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04.12.05 - BARNEY HITS THE WATER!!!
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| Barney finally got wet yesterday!! He was nervous at first but walked very well on the treadmill. He quickly learned that if he stood on the side ledges, he wouldn't have to walk. Very clever boy!! After awhile on the treadmill, he got to swim. That was even scarier than walking. Picture a duck with four legs and you get the idea. He also figured out that floating was easier than swimming. You've got to stay one step ahead of our Barney. All in all he did very well for a first timer. He also gained 2 1/4 pounds in the last two weeks. He goes again tomorrow and should do even better with practice. Here are some photos. He looks very sporty in his baywatch gear. The legs in the photos belong to Amelia, his assistant. He'll work with Jen tomorrow and hopefully will be able to go solo soon. |
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Barney is fitted with
his flotation jacket....
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Barney cautiously inspects
the hydrotherapy tank.....
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Inside the tank!! You
want me to what?
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Aw, Barney, it's okay!!
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Wait...no one said anything
about water!!!
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Oh no!!!!! What's happening??
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Swim? What's "swim" mean?
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I'm swimming!!!
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Barney is receiving hydrotherapy twice a week due to the generosity of his donors. The purpose of this rehab exercise is to help Barney build muscle mass in his previously limp limbs (please see Barney's first photos). The advantage of using swimming is that the water provides resistance while Barney is on the water treadmill or just swimming, giving him a better workout. Already we can feel budding bicep muscles in his front legs. His rear legs are getting much stronger. When we first met Barney, he couldn't stand up....now with first the help of the leg braces and now hydro-therapy Barney is walking, although oddly, underhis own steam!! |