Surgery Day

Hudson:

Hi there!

Today started like only 3 days ever have before in my life. No food, no water, no chews. Although my Mommy and Eddy still woke up happy and excited to see me, giving me pats all over like normal, I knew something was different. I tried my best to remind them that I was hungry and needed my kibbies, but they wouldn’t budge. When my Mommy didn’t give me the tiny bit of cheese she always does in the morning, I had a hunch I was going to the Dr.

I tried to keep everyones spirits up by having a few last plays with my dragons and balls, but, eventually the time came, when my overnight bag was packed, to face the day ahead, whatever it might entail. I must be brave for my Mommy and Eddy and show them I am not scared. I will just be happy to be rid of this pain in my paw.

It was a rainy day outside when we walked to the car, so my pawrents made me wear this ridiculous plastic bag/Ziploc baggy combo over my bandage on my right leg, to make sure it didn’t get soaked. I felt pretty silly, but I have to hand it to them, it worked.

We then got in the car, all buckled up our seat belts (me included in my seat belt harness!), and hit the road for a 1.5 hour drive to the Dr. When we got there I had a much needed bathroom break before walking in there proud as could be, excited for all the animal smells.

When I got in the pre-surgery exam room I got a little nervous. But my Mommy and Eddy made sure to keep my spirits up by patting me all over and giving me encouragements. They never stopped smiling, and they seemed so brave it gave me courage for the day ahead.

Then, after the surgeon had a brief chat with the pawrents, it was time for me to go out back to the surgery spot. When the technician took me I bravely walked out of the exam room, my tail held high and wagging (I was pretty excited to see all the puppies and kitties back there!).

From there, I will let my Mommy take the lead on the rest of my post today, as I haven’t been able to tell her how my day has been. Take it away Mommy!

Love, Hudson.

Huddy’s Mom:

I wish with all my might that I could be like Hudson. Living in the moment, not dreaming of the future, or having regrets about the past. But sadly, I am human.

Today, for me, started with fitful sleep, waking at all hours of the night, nervous with the anxiety of the day ahead. When the alarm finally rang, I put on a good “battle-day” face for Huddy, never wanting to show him how scared I was.

The second Hudson was out of my sight going out to the surgery ward I finally let out how sad I truly am for this day to come. I spent several minutes crying before I could wipe the tears away and head back to the car, to leave my beautiful boy behind, never to see him whole again.

This truly sucks. This isn’t fair. Hudson doesn’t deserve this diagnosis. No dogs or beings do. Huddy is a truly great dog, of only 1 year and 9 months old. Why him?

It is really easy to get hung up on how truly terrible this situation is, but it doesn’t help. The only thing that is getting me through these truly tough days is knowing that I am doing the best I can for Hudson given the circumstances. The main beacon of light through this nightmare of a change in reality, is that with amputating his leg, and freeing him of this pain, he will be able to play with his friends, and seize the day once again.

Love, Erica.

Surgery update: Hudson had a “textbook” surgery and is recovering well under 24-hour observance.