Thanks for the responses!

Jerry, I had taken a look at the reading list items but decided to post because the canvas sling seemed more geared toward a hind leg amputation. Of course, any help w balance and weight bearing is good, I just wanted to make sure that idea was applicable to our situation.

Sally, Izzy will be having her amputation done at Helping Hands in Virginia. They only do outpatient surgery, which is how they keep it so affordable. I'm planning to inquire at the specialty hospital local to me (in NC) to see how much it would cost to admit her post op. I'm guessing it is cost prohibitive for me.

Of course, I'm insanely nervous about bringing her home hours after a massive procedure, but then I think about the fact that I was released from the human hospital the same day as my massive abdominal hernia repair ... so I suppose if I can do it, she can. I'm just worried about her pain management and trying to keep her mobility limited. Izzy is a pretty active dog, especially for an old girl. No one can believe she's walking around on a broken leg - she's still all wags and smiles and jumping up for attention (much to my disappointment, I've never been able to fully curb that behavior when she's super excited - YAYYY NEW FRIEEENNDDS!!!).

I'll be sure to update as things progress.

We are finally home and settled in. They said Izzy was great and while they'd planned to release her only with Tramadol, Izzy quickly illustrated she'd need a sedative. Everyone was very nice, but I have to admit that the vet tech who did our intake told me two stories about dogs who died during or shortly after surgery, which didn't exactly calm the nerves. I never got to meet the vet, or maybe I did, hard to tell since none of the staff introduced themselves.

My best friend came with me and we had a good day in Carytown. Wandered back over to the vet just before 4 because we'd not heard anything yet. Apparently, Izzy's body temp was low and they were trying to warm her up. She was too woozy to walk so they loaded her into the car and we headed home. Poor Iz let out a big yelp when I tried to lift her out of the car but after ten minutes of my friend and I standing there, trying to sort out how to move her, Izzy adjusted her position and we carried her into the house in the blanket, sling style, and put her in her "clamshell" (bottom half of an airline crate with bedding). Thank goodness she was there to help me carry her!

Izzy took a while to get comfortable but is sleeping now. I've always loved her snoring but tonight, it's true music to my ears! They told me not to give her any pain meds tonight, but I'm inclined to give her gabapentin if she is restless. I'm a little surprised they discharged her with less pain medication than she was on to begin with, so I'm nervous about augmenting that.

BTW - The day started rough ... The car crapped out around the corner from Helping Hands, so I had to walk Izzy the rest of the way to make sure we weren't late. When crossing the street, we were nearly struck by an SUV pulling out of McDonald's. I swear, she only noticed because I screamed out of fear ... she missed Izzy by less than a foot. I scooped her up and carried her the rest of the way, practically in tears. When we came through the door and they asked if this was Izzy, they informed me that someone made a donation toward Izzy's surgery - anonymously. I wanted to cry. I truly have no idea who did this, but I wish I did so I could thank him or her. What a wonderful, generous gift. Thank you to Izzy's angel!

Well, she's awake and just fell, so this may be a long night ...