Surgery

Sometimes as puppy raisers we are called upon to perform duties and make tough decisions beyond the scope of raising and training. Today was a particularly difficult day, as two cherished members of our household underwent surgery.

Having brandished a needle and thread back in middle school for Home Economics, I was deemed the reigning "Expert" and assigned the role of lead surgeon. A duty I did not relish.

The first patient on my table was Moose. He is best buddy and bunk-mate to Praxis. However, a minor head/antler wound put him out of commission several days ago. Moose's surgery was quick and relatively painless - for me at least, Moose didn't say much.
My second patient was Gator. Gator is widely known across the country as 'Merit's baby'. He has traveled to many dog shows and racked up enough air miles to circle the globe. However, nearly a year's worth of loving left Gator with a gaping hole in his rear-end. Gator is no stranger to the operating table, having received his first surgery following a pee incident and a perilous trip through the washing machine which left him in dire need of back surgery. After twenty minutes and a few choice words, the tough decision was made to amputate Gator's tail. This required several cosmetic surgeries and Gator will never look the same again.

Both boys anxiously sat in the waiting room (laundry room) desperate to find out if their friends would survive. Proof of life came after the wash cycle where both Moose & Gator remained intact, but only those who emerged from the dryer in one piece would be returned to their partner.

When it comes to raising puppies, there is no such thing as an uneventful day....

Praxis and Merit are happy to report that they have been reunited with Moose and Gator.

Let's hope they all remain in one piece from this day forward!