Sammi's New Life

Good morning here at Sammi’s house. She woke up without a yelp (or even a whimper), hallelujah! Maybe the doctor should have given mom some drugs too! I’m nervous as a cat… yes, I realize it hasn’t been very long but it is taking it’s tole.

Actually, Sammi is getting around really well. I gave her tramadol before she got out of bed,and read while it took effect. When we got up, she went straight for the door, outside, down the steps (by herself! ),peed awhile, and came right back up the steps! Whew! I could not be happier for her progress! She still has not had a bowl movement but she eats like she is ravenous. Once she passes that milestone, I will think we are going to be fine!

Her incision looks goods and she rarely even looks at it. She eats and drinks and rests. That’s good enough for me!

It’s a good Sunday morning in Benton, Arkansas!

Thank you so much for all the prayers and encouragement!

Sammi’s mom

She arose with a “yelp!” And then another. That really gets your heart pumping at 4am!

Since i gave her pain meds at just after 10pm, according to the doctor, she should not get another dose until 6am. With each dose, it seems that she only gets relief for 6 hours, not the 8 prescribed. She’s prescribed 15mg tramadol x 8 hrs but I’ve been giving her 15mg/6-7 since that is what keeps her comfortable.

When she is up, she is amazing in how well she already compensates! Do you think it’s possible she “forgets” she’s tripawd while she sleeps and then freaks out when she awakens??

She eats like she is ravenous and drinks plenty of water. Good signs, right? But I have not seen a bowel movement since she got home. I keep telling myself that she has had little food since a week ago today and is probably needing it for healing. Her urine elimination is good.

I try not to hover. Or help, if she is attempting to ambulate on her own. No jumping allowed, yet. But I have let her navigate 3 steps from the yard to the porch, where she rests, then two more steps into the house after a potty break! I’m impressed.

She has no trouble on the tile floors, but that slick hardwood is still tricky.

Her bother, Houdini, is confused but gentle with her. My little partners in crime and mischief.

It’s been long enough for the pain meds to kick in so I guess we’ll try a trip outside.

Thanks again, so very much, for the love, support and empathy I feel oozing from this site! AND, the great advice I so desparetely need!

Updates as day 3 unfolds…

So grateful’
Sammi’s mom

It was so great to have Sammi back in bed last night! She’s my cuddle-bug, but not yet. I’m afraid I’ll hurt her at night.

She was great when she got up. Ate well. Went out to potty. We snuggled with a movie, she ate a little then we took a nap. She was very “odd” when she woke up. Yelped a bit and nipped at me.
Gave her more pain meds and she is resting again.

A little more anxious than yesterday but still happy to have her home!

More later.

Sammi is home! Feels like 100# lifted from my chest. She looks great, she wants to walk around. She ate some, drank lots of water and went outside (on a leash) and went to the bathroom on her own!

Her brother, Houdini, was so happy to see her! He has been so confused every time I came home after visiting her, but without her.

This feels like “miracle” territory to me. God was nodding earlier and now we’re both smiling!

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragements!

Sammi and I will be back tomorrow with more details.

God nodding… that was supposed to be “Good morning” but when I saw the words, I decided to leave them because I am starting this blog for moms like me who never even considered that one of MY dogs would require amputation!

Sammi is a loving, beautiful, sweet, active 8# shih tzu who started her journey toward tripawed life with a car accident. She was degloved on her right rear leg and bruised and battered.

We had just moved into a new house in a new neighborhood and mom (me) let Sammi and her brother Houdini out of her sight. Read heavy guilt here.

As the accident occurred on a Saturday, we had to drive 45 minutes to the nearest Emergency Vet. Being new to the area, my trusted and loved vet of over 15 years was over 150 miles away.

Monday morning I had to find a new vet, and fast. Thank the good Lord, we found a wonderful man in Scott Toms,DVM, at Congo Rd Veterinary, who could not have been more loving and caring for Sammi. As well as the rest of the staff. From day one, they all knew my name and loved Sammi!

Needless to say, they were the terrifying days of my life. As valiantly as they tried to save her leg, it was not to be. She just had too much damage. Yesterday, her leg was amputated.

Surgery went very well and I pick her up today to begin our new life! Her brother had missed her very much so we are both anxious to have her home.

Update to follow, prayers appreciated, encouragement welcomed.

Sammi’s mom