Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Hi all,

I think I will post follow up updates on this thread as well, unless there is some better way to do it?

Sophie was spoiled all weekend, including walks, low impact playing, treats, and lots of snuggling.  Snuggling in bed with her this morning I found it very hard to get up and face this day. 

We did though, and met with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss options.  The surgeon felt she was a good candidate, so we went ahead.  I got a call from the vet tonight at 7:30 saying she had come out of the anesthesia gently and appeared to be doing well!!!!  Evidently, this vet likes to keep puppies in a few days post operatively, so she will not be coming home until Wednesday night, but I can go visit with her tomorrow.  I will also mention that she charmed everyone she met while we were at the hospital, and doubtless will be continuing to do that for the rest of her visit. 

It's strange to be in the house without her, but we're working to prepare it.  My boyfriend built a big ramp from the kitchen to the yard yesterday, with fake turf on it to help with traction .  I'm making a bed for her, and moving myself into the living room once she gets home.  Also working on getting runners for the floors. Neighbors have been helpful too- one brought me soup for today, one baked a loaf of bread, many people have asked if they can come visit her when she gets home.  It's funny how some people seem to instinctively get how this matters, and others just don't.  I wouldn't have really predicted that people would react in the varying ways they do, nor really how much judgement there seems to be about making this choice.  Have others encountered that?  I want to say, "why is it okay to borrow money for granite countertops or a new car, but not to give someone you love a chance for a longer, more comfortable life?"

I asked the surgeon about food and supplements, but she didn't have any specific thoughts.  As I don't think we're scheduled to see an oncologist until Sophie's stitches are out, I thought I would ask here.  Any reason NOT to start K-9 Immunity while she is healing?  She has always had a sensitive stomach, and used to have allergies, so has been on a combination of California Natural Lamb and Rice and Science Diet w/d (dry) for years, which has worked well.  I know carbs are thought to feed the cancer- any diet recommendations that might be along similar lines to what she has been eating (e.g. cancer diet options for a dog with tendency to tummy upset- I think anything relatively natural will be good for the allergies, d/t low additives)?  Also, any recommendations on how one feeds a dog a cancer fighting diet on a limited budget?

OK, I tend to go on...  Please keep her in your thoughts, and any suggestions to questions above or anything else would be very welcome!!!

Sincerely,

Sophie's mom, at home awaiting her return.