This is a long story, but I had to tell it because it's recently occurred to that sometime when awful things happen, they can lead to really good things.
A few years ago, while out riding, I had what seemed like an insignificant accident. I rode too close to a metal pole and, not concentrating, hit my knee on it. It hurt for a bit then was OK.
About three weeks later, it started to give me a bit of pain. I didnt realize then what trouble it would give me from then on. It gradually got worse over the next few months, and nothing that I tried helped. Eventually I had an arthroscopy, and was diagnosed with a very rare condition called Synovial Chondramatosis. Put very simply, this meant that I made too much cartilage in that knee (a bit annoying really, as my other knee has been worn for years). They cleared it out for me, but a few months later symptoms returned. Another arthroscopy 13 months after the first revealed more bits of cartilage to be cleared out.
A few months later, symptoms returned again. By this time I realized that I could no longer do my job. The stairs where I worked were a real problem for me, and I was going up and down them all the time. I changed my job, which meant that I was earning 2/3 of what I had been, but I didnt want time off sick too soon, so this time I left it for two years before going back to the doctor. They couldnt decide what was wrong this time, so I was passed about several departments before they decided to do an arthroscopy, 21/2 years after the last one, so that they could do a biopsy. When they look in my knee, they found lots more loose bodies.
Between these operations, we lost our 16 year old Border Collie, Shadow. He was a lovely boy, and I really do like Collies, but I knew that I couldnt have another one. By this time I lived on my own and I had so much pain and stiffness that I couldnt have walked very far. I am sure that, at that time, if they had offered to amputate that leg, Id have agreed to do it. Anything to get rid of that awful pain everytime I stood up or sat down!
Soon after Shadow died, I had to think about how I was going to still have a dog in my life. I had heard that Greyhounds didint need much exercise and so decided to go for one. I had never taken much notice of Greyhounds before. They appeared to me to be aloof and not very attractive. In fact far too bony to be cuddly or a pet. Two of my friends were getting cute and cuddly Collies and I felt that I was getting a poor relation. However, I was desperate to have another dog in my life, and didnt feel that it would be fair to get one that I couldnt look after properly.
So, that was why Robbie, my 10year old Greyhound came into my life, and I very quickly realized how wrong I had been. This boy was full of character, and so gentle and I soon came to love and admire their gracefulness and his streamlined form. He quickly took over the sofa and ruled the roost in our house. I know that he wouldnt be with me for many years, so I soon looked for a companion for him, I wanted a smaller Greyhound as I didnt have enough room for another sofa hogger, so I got a Lurcher, Bella, instead. The sweetest natured girl I have ever known. I got her a few days before my third arthroscopy, and the relief when that was done was so great that I started taking her to agility soon after, and enjoying it. Soon after that, I fostered Flash. Then tragedy struck. Robbie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He left me on the 5th May 2013, to go to Rainbow Bridge to get his leg healed and I am sure he is waiting for me there, roaching on a very big sofa.
Soon after I adopted Flash, and in July last year, Max came to live with me. Although Max may not be with me for as long as I had hoped, I am priveledged to have known him and to have had the opportunithy to look after him through this awful Osteosarcoma, and give him the chance of a bit more life, however long or short that may be.
I am telling this story to show that a lot of good can come out of the most seemingly awful situations. There were times when I wanted to lose my leg, when I thought that life was over, as even to get out of a chair was too painful to even think about. But now the illness is slowing down. My last operation was 14 months ago and if its returning, its only just showing symptoms. I still get pain, but it doesnt stop me from doing what I want to do.
But most of all, Id never discovered what wonderful companions Greyhounds and Lurchers can be, and how rewarding it can be when you take a dog home who hasnt had the best start in life and watch them transform into happy, healthy, loving dogs. They have certainly brought a new purpose to my life, and all because of my bad knees,.

Hang on Sally (14) and Brats Delight only 8