Thanks Manda, I might try taking the collar off for a break sometime, but I probably couldn't get it back on, lol. I've just never had a dog have one of these things on before, and maybe it's just the way they look...but I feel so bad! lol. Of course it doesn't help that I have a dog that FREAKS out about it! I don't think Nebo would be good at leaving the stitches alone. He tends to bite himself often anyway (actually he likes to put the entire foot in his mouth).....and really enjoys licking things for long periods of time (especially my feet! and windows!)......Nebo is a baby too, he bawls if i hold him just to brush him. I don't think he's going to get used to it very fast at all.