Short Stella update

[Mr Kleb]

For the background, see this post, this one, and this one.

She's doing very well. Had her first of two post-op checkups the other day. Stella was very, very tolerant of the vet raising her lips to look around. No growling that I could hear or feel never mind snapping. Goooood girl. Things are generally coming along very nicely, though two sockets have reopened a little bit so they will take a little longer to heal. To support that even though there's no sign of infection, we'll continue the antibiotic (Clinican, 150mg 2x daily) for ten more days to prevent one from taking hold. Her next checkup is Monday.

She's still on canned food and I'm transitioning her from mush to chunky stews; she eats every scrap. Her energy level is basically normal; today we did the medium length walk, about 1 1/4 miles. Stella attentively monitors all kitchen activity.

Forgot to mention in the original thread that the vet saved her teeth and offered them to me 'unless I was grossed out'. I took them, brought them home, looked at them. They are pretty gnarly. I'll keep them as a reminder of what she went through, and a reminder to be a better owner.

Here's a photo of Stella on the deck the other evening. She's already back to monitoring the backyard for unauthorized squirrel or cat activity.


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Events like this are useful, important reminders of how resilient our companions are. They can endure significant pain, heat, cold, brush-offs when we are busy, our absences when we go to work, our extended absences when (if) we board them as we are on holiday, relocation to a different home, a different city, a different country.

After all of these events they don't complain or bitch. They are grateful (to anthropomorphize a little) when we provide food, water, shelter, a comfortable home, guidance and leadership, affection. And love. Living up to the responsibility of being a conscientious dog owner is a big responsibility. I'll not trade the responsibility for an empty home because life with dogs is so richly rewarding.

[Macy]

Glad to hear she is recovering well!

[Maxx&Emma]

Great update, Stella has been such a good girl!

[brownietrout]

Good Girl Stella!

[Scoutpout]

good to hear she's healing up nicely! and good to see her back on "duty"!

[labsnewfy]

Good girl Stella. Continued good healing thoughts.

[coopersmom]

Keep on healing!!

[POPTOP]

Stella is looking great! Great to see her back "saving" her family.

Can appreciate her needing time to heal. Archie took weeks before I was not afraid to give him something that actually needed chewing. Don't beat yourself up about "being a better owner". They can hide so much and look normal to us. She's in great hands, you.

Sending more healing mojo and prayers.

[Mr Kleb]

Thank you everyone. I do greatly appreciate your kindness.

Our vet offers a wellness exam and vaccination package. I'd appreciate reading your thoughts; I started a thread in the Senior Health forum