I brought my dog home from surgery this morning after his left hind leg was amputated yesterday.  It has been an overwhelming couple weeks from MRIs, to diagnosis, and finally the decision to have his leg amputated.  It was an extremely difficult decision to make, as my dog is 13 years old and his other hind leg had a minor ACL tear.  We tried to save the leg, to no avail.  When I first saw him this morning, I started getting nervous and started questioning myself... what did I do to my dog!?  He seemed very uncomfortable, and definitely not himself.  I was able to get him in the car, but getting him out of the car was troublesome as every way I tried to pick him up caused pain.  But, I finally figured it out.  He's been home less than 12 hours, and I am already amazed by what a trooper he is.  He has been able to go outside and hop around on 3 legs for potty breaks without too much trouble.  I also left the room for a minute, only to come back and find he had gotten out of bed and to his water bowl on his own   That was a proud moment.  I am also a little surprised that while in his bed he has sat up, and laid on the side with his sutures. I would have thought that would be painful.  It actually seems to be less painful than before.  Since surgery, however, he has yet to have a bowel movement.  From reading other posts, which have been extremely helpful, as well as talking to the vet, I understand this is normal.  He, however,  seems like he would really like to go.  Don't ask me how I know...I just know.  Mother's intuition.  When we were outside, it looked as if he was going to try, but he just fell.  That almost gave me a heart attack.  He just got up like it was no big deal.  He's a trooper!

So, my question is, is there anything I can do to help stabilize him to poo?  I'm thinking he just doesn't feel comfortable or stable enough to do so.  I tried to put a towel under him to act as a sling, but he doesn't seem to want to do anything when I do that.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated!