Last month, Hiro’s Heartworm Journey came to a close–he had to go in for a final blood test for “adult” worms that may have been missed in the prior test he had for microfilaria (“baby” worms). Both tests were negative, so he is now Heartworm-Free!
His physical fitness recovery is continuing, and the vet advised that it may take another several months for him to get back to his former fitness level. The systemic inflammation from both the worms and the treatment, combined with 5 months of being sedentary, as well as my less-than-routine walking schedule with him has taken away his stamina.
When he was first diagnosed a year ago, he would pull me through 5 mile runs, several times a week, with no problem. At this point, he can only join me for the warm-up, about 2 miles of walking, before he is visibly fatigued. I just take him home and continue the run by myself. He does NOT like being left behind!
I was surprised to discover that my average time per mile does not improve much when I run without him, because running with him means tripping over him a bunch of times and several drink and potty breaks. Yet, it turns out that he manages to improve my pace, even after I trip over him multiple times, pick up poop,and give most of my bottle of water to him. Also, when he comes with me, I get to look down at happy face reflecting the “joy” of exercise at me–I will take motivation wherever I can find it!
It turns out that I don’t like leaving him behind, either.
!!