing up.

No more growling since the last incident.

I came home from work one day last week to find my wife had made a batch of dehydrated chicken jerky for him (one of his favorite treats). It was a really pleasant surprise and meant a lot to me. She’s also been stepping outside a little more often. She just does a recall (“Zeke come”) and gives him a treat when he obliges - which he does every time. Its a small step but something I’ve noticed.

Last Thursday




Couple weeks back

No question in my mind you made the right decision to keep Zeke in the pack.

Just a quick update:

Zekes paw is finally healed and he is acting like he has puppy energy. Basically prancing when he runs etc, its hilarious.

Finished the fence about two weeks ago around the whole backyard. Its about 1000’ and mostly through the woods, it felt so good. First day after I finished I was doing some work in the front yard and wouldnt you know it, here comes Zeke walking on up to me. WTF! It was very discouraging, almost heartbreaking. Sooo much work and he defeated it immediately. He’s basically a genius as far as dogs go so while it was disappointing it wasnt that surprising, half expected even. I go walk the fence line to see if I can find clues as to where he got out - find a fucking tree fell on it in the woods, flattened it - on the first night! He just walked on out. Life has a funny way of testing you and keeping you humble. Fixed it and he has not got out yet. I watched him through the windows today as he tried probing for an exit for over an hour. He kept trotting up and down the fence in the woods, doubling back and looking for a way out and he found nothing. I feel reasonably confident he is stuck in the backyard for now.

Kids are staying at the grandparents tonight. When the wife and I got home from dinner I decided Id let him in the house for a few minutes to sniff around. When he came in my wife greeted him like she used to (high pitched “Hi Zekey” and some petting). Thats great and all but the best part was after maybe five minutes he just went and stood at the garage door and stared at me. He wanted to go back out to the garage. I always question it but I know now that he’s comfortable out there to the point its where he prefers to be. It made me feel like a million dollars.

Great update good to hear everyone is adjusting well.

Sounds like you're going to have to keep an eye on the fence in the woods as I'm sure that won't be that last tree to fall.

It's awesome to see your wife has come full circle as well on Zeke remaining part of the family!

1 year update. So far so good.

Today in the yard
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We camped out in the backyard. Zeke slept outside our tent door and didnt move until my 3yo woke up and came out (as you can tell I got out and was able to take this pic).
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@AZNetEng
@chaas67
@Duke117
@BLKVooDoo
@rtlm
@PGMAEU
@M4DUDE
@Striker
@FluffyTheCat
@Naamah
@Kitties-with-Sigs

Hi all,

I read back through this thread every so often and it usually makes my eyes well up. I’ve tagged you all because I owe you a great deal of thanks. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement you’ve all offered me, Zeke and my family.

Two years since our incident and so far so good.

With lots of work and training, vigilance, patience and understanding, Zeke has been just about been fully re-acclimated to the family. He spends all day inside with my wife (work from home) and most evenings with the family. As the kids grow up it gets easier and easier and Zeke grows more and more comfortable with them. I still will not leave them alone together and not sure I ever will, but this is us. Zeke is basically the same dog he’s always been, and I think I hope that never changes. My wife and I are just much better at recognizing when he’s anxious and do whats necessary to de-escalate the situation for him. If we dont have the capacity to keep an eye on him and the kids, they just get separated (Zeke goes outside etc).

Thanks, ya’ll, for contributing to my strength and will to keep my friend, to figure out a way to keep our family whole. I don’t think I’d have done it without this place and without your contributions.

Sitting and watching my boys yesterday and this is where Zeke walked up and chose to lay down. This was the catalyst for the update, I had a feeling some of you might like to share in this moment with me.
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Standard Zeke. Near the boys and on the lookout.
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Counting my blessings with me.
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He welcomed you to the pack glad it turned out good for yall!

Awesome

Excellent news.
I know the process was difficult, but the example of tenacity and committment you showed the boys will bode well for their future.

You earned this, your family should be very proud of you.

You have no idea how badly I needed some good news today. Been a tough week.

I don't know how you could have handled this any better than you did. I am glad your wife was patient, and accepted Zeke back in the house. At the risk of sounding sexist, with what she perceived was a threat to her children, what she did was a big deal in my eyes.

Awesome pics... damn dusty here in SD.

@zgermanznew

What awesome news and I’m humbled that you included me in the list of great folks in your post.

So happy to hear that you, your family and Zeke are doing great and are a stronger family.

Enjoy your success and know that you did this! 👍

Thanks again, ya’ll. I suspect it will take the same level of hard work, patience and vigilance for the rest of Zekes life, but its worth it in the end. Everybody loves him.

He also turns 9 later this month!