"Swimming" with Stella

Stella was diagnosed with hip dysplasia a few years back. Thankfully, the daily joint supplement seems to keep her on the straight and narrow (so to speak). Eight weeks ago, Sophie was diagnosed with a luxating patella. The vet prescribed rest and weight loss. HUH? If you could lose weight while resting I would be thinner than Kate Moss. Apparently the only way for Sophie to lose weight is through aquatic therapy. Immediately, visions of Sophie in a bathing cap and tutu performing synchronized swimming with her sister danced in my head. How wrong was I?

Sophie took to it like a fish to water once she got comfortable. Sophie will basically do anything to please us. That is why she is my little love bug. Stella, however, is a different story. She is stubborn and rarely does anything to please anyone but herself. She is my little apathetic cuddler and I adore that she marches to her own beat. (I don't know where she gets that from.)

So Stella took to the pool like a cat to a bath. Panicky, stoic and refusing to move. It was as if she had turned to stone. Once she was moved off the steps, (not of her own free will) she was like a frog in the pool and she had one goal and one goal only. No, it was not to please her proud parents who were saying supportive and loving things. It was to get back to the step and get the heck out of this oversized bathtub.

After surviving such trauma, Paul bought a series of 10 visits. For Sophie AND Stella. Without a professional's help. He thought it would go a lot better if we were in the pool with them next time. No, there will not be video of that. And yes, I will be swimming with Sophie. Stella can be "daddy's girl" that day.