Jenna - we were in exactly the same place two weeks ago today.  Carter just had his sutures removed yesterday and is truly back to his old ways.  You will get through this - i cried in the office too - a big 6'5" man blubbered questioning the decision.  it was more than the right thing to do.  Call the vet if you havent heard anything.  Our two weeks were rough but manageable and now that we are through it, it is as if it was just a couple of days.  Keep the faith!

Oh yes, shanna's post reminds me - forgot to add that carter did not cry out nor did he whimper...just a lot of panting.

we had planned for carter to stay two nights but he had done so well the doc released him after just one.  i think it depends on their own recovery.  He could have stayed one more night if we had wanted but decided that he would prefer to be healing at home.  even with that we kept the after hours phone line VERY busy but they were fine about it. 

Glad all went well with Zak (and yep - we did the same thing - took lots of pics just prior to the surgery...we just havent figured out how to upload to this site...).

Paris stayed only one night post op and did fine, including going upstairs to sleep in her usual spot! I am sure it depends how your baby is doing, but don't be afraid to bring him home. Even though it will be tough at times, he will want to be with his family!

I am glad you made a decision, no looking back, just love him. Don't get ahead of yourself, I know it is corny but taking each day at a time.

We are doing allright 2 days after first chemo, had one vomiting episode today, but ate fine tonight chicken & rice.

Take care,

Gineej & Paris

Hi Zak's mom - wow, what a whirlwind you have been on. You will see in a very short period of time that you did the right thing. Other than the first night home, Zeus had a pretty easy time of it for those 2 weeks. He panted a lot from the pain meds, but he didn't cry out in pain and he ate well and did the whole potty thing well. Like clockwork, as soon as the stitches came out and the bandage off, he was back to himself...prancing around (yes, on 3 legs!) and happy as could be.

Couple things - it is very hard to see them hop to you when you pick them up (Zeus only stayed one night too at the hospital) and zeus looked at me as if to say, "do you still love me mom?" Let him know how much you love him - look into his eyes and give him a big hug and smooch. Everything will be OK.

Floors - yes...they will be a challenge for him if you don't get some rugs down. As a temporary fix, i went to target (or you can go to Lowes, Home Depot) and picked up some inexpensive runners (they all didn't match!) to lay down in Zeus' walking path (I had hard wood floors too on the main level). I just ended up leaving them for him even though he didn't really need them after awhile...it just made it easier on him which made it easier on me 🙂

YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS. It is very temporary and only a couple weeks. Take it ONE DAY AT A TIME - that's all you can do.  We're here for you as you continue to have questions...please keep us posted. You have given you and Zak the gift of time...precious, precious time.

Sending much love your way ~

Heather and Zeus

I'm probably not the best one for advice since our dog Tucker just had surgery on Tuesday and last night was only our second night home with him but I will tell you what has happened so far!

First night was terrible (not trying to scare you because all dogs are different from what I have read on this site!) he whined and panted (he never yelped out loud) and paced the floor. Most of our house is hardwood floor but the living room is carpet. I made him stay in the living room because I was afraid he would slip on the hardwood (he slipped on the tile floor at the vets when I was bringing him home and almost gave me a heart attack!). I would maybe suggest some blankets for him to lay on since you just have hardwood floors.

Also, I would try to work with your vet to work out his medicine schedule where he takes a pain pill right before yall go to bed. This helped him (and us!) a lot last night! We worked out his meds where he took it right before we went to bed last night and he slept all night! This was a huge relief since the night before he didn't sleep but for about two hours!

If they put a drain in his wound it will probably aggravate him like crazy! Tucker constantly tries to lick at it so we have to keep an ecollar on him which he hates even more! Cartersdads recommended a soft ecollar and I went to the website this morning and ordered one! I bet it is going to be so much more comfortable than the other one!

Here is the website! http://www.bonafido.com

Also, cartersdads recommended a cool pack of frozen peas wrapped in a pillow case, I haven't tried it yet but I am planning on trying it today. This will hopefully help with the swelling and the itching of the drain.

When I picked Tucker up (he only stayed one night) I was so nervous, I felt sick to my stomach. I had read so much information on this website that I felt like I was ready for it. When I saw him I was so relieved. It was hard to see him without a leg but great to see him without the pain from the tumor! He practically drags me everywhere now! He doesn't wait for anyone! He is a great dog and I am so very sure that we made the right decision! The first night I wasn't so sure but now that he has gotten the walking down pat and follows me everywhere in the house (even on the hardwood floor!) I know it was the right decision! Good luck with everything and if you ever have a question this is the best place to come to! I don't think I would have made it without this site! I tried to find other information on the Internet but I kept returning here because this has all the information and advice you could need to get through this! Tucker sends wags and kisses to Zak!