On day four, I am still expecting something to go horribly wrong but we’re doing ok. No pooping yet today so I’m a little worried about that. But Winnie has had a pretty good day. She spent a couple of hours in the back yard laying in the sun. And, when I went out to bring her in, she hopped up the two back steps on her own!
She’s been sleeping a lot. I think she really needs it and have been trying to keep the house quiet. I must admit that I’m getting pretty tired and thinking of sleeping in my bed tonight. (I’ve been sleeping on the couch and/or the floor with the living room with her). We’ll, it’s actually a dining room but my house in under construction so it’s now a living room. So, we’re both confined to a small space.
I hate — really hate – putting the inflatable donut around her neck which is what I’ll need to do if I sleep upstairs. But we’re at the time where I have to do it because she’ll start wanting to lick those stitches. Do you think they’re at all comfortable with those things around their neck? Winnie gives me this pathetic look when I put it on her. I can barely stand it. But, I’m going to have to go work on Tuesday and we need to start moving toward reality.
She’s dreaming right now. Feet moving. Tail wagging. Squirrel? Cat? I wonder if she dreams with three legs or four. I must admit that today is the first day I cried just a little about her leg since she’s been home. It’s like I’m now starting to process it. I hope there will be a day when she is truly happy and comfy again. We’re doing the work, staying positive and hoping for the best.
Oh that day WILL come! Promise.
I know, cones really suck but they serve a greater purpose, do avoid even worse infections and re-stitching. Be strong, you can do it!
Your attitude is great! We do have to move toward reality, so find some ways to see how she does in a cone. We used a Komfy Cone. Not ideal (what cone is?!), but it did allow him to sleep. If you sleep in your bed tonight, can you not carry Winnie upstairs? If you can, that way you and her can sleep near each other. We’re on 1 floor here, so we didn’t worry about that. However, I know Jackson likes to be near us, so if separated he’d try hard to get to us. That’s probably make noise (banging that damn cone on things) and may cause injury (falling into walls, tripping on toys, etc). I’d aim to do whatever strikes a healthy balance between YOU resting and keeping Winnie safe. On day 4, I think that’s when Jackson really slept – days 4-7, I think, he was most sleepy. Let her rest. She’s got some massive drugs on board, needs to heal, needs to process, and build some strength. Her spark WILL return!!!
~ Katy & Jackson
Really glad to know that days 4 – 7 are a lot of sleep. Winnie is definitely slowing down.
There’s that sweet girl! So darn sweet looking!
Her incision REALLY looks good!
The hospital meds are probably pretty much ot of her system now, so dn’t be alarmed if she is a little more uncomfortable or has a strong desire to rest more. This is such a major surgery.
Heck yeah have a cry! You deserve it! This is one of the most stressful times imaginable! Hearing the news, checkingout optins, findingout there’s really only one solution. And that one sounds so horrific, you can’t even begin to grasp it at first. Yeah, have a cry!
Winnie does sound like she’s dong AMAZINGLY well! Really!
It was weeks before Happy Hannah slept through the night without whining or pacing. Talk about sleep deprivation! I slept by her side the whole time…well, not actually “slept”! T does sound like you can sleep in yor own bed now. You’ll probably stay awake though because you’ll be listening for her!!
One area we were lucky in was that she never did have to wear a cone! For whatever reasn, she never tried to chew or lick her incision. And hers looked a lot “angrier” than Winnie’s!
ADon’t worry about the pooping. She’s already been once snce you’ve been home , right? The meds can throw them off several days. I’ve forgotten who now, but we jist celebrated the first poop on the seventh day! Yeah, we celebrate anything around here!
This recovery process is sooooooo hard! And, you’re probably thinking “what have I done TO my dog?” Your seeing her unco fortable and unhappy and not much lf her old self popping tnrough at all. Soon though…albeit not soon enough…you’ll be saying’ “I’m so glad I did this FOR my dog!”
Hang in there…you’re doing great! You’re stronger than you realize…….and so is Winnie!
We’re here for you! We all understand!
Now on’t forget t B R E A T H E and, most importantly, eat chocolate!!
Sending you healing hugs! And PLEASE give that sweet girl a big ole’ smooch right on ner muzzle! Let her know it’s from…
Sally and Happy Hannah
Lots of hugs and ear rubs for Winnie today, Indi is following nicely in her footsteps ( first poo this morning) thinking of you ( and also dreaming of my bed lol) 🙂