Just an fyi: Got the MRI done (yeah, probably overkill, but I really do like to know what's going on with my animals). Turns out that the problem is a protruding disc, low in the neck. (This was a phone conversation... poor puppy is currently 120 miles away! I'll get more details when I pick her up.) Good news is that it's not compressing the spinal cord, but is bad enough to be causing her some pain. Given the risks of the surgery compared to her current state, the optimal course of treatment is cage rest. For six weeks. For a dog that lives for walks! Yikes!

Any helpful tips for getting through the next six weeks are greatly appreciated!

All I can think of are the kongs and if you can find a trust worthy chewy that she will not shred. Good Luck Trink

Fill the Kongs with peanut butter.. if the puppy can tolerate it on their tummy. It will keep way boredom for about an hour or so. Lots of movies in bed with mom would be lovely too.. good luck to you both!

Glad you now know why she has to be on cage rest. Does playing catch the foot with her back legs hurt her neck? Dogs 'see' odors like colors, let her smell something completely new each day. Play doggie movies for her. How would she do with a quiet companion, like an old dog-savvy cat?