I am so glad that the next birthday was so much happier for you! That is wonderful 🙂 That inspires me to celebrate Dexter's year anniversary diagnosis day, provided I'm lucky enough to still have him around (gut feeling says he'll be here). 

Yes, he'll be ten in about a month. Being a rescue I don't know his exact Bday.

And yes, t-shirts and towels are both great ideas and we'll use them to help out. Thank you for the suggestions!

And OMG yes, he's got pain meds. He seems pretty content (surprisingly enough). And reasonably alert. And very interested in food, treats, and chicken broth. I've been cuddling and massaging him as well, which he very much enjoys. He's currently on a mattress, on the floor, covered in blankies, with his sister Bella alongside. Cozy. Hate to bother him with the need to go and "have the evening pee". Gosh. What was so easy, so routine, is now such a THING. 🙁 Our new reality - but he'll be more mobile soon I hope - it'll be less of a thing in the future I suspect.

Hi Nancy, yes, D is a big boy too and also is such a lightweight re: anesthesia and drugs. I got him just 24 hours post op. In hindsight maybe that was a mistake? The vet did say he would only release him if I had another human to help me haul him around so maybe staying in another night would have been better? Dunno. I guess no point second guessing - it's all water under the bridge now and he's doing great. 

And yes, my neighbor is beyond amazing. She just brought me a latte, sprinkled with cocoa, as I lay here on a mattress on the floor with Dexter, me typing away, him snoozing, and feeling so grateful for all the support, both from you guys on line and all my friends. I could not have done this without all the help. For the first time in weeks I woke up this morning with a feeling of hope, not dread, for what the day would bring. Thanks for helping me get that feeling back!! 🙂

As you know, the first two weeks are such a journey. The first few days are so difficult. We watch and worry and second guess. Every sigh, every shift, is considered, weighed, worried about, and evaluated. How is he? Am I doing everything I can? Is there something else I should be doing? etc. etc. With so much "down time" - sitting beside and watching a convalescing dog - it's easy for one's mind to wander and perseverate on all the things that could/might happen and if we did the right thing or not. All I know is that he seems to be calm, doing well, maybe even content. Every tail wag, every kiss on the head, every small victory is precious. I had originally slated his euthanasia for this past Tuesday. It's Friday and here he is, with us and seemingly happy. I certainly won't take any time with him for granted, for as long as I have him.

Dexter is a rescue mutt. The shelter told me he was a "lab cross". Heaven only knows what the cross is. Mastiff? Bloodhound? No idea. He's always been an "old soul" and never has been naughty. The sweetest dog one could ever hope for. So glad there's some extra time. 

Oh Nancy and Jerry! You guys are just awesome! Thanks for all your kindness and words of inspiration. You are right! I didn't take his leg - cancer did! And cancer also isn't taking his spirit. I will keep these thoughts in my heart as we move through the next few days. Jerry, just so you know, I just gave Dexter a big kiss on his sleeping head for you 🙂