Words of encouragement before your dog's CCL surgery

4/9/2019

It’s the night before your dog’s surgery. You give kisses. You worry. You wonder. It’s time for bed, little buddy. Sleep well. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day – a chance for a new start.

You’re lying in bed. You’ve planned, prepped and talked about the recovery plan from every conceivable angle, but you’re still afraid. Part of you doesn’t want the night to end because that means tomorrow will be here before you know it.

And so it is. Filled with the sickening mix of stress, fear and concern that everyone whose dog has had CCL surgery feels, you drive to the veterinary hospital and hand your baby off to the vet tech.

Mixed in with all of the negative emotions is the one that outshines them all – HOPE:

for trading in your dog’s all-day naps for games of fetch
for exchanging limping for smooth, steady walking
for zoomies!
for the ability to take long walks again
for healing
for losing weight from being inactive
for the return of your pup’s exuberance for life
for seeing the glimmer in his/her eyes again

Hope is the one to focus on. It’s okay that you’re stressed. It’s even okay that you question your ability to do this recovery thing the right way.

Before you know it, week one will be over. It will be the toughest one for you and your dog. But each week gets easier. Soon your pup will get his/her snarky attitude back. Walks will get longer. The skinny chicken leg will get its muscle tone back. Your stress will reduce. You’ll think, “I’ve done a pretty good job with this!” Twelve weeks will fly by in a blur.

And you’ll be the one cheering on the next pet parent who’s feeling exactly like you are at this very moment.

Keep the faith. You’ve GOT this.

As pet parents, we're in this together. We coach one another through. We calm each others' fears. If your dog has been through CCL surgery, please share some positive energy with those who have yet to go through it by leaving a comment below. If someone you know has a dog with an injured CCL, please share this post with them. Thank you.

4 Comments

Chris Rosenbruch link

4/28/2019 06:14:46 am

You nailed it on the head, Carla! Neither one of us slept the night before Chloe’s surgery. We were so afraid that we’d never see her run, romp and play again. We kept questioning our decision to go ahead with the surgery because there was so much written out there that surgery wasn’t always the best option.
You’re right too, that first week as hellish, taking turns sleeping on the couch next to her crate and ensuring we did everything correctly post surgery. Those pitiful sad eyes breaking our hearts as we moved through each day. But together we made it through this and beyond. Today, almost 6 years later, Chloe runs, plays and romps around like her old self again. This is the reward for making that difficult decision and following through will all the hard work afterwards. Best decision ever!

Carla Spinelli

4/29/2019 02:43:41 pm

Oh, how I remember Vinny's sad puppy dog eyes. It's a tough reality when the conservative options run out. And when we've tried CM, we ask ourselves, "Did I do it soon enough? Did I do the exercises correctly?..." Choosing surgery means that we've got to face the reality that nothing else is working and that our dog can't go on living with such pain and physical limitation. It's a really tough decision to make. How wonderful for you that Chloe's doing well! Thanks for commenting, Chris!

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1/9/2020 08:00:26 pm

I have also experienced having a dog before. I was frightened back then and do not know what to do until I have learned that there are things in life that will not pass up with the same time like ours. I really miss Maggie. She was my white best friend. I know that she died peacefully and happily. She died right after my wedding and I know that she just waited a lot of time and secure that I am no longer alone.

Rachel Billington

2/18/2020 12:54:27 pm

So true! We're only day 1 post surgery, but I know it was the right thing to do for my pup. To see him run in the park again is my goal, to see him heal and be well again and back to his old totally happy self, all of the worry is worth it. Thanks Carla for your help and hope! Xxx

Words of encouragement before your dog's CCL surgery

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Words of encouragement before your dog's CCL surgery

Leave a Reply.

Have questions?Want to work with me?Contact me in the Facebook group

Have questions?
Want to work with me?
Contact me in the Facebook group