Chili's "vacation"!

Ian and I went to NYC for about 5 days, so Chili and Bridgett got to spend some time at my in-laws' house, and play with their 2 Boston Terriers! Both dogs behaved well, to our relief!

Chili didn't get to go on the normal walks my in-laws usually take him on (vet's orders). Poor little guy did get to spend some quality time outside in the yard though, which I think he enjoyed. Overall, I think both pups had a ton of fun and got totally spoiled, but like us, enjoyed coming home, too!

Being away from Chili for almost a week, I got to have a fresh look at how he's acting with his leg. Sadly, there was no incredible miracle, and he still has the luxating patellas (hey- I can hope, right?) He wasn't wimpering at all while we were gone, so he didn't need any pain pills, which is a good thing. He's still a little tender around the leg, though. He did whine a little when I touched it, and he frequently looks back at it and licks it. We have 8 more days until his surgery. He's sleeping well in a crate at night now (in preparation) and we cut down on his food, since he isn't getting any exercise, and I don't want him overweight before or after the surgery (I still worry about anesthesia complications, and I also don't want any extra weight on his joints that he doesn't need). He is, of course, completely clueless about what is going on, and is probably wondering why mommy and daddy yell at him whenever he tries to jump or climb stairs.

I'll post another update in about a week, just before the surgery. I'm also making an online gallery, so we have some pre and post surgery pictures available.

A Date Change

Chili's surgery has officially been scheduled! He will be having his operation on Thursday, April 30, 2009. I'm dropping him off at the vet early in the morning (about 7:30). He cannot have eaten any later than 8pm the night before, and is only supposed to have limited water intake after that. I'm bringing a towel from home for him, hopefully it will be a small comfort. He'll be staying at the hospital overnight, and I go to pick him up in the afternoon of May 1st. They also told me I could bring him some food from home, but they also have medicated food he can eat so it doesn't mess with his stomach. Not sure which is best for him. We'll be spending the next few weeks mentally preparing (although Chili is absolutely clueless!) At least he'll have a nice break at my in-laws next week while we're on vacation in New York. Perhaps we'll get a little stroller for him, since he won't be able to go on walks for most of the summer!