Monday June 20, 2005 -
Burt had his surgery last Friday. It went well and Burt did well. I brought him home on Saturday only to discover that a cage would never work for him in his condition - (one leg sticking straight out and unable to bend his neck) - so my sister and I set out to build a better mousetrap - no! make that a better rehab home for him. Yikes, it took hours!!! We built an elevated floor so that the litter box would be level with the floor and he wouldn't have to climb in and out of the box. We also gave him more floor space to stretch out on - (no where to climb - that's forbidden for now!). I also added a monitor so that I can hear if he gets in trouble or is in pain. Yes, I'm his slave... oh, that would be nurse! Now, I'm much more comfortable with his safety and comfort.

Thursday June 23rd -
Today Burt had his first checkup which he passed with flying colors - everything stayed in place. As a reward, I got to take his cast off!

Friday July 1st -
Another good report from the vet for Burt:
The pins are holding and everything is staying in place where it should be. Burt's staples & stitches were removed today, and the really big news is that he doesn't have to wear the e-collar anymore! He's very happy about that! For the next two weeks, Burt will get 2 five minute walk about sessions daily, to limber up his leg and start strengthening that new knee placement.

Tuesday August 2nd -
In the world of healing, time passes slowly, but I'm thinking you should have an update! Burt is doing fine. He's walking around now - no jumping yet. The knee appears to be facing the proper direction and isn't wobbling around. He still favors the leg, but maybe that's more due to habit than need. We go back for what I hope is his last check up on August 12th. Maybe Burt can be free to hang around again. He misses the interaction with his roomies!

We are at $2,548 and after Burt's next recheck on Aug 12th
our expenses for Burt will be at $2,495.73
Thanks to everyone for their support and love
Burt sends you kisses...

September 18, 2005 -
The good news is that this will be my last status on Burt until he is adopted! We went to the vet today and Burt got the all clear. His knee is solid and looks perfect. Burt's now doing all the usual things he enjoys - getting up to the top shelf to lay in the hammock, playing with the stinky Pee Brothers, cuddling with his sister Valarie - he can now do it all and he's sweeter than ever!!! After being cuddled so much while he was under special care, he has learned to give back more than he ever did before. Burt is all good!!!!

Thanks to all of you
who shared in the drive to
put Burt back together again!