Astrid after Surgery

Hello, friends! I'm sorry to give such a late update on pup Astrid. She's doing well after her surgery yesterday, all things considered. Though the pup might tell you how horrible her life is right now, she actually sailed through her surgery without any complications and now has a new and improved right knee. Sort of. There's a metal plate, and some screws, and you get the idea. Anyway, the vet even sent me this picture of Astrid after surgery.

I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry after seeing that. We were allowed to pick Astrid up and take her home this morning, and she is still showing off that drunk little tongue of hers.

In addition to still being a bit woozy, Astrid is also more than a bit on the whiny side, but that's typical of her after having surgery. After she realized that she indeed does still have functioning legs, with our help Astrid finally agreed to urinate out the fluids she received while under anesthesia. She already doesn't like being confined to small section of a room, which is allowed when someone can sit with her and keep a close eye on her. And she definitely doesn't like when she's put in her crate like a prisoner when someone isn't able to watch her like a hawk.

My sister and I live together and both take care of Astrid, but we both work outside of the home. So, while we're at work, our mom is taking care of the poor pup. This gives Astrid a break from that cone of shame she hates so much, which she has to wear for the next 2 weeks whenever there's no one nearby to make sure she's not bothering her incision.

These next couple of months are going to be real interesting, but at least for now, this pup is back home where she belongs and is finally on the mend.

That there is a photo my mom sent me just a bit ago. Both her house and mine are now covered in rugs, as slick floors are a no-no for a dog recovering from having a metal plate screwed into her tibia. All furniture is also blocked, as is Astrid's access to roaming space. This girl is already quite unimpressed with us.

And don't worry, Astrid doesn't have to go far to be at daycare with her grandma. Luckily, my parents live just two doors down from me, and so Astrid going to her beloved Gammy's house counts as one of her permitted 5-minute bathroom breaks. My parents also have 12 cats, with whom Astrid gets along very well, so she has plenty of nurses watching after her right now.

Thank you all again so much for the outpouring of kindness for Astrid and myself during this time. We appreciate it and all of you so much!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

Here's another flashback Halloween doodle with Astrid as a mummy dog, because it's fitting enough.

Now I feel compelled to doodle up Astrid as a Frankenstein's monster sort of situation, thanks to the great big incision on her leg. And, you know, the new metal parts screwed in there. That might very well end up as one of our upcoming Halloween doodles.

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Tip of the Day

Can you believe we're still on the topic of pumpkins? We talked about the benefits of pumpkin, and even pumpkin seeds. All of that aside, though, always keep in mind the age and condition of any pumpkins to which your furbaby has access. This time of year, pumpkins are indeed often used as beautiful outdoor decorations or spooky jack-o'-lanterns. Pumpkins won't stay pretty forever, though, and we're sure you've all witnessed the ultimate demise of pumpkins. That being said, old pumpkins can indeed begin to rot, and if pumpkins in this state are consumed by your kitty or pup, issues such as gastrointestinal distress can occur.

In addition, also keep wildlife in mind with regard to this, as old, rotting food may not sit well for them either. What's more, pumpkins that are left to sit outside and rot will sometimes ferment. If squirrels or other wildlife consume fermented pumpkins, they can potentially end up in a more or less drunken state. Therefore, be sure to compost or otherwise dispose of old pumpkins in a timely, safe, secure manner, for the safety of your furbabies as well as wildlife.