[deeda9999]

Friday was 8 weeks since Gilmore had his luxiating patella surgery. We were told to basically crate rest him for 12 weeks. I was devastated that my puppy (he was 1 in Jan) would have to be confined for such a long period of time. I was afraid of how he would deal, afraid of how I would deal, afraid of how I would deal with potty breaks in the horrible weather (I am so not a winter person). This is what I learned. I hope maybe I can help someone else.

12 weeks is not a lifetime in comparison with the joy a healthy puppy will bring you during his life. It seems like forever and ever and ever but the time really does pass. I cried and cried at the beginning thinking I would never survive.

You do get into a routine that works for you. It was really tough at the beginning. I had my daughter getting ready for school and Gilmore would be crying in the crate, my bird is needy and now my attention was focused on Gilmore which made him more needy and Skittles my other dog was jealous. The first two weeks I did no laundry and we ate a lot of take out. I spent a lot of time holding Gilmore. Eventually I learned how to balance everything but at first I thought I would lose my mind.

I learned that sweaters were such a big help. He would shake so much from being weak and cold that putting a sweater on him made such a big difference. He is never without one now. And he does look very cute in them.


I was afraid that our bond wouldn't be the same. I could never have imagined that it would be a zillion billion times stronger. He is dependent on me every second and although it is frustrating at times it somehow has made me more attached. Both ways.

These forums are such an incredible thing for support. There is nothing better than having people who know what you are going through. I made a great friend on here whose dog had the same surgery and talking to her everyday made it so much better for me. Would have been a total nutcase without her. And all of you who have been so supportive. I am so grateful that I found this forum!!!!

You should put away money for emergencies because Gilmore was fine one day and the next day he was running one minute and holding his hind leg up and crying the next. We tried crate rest and meds but his knee was out and every time he would walk he would cry so there was no way we could have put off the surgery. He was in a lot of pain so we had no choice other than the have the surgery asap. I have dog insurance but it covered nothing because they say it is genetic.

Lastly I have learned that I am soooooo very lucky to have Gilmore in my life. He brings me more joy than I could have ever hoped for.