So two days ago, we took Lucy to the Humane Society of NY to get spayed. It was such an emotional day for us because we have never been apart from her for more than a few hours in a day. When we were told that we had to leave her overnight as she recovered, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest in protest. I now not only had to worry about the actual procedure, but also had to spend the entire night worrying about her well being in general. You see, I'm a very concerned mother. A little obsessive, but very concerned. As we sat there in the waiting room, with one very rambunctious and rowdy dog called "Sparky", and about a dozen cats all waiting to be spayed, my emotions were going a little haywire.

I felt like I was lying to her. I felt a ton of guilt like here we are, waiting, to leave you so complete strangers can cut you open to remove...your lady bits. Great. I felt grand, I felt...like last  night's dinner was about to pay me a visit. I felt like an idiot for feeling these things. I tried rationalizing with myself saying things like "It's just a dog. They've done this a million times. It's only one night. She'll be fine. You'll be fine. Stop being ridiculous." With every reason, I had an answer for. My little so-called pep talk did not work.

The time came and they finally called her name. My knees were shaking, my arms were like jello, and tears were welling up in my eyes. People must have thought I was being ridiculous, thank goodness I had already been sneezing and coughing from the excess amounts of cats in there or I would have had no chance at an excuse. I'm sure they see crying pet owners all the time. Hopefully, ones more ridiculous than I. We walked in for her check up and weigh in, and then they told me that she would need two of her baby teeth extracted because they never fell out when they should have. GREAT. Now I'm twice as worried and don't quite know what to say. My logic knew it had to be done, however, my logic was clashing with everything illogical in my brain.

"So much for being adult about this, April." I say to myself. 

The next few minutes was a little confusing and went by very quick. I felt like one minute we were waiting to be called and the next minute, she was looking back at me with those sad eyes as they took her away....from me.

 My partner, Jen and I spent the next few minutes in the bathroom crying. Well, I was crying, she was trying to pee but didn't want to be rude, so held it to hold me. I couldn't control myself. Is this normal? To cry when your dog is going to just get spayed? I should be thankful that she didn't have any other health issues worse than that. I should be thankful that it was only that. But hey, a girl is allowed to have emotions. Emotions I can control is another story.

That night was probably the worst night I've spent since having her. I was tossing and turning. I couldn't hardly wait to get up the next day to get her. I couldn't fathom the thought of leaving her there any longer. I had nightmares of surgery mishaps and such that it was making me so anxious. I really could have used a glass of wine...or two...or five.

That next morning, we got up bright and early to be there for pick up. They gave us her extracted teeth and told us to make a necklace out of it...strange...I'll pass, but I will keep them. They are of my "first born dog" after all! A few minutes passed and a few warnings and post-surgery instructions later, there she was!! Red, small, and excited to see us! She could hardly contain herself as she wagged her entire tail and bottom half of her body in her little bag. We can hear that wag from across the room and the vet tech could hardly keep a hold of her carrier because she was so darn excited! They said she behaved beautifully, no licking of her stitches, minimal barking, sweet as pie....I felt such a relief at that moment in time.

That specific time when we first saw her again after surgery, has been encapsulated in my mind forever. I couldn't imagine if God forbid anything were to happen to her and I had to leave her for more than just a night. I can't imagine our lives right now without her. She brings such fun and awesomeness to our lives. She keeps everyone young, including our senior cat who before her, had no life. With her, he's come alive, playing, and pouncing again like when he was a kitten. She's such a blessing. She's an awesome little tiny blessing.

I hope to post more of our happenings. Currently, she's asleep, still recuperating from her surgery. We bought her a new blanket she could come home to and is wrapped all up inside of it, comfy, and warm.

Until next time folks.