We picked Samdog up this morning from the hospital. I knew the house was ready, I had looked at the photos of post-op dogs (thank you for those), what I didn’t know what how we were going to get my big boy in the car. He usually takes two steps, one on the doorframe and one on the seat to get himself up onto the back seat. I didn’t know how I could help him do it in one step – I fixated on this problem up until I saw him come around the corner.
Again, the staff at the hospital are amazing. He was slow, but squeaking as soon as he saw us. (people who know sam know that squeaking means happy). The walk to the car was the furthest he had gone – but he made it with only one short rest break. I opened the car door, turned to help him and he jumped up… but he caught his front foot on the blanket on the back seat and got himself stuck. My heart was in my throat, I was afraid he was going to rip a stitch as he struggled to move forward but was trapped by the blanket. I laid down over him and started to whisper in his ear to “wait” and to take it “easy”. He stopped fighting and crying long enough I could free his foot and he was able to move himself onto the seat. It was exactly what I was fearing… funny thing was – once he was in, I realized… that will be the worst of it. He doesn’t need to get back in the car – getting out will be easier to assist and once we are in the house he already showed me he could get up and move quite a distance, so going outside wouldn’t be a problem. And really, even though it was scary, seemingly no harm was done.
Dad sat in the back with him for the drive home and helped him out of the car, which wasn’t too difficult. I walked and he hopped slowly, through the garage, laundry room, kitchen, diningroom and over to the fireplace in the living room where I had set up a mattress big enough for him and me to snuggle. Which is where we are now.
Sam is sleeping on his leftside, dreaming about something. They suggested we put a t-shirt on him to cover his incision… Honestly, I haven’t figured out how to do that yet. It would involve pulling it over his one paw, which would mean I have to lift him up, but how do I do that without pressing on his incision… I think as long as he is resting here comfortably, we will leave well enough alone for now.
He is home – his eyes are the same, his tail wags, he is my sam and we will be fine.
I agree, let him rest, then when he’s a little more alert, put that shirt on him (see my forum reply).
It’s terrific he made it through with flying red colors! Yep, we had the same challenge with getting me into my truck and preparing me for a six hour drive home along windy mountain roads. Yuck! But we did it, and although my Mom and Dad just about had a heart attack, it was over before anyone could shed a tear!
The worst part is over, from here on out you are officially in RECOVERY. Remember, each new day might have its challenges but you WILL see improvements if you look closely. Be strong, be more dog, be Sam Dog and you will be fine.
Snuggle away and remember we’re here if you need anything.
How wonderful that he is home and you are there with him. It sounds like he is very determined and I am sure he will quickly figure out how to do things. Give him an extra hug for me.
Yey Sam! Congrats on successful surgery and best wishes for a quick and uneventful recovery.