Tomorrow will be a sad day for me! :(

[Dixieland Dancer]

Tomorrow morning I take my Dixie to the vets to get spayed. Most of you know what a difficult decision this was for me to make. I know I am doing the right thing but this just makes it sooooo permanent. She was a great mom and I enjoyed having the puppies so much. It was the greatest joy! But it did age her and I love her so much I want to take all steps to make sure she is around for many many many many more years!

If the Lord wills there will be more puppies some day. Perhaps Dusty will be a father someday if we get him titled. I've already had people asking if we would but it is way to early to decide. I know I won't unless he is titled.

Here are a few pictures of Dixie and her babies when they were only 5 days old. These were taken on May 7, 2001.

http://www.photogra.com/galleries/35479/curr/1420330_20020211_120542_20020211120542.jpg

http://www.photogra.com/galleries/35479/curr/8510072_20020211_120626_20020211120626.jpg

[Gio]

I knew Dixie's appointment was coming up. We will all be there with you tomorrow with our thoughts. When you have a chance let us know how Dixie is doing.

Take care
Gio

The pictures are beautiful, Dixie looks like a wonderful mother

[Logan]

Oh, what precious memories you have with those pictures, Candy. :) I know you will be glad when tomorrow is over. Don't second guess your decision. Your Dixie will be home in no time and ready for lots and lots of attention!!! :D And I know she will get it!!!

Kiss her for us, and if you need support while she's away, just head in here, and we'll be here for you. :)

[aly]

Dixie will be just fine. I'm happy you decided to spay her. She looks like a wonderful, loving mother. But every mother needs a break, right? :)

Good luck with the appointment and be sure to give her some extra TLC to help her soreness.

[tatsxxx11]

Hi Candy. Oh, what precious "Mommy memories" you have of Dixie and her wee ones! The pictures are so very beautiful. Tomorrow will be hard for you I know. But I think for sure you are making the right decision. We will all be keeping you in our hearts and our thoughts. Before long, she will be home with HER Mommy, looking ahead to a wonderful, carefree life filled with all the attention and love her heart can hold! Please give your beautiful girl a big hug and kiss from me. We'll be thinking of you both all day!! Love, Sandra

[purrley]

Dixie will be just fine and you'll be happy in the long run that you've done this - easier on you and her for sure - I'll be thinking of your sweet baby tomorrow and let us know how she made out:) :)

[lizbud]

Dixieland Dancer,

Try not to worry about Dixie. She has done her job
Beautifully !!! Think of all the Beautiful, sound, healthy
Adorable Babies she brought into this world.Each one
going to good & loving homes...You've both done a
very good job...Prayers for a quick recovery for Dixie.

[Sudilar]

Good luck tomorrow. Before you know it, Dixie will be up and running around!! :) Shiloh felt so good that she jumped the baby gate that was put up to keep her from running around!:rolleyes: Keep us posted!

[AmberLee]

{{{Candy, Dixie}}},

You are doing the right thing. Now to be calm and strong and brave so that Dixie can be calm and heal up well and quickly. She'll do better if you are okay. You did a lot of thinking about this, and it's the right decision for the both of you. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Candy, I know this is bitter sweet for you. It is for me as well. Sweet because that heart dog of yours will have the pleasure of living out the rest of her years without the strain and stress of motherhood. Bitter because I know how badly you yearn for another litter of puppies, and I would have LOVED to buy one of Dixie's puppies. Too bad I didn't know you when she had her litter :) Those pictures are priceless. Look at that beautiful, maternal smile on Dixie's face. I really love Dixie, she's such an angel.

It's so wonderful of you to be making this decision and I wish Dixie a quick recovery from her surgery. I will be thinking about Dixie all day tomorrow.

[C.C.'s Mom]

Good Luck Dixieland Dancer. I'll be thinking of you and your beautiful dog all day.

Those pictures are so wonderful. I showed them my husband and he said it was amazing to see the love in her eyes for her babies.

[mugsy]

Let us know how it goes with Dixie. You will be surprised at how easily she gets through it all.

[Logan]

Dixie,
I was talking with my friend, Robin, yesterday. She has been going back and forth on this same thing with her Maggie (who is Lilly's mother). Maggie has just had the one litter (14 puppies) and she was a terrific mother. Robin "knows" more now than she did then and was doing all the appropriate hip certifications at the urging of her vet. Maggie has arthritis, but perfect hips. She has made the decision, like you, to spay her. And it has broken her heart. I think it is the right decision, but completely understand the dilemma for both of you, since you have such beautiful, maternal girls.
Hope Dixie has a good day today. Report in when you can.
Logan

[Dixieland Dancer]

I gave her a bath last night so she would be nice and clean and then I dropped her off this morning. It was a very emotional thing for me and I'm sure they thought I was nuts for boo hooing. They even suggested I cancel it and think it over more. I said no, I know I'm doing the right thing but she is my baby. I cried all the way to work after dropping her off. I'm okay now but there is this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I have very fond memories of her and her puppies and even have the biggest baby boy to show for it! I could not of asked for a more perfect puppy than Dusty and I have Dixie to thank for it!

I know some of you are probably thinking what's the big deal! I know it's not that tramatic of a deal but I would of liked to have another litter of her puppies! It is now a permanent decision that I can't. Thank you for letting me ramble. ;)

I am just a little confused. I thought I would be able to pick her up late this afternoon but they told me I can't pick her up until tomorrow afternoon. They want to administer pain medication and make sure she eats tomorrow morning. Is this normal? I think she would be better off with me taking care of her. :confused:

[purrley]

I think its pretty standard that the vet likes to keep a female over night to make sure everything is OK - the drugs are worn off, etc. She's in good hands. Everything will be fine, don't worry.:)

[C.C.'s Mom]

I think it's so good that they keep her overnight. I got a very sick Cookie home when she got neutered and getting her through the night was hearthbreaking with no sleep, a Cookie with fever, and me full with worries and tears.

She'll be fine, really.

[Randi]

Dixieland Dancer! I know you've been thinking hard about this and I'm sure you're doing the right thing here! Don't worry she'll be fine in a couple of days - and remember;The vet is used to dealing with this all the time. :) And she won't feel a thing!

Well, I may get a bit sidetracked here, but our cat got neutered some years ago and stayed at the vets for at least 3 days after (he was at the time a backyard cat) and was put back in the yard together with his mum. No problem! .:cool: He was even filmed during the process! A TV station was doing a childrens programme about cats living in backyards and what could be done for them. So we've got it on video.

Chin up! :D

[kobieeli]

You did the right thing, and your baby will be home safely tomorrow. It's common practice to keep the females overnight to make sure they're ready to go, so don't worry--but I know tonight will be weird for you without her. Dixie will be so happy to see you tomorrow. :) Give her lots of love and don't laugh if she has to wear a lampshade for a day or two!

[Logan]

Dixie, I had it both ways. When Dr. Robinson did Honey's surgery, he kept her overnight and I picked her up the next morning. With Lilly, he told me that if she woke up ok, I could come and get her so I could watch over her. That was one sick girl....lots of throw ups for 24 hours and hardly could lift her head. I think they keep them many times so we don't have to see them when the anesthesia is wearing off. Honey was almost like her old self by the time I picked her up! I'm sure she was just as sick as Lilly, I just didn't have to witness it. But I wasn't there to comfort her either :( .

Your girl will be fine, and so happy to see you tomorrow!! Call and check on her too! That will make you feel better, I'm sure. :)

[Dixieland Dancer]

I called to check up on Dixie. She is sleeping and came through the surgery fine. I asked if there was someone going to be there with her tonight. The answer was no. The last person leaves there at 9:00 pm and no one comes in until 6:00 am. I realize she might be sick and my night might not go very well but I still think she's better off at home where I can take care of her. If she does throw up, is she going to have to lay in it all night???

I feel like I've betrayed her. She depends on me to care for her and now I won't be there when she might need me. :( Why isn't there someone at the vet's office 24 hours for such a need as this?

Thanks everyone for giving me cheerful encouragement! You guys are the best!!!

[Sudilar]

Maybe you could ask that same question to the vet. My vet always lets my Killian come home. Even when he was in detox, I had to pick him up late and then bring him back in the early a.m. Killian doesn't do well in a cage. He gets very nervous and agitated. :(

Good luck! Glad to hear that the surgery went fine!!

[Pam]

DixielandDancer, I am so glad to hear that Dixie made it through the surgery all right. I read this post last night and my heart melted at the pictures of Dixie and her babies. I do feel that you have done the right thing for her. You have Dixie's son and what a gift she has given you with him!!!

My dogs were all allowed to come home in the evening after their surgeries. No one threw up but I do remember them being extremely groggy and just wanting to sleep and have some peace and quiet. Maybe it's best that Dixie stay at the vet's for some much needed rest and then she'll be more like her old self tomorrow. Try not to worry too much about her (easy for me to say right?). Just say a little prayer for her and the good Lord will take it from there. :)

[AdoreMyDogs]

Candy, I have been thinking about you and Dixie all day, non stop. I know that's so hard to leave Dixie there overnight with no one to take care of her :( The vet I used to work at also had those hours and it's tough :( I am so sorry that she has to be alone tonight, but she will be OK. It will be just one bad night and you will make it up to her when you get her back I know.

I am pleased to hear Dixie made it out of her surgery OK. I am sending lots of love to her today and, since dogs have proven themselves to be telepathic, I will say a few nice words and send my love and sympothy to her tonight as I look up at the stars.

[tatsxxx11]

Candy, I'm so happy to hear that Dixie came throught with flying colors. And I totally understand your distress at learning that she would be there overnight with no one in attendence. Being a nurse, and a recovery room nurse at that. I was shocked and like you, quite concerned that no one was there 24hrs. But from speaking with friends, I've learned that this seems to be the common pracitce, with only the most sophisticated "hospitals" having a three shift staff. I was told the major reason for keeping the females overnight is to absolutely insure that they will remain quiet, sedated and confined as to not disturb the incision line. They're afraid that being home, as the anesthesia wears off, they might become too excited and agitated. Please do not feel as though you have betrayed her!! I'm sure she will sleep soundly through the night. And before you know it, morning will be here and she'll be home with you, safe and sound!:) I'm sending you and your precious, beautiful Dixie all my prayers and lots of love and hugs. Can't wait to hear she's back in your arms again!!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Candy, I am soooo glad, that the surgery went well!!!:) ;) I'm sure that she'll be perfectley fine, at the vet's overnight!;) Lots of love!

Sarah & Sadie:)

[C.C.'s Mom]

I'm so happy that she made it through the operation. Today you'll get her home again and you can comfort her, kiss and hug her all day. Give your sweet girl a big kiss from us - she's worth it.

[Pam]

Today is the special day! I bet you were up early. Please let us know how your reunion with Dixie went and how she is doing. You have been on my mind.

[purrley]

Like everyone else I'm so glad Dixie got through her operation OK and I'm awaiting an update on her being home safe and sound with you. I'm sure she slept through the night, unlike you, and you'll be happy to have her home.

[Dixieland Dancer]

The vets office wants me to wait until noon to pick her up. She has not had anything to eat yet and they are trying to get her to do that now. If I know my Dixie she will wait until she sees me to eat.

Dusty had a terrible night. He had me up several times with his pacing, sighing, and restlessness. He misses his momma. Last night was the first time they were separated at night since he was born. He even threw up around 2:30 AM. :eek: I tried to comfort him but he knew his momma wasn't there.

I can't wait to see her again! Thanks again everyone for helping me through this!

[Stenograsaurus]

Less than three hours to go until the reunion!!!! I'm so glad everything went well with the operation. I'm sure Dusty is anxiously awaiting Dixie's return. It will be a happy day in Dixieland's house this afternoon. Dusty, take it easy on your momma today. Give her a couple days to heal before you guys start playing again.
It's amazing how these dogs get attached to each other. When my one dog died, the other dog came to bed that night and was completely lost. He kept walking around looking for Kilo. It's so sad to witness that. There's nothing we can do to comfort them. :(
Well, I kind of got off the subject there. Anyway, I'm so glad everyone will be united again today!!! Give Dixie a hug and a kiss from me.

[Stenograsaurus]

Less than three hours to go until the reunion!!!! I'm so glad everything went well with the operation. I'm sure Dusty is anxiously awaiting Dixie's return. It will be a happy day in Dixieland's house this afternoon. Dusty, take it easy on your momma today. Give her a couple days to heal before you guys start playing again.
It's amazing how these dogs get attached to each other. When my one dog died, the other dog came to bed that night and was completely lost. He kept walking around looking for Kilo. It's so sad to witness that. There's nothing we can do to comfort them. :(
Well, I kind of got off the subject there. Anyway, I'm so glad everyone will be reunited again today!!! Give Dixie a hug and a kiss from me.

[Albea]

WELCOME BACK HOME SWEET DIXIE!!!
Your mommy and your son will be soooo happy to have you with them again :D
Be a good girl and take it easy for a while. Carina and I send you many, many hugs and kisses with Golden wishes for a quick recovery.

[tatsxxx11]

Well....Is she home yet????????:)


WELCOME HOME DEAR DIXIE!!!

[lizbud]

I hope Momma is just "counting the hairs" & making
sure Dixie is as comfortable as possible after her
surgery.... Feel better soon, sweet Dixie !!!

Buddy & I send Good Wishes you way ...

[AdoreMyDogs]

Dixie, I bet your momma is so glad to have you home that she's simply too busy pampering you to go on the computer :) You have such a good momma, Dixie :) Good, brave Dixie girl :)

[Dixieland Dancer]

Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I spent all day with her yesterday and didn't want her to move around much so I stayed in the living room with her (away from the computer).

Dixie was soooo happy to see me when I picked her up that she buried her head in my shoulder and talked to me for almost 5 minutes before she would back away. She is a talker with her moans of joy. We finished at the vets and my heart broke on the way home as she whined in low groans of pain all the way home. :(

She immediately went to check on Dusty when we got home but I had to restrain him since he was being a little too rough. Then I seperated them. I made a really comfy spot for her and I laid with her for a couple of hours just petting her. When my son came home, he laid with her and then finally fell asleep. She really didn't move much at all for the entire night.

At bed time she resumed her spot on the bed with obvious joy in her eyes. She slept soundly all night! This morning she was a little perkier but it will take time for her to get back to her active self.

I have finally resolved myself to the fact that she will not be having any more puppies and I am comfortable with the decision now.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers during the entire situation. It has made a big difference knowing that I have cyber friends who share my passion of pets and who did not think I was totally crazy for getting so upset over this! You guys are great!!!! :D :D

[Gio]

WELCOME HOME DIXIE!!!

I'm so happy that everything went well. :) :) Give Dixie a huge hug from me.

[Logan]

I'm so glad she's home and settled. What a good mama and brother she has to lie there with her and stroke her while she is recuperating. Hug that girl for me too, and give Dusty an extra treat! Poor boy, he missed his mama!!! :)

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Ok! Where have I been and most importantly, where has my head been? I knew Dixie going in to get spayed, but I totally forgot about it. :( I am so sorry that I was an airhead and wasn't here to help comfort you during that time. I have been so busy with work.

Anyhow, I am glad that Dixie is back home and that she is doing well. What a relief it must be now that she is with you , Dusty, and the rest of the family! When Drake was neutered, he was supposed to spend the night. Andrew and I went to visit him and the vet said tha we could take him home. He said that Drake was doing exeptionally well. He was adopted on a Thursday and neutured in the very next Monday. Andrew and I were miserable because we felt like we had abandoned the Draker. But all in all we came out alright!

Get Well Soon, Dixie girl!

[tatsxxx11]

Candy, I am so happy for you and Dixie!! How special that "first hug" from Mom must have felt!!!!! Please give dear, sweet Dixie a big hug from me too!! I know that kisses and lots of extra loving for this brave girl are in great abundance today!:)

[KYS]

WELCOME BACK HOME DIXIE!!

Hi Dix, Sheba, Rocky and Pepper here to wish
you a very safe and welcome surgery home comming.
Get plenty of rest and soon you will be better
in no time. Ruff Ruff!!

[shais_mom]

I am so glad that Dixie Girl came thru her surgery.
I know you did the right thing. :)
Keegan goes in Thurs morning for her surgery.
If it were me I would insist on them keeping her overnight. Shaianne had a simple mole removal off of her leg and they kept her overnight. And the day after I brought her home was when she had her first seizure. So Keegan's surgery makes me nervous anyway. Besides, I have to work Thurs night, so I won't be able to be with her anyway, but I am off on Friday so I can spend all day with her when I go and get her.
I feel better about Keegan's surgery knowing Dixie came thru so well.
Hugs and kisses!

[AdoreMyDogs]

I am glad Dixie is back home in the loving arms of her sweet family. I hope all continues to get better, and I am glad that you now are comfortable with your decision to have the procedure done.

Don't worry, I completely understood and felt your dilema. I felt your pain through out your decision and I also now rejoice in your decision to make it permenant.

[mugsy]

Isn't amazing how quickly they bounce back? When Sox got spayed, we had to restrain her from playing too hard when we got home!! We are also overprotective parents and we have our vet trained now that he doesn't even suggest that they stay overnight and just tells us to pick them up at 5pm!! lol We figure that we can clean up any messes they make and they are with someone all night.

[Dixieland Dancer]

I have tried the things I know she likes and she still doesn't want to eat. Tonight I am going to try ground up hamburger sirloin and rice. She is drinking though so that is a good thing!

She was more active today but still is having some apprehension about going up and down stairs. She gets on the bed fine though! :rolleyes:

[kobieeli]

Dixie, girl, this is Kobie here...

I have to tell you, EAT SOMETHING or else your mom will be a basketcase! Moms are like that, you know--your mom probably hasn't let you out of her sight since you came home, right? My mom followed me around for four days after my fixin'! (But then, I was wearing that #@%$! lampshade--I'll bet you don't need one of those.)

Cheer up, Dixie! Have a snack! Don't worry your mother like this! :D

-Kobie

[tatsxxx11]

Hi Dixie...Star here. Yup, it's true. Mom's get reeeeeeeeel upset if we don't eat our krunchies:( Just take it nice an easy and let your mommy fuss all over you. It makes them feel better!! I know yer feelin a little woozy and under the clouds right now, but don't worry Dixie pal...just between us girls, you'll be back to your ole self in no time! Love and slurppy licks and wiggles, your pals, Star and Cody

[Dixieland Dancer]

I cooked the hamburger and rice last night and she didn't even want that but she woke up this morning with an appetite! She ate her krunchies mixed with some hamburger and rice.

She seems to be doing much better today and goes in on Friday to have the stitches removed.

[Albea]

Good girl Dixie! This is Carina. My mom and I are very happy to know you are eating again. I'm sure you'll feel much better with some yummy hamburger in your belly ;) Keep it up; your family, who love you so much, will soon stop worrying when they see you prancing about and playing with your baby boy again. Many hugs and kisses with Golden wishes for a quick recovery.

[Gio]

When I had tooth surgery the anesthetic (sp) made me feel sickly for 2-3 days and only the thought of food made me feel worse. I expect it was the same for Dixie too. I'm glad she is getting her appetite back... Dixie beware, when my furkids heard that your mom was cooking hamburger and rice they almost invited themselves over for dinner!

[Former User]

I've been following this threat too and I'm so glad to hear Dixie has eaten! Good girl! And she's so adorable!

[Logan]

So glad that Dixie is feeling better!! There is something comforting about seeing them eat!! :)

[Dixieland Dancer]

Originally posted by Logan
So glad that Dixie is feeling better!! There is something comforting about seeing them eat!! :)

VERY COMFORTING!!!!

Thanks again for all the well wishes and encouragement everyone. Dixie is almost back to her normal self. She was actually wrestling around with Dusty yesterday and I had to break it up since she still has stitches that need removed.

The stitches come out on Friday.

[Sudilar]

Great news!

[AdoreMyDogs]

'atta girl, Dixie. :) :) :)

[purrley]

So happy to hear Dixie is getting back to normal. You made a wise and loving decision. Dixie sounds like such a wonderful dog. :)