Well shoot, I typed this nice long post then lost it all.  have no idea where it went?  Starting over....

Thanks so much everyone for all the kind words of advice and all the loving healing energy.  We are feeling it.  Today was a good day - Atlas is doing well.  Those folks at the University of Georgia Teaching hospital are really amazing.  They have called me constantly with updates.  The surgeon called last night with her full detailed report and it was so great, because you know how you can hear it in someones voice if they "get it" ....well, she gave a little chuckle/laugh and said "that Atlas, he is really something else."  It put me at such ease........he worked his magic again...he flashed those soulful loving gentle benevolent eyes and showed her who he was and she saw it.  She went on tell us how nice his muscle, bones and health is and that he came out of anesthesia with no problems. That he was awake and had sat up in his cage and held his big giant head up.  She said she did her part and now the ball is in his court.  My husband is a pretty successful artist and I always know when he has a great day in the studio painting and creating because he comes back to the house on the high with a buzz of a successful day at work. The surgeon had that same sound in her voice.  She was pumped for sure and sounded very pleased with her work.  (love that!)

The good news is at this hospital they keep them in ICU usually two days or whatever needed.  I got a call early this morning and this afternoon - Atlas has been up but they are still not taking him far as he is slow to come out of the meds.  (he always is)  They are taking him down slowly and monitoring is pain and balance to find what works for him.  Hoping tomorrow that he finds his own balance and takes a few more steps.

I'm so glad to read your suggestions. I'm a leader type personality, my husband calls me his viking warrior (Danish heritage) so I'm going to pull upon all that strength and greet Atlas with courage and confidence just like he always does me. I will not feel sorry or pity. Good idea Amanda, to prepare myself visually and I will check with UGA to see if I can do that same sort of view first before greeting - that seems so smart.  Shari, I went shopping today and got that bone for Sophie today and stocked up on groceries including cheese for pill taking and covered the floors with flat gripping rugs.  He has a clear path on his normal trek from his bedroom to the living room laid out.  We got the ramp floor completed today and are planning to put up the side railings tomorrow.  Sally, thank you so much for posting that video of Happy Hanna, I showed it to our friend who is building ours to memick your side rails.

Marc and I always talk about how much Atlas has already taught us and we have visions of him amazing and teaching us for years to come.  He has always been inspirational to anyone who has met him, just think how he will inspire now.

As for our Sophie girl, she is definitely a spit-fire.  She is nothing like Atlas.  Atlas is more like daddy, a lover and Sophie is more like mommy, a fighter.  She was 2 years old in the video and since has learned from watching big bro - to enjoy the entire 'process' of presents.  She was funny today when I opened the door to let her out and the ramp was there - she just froze.  I worked with her and after about the 3 r 4th treat she was running back and forth.  She could come in handy if we need to show Atlas how its done.  But Marc said Atlas will do whatever I ask of him.  It's true, he's just that way, always wants to please, so I don't anticipate any ramp problems. 

We are so looking forward to celebrating the first tripawd pee and the happy poop dance!  (Never thought I'd ever hear myself say something like that)   But for now, we are still preparing the house, washing doggie beds, lots of clean linens and towels ready, railings and waiting for the next good progress call from UGA.  I'm going to read about diet tomorrow and get started on that.

Thanks again everyone - and all my prayers and good energy are with you all and your babies too.

We got another good update call today.  Atlas is off the major pain meds and just on the tramadol and metacam that he left home taking.  They say he is not in pain (really?) and has stood up and found his balance and even did the Tripawd pee already.  They say it is all with assistance with the harness but that he is doing great and was very easy for just one human to assist him. He is eating and drinking good and even eating all his kibble, not just the can food.  His team of vets say they are very pleased with his recovery at this point. (only second day after amp)  He is no dummy, he is doing everything that will get them to send him home to mom, dad and sissy. 

They just called again - he walked 40 yards today then laid down for a rest before heading back.  Good job Atlas!  We get to go pick him up tomorrow after 3:00.  I will update when I can.  UGA also offers hydro therapy which we are looking into for physical therapy afterwards to maybe help combat some of his wobblers issues.  It feels so good to have all this hope to hold on to... just breathe, breathe. 

Keep us in your prayers and please keep sending positive energy our way. 

Patricia