Hello Tripawd Friends! We are finally back to the blog! We are officially now a nine-legged family for one month! Romeo is doing great. He just got back from a great trip to VT where he went apple picking, wading in two different lakes (ok one lake, one pond), “hiking,” and tried acupuncture for the first time too. He also took some very long naps…….and yes he ate a cider donut.
The surgery went well and right away they told us Romeo was a “star patient”—he got extra points for being inventive and resourceful. Apparently on his first trip out to pee he tried to balance himself by doing “a perfect downward dog” (one of his favorite yoga positions) and used his head in place of his left paw. Poor guy. We were so blessed to be taken care of by everyone at Hinesburg Animal Hospital in VT (have to give them a shout out). Not only did Romeo get so much love and individual attention, we did as well. Ellie the amazing vet tech even talked to my six year old daughter on the phone, answering all of her questions (a lot!) and giving her in depth updates on Romeo.
Nevertheless, pick up was very hard on all of us. Romeo did do well, but nothing could have prepared us for how difficult it was to see him post-surgery. We were all overwhelmed emotionally–Romeo included. My daughter wanted so much to come pick him up, we tried to prepare her by describing the incision etc, but it was really too much for her. She had been so brave and positive, but she just crumpled in my partner’s arms. Once Romeo had his t-shirt on she did much better (a suggestion I would have to any parents w/ young children—we wished we had the t-shirt on him before she saw Romeo for the first time. Not to hide anything, but to help the visual transition. We didn’t realize how terrifying the stitches/incision would look to our daughter at first). But we all pulled ourselves together and made it home. For the first week, I slept like the mother of a newborn (barely and with one eye open). It’s all a blur—everything was about taking care of Romeo, his comfort, appetite, meds, just loving him and praying for him. Early on he was really cheered up by visits from his neighbor Maizy. She is normally a crazy two year old lab puppy, formerly a bit to wild for Romeo to want to spend too much time with her, but she slowed right down for him (forgive all the run on sentences!). Those early visits with Maizy really helped our big guy out. And even though he could just hop around a little he loved to get out and go to the park and visit his horse friends. We tried every day to get out for a little. He loves to ride in the car. And even if he would sleep all day, he would jump (yes!) off the bed (now on the floor for easier access) and run to the door when he heard my partner come home from work. Things really turned the corner for us at ten days. We feel so blessed.
We never could have down this without all the love, support, and advice from all of you at Tripawds. You have been a lifeline to us. Thank god I happened to see that Nature program with Jim, Rene, and Spirit Jerry last year! You are all so brave (people and pups). It’s been a rough couple of weeks at Tripawds and we just wanted to send our love out to all of you, especially the families of Zeus, Horacia, and Boinka.
I still tear up a couple of times a day. We are so aware of how precious every moment is with Romeo. As many of you know, we agonized over whether or not to do chemo. Upon diagnosis, we had definitely planned to go all out. After the surgery, however, we began to question whether or not it was right for Romeo. In the end, we couldn’t shake a gut feeling it would be too much for him. One thing this experience has taught me—trust your gut. He has had so many GI problems—he can’t even take a little bit of Rimadyl without getting diarrhea. He has just got his happy boy self back and we want him to enjoy all the days he has. He seemed to find the acupuncture very relaxing so we are hopeful it can help him out.
Ok! So much to say–will have to update blog more than once a month!
All of this makes me see how much goodness there is in the world—from all of you, neighbors we barely knew who crossed the street in concern, my daughter’s ballet class who made cards for Romeo. When I see my daughter caring for Romeo with the sensitivity of someone wise beyond her years, I know she will hold him in her heart forever. He has taught her so much about how to care and love for animals. It will guide her all her life.
(Ok, reading this over I guess I got a little mushy. Forgive me.)
Eve (and Romeo!)
Romeo! Finally more pictures of you-what a beautiful creature!
You are right, the first 10 days are the hardest, I say the first 2 weeks had us with our stomachs in knots. I’m so happy you came through this and are enjoying life again. Everytime I see Caira Sue jump for her ball and bring it to me (all smiles and goofiness) I know we did the right thing.
I completely agree with doing what’s right for Romeo, or Caira Sue. We have spent many a night awake, realigning ourselves-making sure we aren’t being selfish and that we are indeed still on track for what SHE would want if she could talk.
It seems every week I let go a little more of the anxiety. This is our girl, and she can’t do everything she could, but she seems happy 95% of the time. We realize that every day is one more day we could have been without her, and I think we all understand what that means.
Romeo looks to be in the best of hands with your daughter. Children are amazing. It was an 8 year old stranger, who looked similar to your girl, who taught Caira Sue to swim with her 3 legs last month. I know she would have never gotten that far with me!
I LOVE the picture of the 2 paws. True friendship!
Thanks for sharing-and YES! You should post more than once a month! haha
mary