My dog Chloe had her amputation about a week ago and I will be moving 400 miles away from my parent's house (where she is currently recovering and I am with her everyday) in a week and a half.  The property manager and my roommates at my new place will allow Chloe to live there, however the vet recommended she recover another 3 weeks to allow ample time for recovery (understandable). It would be better for her to live with me since I only have class twice a week as a grad student (will not change considerably even in the semesters to come), which means I have the rest of the time to be with her. 

I would appreciate any advice anyone has regarding these concerns :

1.  I will probably have to put her outside in the L shaped, grassy, level, and 7' fenced backyard on the days I do have class because I will be stuck on campus all day. My roommates also have work and class and I have no idea if they are willing to watch her once in a while (if they are free on a day I have class). I was thinking of getting her an Everlasting Treat Ball with the chewy inserts and maybe some greenies once in a while for her teeth. I was also thinking of hiding a few things around the yard for her find.  I would leave a squeaker for her, but she probably would drive the neighbors nuts with that. Any additional ideas or experience with this?

2.   There will be carpeted stairs in the townhouse (about 12).  I have already decided that I will be limiting her "freedom" to roam the house for her own safety (meaning going up and down stairs whenever). This probably means I stay in the living room most of the day when not in class (downstairs) and keep her in my room with me at night (upstairs).  I was also thinking of getting one of those ruffwear harnesses to help her up and down the stairs, but I do have the capability of carrying her if need be.  Staying at my parent's isn't a better option because they have wooden stairs inside, no dog door meaning she would have to be outside 5-6 days a week during the day and she wouldn't have as much care or attention.  Anyone with a tripawd live in a house with stairs and/or have experience with a similar dilemma?

 I have been worried over how and where best to care for her because there is no easy solution no matter where she lives. I will be leaving soon and I hate not knowing how she will do for those few weeks without me.  If any of you have ideas/recommendations for me, I'm all ears!!! Thanks!

PS. I keep a brave face and heart full of love around Chloe so she continues to recover well.

Hi Chloe's mom,

Definitely get her a Ruff Wear harness… that will help you help her get up and down the stairs at the beginning… Keep her restricted to the botton or upper level when you are not home… The first two weeks she shouldn't exert herself too much as she is healing from her surgery… I think it's a good idea to leave her some treats and toys while you are away… (though I really hate the greenies… bad experiences with that) but also (if she is a front leg amputee) make her wear a T-shirt or a cone so she doesn't start licking at her incision… Very important!

Wishing you and Chloe all the best… Sending you lots of big fat hugs!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom

I was first going to ask about whether but now I see Monteray Bay so probably not an issue   …

She'll probably like being outside.  I would just add based on my experience that even healed, she may feel a little vulnerable for a while.  My dog, Ajax, lives in NYC and he's doing great 17 days post amp but there is a definite difference in how much/little he relaxes depending on what is happening around him:  for example, we took him to a friend's house in CT w/ a big yard over the weekend, and he was great; we came home and one of his friends (female lab, same size as him, they usually play rough together) came over to the apt and he got very stressed.  So just know that if she seems a little anxious it will improve over time.

Also, I want to second the note above that says make very sure the yard is secure, because she is vulnerable (either to her own anxiety or the neighbor dog)

That all sounds scary but I don't think it will be – I think it will be fine!  We also have the cooler jacket (can't remember what its called) that I would put on Ajax if he is going to be outside for a long period of time, but that is because he's black, and it's hotter here.  If you're interested, though, I think there is a link on the gear section of this site.