Scary Dog Pic

Um, he looks much better standing up. Seriously.

He's adapting really well, by the way. Already playing with his ball and loving the many treats, hugs and toys we keep showering him with. He was already walking on a leash the morning after the surgery, which even impressed the doctor. He's still a little tentative from time to time, but already prefers taking the stairs down into the backyard instead of going out the side door, and he's doing all of the doggie things (eating, peeing, sleeping) just fine.

We did have one scary moment last night, however. The poor guy was sleeping on the couch (something mommy didn't let him do pre-cancer), and I nuzzled up to him and started petting his mane. He slowly came awake, then tried to sit up. I could see his remaning shoulder muscles moving under his scar, but he obviously couldn't find purchase with the missing limb. He started yelping like he was in pain, and wouldn't stop. I helped him off of the couch, thinking he was stuck, but he continued yelping. I grabbed him and held onto his neck for a minute, and he quickly calmed down. Apparently, he woke up from whatever dream he was having and had forgotten about his leg. So he freaked out as if it was the first time he was seeing it. Seriously, it was a very human, and amazingly sad, reaction. If you think about it, it's what the original surgery was probably like. One minute, we're bringing him into the vet's office--a place he actually likes to go--and the next, he's waking up without a leg. I know he's a moron, but I have to wonder what he thinks happened to the limb. Does he think one of the other dogs took it?

Anyway, he's doing well despite how bad it looks. I'll post some video of him playing soon, so you don't have to take my word for it.