A few years back country singer Tracy Byrd had a song called “Drinkin’ Bone.”
For the record, it’s a catchy tune so if you happen to google the song and it gets stuck in your head, don’t blame me. Cause’ I reckon most of you have never heard this song before so the odds of you getting ear worm are pretty slim.
Anywhoo, the lyrics go like this:
The drinkin’ bone’s connected to the party bone
The party bone’s connected to the stayin’ out all night long
And she won’t think it’s funny
And I’ll wind up all alone
And the lonely bone’s connected to the drinkin’ bone
Today I want to go on the record and say, my drinkin’ bone’s connected to the Sampson Stone.
First off, we are a week into the full ACL tear and Sampson has adjusted to getting around on three legs. He still waits as long as he possibly can to pee and poop, but lately he’s decided that a three-legged dog can do anything his four-legged sister can do.
I can scale this fence in a single bound.
I’ve taken to having him wear his collar and tags in the house when we are home. This serves three purposes. 1) It allows us to quickly hook him up to his leash to take him outside. 2) It gives us something to grab if he decides he’s wonder dog. 3) The tags jingle which helps keep tabs on what he’s up to.
Holy Woof-a-geddon, this dog is driving me to drink. By the time this ACL surgery and rehab is over, I’ll be in a different type of rehab. It’s like a drinking game for dog parents, every time Sampson does something he shouldn’t be doing, or I start worrying about the procedure, I take a drink. Thank goodness I have a ‘go-to’ alcohol no matter what time of day it is.
For instance Monday morning when Sampson came galloping into the bedroom, I knew he was intending on jumping on the bed. I sat strait up and screamed, “NO” just as he launched himself onto the bed.
The next words out of my mouth were, “Bring me the Carolans.” Thank goodness my co-worker just made a trip to New Hampshire and brought me back this large bottle. It should get me through next week.
Thank god for Carolans, and coffee. Of course it’s also good over ice.
My vet called me Monday afternoon to check and see how we were doing. I turned into a blubbering mess. Will he be scared sitting in a crate? He’s never stayed at overnight at the vets before. I’m comfortable with your practice, but I don’t know these people, what if they have a bad person working there? I ended up crying on the phone.
Thankfully Sangria is the perfect afternoon drink.
After I gathered my wits about me, I called my vet’s office and asked for her voice-mail. I wanted to apologize for my earlier freak out. That didn’t turn out so well. I ended up crying again.
A nice glass of vodka on the rocks is perfect for sipping in the late afternoon.
Monday night I went downstairs to visit my mom while Hubby worked on getting a fire started in the fireplace. When I came back upstairs Sampson was on the couch! How did he get there? I asked.
Hubby turned, puzzled and stared at the couch, then back at me. “I don’t know, I was working on the fire” he muttered.
I rolled my eyes, “Would you like to join me in a shot of Tequila?” I asked.
The phone rang, it was my vet assuring me I had nothing to apologize for. Our dogs are like family members and it’s natural for us to be upset and worried in situations such as these.
After a lovely ten minute chat we hung up with her advising me to have a beer.
Yesterday I pulled on my big girl panties and called the specialist. (For the record, the receptionist was wonderful, she and I laughed quite a bit throughout this conversation.)
Me: I’m very anxious about this surgery.
Receptionist: You have an amazing surgeon.
Me: Yes I know, but it’s not him I’m worried about. I have a few questions.
Q: Is Sampson going to be alone in a kennel? He’s used to our vet staff and I know the staff goes back and loves on him all day long. He’s a very social dog, he loves people.
A: There will be someone with Sampson all day long, he will get plenty of attention.
Q: I understand he’s going to be shaved and catheterized, will he be sedated while that’s being done?
A: Oh yes, he will be sedated for that.
Q: I’m worried that he’ll be scared sitting in a crate all day. Can I bring something of mine to stay with him? I have to drop him off in the morning and his surgery isn’t until the afternoon.
A: Oh no, his surgery is scheduled for the morning (around 9:00) he will be up and moving about at least a couple of times that day. He will go outside to potty. And yes, you can certainly bring something in to keep in his kennel.
Q: Will you call me after the surgery?
A: The Dr. will call you after the surgery.
Q: How’s your kennel staff? Are they nice? Competent?
A: The kennel staff is wonderful. You can call at anytime up until 7:45 pm to check on him.
Me: I’m sorry, it’s me. I’m a nervous mom. I’m the one that needs to be sedated. Actually, this dog is driving me to drink, in fact I’m drinking now.
YO, someone, anyone! I’m gonna need another bottle of wine over here!
Don’t believe everything you read. She drinks because she likes it. Would a face this cute lie to you?
Ahh you poor sweet worrying chikita! BOL! I feel for you! I SO wish there were something I could do to help you feel better, but you are a worried pawrent and nothing will fix how you feel until it is all passed you. If I had a bottle of wine I would send it to you in the mail!! But I can’t stand the taste! Not a wine drinker, now a little vodca now and then, your talking my language! Take care and just know that Sampson will be just fine and he will be back home and back on the road to healing in no time.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I just absolutely loved this!!! BOL!!! I know how you feel though. Having our furbabies going through something like this, WE are going through it. Yes, it does drive you to drink. Even if it is a short drive 😉
Sending lots of huggles for you and Sampson. If I lived near you, I would be joining you in the drinking mode if I hadn’t already had enough to drink.
I think when it goes wrong it is sometimes harder on us than it is on them. The worry and the stress sure are major factors and there is nothing worse than trying to enforce rest on an animal that doesn’t want it. We send calming peaceful vibes to you but we know they will be as useful as a chocolate teapot. You do whatever you need to get through it.
Hugs.
Best wishes Molly
Im always a total wreck before any dog surgery and I agree thank god for booze at times like that
retro rover
I don’t blame you. I was worried sick about Emma’s lip surgery and Bailie getting spayed. I would have been a worse mess if they had needed to spend the night. It will be hard and he will do stuff he isn’t supposed to, but you can only do so much. Hopefully, a few months down the road you will be able to smile and/or laugh about some of the currently stressful incidents.
This is one of my all time favorite blog posts. You realize you’re not alone, right? There’s a humongous crowd of dog peeps who feel exactly the same as you. However, you wrote about it so perfectly and with such humor! When my Ben had his amputation, I think the vet figured I’d just move into the kennel with him 😉 Hang in there and make another run to the liquor store!
I wish I was there so I could keep you company and drink with you during your time of need – sending you the biggest hugs ever, lady.
Its hard when they are away and sick, but I am sure Sampson will be fine there. Try to keep the faith. 🙂
We feel your pain… When Ernie had to have surgery…. Mom CRIED and CRIED and she Stayed in the Vet’s waiting room Waiting to hear that all was well.
We understand and we support you… BOTTOMS UP.
I would be the same way. If I lived closer, I would bring wine and help you stay calm.
I like your style 🙂 I would be there in a heartbeat if I was closer to keep you company! Big hugs to you both!
This is exactly how I have been since January with Leroy! I’m settling down a bit now, thankfully!
Oh how I wish we lived closer because I would be right there with a beer next to you. (I can’t drink the hard stuff)
I love this! My dogs drive me to drink sometimes too! There is nothing wrong with a little Irish Cream in one’s coffee, I say.
You expressed so well what our dogs often do to us. But isn’t it wonderful to have such an assortment of bottled comfort to turn to.?
Siriusly, this surgery was once experimental but it has been around for years and is almost routine today,
First of all, I know that song very well, and I love Tracy Byrd! I’ve actually seen him in concert a couple of times.
Oh, you made me laugh (as always). My drink of choice is wine….but all of your stuff sounds good too. 🙂
It’s such a good thing that Sampson has adjusted and is feeling up to trying all of those things, but I know, it’s a bad thing he is trying all of those things. I’m so glad that everyone has been nice and understanding, and at least you got the good news that the surgery will be in the morning now. It will all be over soon and he’ll be back home giving you more reasons to drink.
I love that last photo…it’s so true. I have plenty of excuses for why I need a glass of wine, but the truth is I just like it!
Dear, dear Miss Jodi, what’m I to do with you? If I could, I’d hop on a plane and come get you and take you to Outback for a Blackberry Sangria or 3! I’d gladly take on some of your worry for you if I could. I’m more concerned about you than about Sampson. I know HE’LL be fine, before, during and after the surgery. Does he have a favorite, indestructible toy that you could leave for him? You’ll be fine, too, once your boy is home, recuperating. Just keep your smile handy so you can grab it when you need it! Call me if you want to…I’ve got a sturdy shoulder to cry on.
Sounds like he’s going to be in very good hands – but of course you’ll still worry! Wish I could come over and join you in a marg or a vodka beverage of some sort. (I’m not much of an Irish cream girl though…) How are you going to keep yourself distracted on surgery day? (I guess that’s a silly question after all the enjoyable adult beverages you just listed…) 😉
I totally feel you! I don’t drink, but I have seriously considered it this past week. And even said a few times “I need a drink.” I actually called up Riley’s knee surgeon about an hour ago because she’s back to yelping and limping (she jumped up into the back of my car yesterday before I had a chance to grab her and lift her up, then she jumped up on our loveseat when my sister was leaving my house earlier). These dogs are going to kill us, I swear!
I had the same questions as you before Riley’s first surgery (although, I didn’t ask some of them). Anyway, they’re monitored around the clock after the surgery and during their overnight stay (well at the surgeon’s office I took Riley to, but it sounds like it’s the same deal at Sampson’s surgeon’s office). A big plus for you is probably that now these people know that you’re going to ask a bunch of questions about how his recovery was while he was there overnight, so he might get some extra attention! 🙂 Or else they’ll just say, “Oh God, this is that crazy alcoholic lady…everybody hide!!” 😉
First, I want to send you a hug, and second, thank you for a good giggle. Sometimes humor is the best way to deal with things that upset us. And if you happen to have a little alcohol to help you along, all the better! I really think you need to come to Vegas to help you recover from all this…
Sampson! You’re driving your mom to the ….AA meeting in the church basement. Quit jumping around like a big ole kangaroo!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Although you can make this funny, I know it’s not for you! Good for asking all those questions as a loving mom should! Will it be in the AM as she told you? That should make u feel alil better??? Praying for the best for you and your baby!
Lovely mix of booze you’re resorting to!
I knew you were a woman after my own heart!
Oh Jodi…although this post is hysterical…I also see that you are hysterical in another way. I’m so sorry that you are full of worry. I understand, and I wish there was something I could say or do that would help. Hang in there. I hope the weekend flies by and this is done and over with and Sampson is home with you where he belongs. (((Hugs)))
lol this was great, it’s only natural that you are so concerned, he is your baby and I would expect nothing other than what you are doing. on a side note, the ligament is already torn so he shouldn’t hurt himself if he jumps on the bed or doing things. 😉 I drink irish cream in my coffee if I’m not working, you think I got’s a problem? We can sit in rehab together and laugh our asses off.
Oh, man, I think alcohol is the only way I could handle this, too. Especially the staying overnight part. That would make me a wreck.
Awww…poor baby…..you…of course. Lol. I know..its really hard…they are our babies and you cant help but worry…it will be harder on you…he will be sedated and by the time he realizes whats up..you will be there…now a little sedation for you is in order…take a sleeping pill…get a good nites sleep…once he is hime…even though it will be hard to rest him…you will feel so much better!!!!
Be strong my friend…you know he can read your feelings!!!!
We popped over from Molly blog ~with well wishes for you both.
Our sweet girl Jayda had ACL probs a little over a year ago so we
know the feeling !
She does really well now getting around the farm again , is on a good
joint supplement as well.
Take care,
Willow and the dogs