@boochaces By far (crying as I type this), one of the biggest medical rollercoasters of 2023 … was Gabriel. He began limping earlier on in the year. We got radiographs done immediately which showed nothing but an old injury that was almost fully healed. The limping would stop for weeks, then come back. Then stop … then come back. We tried stall rest. We tried medication. We tried physical therapy. Eventually, we noticed calcification starting and it got bigger and bigger. Fluid was building up. Infection was becoming a potential issue. After numerous farm vet visits and two hospital visits, we made the very tough decision to amputate the leg. I thought it was going to mentally destroy him. I thought he would never be able to run again. I cried every night leading up to his surgery date (which was actually pushed up). I wasn’t sure if we were doing what was best for him — even after being guided by medical professionals. Great Pyrenees are very stoic animals. They are all old souls. They take their instinctual duties very seriously. If you have ever had a GP in your life, you understand. They have so much pride. I really was so worried that Gabriel would never bounce back, especially with him being older. But … he really let us know that we all worried for nothing. It’s as if nothing happened. @hispees and I are so proud of him. @ranchorelaxoteam is so proud of him. Gabriel’s surgery was over $2,500 (which doesn’t include all of the previous appointments) and we did not fundraise for it because everything was such a whirlwind. I know he is already recovered and raising money for his surgery is going to be much harder, but I believe everyone can come together for this. On this final day of 2023, we are asking you to please make a tax deductible donation toward Gabriel’s medical bills. Please. PayPal boochaces@aol.com / Venmo boochaces The absolute best way to help is by donating through Patreon (link in bio). THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH. #greatpyrenees #lgd #animalrescue #farmsanctuary #animallovers ♬ Love – Revember