I am running around like a madman looking for more carpet runners to finish out the paths she might take through the house. OK … no pressure. We’re ready! I know Freckles is going to take this as a champ. She loves her couch and I have a mattress that is about the same firmness. I think she will like it. The surgeon has me giving her Benadryl 50mg twice a day…SHE HATE PILLS as I have said before. The hotdog thing worked for exactly 3 times. Once she bit instead of swallow…it was over. I hate it, but the reality is the only way to get her to take her meds is going to be open her mouth and drop the meds in the back of her throat and stroke it until she swallows. Of course, she get plenty of kisses and praise along with a few treats when we have finished. I guess this is going to be the way it is when she gets home as well. We all went on our last big park walks this weekend. Our Saturday mornings walks are usually solitary. However, there are quite a few “regulars” at the park we visit on Sunday – it has a small lake and they go to fish. They all know us so we again got lots of encouragement and support from them. Today (Monday) we went on our regular neighborhood walk. Of course, I have talked with some of the neighbors about Freckles and those who were outside this morning wished us the best for tomorrow. We have a definite plan for Tuesday. A very short walk first thing – both dogs expect it! Then take Freckles to the doc about 8 (they accept patients between 7 and 9 am). Drop her off with lots of love and kisses and then off for some breakfast at Denny’s or somewhere to take my mind off “things”. Then shopping for more carpet runners and anything else that is on my list to finish “preparing” the house. Then home to wait. The surgeon said that they will probably keep her for 2 nights. I think I will be fine when I drop her off. A few kisses and hugs. It is when I go to pick her up that I have to be strong! She reads me so well after 6 years together…she knows what I am thinking before I do! I was wondering – how do they bring her out after? Will she be wrapped in something? Do I need something (a body sling or something) to get her from the office to the car…car to the house? These are questions I have written down to ask when I drop her off tomorrow. Plans are set. I am – somewhat – ready for this. With her strength and the support of all of you wonderful folks and my friends…we should get through this with no problems, fingers crossed! More again tomorrow.
You’re going to do great!!! Here are some tips that helped me.
If you go to the dollar store, they’ll have a bunch of runners (cheap) that you can throw all over the house and won’t take your whole bank account. Be sure to look at the post-op pictures in the Tripawd Gallery so you can better prepare yourself. Our vet put a t-shirt (front amp) on Harmony, she wasn’t bandaged or anything. As far as meds, Harmony was pretty good about figuring out there were meds in her food. We really had to get creative. I think it was Sally who made the suggestion, but it’s true, if you put the meds into the stinkiest thing you can find (tuna comes to mind) you’ll be much more successful.
I’ll be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers!
pam
You will do fine. Freckles will be happy to be out of pain. A lot of people here to help you from a first hand knowledge basis. Nobody’s alone here you have lots of help.
YES! You are r e ady…and Freckles has been ready since the first twinge of pain!!
You’ve done all the “house preparations” you can…excellent job!
Preparing your “house of emotio s” is a little bit harder.
I think I’ve already ppsted to you the “stinky liverwurst no touch pill-use tweezers” solution. I’ll go back and check, otherwise it is worth repeating.
For me, I did NOT look at Happy Hannah’s incision when I went to pick her up. I just stared straight into her druggy happy eyes and smooched her and prasied her and clapped my hands for her! She could not wait to get out of there! I could not believe she could WALK out of there on her own, but she sure did!! The vet tech helped me get her to the car and in the car. I really can’t remember if she used a sling or not. I did have a makeshift towel as a sling for when I got her home. I tried to use that off and on at first but she didn’t like it at all.
It’s just myself and my dogs and I did not become a member of this site until six days after her amputation. If at all lossible, have someone go with you to help in the drive home. My Happy Hannah screamed and yelled and whine and barked and tried to get in my lap the whole hour plus ride home! She was 125 lbs! Rode in cars perfectly before…when not on drugs!! My little dog who came with me for moral support barked right along with her the entire time. As soon as I pulled in the driveway and opened the car door she slid out and peed for what seemed like ah hour! Poor thing was trying to tell me she had to pee! I k ew if I’d stopped on the way home I never could have gotten her in by herself! So yeah, if you have someone go with you, thatsw the best way!
Happy Hannah had no bandage or covering or anything like that. Some vets do put some sort of covering, some do not. I think one of the things that startled me the most was how much of her fur they shaved off! So be prepared for that visual.
Some vets keep the dogs one night, some two, some even more. Happy Hannah’s first couple of nights were pretty restless and whiny. She never missed a meal so the surgery didn’t bother her in that regard. I did have to e tice her to drink. I put a scoop of ice cream in her water and that did the trick.
Just remember we are right here, okay? We have our TRIPAWDS HELPLINE too.
Grab your chocolate and have a great walk in the morning! Remember, Freckles isn’t worried about a thing! Lucky dogs!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!