Revolutionary Elbow Replacement Surgery Performed!

(from Soldier Progress Journal)

Emerson wrote: “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.”

Over two years ago I wrote of Soldier’s story, telling of his need for an elbow replacement, that without the elbow replacement Soldier would not be able to fulfill his life’s purpose. Soldier’s calling is most certainly his work as a “Therapy dog.” His work with patients of all ages is exemplary; he offers hope, comfort, inspiration, compassion and a deep sense of emotional connectivity to those in pain. He is receiving his advanced therapy dog degree for is work with children and adolescents.

Soldier had been diagnosed with severe, advanced osteoarthritis of the elbow in his only front limb by the veterinarians at Best Friends over three years ago. When he arrived at our home, we searched the country for an elbow replacement.

Soldier’s mentor, Jake, had received a hip replacement that had changed and extended his life and his work, so we knew how successful and important this would be for Soldier. Dr. Kenneth Bruecker was the surgeon who treated Jake, and from the onset was active in Soldier’s care. When we first spoke of an elbow replacement the research was in its early stages and the early replacements did not have enough success to attempt it on an already compromised animal... read more