I took Rookie out for walkies at 20.00, but people were already discharging fireworks, and now "la fête" is in full swing, and it's still an hour to midnight!
If only these people could see how terrified animals are by the noise that their so-called "pleasure" creates.

I have been thinking about Abby today, and of the most joyful reunion your family - canine and human - will have tomorrow. How fortunate we are to share our lives with our animal companions.

Once again, Happy New Year to you ALL!

The doctor called as promised and said we could pick Abby up at 5:00 pm. A bit late but it was when the doctor would have time to talk to us. I made use of the time at home to finish installing the stair gates (stairs are off limits to Abby). It's been years since I had to childproof a home. Stair gates have come a long way since then.

Well Abby was so excited to see us, her tail was wagging and she looks pretty good. Her surgery was done from the underside of her neck where she has a large incision that is covered by a bandage. Sutures must be removed in about 10 days. She has various medications to take this week. She is a bit hoarse and the doctor said that could be as the surgery is near the trachea and there would have been tubes down her throat.

We already bought a different harness to put on her that would not irritate her neck, though we only need it to take her to and from the car. She is not allowed to go for walks for 5 weeks. She is only allowed outside in the garden, and she must have no boisterous play.

At the tierspital we used of the new ramps we bought to help her walk up into the cage in the van. She walked up it without any hesitation. Abby is not good with new things. I think she must have been looking forward to to going home. She loves the car and we put a bed in the cage so she would be comfortable. She slept all the way home.

The other two dogs were waiting by the front door. We have glass panes on both sides of the door, the dogs love them as they can see who is coming. They were both very happy to see Abby, all tails wagging furiously. They sniffed her very carefully.

The next challenge, or so we thought, would be the indoor ramp. We have 4 stairs to the living/dining area and we bought a long ramp. Abby went down this without any hesitation. The other two have had a couple of days to practise. They prefer the stairs but we have to block them so Abby won't take them.

Usually we don't feed the dogs in the kitchen as we have a fantastic hobbyroom but it is downstairs, so the kitchen it is. The other two dogs are a bit confused but we cannot risk Abby attempting the stairs.

Abby is used to having the run of the house, sometimes she sleeps upstairs, other times downstairs. I hope she adjusts to her new situation.

The Tierspital will be sending us the bill. I guess we are such good customers there they are not worried about payment on the spot.

It is really good to have Abby back home. It has meant a lot to have everyone's support this week. Thanks ever so much.

Soooooo pleased to hear that Abby is back home!

And what a clever girl, learning to use the ramps so quickly.


Wishing her all the best through her recovery.

What a home-coming that must have been! Continued positive thoughts coming Abby's way. She will be as good as new in a few weeks. Please give her a gentle hug from Rookie and myself.

Thanks for all the good wishes. Abby is doing really well. She was on medication for a week and one of the pills made her very thirsty so she had to go outside a lot. Her throat seemed to be quite sore from the operation but that is better now and she is done with the meds. Sutures will be removed on Monday.

She was quite tired, and happy to sleep a lot. The other two dogs have been very gentle with her. Hana is especially keeping a close eye on her. It is very sweet.

I think the worst part for Abby is not able to go for a walk, not the weather has been very nice, and being confined mainly to one floor of the house. She likes to go to different rooms of the house and now that is impossible. She keeps looking at the stair gates wondering if they will ever be removed. The parrot keeps calling her as well which is not helping matters. She is used to having her sleep near her cage.

The dog ramp is working well, all the dogs are using it. It is a bit inconvenient for us humans though.

I'm so happy that Abby is home and doing well...your other pups must be so relieved too. I hope she continues to heal well!

Only just saw this thread, Mrs D. Don't know how I could've missed it around Christmas. Gentle hugs to Abby for a speedy recovery. Big hugs to you and the other furred (including the diligent dogpa) ones and feathered one.

Yes, new year's eve was a tough time for our Lab, too, but luckily the rain meant only an hour of noise torture instead of 3 hours.

Just managed to read this thread again after my trip - I am so glad to hear that the surgery went well and Abby is back home with you all.

You and Mr Doolittle's commitment in ensuring that she is comfortable around the house, despite it being inconvenient for humans is really commendable. The things we gladly go through for our pets

Keep us updated and big kisses to Abby for a full recovery soon!

Trust Abby has totally recovered by now!

Abby is doing really well, thanks for asking.