First and foremost, Jake is home, resting, in a bit of pain, but is still his sweet, mellow self. I picked him up about 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon. He walked to the car and climbed in all by himself. I almost cried with relief. He came through the surgery in good shape and while we won’t know if that growth was cancerous or not for a few weeks, he’s home and for all intents and purposes, healthy.
This is one of my favorite Jake pics. He was sleeping hard on my bed doing a modified “dead cockroach” position. And yes, he was snoring.
This is a pic of him “on duty” as my service dog. Please note the long, fluffy tail. He’s a “stubby” now. The doctor wasn’t able to save his tail. There just wasn’t enough skin left to cover the open wound left by the tumor. I haven’t actually measured but I’m guessing he has about 8″ left. It’s more than enough. He goes back Friday to have his bandage and sutures checked. Because she had to take the tail, the vet was able to use some laser therapy which will help speed up healing. The main thing is, he is home, mostly comfortable–we have pain and anti-inflammatory meds for him, and life is settling back to a more normal routine. Not all the anxiety is gone–won’t be until the biopsy comes back–but I’m breathing a little easier and not prone to tearing up for no apparent reason. Thanks to all for the good thoughts and prayers.
Silver James 
:HUGS: Poor Jake. Fingers crossed the biopsy comes out as benign. If not, I hope they got it all. Hang in there and take some ‘me time’ to care for yourself. :hugs:
He seems fine today. Doesn’t seem concerned with the bandage and he doesn’t act like he’s in any significant pain. *knocks wood* He can have a pain pill every 8 hours. I’ve only given him two so far–last night and this morning. He’s due one now but I’m debating it. If he’s not uncomfortable, the fight over giving him the pill can do more harm. I may wait until time for the anti-inflammatory–which IS necessary. We’ll see.
Bless his little heart (and tail) Poor puppy! He looks like such a sweetheart! Surely, even if it is a malignancy, being on his tail should make it easy to get it all. Prayers…for both of you! ♥
The vet amputated a few inches above where the growth was. That was mainly due to the lack of skin to close the wound. Hopefully, it was benign and we’re done with things once he heals.
And yes. He is very sweet–an old soul that just wants to love and comfort and be loved and comforted. Thank you for the prayers. ❤
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Hugs to Jake, you and LG. I love his sleeping dead cockroach💗. You have a good vet. My prayers are continuing to be sent for Jake’s recovery and clean biopsy results.
Hang in there.🙏🤗
I don’t know what it is about our big dogs but the dying cockroach/IKEA dog positions they get into are hysterical! And thanks! ❤