The surgeon said she’d like to have us see him, I suppose so we know what we’re getting into. She’ll probably ask how we handled it. I think they are a little skeptical about us because Tate is our very first dog. And she said they’d give him his pain meds right after we left to put him to sleep. So we went.
The most surprising thing for us was how small he looked. I mean, besides the big chunk that is missing. He’s wrapped up in a full-body mesh bandage that smashed down all his fluffy fur. Plus he’s all kind of hunched up. And I didn’t know a dog’s face could look haggard but it did.
I don’t think he was happy to see us, he just wanted to go home. He hobbled (I would not call it a hop) right past us to the door. He was panting and crying. But we got him to lay down on the blanket with us and he settled a bit while we pet him and talked to him. When Dad would stop petting him, he’d push Dad’s hand with his muzzle and press up against him. And then after awhile he struggled to his feet and headed for the door again. So we thought it best to leave. At least he wagged his tail when we were petting him good-bye.
I’d like to think he’ll be happier at home but I have a feeling he’s just going to be this miserable for awhile before he gets better. But we’ll feel better having him at home. Poor little guy.
Poor Tate 🙁
I’m sure he will feel better once he gets home.
Sending you our special Dal juju for a quick recovery!
Tail wagging is good! Im glad you went to see him, Im sure there is a reason the surgeon asked you to come see him. Tate probably needed the reassurance. He will act even more different after the IV drugs wear off. He may not be happier but he will be more comfortable and secure.I know all of this can be hard, stay strong! Give Tate an ear rub for us!
Glad you went to see him. I am sure he felt better seeing you too!
Will continue to pray for his recovery, and that the sparkle comes back in his eyes very soon! : )
XXXOOO
When I picked Dakota up, he also cried at me. I thought he was hurting, but after spending a few minutes with him I realized he was relieved but also confused. I wouldn’t get upset at the fact that Tate was crying, because he is definitely confused right now. He has a right to be, but it is temporary and necessary to move forward.
Tomorrow may be his hardest day, but you are prepared for that. The initial pain meds are often dialed down significantly, and all that nervous energy can come down pretty hard, but that’s also normal. As long as you are ready for the possibilities, you’re in good shape.
Tate will be much happier once he’s home. He will sleep a lot, which means healing. He may not urinate for awhile. He may not eat well at all. It’s all ok and normal for what he’s been through. Thankfully, his memory is short and his ability to adapt is boundless. He’ll be snow rolling right away and swimming this summer. In fact, you should go ahead and get him set up with a float coat. Have you checked out the Angel Exchange forum?
Rest up tonight- the next couple of weeks could be taxing.
Just remember- no regrets! You made the best decision you could for Tate. Don’t lose faith- be strong and positive for your boy.
He (and you) will get through this tough part and soon the Tate you know will be back and pain free!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Tate was likely pretty doped up when you saw him. He’ll be his old self again once in the comfort of his new home and off the residual effects of being under for the operation. Looking forward to hearing about his welcome home party!
Thanks for all the encouragement, everyone. Because we really need it right now. I didn’t cry when I was with him but now it’s hard not to. : (
Of course, everything always looks worse than it really is at this hour of the morning. : )
He will be so happy @ home where he will feel safe. I brought Alexei home eight hours after surgery and spent the next 36 hours intensely tending to him. He just started enjoying every moment and things got much easier from that point. Enjoy the hard time, it means so much to Tate now and it will mean so much to you later…