A New Tigger Update: He stretched his legs

It’s pretty cool that so many people who both know Tigger quite well and who barely know him at all, other than as the French fry hound at the Beach Bar, are cheering for his recovery.

Here he is playing ball with Ann Marie’s Dad, who came down from the states to help out. Ann Marie says it is more like “Bowling for Tigger”, as in you roll a tennis ball his way, he grabs it with his mouth and spits it back to you. So far, great pro bonos from vets at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Minnesota, Tufts University School of Medicine and Angell Memorial in Boston, as well as quite capable on-island vets who have gotten involved.

“St. John is a wonderful island, with an incredible mix of people. Tigger’s recovery is a reflection of the people of St. John, and the tourists who visit here,” says Ann Marie.

It’s now day 28 since full-blown infliction. Most agree it may be WEEK 28 before Tigger’s fully recovered. Oh, and yes, he did stretch both front and rear legs yesterday.

We’ll keep Tigger updates coming. If you see the Tigger icon below, just click on it!

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 14th, 2008 at 12:01 am and is filed under General News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

24 Responses to “A New Tigger Update: He stretched his legs”

1. Special K
   February 14th, 2008 00:32
   1

   I’m confused and really concerned. Is Tigger really supposed to get better in 28 weeks? We love you Tigger.

2. Barb Y
   February 14th, 2008 06:37
   2

   Go Tigger!

3. wontongirl
   February 14th, 2008 08:48
   3

   Thanks so much for the update. I have been thinking about him this week and wondering if there had been a change. The off-road deal looks cool. i would try it for sure.

4. Matt and Maria
   February 14th, 2008 08:55
   4

   Keep up the good work big guy!!
   Thanks for the updates

5. lizhoward
   February 14th, 2008 09:13
   5

   kinda curoius how does tigger go to the bathroom if he cant move?? I would think that it must be very hard on the dog.

6. Karen
   February 14th, 2008 09:19
   6

   We are still pulling for you tigger.
   Love,

   Elvis, King, Dixie and Bella

7. Rosi
   February 14th, 2008 09:31
   7

   He looks better from the pic. I am glad all the vets from the universities are halping and making suggestions.
   Did the acupuncture help? Has he had more then one session of acupuncture?

   Hang in there Tigger………all in good time………..you are already on the road to recovery…..

8. Ann Marie Estes
   February 14th, 2008 09:32
   8

   Hello everyone…The first signs of recovery are usually seen with 21 - 28 days (some muscle movement). FULL recovery is from three to six months, although we hope he is walking much sooner than that. He was barking up a storm yesterday, wagging his tail and moving his back legs and head a lot. This is such a good sign, as his nerves are coming back! David and I assist Tigger with all of his dog needs, although Tigger eats and drinks on his own. This weekend, we will bring Tigger to the beach, wrap floats around him to support him in the water, and encourage him to start using some muscles. We will take photos, and send them to Jeff and Russ. Keep the faith, Tigger is!

9. Laura
   February 14th, 2008 09:43
   9

   I really appreciate the updates on Tigger. I was looking at some of our pictures yesterday and saw one of him and wondered how he was doing…

   Please keep us posted. You’re in our prayers!

10. stj_gal
    February 14th, 2008 10:24
    10

    Here’s to a full recovery for Tigger. I am so glad to hear that he is doing better.

11. Nancy_B
    February 14th, 2008 11:35
    11

    Ann Marie, I’m so happy to hear that Tigger is doing better. I’m sure he will LOVE the trip to the beach this weekend. We’ll be on island next weekend and we will truly miss seeing him at the Beach Bar. Best wishes to you!

12. Dee
    February 14th, 2008 11:43
    12

    You hang in there Tigger! we are praying for you!

13. Quenton
    February 14th, 2008 12:21
    13

    i an so happy he is doing better.
    can’t wait to see the water pics
    have a great week and
    happy valentine’s day
    qball

14. Rob7
    February 14th, 2008 13:06
    14

    Ann Marie, thanks so much for the update….we are worried about our boy. For all your hard work to bring him through this……you deserve some kind of a special award. You are the best!

15. jrg
    February 14th, 2008 13:13
    15

    Yay for Tigger!

    I hope the water therapy wakes those muscles up.

16. Maddie
    February 14th, 2008 13:22
    16

    I’m thrilled to hear that ‘tings are improving. You go Tigger, we are with you boy!

    Thanks for the updates Ann Marie.

17. Ali
    February 14th, 2008 14:32
    17

    Thanks for the update. I’m such a softie for senior dogs. All my best wishes and prayers are with Tigger for a timely and full recovery. Ali~

18. SteveV
    February 14th, 2008 14:36
    18

    You keep getting better Tigger!!!!

    When you go to the beach, just make sure Wade the shark
    isn’t cruisin’nearby….if you still need more hydrotherapy I’m sure you can use: “St. John’s most expensive hot tub” (BongoBongo blog 5/3/06) for further treatments!!!!!

    Steve

19. NancyB
    February 14th, 2008 21:00
    19

    Anne Marie, my husband reminded me tonight that we have a Lab life vest for swimming. We’d love to send it for Tigger to use. Would you want it? We’ll be down next Saturday but we’re thinking that we’ll ship it so we don’t have to carry it on or check it. Please let us know - we would like to help!

    NancyB

20. Larry
    February 14th, 2008 22:27
    20

    Great news for Tigger and Anne Marie. We will keep the both of you in our prays. Lets see 28 week should put him back eating fries about the time of our next trip to St. John. We wil get him a burger to go with them. Keep up the good work.

21. marty
    February 15th, 2008 01:10
    21

    Maybe no more fries when he gets better…time to eat healthier…. love ya Tigger

22. Ann Marie Estes
    February 15th, 2008 12:50
    22

    Hello Nancy!

    I just reviewed the blog, and we would REALLY appreciate the life vest for Tigger. It would be in care of:

    Low Key Watersports
    P.O. Box 716
    St. John, VI 00831

    Thanks for the GREAT THOUGHTS

    Ann Marie

23. Nancy_B
    February 15th, 2008 13:18
    23

    Ann Marie,

    It will go in the mail tomorrow - We’re so happy to help!

    Best wishes,
    Nancy

24. sarah
    February 15th, 2008 18:42
    24

    Thanks for the update and tell Tigger that Merlin sends roo roo’s!