Thank You for the Compassion and Empathy

I just wanted to say Thank You so much to everyone who left a comment of sympathy and understanding on my post about losing two of my Bernese Mountain Dogs in 11 days.

We're still devastated...we still cry...but today I'm trying to clean up my eating by doing the pre-op diet...2 shakes, broth, jello and one reasonable meal. I need to detox from all the sugar I've been stuffing in my pie-hole since mid-April. And I have my last nutrition appt (and will be getting my surgery date!) in two weeks!

We have our Sophie...she's our first Bernese, and she just turned 10 which is very unusual for BMD's as their average life-span is 7-8 years (because of the high incidence of cancer in the breed). Sophie was bred by my late sister, and is my last tie to her; she died of cancer in 2012. My sister was very much into researching lines and breeding for health and longevity; Sophie's mama lived to be 13 and a half! Sophie loves being an only child...she was our only for the first 5 years of her life. She wasn't thrilled when Max and Faith (both rescues) joined our family, but she was tolerant. She is really enjoying being an only child again...no more competing for our attention. She is our anchor right now and we're spoiling her rotten. Hoping to do lots of road trips and adventures with her this summer.

Sophie Butterbutt, aka Hoggy-Doggy

Do you have a therapist or counselor as part of your healthcare team? After surgery, you won't be able to use food to cope with your feelings. I hope you can find somebody to help you deal with whatever issues you (hopefully won't) face after your WLS.

Yes I do, and we're discussing other coping strategies that I will use post-surgery.

Our pets are as much family as anything - or anyone - else.

Many of us consider pets to be family members. Enjoy Sophie but try to plan for coping mechanisms when it is her time. As Sparklekitty suggested, some type of therapist might aid in this. I know exactly how you feel as our almost 17 year old chihuahua was my eldest DD's very much loved pet and DD died from cancer 13 years ago. When we lose Chiquita it will be losing a little bit of Elise again.

I second with everyone else that you'll need to find another coping mechanism post surgery, they intertwine themselves so much into our lives that they are family.

We keep thinking of getting another rescue to add to our family whi*****ludes our 10 year old poodle

Sammi my Cuddle Buddy

I adopted Emmy 3 months after the loss of my beloved Sage. I was devastated and thought I would never get over her loss. But this little girl brought me back to life. She is stubborn, independent, happy and extremely spoiled:-) I agree with everyone else, therapy and preparing yourself for Sophie's future is such a good idea. Enjoy each day with her and all of your adventures!!

I know that using food as a coping strategy is NOT something I'll be able to continue to do. My therapist and I have been discussing this since December.

My newest strategy is mandala painting, on rocks. It's obviously hard to eat when I'm painting...but it does take awhile for the paint to dry between colors/coats. HA. So my therapist suggested I have several going at the same time.

Why didn't I think of that? LOL

Wow! It takes a lot of patience and a very steady hand to do that!