Advice Needed.... Surgery and a Doodle!

[Christine & Shelby]

In just over a month, I will be having back surgery.... and will be off work for a minimum of 2 weeks.  I am on my own, but have wonderful friends who are ready to help me out, spend the night, etc. for a few nights until I feel comfortable on my own.

 

Last winter when I got sick with the flu and Shelby was only about 4 or 5 months old - I remember being amazed at how intuitive she was.  I stayed home from work... and she was an angel.  She slept on the floor by me (I was laying on the couch) - she did not demand play, she was patient in waiting for me to get up an let her out... and was even patient the one time I tried to take her for a short walk... but had to stop and rest for about 20 minutes at the park before heading home.

 

My friends all know Shelby and will help by playing with her, taking her to the dog park, walking her, etc. as needed.  She is also involved in a playcare group here in town.

 

I am curious to hear if any of you have had surgery while having your doodle?  Did your dood seem to understand something was different?   I know at minimum, I will have her in play care the day of and day after my surgery.   I have thought about boarding her that first night, but in all honestly - I love my Shelby and seeing her brings a smile to my face!

 

So do any of you have advice as I prepare for this surgery so that Shelby will be happy too?   One thing I know will be happening before the surger is I will be getting a new back door with a doggie door, so I (and/or my helpers) don't have to constantly get up and let her out.

 

I would appreciate your thoughts and/or advice!

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to hear you need surgery. I hope it goes well and you have a quick, uneventful recovery.
I do think dogs understand when you are incapacitated and cannot participate in their usual activities. It sounds like you've planned well, and things should go smoothly during your recovery. I'll bet Shelby will be a good nurse for you!

[BG and Gavin]

I know it would be nice to see her that first day, but honestly if it was me I would board her overnight so I would not have to worry about her and could focus on myself for just one day. You may be very groggy and will need to sleep lots. Just something to think about. Good luck with your surgery.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with this entirely. Also, depending on the kind of surgery, where the incision is, etc. you may need to be careful about having a dog lie, or not that yours would :), jump on you. Then you could see how it goes. Good luck.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I have to agree with the others in that for the first day or 2 if you are going to have her at home there should be someone else there with you just to be sure she is going to behave and that you are going to be able to handle having her around. There are so many things unexpected that can happen following surgery. DH had surgery on his back in the neck area (and included an incision on his hip for a piece of bone) last year about this time and I kept him surrounded by pillows just in the event one of the girls decided they were going to jump up. He would not have been able to handle the 2 of them on his own. He wasn't allowed to walk them for close to 2 months just because of the area of his surgery and the possibility of them pulling or jerking during the walk. They did seem to understand that they had to be careful, but there were a couple of close calls. Good luck with your surgery. Hope all goes well and that Shelby will be a good girl for you.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. It's great that you'll have help for the first few days...I'd take full advantage of that. If you can have a friend stay with you and walk Shelby at the beginning, I think that's perfect! You can then judge how you're doing and if you need to have a dog walker or some other help until you're able to comfortably walk Shelby yourself. I know myself, that I'd want my guys with me. Good luck and keep us posted. I wish I was closer...

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

HI Shelby, No experience with surgery here, but best wishes for a speedy recovery for you. It sounds like you have it very well planned out... Keep us posted }{hugs}}

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Doggie doors are the best invention since sliced bread!!! I wish you a speedy recovery.

[Camilla and Darwin]

No advice but I hope your surgery goes well!

[Christine & Shelby]

Thanks for the advice and well wishes. It's still a month off... so I have some time for really get my plan in order. Shelby is going to LOVE having a doggie door.... one of her best doggie friends has one and she is loves it. So, I know I won't have to do any training :o)

[Bonnie and Kona]

I hope your surgery goes well and recovery is remarkably quick. I am on the side of having a friend stay with you rather than put Shelby in a boarding situation. If she is as sensitive as you have described going to a kennel could be traumatizing for her especially since she will be concerned for your well-being. If she stays at home with you she will have only one crisis to deal with rather than a second being added of going to a strange place to stay. So glad you have such a loving companion in Shelby. Our doodle is the sweetest boy, too.

[Susan and Sasha]

Christine...I'm so sorry to hear that you need to have surgery.
It sounds like you have wonderful friends...who will be a support and encouragement to you and Shelby during this time.
We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers...

.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

When I had surgery 2 years ago, I only had Taquito - this is PD (pre-doodle). I can tell you that Tack was a GREAT cuddler and nurse; however, I did not want to move for the first two days. The drugs and the pain made it hard. Thank goodness my DH could take him outside and feed him, etc...I vote for having a friend come help out that first day or two. Someone else mentioned that Shelby will pick up on your nervous anticipation of that surgery and she may be a little freaked out if you board her.

You will be fine I am sure. It is great she is going to have a doggie door - I think Shelby will be great. They tend to calm down when you are feeling bad. They just know they need to be good. Peri won't leave my side and sleeps all day if I am sick now.

So sorry you are having surgery on your back! We will be thinking of you :)