I have to admit I'm a little nervous about picking him up.  I know he's going to be the same old Dakota but I'm so scared I'm going to freak out.  Is it normal to feel that way?  I'm not having regrets about doing it, I just know that it's going to be strange at first.

Thanks

Alice

Shelby had her surgery last Friday afternoon and stayed at the hospital under 24/7 care until I picked her up on Monday.  At that point, I was crawling out of my skin anxious to see her.  She was so happy to see me she was doing her little high-pitched-golden-retriever-whiney-thing and tugging on the leash that the vet tech was holding to get to me.

Focus, if you can, on the fact that your dog is out that awful pain.

When do you pick Dakota up?

HI Alice,

When we brought Jake home just a few hours after his surgery… we were a little shocked! Nothing really prepared us for how we were going to feel when we finally saw him. Jake had pressure bandages around his chest… which made his chest look so small, especially since he was missing his leg…

My husband helped to carry him out of the SUV… Jake was still pretty zonked out on anesthesia and pain meds… Normally, we wouldn't be allowed to bring him home the same day, but I was also a vet tech, so the vet figured I could handle it… plus I demanded that I bring my baby home ASAP (or else I was gonna sleep at the vet clinic!!)! Anyways, Jake was so zonked out… he didn't notice that my hubby and I were crying… But after a little while… he was coming in and out of it… Wolfie was smelling and licking him all over… we were all lying on the floor hugging and kissing him… It looked like Jake was smiling… as if he was happy to be home with his family… I don't know… maybe it was just in our minds…

We all slept with Jake on the floor (me, hubby and Wolfie) until the next morning… Then we helped Jake go outside to do his business… You can see all the pictures on his blog at Jake's Journey. When he did his first pee… then his first poop… It was a total celebration!!!

In the next couple of days, Jake did better and better… Even though my baby didn't make it past 8 weeks post-op… we have no regrets about doing the surgery… We had some wonderful quality time with him before his cancer spread… Many other tripawds live so much longer after their amputation… several months… some over a year or two… This is what kept us going… We don't have a crystal ball… so we just do the best that we can… and love our babies for as long as they are here with us!

You guys are in my thoughts and prayers… Keep us updated and post pictures as soon as you get a chance!! We all wanna see your sweetie-pie!!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom