May 18, 2021

“This procedure really is much harder for the humans than it is for the dog.” – Dr. Prptich

We sat in the parking lot in front of the Emergency Vet Clinic where Mick would soon be having his amputation. No human visitors allowed yet in the clinic – social distancing, and all. Mick was inside with the oncology surgeon being a very compliant and sweet boy (of course) per report from the oncologist. We sat together gathering our thoughts and questions on our notepads. Well, my notepad and my boyfriend’s electronic tablet. He’s much more techy than I am. We waited for the phone call for the update and our opportunity to ask every question we could think of while we had the surgeon on the phone.

What medications does he need? How do we monitor him at home? How will you monitor him there overnight? What does recovery look like? What are symptoms of infection? How do we know he’s in pain? And many, many more questions.

At home, we fed Mick his dinner at 6:30 pm as he was not allowed to eat anything after 7:00 pm. He split a ribeye steak with his younger brother (Toby) for a celebratory last meal as a 4-legged doggie. He also got his own beach towel that we will use as a sling to help him move around once his surgery is over. I know, I know. Doggie treats and toys would have been preferred by Mick, but he was thankful for a new towel too.

Mick seemed like his normal, happy-go-lucky-self. Perhaps even happier than usual since he had dog kibble dinner topped with steak bites. He simply lives in the moment. No worries at all about what tomorrow will hold. Simply amazing. Perhaps Mick could teach us humans a thing or two.

We gave this sweet boy lots of loves and cuddles in preparation for his big day that would start early in the morning tomorrow. We all cuddled together in bed, gave him a hug good night and told him he’s simply the “goodest, bestest boy.”