Hi there! Thank you so much for the welcome and advice, it's been immensely helpful since his diagnosis but especially now that we're officially a tripawd. I will definitely check out the reading list, I do have the dog cancer survival guide that was recommended on this site which has been so informative, but I will be getting the Be More Dog book ASAP to help me remember to focus on living in the moment and staying positive for Jake. Where we're staying now has been tripawd proofed, we've got lots of carpet runners and rugs on the floor so Jake has an easier time gripping on three legs. I can't believe how well he's doing just 4 days after amputation already but of course I have my own moments of anxiety and nervousness about every little thing he does. I feel like I'm watching him so closely, overanalyzing every movement and noise he makes but from what I've read here that's normal.

Yes I do have a harness for Jake that I got when this started to help him get around when he was limping so much, it's called the Joyride harness, but now that he's a tripawd I think I'll need to look into one that's more supportive like the ones I've seen here by Ruffwear once his stitches are out. He also still has a drain in place so right now we're using a soft sling that goes under his belly but I've only needed it when he was a little wobbly from the meds. I'll definitely looks into rehab for Jake, I want to make sure he's strong so that his right front leg doesn't sustain any injury from overuse. I live in Southern California and his specialist recommended a rehab place that's not too far. I assume rehab could start once his stitches are out and he's not so gorky from the pain meds. 

Last night was a bit rough for some reason, not sure if it was pain or just anxiety, or both. He's only tried to bark twice and both times it causes him to yelp, poor boy. I would think he's just sore and any quick chest expansion for a sneeze or bark might hurt a bit, but that's the only time he's vocalized pain really. But last night he seem to just be awake and looking around, not able to relax so I first gave him 1/4 of the sedative, which didn't seem to help much after over an hour so then I gave him another 1/4. He seemed to relax a little after that, but every time he woke up to look around so did I, maybe just unfamiliar surroundings? Maybe anxiety? I've also gotten a little nervous that he's only pooped once since coming home and getting him to pee is hard. He's drinking plenty of water and we're feeding him boiled chicken and rice which he loves but he's only peeing twice a day so far which is so much less than he used to. But I know that all these changes and the meds are likely responsible for that, I'm just worried he's holding it too long and/or he's constipated, so hopefully I can get him to poop soon. He's figured out how to squat and pee, but his one poop was a little tricky trying to balance; he likes to do the walk and poo instead of staying put, but on three legs this is a bit harder. I know he's tough and has already figured out how to get his center of balance so far. Even little accomplishments are a success and there's lots of cheering and clapping so I hope each day just keeps getting better.

As far as the pics go, I'd love to share pics and videos I've taken so far, but I am a little technically challenged. I went ahead and signed up on imgur.com so now I'm just trying to figure out how to upload and share. I think I can figure it out, we shall see, lol. But thank you so much for the support and help, I am beyond grateful for the kindness and love I've seen on this site. It's stopped me from feeling completely overwhelmed and I can't thank you enough.

Yay I think I just figured out how to include pics and vids! I hope this works : )

https://imgur.c...../a/tTjgomd

https://imgur.c...../a/MUbiZoq

Aww thank you so much for the compliments for my boy, and sometimes I think he knows how handsome he is, lol. The drain came out today, Dr. Cambridge was very happy with the incision site and said he's doing amazing recovery wise. I'm so thankful and happy, more happy tears! And yes absolutely you may share any of Jake's photos or videos in the image gallery. I would love to help give the same hope and encouragement to others on this same journey, it's helped me immensely seeing others stories and pictures : )

Awwww thank you so much for all the love, we both need it. We finally came home last night to my apartment and slept together on the couch, it's a very low couch but he knows to wait for me to lift him up. He's quite used to being carried, it was something I did when he was a puppy and since it became tough for him at times getting up my stairs I usually carry him up and down the past few months as needed. Jake doesn't mind one bit and I've gotten pretty strong doing all the heavy lifting, lol. He also has the most awesome bed from Big Barker that he loves and as soon as we got home he seemed much more relaxed, no sedative needed and got right in his bed. We pretty much slept through the whole night, yay! and omg he pooped literally the moment we got home too, praise Jesus! lol. Today was my first day back to work and Jake was back at my mom's being well loved during the day. I work as a nurse at an outpatient surgery center so I'm thankful my knowledge has helped me out a bit in terms of medications, what to expect, and what to look out for post-operatively. I was definitely not on my game today since we're both pretty tired but it felt nice to get a little back to normal. Jake seemed happy to get back to his routine too, although he is still pretty mellow and resting a lot which I'm glad for. I can't thank you all enough for the support, I still have a bit of guilt and the what have I done feelings but each day is getting better and we're both adapting well to this new life so far. Working was quite tiring for both of us today, I think we'll be calling it a night early and cuddling up together soon : )