We're Healing!

It has been exactly 2 weeks since Duke's surgery. We visited Dr. Wilson yesterday for his first follow up appointment. Dr. Wilson removed the staples in Duke's leg and said he is healing well so far. We were given the official green light to start 3 very short (3-5 minute) walks a day and his cone can come off in a few days! I'm extremely happy about the cone coming off as Duke has learned that if he uses the cone to hit the walls of his crate, it wakes me, and he does it repeatedly, on purpose. It's his way of telling me how cooped up he is feeling I think. He also has a difficult time drinking water with it on. I take it off for him to drink sometimes, but it's not that easy to get back on so we help him maneuver to the bowl as well. That tends to make a large mess. His cone has gotten caught up on the side of the bowl more than once now, and forcibly flipped (think of the drinking game flip cup) throwing water over every wall and surface in the room. So, yes, having it off will be wonderful! We've been trying hard to make sure he is still getting the love and attention he needs while he is confined to his small space. We take him out on the lawn and let him just lay there with us while he basks in the sun and I set aside time throughout the day for belly rubs and treats. He isn't walking on his leg much yet, his toes still drag, but he has learned to limp down the steps to go outside and he is no longer on pain meds. His progress is slow but steady and at this point, that is all we can ask for.

We made it home!

We have made it home! Duke's surgery has been successful so far and we are anxious to see him heal. Our first night home we realized the poor guy couldn't fit comfortably in his crate with a cone on his head. Needless to say, there wasn't much sleep going on for anyone in the house that night. I coaxed him out of his crate sometime between midnight and sunrise and convinced him to finally lay his head down to rest on my lap- I think we both fell asleep on the floor. The next morning he was still very tired, nodding off in his plastic cone. He wouldn't drink water or potty, so as a last resort we tried to give him ice cubes as "treats" and he took to them well. Now he is eating them by the tray full. His ankle below his incision was extremely swollen from the surgery the first day home also. I was worried there was too much swelling, but the Vet's office assured me it was normal. A friend of mine was kind enough to loan me a soft collar for Duke to alleviate some of his discomfort. Upon bringing it home from work last night I was greeted with a GIANT pile of dog poop on my bedroom rug! On top of that, he decided to limp through it, all over the bedroom (where we were confining him as his crate is too small) AND on the bed! HOW he managed to get onto the bed I will never understand! So,unfortunately, I spent the remainder of my evening scrubbing. Not the best way to spend an evening. Today he is restless. He's been talking in his crate, making cute whining noises begging to come out. Every time he has suckered me into thinking he needs to potty, he has done nothing but stand there, on three legs sniffing the fresh air. Can you blame him?

Surgery

This post will be short. I just wanted to tell everyone Duke made it through surgery and is in recovery, hooray! We will be picking him up this evening. Now begins his road to recovery. I can't wait to get him home where he can relax and start healing.

Into the dark

We dropped Duke off for his surgery tonight. It is scheduled for tomorrow and I am a nervous mama. I cried as we left, feeling guilty, as he has no clue what awaits him in the morning. I've also never been away from Duke since we adopted him last April. The house feels empty, and his little sister Mable is pacing the floors searching for his presence. Earlier today I stopped by Bubble and Bark, in Ferndale, to pick up any donations made to Duke. I want to share my gratitude to Bubble and Bark and their patrons for helping us and Duke. It is amazing how supportive everyone has been! To date we have raised 30% of Duke's surgery cost! Thank you all for your generosity and support! I'm sure you understand that we had to schedule Duke's surgery regardless of meeting our goal, to ensure the best chance for his full recovery. He is still accepting donations on the blog, via Chip In, as well as, directly to the Veterinary Hospital, or in person at Bubble and Bark, in Ferndale. His original Chip In on this blog has ended. I've started a new active Chip In with a goal of $1400 which is the remainder of his surgery cost. Julie, from Bubble and Bark, had mentioned to me that there were some ladies and gentlemen who were interested in donating, but would rather donate directly to the hospital where Duke is having his surgery. After speaking to Wilson Veterinary Hospital they were happy to assist. His account will be open to donations until it is fully paid. If you would like to help Duke by donating directly, you may do so by calling Wilson Veterinary Hospital @(586)752-6217. Simply tell them you would like to contribute to Duke's surgery costs and my full name - Erica Aube, if they request account verification. Until tomorrow evening, all fingers, toes, and paws in this house will be crossed, anxiously waiting for news of Duke's surgery success. Please cross your paws for him! Thank you!