Visit 1 (1/24/09 - PM)

We went to visit Frankie this evening at VRCC, where he is staying. We were able to go in a room with him to allow him to walk around and do his thing. He mostly wanted to sit in our lap or lay on our legs. It was so nice to see him. I started crying before we even got there and started crying again while we were waiting in the lobby. It felt so great to see him and he was so happy to see us. His eyes were wide-eyed, he seemed to be comfortable in his new environment, but he also seemed very sleepy. Frankie is a dog that enjoys sleeping 23 hours a day underneath our duvet - he is probably enjoying all of the rest that he is able to get.

We put him down to walk and I hate to say it, but I think his walking was worse than it was yesterday. He fell over a few times, but was also able to catch his balance when he was was about to fall. His back legs seemed very week and sometimes his paw would flip over and he wouldn't notice. It is so devastating to watch you dog like that.

The tech said that he is doing very well, pooping and peeing, does decently on his walks and is active inside his little kennel - trying to climb up the walls and plays with himself.

We stayed for 30 minutes and realized he seemed very tired so we said our goodbye. While we were waiting in the lobby, we snuck a treat in his mouth - he surely liked that. I started crying the second I handed Frankie back to the tech. The tech put his hand on the side of Frankie's face so that he wasn't able to look back at us as we walked away.

I miss him so much. It has been so hard to go through this. We purchased a new plastic play pen for him to be in when he comes home. I am sure he will be spoiled with a heated blanket, a new bed, and a new bowl for his water. i am anxious for him to come home, but more anxious for him to just feel better and walk like a 5yo dog should be able to.

We miss hime so much. I can't wait to see him tomorrow. Monday will be hard, we wont be able to see him as he won't be allowed visitors for 24 hours after surgery to make sure he is well rested. I understand this - he would obviously be excited to see us, which could cause injury to his back right after the surgery.

Here are a few pictures of him. If the one of him standing, you can see that his back limbs are a little crooked and just don't look right. He tried so hard to stand tall and strong. I guess that is a plus side to this, he is a dachshund, which means he is stubborn and won't give up without a fight.

I forgot my camera, so these were taken with my phone, sorry for the crappy quality (and the sideways daddy kiss photo).