He's A Handsome ... What?
I got this photo of Trooper yesterday afternoon on the porch at Widget's House, while I was over there taking photos of Emmy Lou and Zephyr. We kept getting requests for updates on this boy, and I've been delinquent in posting something ... so here he is!
Notice it looks like nature took a perfectly good Labrador body (well, um, figuratively speaking on that "perfectly good" bit) and parked a hound dog head on it. Love those ears! Would you call him a "Labound"? Or maybe a "Houndador?"
Trooper's right hip has healed just fine from the femoral head ostectomy surgery he underwent last month. You can see a slight scar from the staples they used to close the incision site. He continues to hold that leg up a tad, just like he is in the photo, because I think he was so conditioned to not being able to use the leg that he hasn't re-learned how to use it again. So when he runs -- and let me assure you, he loves to run across the yard at an incredible clip -- he just pulls it up off the ground and flies across on three legs.
It is incredibly difficult to photograph or videotape a dark dog on white snow, especially in motion, but once the snow melts, I'll videotape him in action running so you can see how fast he is.
His twisted front leg, despite it's odd shape, doesn't seem to bother him one bit, and so we are comfortable right now not pursuing the much more complicated and extensive surgery on that leg.
Trooper always looks serious for the camera, but he is a clown at heart ... yet when the camera comes out, this goofball from Louisiana adopts this rather dour look. In reality he is a funny character, springy and bouncy and very vocal. His crate was on the east side in Widget's House, which allowed him to see the kitchen area -- so whenever any of us were there fixing up food or medications, he would stare at us and bay and bay from his crate. Having had enough of the crooning coonhound, last week Gloria switched his crate to the west side so he couldn't see the kitchen area ... and the baying stopped. Out of sight, out of bay.
Trooper, you look fantastic. I think you are a LABR(ADORABLE)HOUND. How's that for a breed name? Steve should like that one!!
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | March 26, 2008 at 05:02 PM
I just think that Trooper is a Handsome Hound! Sure love the big floppy ears on that guy!
Posted by: Julie | March 25, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Wow, what a transformation he has made since first arriving at RDR. He has absolutely flourished since being in your loving care.
Posted by: Nancy | March 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Ah, Trooper, you look like the good, ol' Southern boy that you are, and we all know how handsome that is. I'm sending you virtual hugs!
Posted by: Moon Rani | March 25, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I like the sound of Houndador! Trooper looks great and i bet he feels even better. Thank you for taking care of this guy, and all the other animals out at the ranch!
Posted by: Kate and Luke! | March 25, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Hooray for an update on Trooper! He looks great.
Without question, he's a Labrahound. I've got a Labraherder at home (lab/BC/Aussie).
Posted by: Linda | March 25, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Trooper is so lucky to have both of you and staff as his care takers. He looks wonderful and thanks for the terrific update. Those animals do develop a personality of their own, don't they. I recently gave my husband a 60th birthday gift of swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove near Orlando. Our dolphin was named Cindy and she was having quite a time with her love life. Her boyfriend's name is Lester. We gave her kisses.
Posted by: Claire S. Moen | March 25, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Trooper really does look like a hound.
I'm glad you posted him so we could get a good look at this baying boy!
We're glad he's healed and full of joy.
Posted by: Boundforglory | March 25, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Whatever kind of "hound-dog" he is, he is adorable! I"m so glad he is doing well and look forward to a video of him when your SPRING comes!
Posted by: Nancy in NJ | March 25, 2008 at 06:40 AM
What an extraordinary makeover! I can hardly believe he's the same doggy, thinking back to the emaciated Trooper who arrived not too long long at the Ranch...
Thank you and God bless for all you do to help these sweet souls.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | March 25, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Wow, what a difference from when he first arrived at the Ranch! Well done Trooper. :)
Posted by: Andrew, NZ | March 25, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Houndador, indeed !!!!!!!!!!! :0 :)
I think in your next life, Steve, you're going to be a comedienne extraordinaire !!!!!!!
Posted by: Bibi | March 25, 2008 at 05:04 AM
I'd call Trooper a shiney boy! His coat is so glossy! I wish my hair were that healthy looking. I'm so glad he's made such a wonderful recovery from his surgery.
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | March 25, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Oh...he's good lookin' alright!
Posted by: Cora | March 24, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I am so glad that Trooper is doing so well. He must be very happy in his home and that is fantastic!!
Posted by: Mary Ware | March 24, 2008 at 05:42 PM
He's a handsome boy! Just a handsome boy! What else needs to be said.
Posted by: Smiley Faces | March 24, 2008 at 05:40 PM