Question:
How will I handle my big dog when I get home?

I have a LARGE baby (a yellow lab). He will be in the kennel for the week of my hospital stay, but I sure do hate to keep him in there for the week I get home. Will I be able to handle him on my return home. Thanks for your help -    — L G. (posted on October 2, 2000)

October 2, 2000
I have a large husky and had help until the 10th day. I'd say it really depends on how well trained your dog is, will he mind when you tell him to go out? Also, it is a little rough bending down to put the food/water in the bowl. However, I found a TON of comfort with having my furry baby with me. Its odd, but I think she knew I was in some discomfort and she stayed close and calm for me. Gotta love those doggie...MUCH nicer than people sometimes!
   — Kim B.

October 2, 2000
I think it depends on how your dog acts and reacts to you. I have 2 dogs , one is apuppy that wants to be held and picked up a lot ,that one was difficult to handle , especially at first , she was very young and didnt understand the concept of go potty , and come here. She would take off across the street to visit neighbors so I had to follow her , in my lounger and in pain. Also , something to consider is does your big dog jump on you to greet you or try to climb into your lap? mine did and pulled out 2 staples with her paw. I didnt dare tell my other half , but it hurt really bad. If yours is well behaved , it is definitely a comfort to have them near. If you can handle it , I personally think they help you heal faster and lower blood pressure, calming you.
   — Heather T.

October 2, 2000
I have an English Mastiff (she weighs 165 and I am fast closing in on weighing less than her!!! BIG SMILE). I think the advice you've already gotten is good, that it depends on the dog, and I would tend to say you will need at least SOME help with your dog during this period, even the best behaved one. BUT look forward to when you're feeling better, I can tell you that walking my dog now is such a joy and a good way to get some exercise! Every day!
   — Beth B.

October 2, 2000
I also have Labs...2 black labs, 1 male; 6yrs old (100lbs approx) and 1 female; 9 months (51 lbs) Both inside (house) lap puppies :-) My male is extremly well behaved, and calm. I had no problems with him after my surgery. My female is still a baby and isn't as well behaved (she is house broke though), and isn't calm at all...she is very excitable, I did have to keep her in her "home" (training cage) when there was no one else around to help me with her. However they both slept in my king size bed with my husband and i when i came home from the hospital, and they both seemed to know that i wasn't feeling well...they didn't really give me any problems. I also believe that their devoted love and attention helped me feel better when i had bad days. You know your baby and rather you can trust it to mind you. You have to remember just how smart labs are. I know i couldn't of stood being home and not having my babies with me. I'm not sure that my response will help answer your question, but i wanted to relay my experence. I wish you all the best! Lap covented to Open RNY 8/11/00 down 40 lbs
   — Arianne B.

October 2, 2000
I'm having surgery on 10/6 (open RNY)and will also be kenneling the dogs for a week. I have two BIG golden retrievers. The dogs will be so excited when I pick them up, that I know that I can't handle them to the car. I will request that the kennel brings them to the car. In fact, I know that I can't handle them on a leash for probably 6 weeks. They just pull too much! I will Keep the dog food on a counter so I won't have to bend so much. I'm also planning on having big bowls of water both inside and outside so they won't need changing so much the first few days. I'm told that after surgery because of the anest. your body smells different to the dogs, so don't be alarmed if they stiff you when come home. I'm sure your dog will be great and good luck on your surgery.
   — kelly T.