Words of encouragement before your dog's CCL surgery

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.