Night time

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

We are one week since Boris's surgery and all is relatively under control here at home during the daytime. Night time on the other hand is not quite so straightforward. Boris is on a strict six weeks of crate rest interspersed with very short walks (five minutes) in the first two weeks and ten minute walks during weeks 2-4. Other than that he is either on a bed in the kitchen or den, or in a super size crate in the lounge. He has got very attached to me. Riley is not inviting him to play at all which is really unusual as if he knows not to so we don't have to keep them apart. Back to night time. I put his normal crate in our bedroom but he really can't fit into it comfortably with his collar on and he  really is upset in it. So far I have been lifting him into it and he sleeps until about 3am. He doesn't bark when he wakes but pants heavily and as I am a light sleeper I can hear him. I take him out of the crate and discover that his paws are soaking  as he has been licking them. I lift him onto our bed and then I wrap a long scarf around his body and I tie it around me and he lies beside me until morning time. This is in case he decides to get off the bed which would be a catastrophe. So, I'm getting very little sleep but I can't think of another solution and tonight I don't even think I will put him in the crate at all...only five more weeks to go.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry Boris is having night time problems.  It sounds like you have worked out bit of a solution, but you do need to get your rest also. I have only a couple of thoughts:  What about an ex-pen with a mattress you can sleep on inside for once he begins to stress.  And, what about giving the Rimadyl at night for the most potency? Or ask the vet if a small pain killer might be needed at night?

[BG and Gavin]

Thinking good thoughts and hoping that tonight went well.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

The XPen and a mattress would be a great solution if I didn't live in a drafty 200+ year old cottage. (I think cottage means something a little different here too)  If I slept in the lounge I would need to leave the heating on all night, so the bedroom with my electric blanket it is. We are just up and about and apart from being wedged on the edge of my bed and not being able to turn all night it went quite smoothly. Boris did wake at 3 and was panting maybe he was over hot so I took off his jumper and just held his head, stroked him and after about half an  hour he went back to sleep., The next issue was when I wanted to go to the bathroom LOL  I had to wake Joe, take off the scarf contraption and make sure Boris didn't follow me off the bed.....oh the things we do for these doodles we love so much!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

OMD Nicky, it sounds like it will be a long five weeks.   I'm sure that just being that close to you at night makes him feel so much better though.  You are being such a great Mom. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, indeed.