The day did not start well. Harry had an atrial fibrillation (Afib) episode that started at 3:44 AM. Not everyone can feel Afib, but Harry can, so he knew precisely when it started. He was kind enough to let me sleep, and informed me at 5 AM when the dogs always start our morning. It’s very scary, and there is not much to do about it. The big danger with Afib is stroke, but since Harry is on Eliquis, a blood thinner, he is relatively safe from that. Still, it’s unpleasant.
Regardless of our health, animals must be tended. I turned horses out, then went over to Jane’s house to see how Derry was doing. Joy! We saw some pus when we pressed with hoof testers – a small hole that Fred had made just inside the wall of the hoof, oozed when we put pressure on the sole. That accounted for Derry’s feeling better and looking almost sound yesterday evening. We had to call Fred to report and get advice. The advice was to proceed as planned with soaking and packing, and he will see her Monday morning.
When I got home, hooray! the Afib had converted to normal, sinus rhythm at 7:30. The bad day turned around, just like that. Harry credits Dr. Weedy’s reassurance and calming influence.
Derry soaks 
Fred 
Derry & Jane
Carmen, the Occupational Therapist, arrived mid morning, took Harry’s vitals (all good!) and put Harry through his paces…
Discussing outfits…
And then, out to the studio to prepare for weekend work…
We are very impressed with the help we have had from AW Healthcare (though we are not crazy about the name “Ageing Well”). Kristin and Carmen feel like good friends already, and have really accelerated Harry’s recovery.
Now, we just have to get through the next two weeks and get a good x ray so that Harry can start bending the leg, which will make it possible to get into a car. We are sad that we won’t be going to the Art Show at Horsley Gallery tomorrow, but in light of the way things went today, additional stress is probably not advisable! The wheelchair transport is a bit of an ordeal.
Since Harry was OK, I left him! I went off to the doctor for my postponed annual physical, returned with a clean bill of health, and we enjoyed a late lunch in the sunshine. Harry even hopped out the door onto the back deck to advise me on pond care.
Exhaustion set in, and a long afternoon rest revitalized Harry. I brought the horses in, and got fairly close to the new, black wild cat I have dubbed Mickey (for Mickey Rooney because he has short legs). Here is a picture of him (you may need to use your imagination). All you can see is his head behind the spruce tree… Now that he has a name, I hope he isn’t positive for disease! I will try to trap him on Monday evening. These things need to be planned for scheduling! And then we need luck to get the right creature in the trap.
Harry rallied for the evening and had a sweet visit from Cedar…
Another day, further into the woods we go – today we survived a slippery patch! As always, we feel very fortunate and appreciate all the love and encouragement we have been blessed with from so many friends (and dogs)!
Stay close Dr. Weedy! I can feel Derry’s relief 🙂 and Good luck with Mickey 😂 We’re finally rolling 🤣