Thanks for all of the kind wishes about Buffy

[Ted Shih]

I wanted to thank everyone who sent me emails and/or private messages about Buffy's health

I also wanted to thank everyone who picked Buffy to win in Stowe this year. She was running hot in the last few trials and was running well in pre-National training. I had high hopes for her this National.

Unfortunately, it appears that she has partially torn her right ACL. The left ACL was completely torn a few months after she finished the last National and she had TPLO surgery. Her rehabilitation was completed in mid-January, so it is disappointing, but not unexpected to be going through another TPLO

I met with a surgeon in New Jersey, who recommended I run her as he thought it unlikely that the ACL would tear completely and that if it did, the tear would have no impact on the TPLO

I spoke with another surgeon, who told me that there is a 6% chance of a tear in the menicus with a partial tear, 60% chance of a tear in the menicus with a complete tear and that with a menicus tear comes increased risk of arthritis. He also thoughts odds of her getting through the National with complete tear were good.

With rest, Buffy looks good and looks as though she make it through 10 series (with plenty of rest between tests) easily

However, I could not live with myself if she were somehow hurt in Stowe

So Buffy is a scratch

Thanks again to all of your kind thoughts and wishes

I told Mootsie and Mozzie it was their turn to shine

Ted

[MoJo]

Oh Ted, I am so sorry but admire your decision to scratch her. Best of luck to Mozzie and Mootsie. I hope they take your admonition to shine seriously and "do you proud".

[john fallon]

Ted ,
In my view,that was both a wise and very unselfish decision on your part.
Good luck with your other two bullets!

john

[lablover]

Ted,

Sorry to learn of Buffy's ACL tear. I know you had great expectation of her in this National.
But you have done the right thing by her to scratch. Her health is more important.

You both will be back!

[Lady Duck Hunter]

My Hat is off to you for this decision Ted. It is our job to make the best decisions for our companions. Good luck with the other two!

[larrynogaj]

Ted, that's just the sort of decision that I'd peg you to make, and good for you. Disappointing as it is, you're still in the game. Wishing you the best.

[North Mountain]

When I saw she was a scratch last night I was thinking she had maybe come in season. Sorry to hear it's another surgery comming. I know you'll take the best care of her. Next year no excuses! Good luck with your other two.

Laura

[Kristie Wilder]

So sorry, Ted. I figured she had come into heat, too...

A good decision given the demanding nature of the national... I ran one of mine with a torn ACL to get her last pass for the MN. It was one weekend and double master. it was hard on her, but she wanted to work (my plan was as long as she wanted to run, I'd let her bc she was schedule for surgery a few days later --but if she didn't want to work, I'd pull her). however, I probably wouldn't do it again and it was nothing like the 10 series you'd see this week...

Take care and good luck with the others!!!

-K

[Georgia.Belle]

With rest, Buffy looks good and looks as though she make it through 10 series (with plenty of rest between tests) easily

However, I could not live with myself if she were somehow hurt in Stowe

So Buffy is a scratch

Ted

You put the dog's health first. Good for you!!

[tshuntin]

Ted, when I read Buffy had scratched I was thinking Oh no what could have happened. We all have an idea of how competetive you and your dogs are and how bad you want to succeed. By, you scratching Buffy, that had to be so hard. What a tough decision but, it shows how much you care about your dogs and their very best interest is on top of your mind. My hats off to you and I wish you are you rother two the very best (as well as buffy on a quick recovery).

Go Get'm!