Thank you so much for the information, reassurance and success videos. I have been working my tail off before the the surgery. I'm an independent contractor and travel weekly for work, so apologies for the delayed acknowledgement. I have managed to clear my schedule for 7 weeks post surgery to take care of Cooper. Surgery is next week. We are having orthopedic surgeons from the University of Missouri Vet School do the surgery. The rehab vet has put the absolute fear in us about activity and recovery. It is a bit reassuring to know we have a slight margin for error in the event of an unexpected squirrel or cat. I've had my Mother make a special pair of pants to help post surgery. Cooper hates to wear a collar in the house, so the cone of shame is going to be a challenge in itself. We've tried for about a month to persuade him to get in a crate - not sure what happened in his past, but even prime steak is not sufficient to coax him in. I have purchased a 6-panel gate that I hope will help keep him confined (maybe with the help of the post surgery meds). Sleeping is going to be a challenge -- not sure who it will be harder on - him or us when he is not in the bed. From the first night we brought him home almost 4 years ago, he jumped in bed and has slept there with us ever since. I'm sure we will get through it together and hope to have the same positive results that you had with Lily....but selfishly hope this is a one time event for us!
