Time flies. It’s already been six weeks since that night in the middle of the Finnish archipelago when Sisu broke her leg. Honestly, it feels way longer.
The first week was the hardest — so much uncertainty, crying, pain (both hers and mine), guilt, and endless thoughts about what I should have done differently.
The first three days, she didn’t want to walk at all. She barely moved. She just lay in her cage, and I would take her out only to see if she needed to pee or poop. Every time I lifted her from the cage or put her back, she cried — and it drove me crazy because I didn’t want to cause her any more pain, but somehow I always did, even though it was unintentional.
For bathroom breaks, I had to put a big scarf under her belly so she could stand and keep her balance, because the cast was far too big and heavy. And however weird it sounds, her poop two days after the accident made me cry — such a small, smelly thing that brought me such happiness.
Making the Hard Decision
On the third day, we saw a specialist — an orthopedic surgeon. After another X-ray, he said he wouldn’t operate. He didn’t want to cause more trauma than necessary. But her leg would be fragile, and there was still a big risk something could go wrong, meaning surgery might be needed anyway.
She was just a three-month-old puppy, full of life, and she’d have to stay “under control” for the next eight weeks — in the cage or outside on a leash. I couldn’t imagine keeping all that energy contained without either of us losing our minds.
I spoke to friends who are vets all over the world, but the final decision was mine.
We decided against surgery. Instead, we’d do weekly X-rays to monitor healing. I started searching for ways to support her recovery and keep her brain busy despite the restrictions. Friends shared ideas for tricks and home games we could do. One friend also recommended the Natural Pet Care System and their product Fortflex, which she had used with great results for her own dog. Reading the description, I learned it’s designed for protecting and strengthening bones, cartilage, joints, and muscles, and to shorten the regeneration period — exactly what I was looking for.
If you’re looking for natural supplements to support your dog’s healing or boost their immune system, I genuinely recommend Natural Pet Care System products. Fortflex has been and still is part of Sisu’s daily routine during her recovery, and I truly believe it’s made a difference. If you’d be interested in their products for your dog, using my link won’t cost you anything extra, but I’ll receive a small affiliate commission — which helps keep our van life adventures going. As always, I only recommend what I truly use and believe in.
Week-by-Week Recovery
I spent the first week like a new puppy mum on maternity leave — cancelling all planned training sessions to stay with Sisu 24/7. I moved from the van to my friend Jessi’s house for more comfort. Sisu’s cage was on the bed, and Eliot and I would chill beside her — Eliot sleeping, me reading or working on my laptop — just so she wouldn’t feel alone.
Every trip to the vet for a new X-ray filled me with both hope and fear. Luckily, Sisu loves people, so she was always happy to visit the clinic. We could do X-rays without anesthesia, and she always greeted the staff with kisses.
By week two, she had a smaller cast and could sort of walk without my help — a huge milestone. Around then, I began carrying her outside together with Eliot for short walks, just to give her new smells and sights for mental stimulation.
In week three, the vet said we could remove the cast completely. That’s when the funny (and nerve-wracking) part began. Sisu wanted to live, run, and be happy — on three legs! The cast had slowed her down, but now she was ready to fly again, so I had to be extra careful.
By then, we had returned to the van and were traveling through Finland. I was teaching across the country, always finding natural parks where we could stay overnight and hike. Eliot and I would walk while Princess Sisu enjoyed her Sherpa ride — me carrying her like royalty.
What This Journey Taught Me
Six weeks later, last week’s X-ray was, in the vet’s words, “beyond expectations.” Sisu is now doing half-hour walks — still on leash and sometimes in my arms, but getting stronger every day.
What did I learn? I was forced to slow down — something that doesn’t come naturally to me. I had to change plans and not feel guilty about missing out on what I had planned. I learned to accept that sometimes you can’t do anything more to improve a situation. You just have to be, and not give up.
I struggled with guilt — feeling it was all my fault, that I should have protected her better. Negative thoughts came often in those quiet days when I wasn’t moving as much as I’m used to.
“Patience, sister!” I heard this phrase often while backpacking in Indonesia last year. I repeated it to myself daily.
Passing Hope Forward
Last week in Finland, before heading south toward Slovakia, we were at the vet for our final X-ray. In the waiting room, a couple with an Italian greyhound came out — their dog had a fresh cast on his front leg.
All the memories came rushing back. I sat there with my almost-healed Sisu in my lap, and when I saw their faces full of fear and sadness, my heart went out to them. I told them we’d been in their shoes just a few weeks ago, and my main message — for them and for anyone going through something similar — is this:
It will be okay sooner than you think, even if those first days feel like the end of the world. Time heals everything.
With love,
Vendula
AGILITY ON THE ROAD 
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