Elizabeth,

Nothing to add except to say I'm so glad Sammy is starting to pep up and will be coming home shortly. Your going to make a great "dog nurse"!  It's good to be concerned but remember most of our fears are pointless. Most stuff just has a way of working itself out. We are sending lots of positive thoughts your way. I bet Sammy is up and around in no time.

Fortis'Dad

My only advice is to let him take his time healing and YOU have to be the one to regulate what is too much activity. On the first day home, Chloe was so excited to go outside on a "walk" (bathroom break) and so she kept going from adjacent lawn to adjacent lawn… We only ended up 2 houses down before she plopped down because she was exhausted.  Even sitting with her for 15 min, she didn't want to move. Luckily our neighbors drove us the 2 houses back, but it was a big eye opening experience for me because I realized I had to be the one to decide what was too much for her.  

I learned that once they start getting used to three legs, YOU need to make sure they get back inside before they get tired.  Chloe always wanted to go, go, go, so it was hard for me to hold back and give her tough love, but I did. And because I did, I now have a fully recovered tripawd.

This is not meant to scare you, but to let you know that you will encounter unforseen obstacles. You can prepare for everything and then encounter something you missed. We all know you are doing great with Sammy and we are all here if you need advice (as apparent from all these posts!)

-Chloe's mom

Well Sammy's mom, you have prepared for everything so well….or so you think!

There will be surprises you can't possibly anticipate , but that is OK cause then you can share your experiences with all the new pre-amp parents. Thats what is so wonderful about this place. We all learn from each other in such a warm supportive way.

Have a great night with Sammy, although if turns out to be anything like JD's first night home, I was like a parent with a newborn. I dragged a featherbed into the living room to sleep next to her on her new pad. I listened for every breath, watched each change of position and tried to anticipate any possible need…Exausting!!!   But so wonderful to have that furry body home again.

Smooches to Sammy

Angel JD's mom

Thanks for the encouraging words and advice.  Sammy's first night was amazing.  I couldn't be doing what he is doing in the speed he is doing it.  He has lots of tail wags and love.  We spent the night on the floor together which I have never done before and he cried once in a while and slept on top of me.  He ate immediately and drank a gallon of water.  I am concerned because he never urinated.  He didn't at the hospital either.

I can't say enough good things about the place Sammy went for surgery.  They are kind, well informed, and wonderful.  Once at home Sammy was up a few times getting water and I woke up with him with my heart in my throat.  I tried getting out of the sleeping bag but he was already underway both times so I just sat up and watched.  Good hop along puppy.  Wonderful boy.

It was pouring rain last night and Sammy couldn't make it down the slope to go potty.  He tried again this morning.  He has never gone in the house.  I know he needs to go.  I took him out front and he didn't go there either.

I am so glad my boy is happy to be home, happy to be with me, and living in the moment.

Elizabeth