Tim, I think that you have handled yourself very well, and i commend you! I Myself like the look of cropped ears, and I understand the need for a dog as protection! I used to spend 90% of my time alone with my children as my husband was in the Army and traveled alot! I got myself a 120# Rottweiler, just for piece of mind, and it worked! he may have been the worlds sweetest teddybear, but no one else knew that! I hope she makes it out of surgey okay, and I know that you will be taking the best care of her! good luck! By the way, she is looking fabulous, and is just adorable!!