Welcome to the family, like we say, sucks to be here but it's a great place to be on a this journey.. First of all, take deep breath, your next couple weeks won't be the easiest you ever had but try to assure yourself it will get better, it will, believe me when I say everyone here has been exactly where your at right now and knows what your going through. Gus was a front amp, so i can't help you with rear, but plenty here are, so I'm sure you will hear from them. First off, when alot of these guys come home they seem in really good spirits, then they seem to drop off about a day after they are home, expect ups and downs, meds sometimes play games with them, restless, panting, eating, so don't be surprised if Kali doesn't act normal. Gus didn't get along with Tramadol so we had to take him off of it. If you get a chance to sleep, take it, it is something that at times you won't get much of. If you have any floors that might be slippery, carpet runners help alot. At times phantom pain is an issue, Gus started about 5 days post op, lasted about 4 weeks, they usually prescribe gabapentin to help with that, but I think for most dogs it isn't an issue. You might see some redness in the area of the incision, that is usually bruising, just watch it and if you have questions, call your vet. You wil be amazed at how well these guys do once healed, right now everything is overwhelming to you, relax, these guys adjust very well. For some here sometimes rear amps seem to take a little longer to figure out walking, but let Kali take her time, let her rest, time is your best friend here. After surgery some people start to feel guilty about what they have done to their pets, DON'T, if you don't have the surgery things are far worse, just remember you did this to make her feel better and to give her a new life, trust us, you will see it is worth it. Don't be afraid to ask any questions, experience gives the best answers, Good luck, keep us posted, Paws Up, Spirit Gus and Dan   

Hello Kali's Mom,

My dog, Dakota, had a front amputation just a week ago. As many people have said, the first few days will probably be the hardest. And Dan's experience was also ours: Dakota's hardest day was the 2nd day after surgery. We brought him home the day after and he was fair; the next day, he seemed depressed and unhappy. He was having a very hard time moving. Thinking about humans, though, it's almost always the same after a major surgery. They have a lot of drugs in their systems for that day after. Once they start becoming a bit more aware of things, it's harder.

We have one more week in the "2 weeks is hell" time frame, but honestly, Dakota is doing really well. For the last 3 days, he has gone outside several times, sometimes just to check out the world. Yesterday and today he went on a big walkabout to find the perfect place to pee. If he were miserable and in pain, he certainly wouldn't be doing that. We have snow on the ground and he's done a bunch of snowplowing and rolling in the snow. He's a golden mix, very furry, and he runs hot. He really loves the snow. This tells me he is happy to be in the world, and that means we made the right decision. Actually, we made the only decision.

One piece of advice that hasn't been mentioned is wardrobe. To keep the incision protected, especially from Kali's licking it, you can put boxers on her. Dakota is a front amputation so he's wearing t-shirts, but many people put boxers on with the tail out the fly. Since you will be returning to work and not there to supervise her every minute, you might want to think about keeping her from licking the incision.

Do you have a neighbor who could come check on her a couple of times while you're working? Is there a neighborhood big-kid who you could pay a few bucks to spend a half hour with Kali? She may need someone to give her pain meds in the afternoon, so if someone could check on her then and give her the pills, that might be really helpful for you. (They seem to be prescribed for about every 8 hours.)

Please come back and let us know how she's doing. Everyone here will help you in so many ways. Good luck to you both.

Shari, Dakota's wrangler

Kali's Mom,

I forgot you have wondered about your dog door. I meant to tell you that we also have a dog door and Dakota first used it on day 5, I think. And that was his decision, not mine. In fact, I was outside shoveling some snow and he appeared beside me out the dog door. I was incredibly surprised because our dog door requires a step up into the yard and I couldn't imagine how Dakota would work that. But he did, and then he marched around outside with me.

You can block your dog door during the time you're home with Kali, but then maybe on your last afternoon home you can see if she shows any attempt at using it. If she does, you can be there to guide her.

You can also shovel a path from the dog door so that her exit would be as low and flat as possible. You can even shovel out a potty area if you think she needs it. We have snow, and Dakota was definitely hopping through several inches of nasty, crusty stuff his first days home. And again, that was his choice. He didn't have to seek out the deep stuff--but he did. Kali will have her own reasons for doing whatever she ends up doing. But the snow and the dog door didn't bother my dog, so I imagine it won't bother yours, either.

Shari, Dakota's wrangler

Kali and mom, it looks like everyone has already said about all that can be said, but Cooper and I wanted to welcome you to the group. We are so sorry that you had the reason you did to find the group, but glad you did because if its reassurance and advice and help you need - this is the place to get it! Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like, I felt a little uneasy asking so many question when Cooper had his amputation last October, but was so warmly welcomed that I didnt feel uneasy for long. Please keep us posted.

Coopsdad