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.