We are 79 hours post surgery, and let me tell you – I am blown away!
Home. Maisy came home the morning after surgery. I was at work and my husband picked her up. He is an RN and happened to have the week off. When they got home he settled her in then went to the bathroom, only to find that she had walked herself to her water dish. I came home to visit quick about an hour after they settled in – and was happy to see her comfortably and peacefully resting.
First night home. That evening I brought my three year old home to see Maisy for the first time, and I just admit I was a little nervous. Would my daughter be scared or horrified? Turns out kids are about as resilient as dogs. She only had two questions , “why did they shave soooo much fur” and “what did they do with her leg after they cut if off?!?” It runs out my daughter loves petting Maisy’s shaved area (“it’s so soft”) and isn’t the least bit turned off.
The first night was a little rough. Maisy was anxious with lots of panting, some whining, and excessive thirst followed by trips outside in the middle of the night. We haven’t been able to fashion a sling that works for her big barrel chest, and she is resistant to using one anyways. When I was groggily taking her out in the wee hours of the morning, she took a spill in the doorway. I felt just awful. We are worried about protecting her remaining back knee, and Maisy seemed defeated afterwards. We sat in the backyard together for an awfully long time at 3:00 in the morning. I tried to enjoy the full moon and the frog chorus in my back pond instead of lamenting on the fall, the surgery, and all the unknowns and doubts…
Maybe it was the lack of sleep, but I had a rough next day. I felt physically nauseous all day long, worrying whether we did the right thing and whether my dog would have quality of life return (even if it was short).
Day Two. Day two was spent again with “dad.” Quiet and relaxing, with a few SHORT walks around the yard (she hops a little, takes a break, then hops some more). Maisy was super happy when me and my daughter got home. We were rewarded with lots of tail thumps and wiggles. The evening seemed, well almost normal, with Maisy waiting to snag any crumbs my daughter dropped during dinner and guarding her food dish from the cat (she full an “ran” to chase the cat away).
Day Three. Day three was great. She had a little more outdoor time, and enjoyed sniffing around the yard and laying in the grass while her humans went about their business. She picked up a few more pieces of her old routine, including following me into my daughter’s room and laying on the floor for story time.
Pulse Check.We are thrilled things are going so smoothly – and feeling good. Hoping we can make it to stitch removal with no complications, and praying we protect her remaining hind knee. I am full of worry because my daughter and I are going to leave tomorrow for 11 days, a trip planned long ago. I know she is in good hands and ultimately we decided some peace and quiet would further aid her recovery. Our three year old is great with Maisy, especially with this new situation, but she is three and she is loud and fast and erratic. Maisy seems to enjoy seeing her – but it also seems to be a little much.
Check out this cute face… she hopped her self over to beg for a treat while i was eating a snack just a bit ago…
So glad Maisy is adjusting, such a hard decision we all had to make and like you said, it has to be made quickly so they aren’t in needless pain. I’m sure Maisy is very happy you made this decision and thanks you!!!
My English Mastiff, Dozer, had left front leg amputated a month ago, he gets stronger every day and figures things out daily, he can now walk backwards.
It will get better!!! Enjoy your vacation.
That sweet face, oh my heart! Maisy looks great! Dogs and kids seem to take alot of things in stride that us silly adults just cant wrap our heads around. 😉
Keep up the great work maisy and family!
Big hugs and lots of love!
Yes she IS a ROCK STAR! What a hoppy report!
Maisy is so fortunate to have a mom who can remember to stay focused on the pawsitive, even when things get ruff. And a dad who is a RN? She is SET! Try not to worry, go on that trip and know that she is in good hands.
P.S. Instead of worrying about her remaining limbs, get her an appointment with a rehab therapist and the Tripawds Foundation may pay for it! They can show you how to keep her strong and injury-free (hint: it’s not so much about the legs, but about moderating her activity, keeping slim and building strong core and back muscles). You’ve got this!
Thanks for the encouragement! I am happy my daughter and I took our trip… We are only getting pawsitive reports from home! Can’t wait to see my girl!