Hi everyone! I have a dog and 2 cats. My surgery is in 2 weeks. Someone on this board suggested I might want to board my dog (she's 8 months old and very rambunctious). So, I agree I will board the dog for a few days while I recover. Cats should be fine, right? They're pretty independent unless they want to cuddle. Should I have my dad take my cats for a few days while I recover or keep them with me?

I have two schnauzers and they knew that I was hurt when I got home from hospital when Ihad my surgery. One just sat by my feet and the other one laid ever so close to me to let me know he was there for me until I healed and could play with him again. The first night I slept on couch because I hurt so bad and was awake every hour on the hour and the nurse had told me to walk just around the room to prevent any blood clots from forming. My little schnauzer got up with me every single time and walked around the living room with me and laid back down to nap every time for the first two days. What a comfort to have someone with me 24/7 when I hurt so bad. He is usually in the play mode every day but not when I had my surgery, he was my comfort companion when everybody else was sound asleep. You would be surprised how much they sense when you don't feel good. good luck and enjoy the comfort of your companion.

I also have two small dogs. When I was banded 2 months ago one is was 8 months and 4 lbs, the other was 4 months and 6 lbs. They were very rambunctious (still are!) and required a lot of taking out side (we live on the second floor and we were still potty training!) The first few days were a bit difficult, I did have one instance where I was jumped on, but it only happened once, and while it hurt it wasn't unbearable! The hardest part was bending down to pick them up and put them down, the pillow idea is awesome, and just taking it slow and putting pressure on my port incision is how I did it! I loved being home with them everyday, they kept me company and gave me an excuse to get outside, I think it really helped speed up my healing Good Luck in whatever you decide and on your new journey!

I have 2 dogs (Boston Terriers) that like to jump and stand on my abdomen. When I got home, they knew something was up and were very careful around me. The hardest part was hooking up leashes to go for walks, but it is nice having company when going on the many walks you will need to take to help with gas pain. It might be a little tough to bend down to pick up or fill water/food bowls, but do a squat instead of a bend at the waist and you should be fine.

My Wife and I have two cats. My 4th day post op one of the cats jumped on me while I was sleeping. It was not pleasant at all. She jumped from the floor directly on to my stomach as I was sleeping on my back in bed. I was hurting for a while and I have a pretty good tolerance for pain.

Definitely sleep with a pillow over your stomach...

I have 5 cats and a goldern rechever i must admit that for the frist few days they were imporent the cats just layed by me and the dog became my reson to walk as she needed walks i think she speed up my recovery time. I am 3 weeks today and feel great

My dog just came home yesterday and I had surgery on Monday. I sure did miss him, but i had a friend who also has a dog keep him for me. It was nice not having to walk him at least the day after surgery, but I think having him home would have forced me to walk, which I did a few times today. He knows I'm not myself, sniffed all around my chair when he came in and has been laying with me. I live alone, so he's crucial for my recovery, good company and walks are needed.

Well, last week I pulled a muscle in my back and was in PAIN. I tried walking my pup, but I could barely move and with all her pulling, etc, I ended up putting her in day care (which she loves!). She's a big puppy 50lbs at 8 months old. So, for me it sealed my decision to put her in daycare or boarding for a few days while I heal from surgery. I might even have a friend who will take her, which is better than boarding!

I can imagine that a 50 lb. puppy would be a handful. They seem to have an endless amount of energy. It's good to have a friend who can take your pup till you can manage.

My dog is 12 - 13 lb. I was mainly concerned with bending over to hook his leash. I'll have to remember the small pillow for bending over. He does sleep next to me at night and is a great comfort.

I have three dogs and a cat and had no issues with them being here what so ever. My youngest dog was only 1 yr old at the time. My DH works swing shift so I had to take care of them pretty much by myself and did fine. Dogs were very intuitive and could tell I was "sick" so they were very gentle.

What does DH mean?

At the time I had surgery I had seven cats, four dogs, and two horses. We managed just fine, but I live in a situation where I don't have to walk the dogs several times a day. It obviously makes a difference if one has a fifty pound puppy!

Sorry, DH means "darling husband"

Sorry, DH means "darling husband"

Oh okay, Thanks. I had seen it on here before but didn't know what it meant.