Baby’s been on pain meds the whole two weeks. I want to take her off, but my problem is that she never shows pain. No whimpers, no complaints…ever! How can I know when it’s OK to take her off?
Author: Judy
Roger and I have adopted many furbabies in our 35 years of marriage. Baby is a 6 yr. old 155lb English Mastiff who came to us when she was 1 1/2 yrs old along with her 'brother' Toby (a Landseer Newfoundland). We adopted them from Gentle Giants rescue and they are, indeed, both Gentle Giants. Baby was diagnosed with bone cancer in January 2012. She just had her surgery on January 27th, 2012 to remove her right rear leg. She is recovering beautifully we are thrilled to have her with us!
Mom, stop blogging and pay attention to us!
Baby day 11 is her happy, couch potato self. Toby’s his ‘it’s all about Toby’ self. Hubby’s checking election stats on his computer. Life is getting normal again!
A Good Night’s Sleep does Wonders!
Baby slept through the night last night… and so did I! Boy do we feel good this morning! Both a little stiff, of course, but happy and clear headed.
Baby never cries or whimpers, I would just get this strange feeling during the night of being stared at. When I opened my eyes she would be sitting there, just staring at me. Being a 155 lb mastiff, her large head was nose to nose with me. Startling to say the least. I’m so glad she’s sleeping through again!
Off to school to use my dog training techniques on my Jr. High kids. ….. Sit, Stay, No Talk, Wait, etc.
Judy
Baby’s still doing great – why am I a basket case?
Baby’s healing beautifully. Still draining more than I like, but getting around well and we’re seeing little improvements every day. She gets her stitches out Saturday. For some reason I’m in a panic about her making it through this week without infection or something happening. I’m not usually a negative person, but this is turning me into a worrier…big time! Anybody else have this reaction? Maybe it’s lack of sleep. I’m still listening for any little movement. Then I teach Jr. High kids all day! Recipe for a breakdown!
So much for my little pity party. I’ll post happier next time.
Day 7 – Baby’s so much better!
Every day is improvement! Baby is getting more comfortable being a ‘hopper’. Boy she’s fast. When she decides to go outside we really have to move to keep up with her! She’s’ so happy to be able to get back on her couch. (Most tripawders recommend staying off the couch which is very good advice, but a dog as large as Baby is not jumping down off the couch, she just sort of steps down.) This site has been so great to help us through this time! I’m learning so much. Thanks for all the advice and support!
Judy
Baby needs a more comfortable e-collar. Suggestions?
We’re using the collar she came home with at night. We don’t need it while we’re watching her. I would like to find a more comfortable option. Hoping you all have suggestions for me.
Thanks,
Judy
Baby’s a ‘me do it’ girl.
When we got Baby home and out of the car I thought I would ‘help’ while she used the yard. I stood on the right side and had the harness handle and walked beside her. She promptly sat down and didn’t move. As soon as I let go of the handle, she got up and went off by herself. I stayed close enough to help if needed, but she really wanted to do things by herself. It was a sleepless night for me (thanks for all the warnings of what to expect), but I think she’s going to do well.
Baby’s Home! Yay!
why can't I play with Baby? - Home at last!
Baby – day 4
OK – so maybe I was a little overly optimistic yesterday. I read so many posts about the first weeks being so hard, about questioning putting her through the whole thing – I guess our truth is somewhere between my high hopes yesterday and the worst I was imagining. Today she is seeping more from her stitches, she seems so sad and she has a cough. I’m really worried. Don’t know if she’ll get to come home tomorrow or not. Keep the good thoughts coming!
Baby’s doing so well!
We went to see Baby tonight and had to laugh – the lovely techs who had been caring for her thought they would make a sling for her like they have for horses, so she can get used to putting weight on her legs. She hadn’t been up at all since her surgery Friday. As soon as she saw us she jumped up and wagged her tail. The tech said ‘guess we won’t need the sling tomorrow’. Poor thing, she had put so much thought into helping our Baby and we so appreciate it. We’re so excited about how well Baby’s doing. She looks great, the wound looks dry and healthy and she’s eating. I think we will be able to bring her home Tuesday night. I guess these big girls (155 lbs) take a little longer. We can’t wait to get her home!
