While Marley was getting preop labs and Xrays done, my friend and I went to a local diner that was recommended to us by the girls at the front desk. As we were eating, the waitress stopped by and dropped off a business card and said a local artist had paid for our breakfast. Columbia has been so friendly to us. We have gotten a free meal twice at local restaurants when we have been at UM.
We stayed in the waiting room until the surgeon, Dr. Fox, came out and said Marley had come through surgery well. She was waking up nicely and once she was settled in the ICU, the student would let us see pre/post op Xrays.
Marley's hip pre/post hip replacement
New right hip!
Our vet student was so knowledgeable and friendly. She even took my phone back to the ICU and got some pictures of Marley for me.
Marley in ICU
Marley did very well and she was discharged home the next day. I was beyond nervous but I am so grateful my best friend was with me and did all of the recovery stuff. Marley was even putting weight on her right leg the very first day.
We drove all night and even stopped at the cemetery to visit my mom's grave on the way home. I haven't been to my mom's grave in about 6 months. We took new flowers and an angel for her grave.
My friend and I got tattoos last week. I went with a verse: 'You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it'. I added a butterfly to remind me of my mom. Those close to me know how much I've struggled with life since my mom died. We found this verse and it was so fitting to me and my struggles. I just need to keep being strong at whatever life throws at me.
Marley is crated during the day and night when I'm not here and she has a condo in my living room so she can be with me during the evenings.
Marley is getting better everyday.
Her sutures came out today and we meet with a physical therapist tomorrow to start some light rehab with her. I'm glad I finally made the decision to do the surgery but I know that she will have to have the left hip replaced, probably within the next 6 months or so. But for now, we will focus on getting Marley stronger and healthier and when the time comes, she will get a new left hip.
Marley hugging her Mommy. See her little paw on my shoulder?
I'm so grateful that my best friend has been by my side through it all. I would not have been able to get through this without her. I'm grateful that my trainer/friend kept KK for almost 2 weeks for me and grateful to my dad who was able to stay with Molly and Missy while I was in Columbia. I'm grateful to my new job and friends who let me take off work to take Marley to Columbia and who checked on us while we were gone.
I'm blessed to have the right people in my life at the right time. I would be lost without them.
