It’s been seven days since Fang’s amputation. This week has taught me that in many ways, what a lot of people have told me is true – this process is much harder on mommies than it is on kitty. Fang could get around immediately, and continues to improve every day. His confidence has been rocked a bit, for sure – he’s hiding more than he used to, because I believe he’s less confident that he can defend himself, but it’s been getting better every day. Just last evening he decided to join us in the living room for a while – he was under the coffee table of course, but he still came out there to visit and that was lovely.
I do not believe he misses his arm – but I do think he realizes that something is different, and he’s learning to cope with that. He can still jump onto things, over things, and off of things, even with his staples and one less leg. He even runs on the slippery hardwood floors without issue. In fact, I haven’t yet seen him try to do anything he couldn’t do. He’s got a wonderful appetite. He purrs when I pet him and rolls onto his back like he always did. He’s even jumped up into bed with me once or twice over the last week. He doesn’t hate me, or blame me, like I was deeply afraid of. And he’s not sad, which is the most important of all.
Some people might read this and say “My God, he’s hiding under the bed so much! He must be horrified!” But, being under the bed isn’t really a new thing for Fang. It was always one of his favorite spots, even as a four-legger. It’s true that he’s spending more time under there than usual, but then again he’s spending a whole lot more time INSIDE than usual (forced, of course), so I really have nothing to compare it to.
All in all, this is turning out to be a much, much better experience than I had dreaded. I have full confidence that Fangers will very quickly get to be back to his regular personality. I whole heartedly believe he’s okay – and so I’m okay too!
Still no poop but… we’ll get there. Lol.
I know a Rottweiler is a slightly different Tripawed compared to Fanger’s , but I just wanted you to know that even a Rottweiler for a while is uncertain after an amputation 🙂
Fizz was a huge Rottie and was scared of nothing …… we had neighbours with 2 huge Alsations and before the removal Fizz would bark at them and they would automatically shut up :0
For a few day’s after op she would hear them bark and she would leg it or hop it !! into our home and avoid them totally
But within a week she was back as normal by our fence with her chest out with a classic Rottie Attitude of Come On then If You Think Your HARD ENOUGH !!!
So it’s got nothing to do with size breed or animal type they all feel uncertain and before long you will not even remember that Fang ( Love that Name I should have called Fizzle’s something more tough !!! )
Fang will be back to normal pouncing and attacking every hurdle in sight 🙂
Good Luck Fang and mum and dad
take care zena and Fizz in Spirit xoxox
Fang, I’m glad you showed your Mom that life is good on three legs, and that those silly humans worry waaaay too much about us, don’t they?
This is a pretty kewl update, it’s good to hear that you’re finding your way around and doing great. I know what your Mom means when she says you realize something is different about yourself. I feel that way sometimes, like when bigger dogs come around and I get nervous, but you know what, I don’t let that stop me from having a good life, I know you won’t either.
P.S. Just a FYI, but the couch is waaaay more comfy than under the table!
You know I just finally read Fangs story. I agree everyone adjusts in their own way but the bed or couch is a lot more comfy than under a table
teehee, you’d think so Michelle, but then again I guess I’m not a cat. Fang’s always liked those sorts of places! Even as a kitten! I have noticed, though, that now he has become more “cuddly” and “loving” since his amputation than he even was BEFORE amputation. All the attention spoiled him a bit I guess :P. You’ll find him on top of the table every once and a while now 😀 *rolls eyes*