I drove up to Manhattan today and had about a 20 minute visit with the little one. She looked great! She was alert and didn't seem to be bothered by pain, despite the 4" incision in her mid-back area. She was a little dopey, as she should be, but she was alert, bright-eyed and bushie-tailed.
She's recovered some superficial pain response, which is an EXCELLENT sign! She's still not moving her hind legs, but that may not happen for days, weeks or months, if at all. She's not urinating on her own, yet, but they feel positive that a few more days will be all she needs and when she does, she can come home.
I thought I'd lose it when I saw her, but she looked so GOOD that there wasn't any reason to! Her coat is shiny and as soft as ever, and she was curious about everything like she always is. She was glad to see me, though it's strange to see that she can't wag her tail, as she does so often! She's been eating good, so she hasn't lost weight like I thought she would, and she seems to trust and like the intern, Ann, who has been caring for her. All in all, it looks like she's receiving excellent care and I couldn't be more encouraged.
Thanks again for all your emails and well-wishes. They've been so heart-warming to us and I'll never be able to tell you how much they've helped. That little pup is awfully special to me, and I'm sure non-animal lovers that stumble upon this site think me insane, but what the hay! She's such a light in my life and it's been wonderful feeling the virtual "hugs" from all the people who understand what the love of an animal means to a person. :)
Posted by Cranky at October 13, 2002 06:48 PMSuper Mega Yay!
Posted by: naladahc on October 13, 2002 07:02 PMI'm glad to hear she's doing much better! I know you'll be glad to have her home where you can baby her directly, instead of wishingly. Still have you all in our thoughts.
Posted by: hayneyz on October 13, 2002 08:12 PMOh thank goodness, T! I’m thrilled to hear that Nellie is feeling better. Maybe Nellie will gain status in the neighborhood with her scar, I hear chicks dig scars.
Posted by: jhames on October 13, 2002 09:03 PMoh golly Tess, i just read about your special fur pal, and i am so glad she is on the mend.
{{ hugs }}
Our fur children wrap their paws around our hearts-and no matter how long or short the time they spend with us is, their love is felt and cherished. I know exactly how you are feeling, and the love you feel for them.Good luck to you & Nellie!
Posted by: Lori on October 13, 2002 09:19 PMOh, Tess, that's the best news I've heard all weekend. (Bob keeps asking me for updates!)
Yay to the nth power!!!
Woof!
Posted by: Jodi on October 13, 2002 09:59 PMThat's the second best news I've heard all weekend, but it's damn fine nonetheless. Huzzah!
Posted by: *** Dave on October 13, 2002 10:19 PM*me jumping up and down* Yay! Yay! Yay!!!!!!!!!! This made my day!
Posted by: Mary Carmen on October 14, 2002 06:56 AM*me jumping up and down* Yay! Yay! Yay!!!!!!!!!! This made my day!
Posted by: Mary Carmen on October 14, 2002 06:56 AMExcellent News! I'm so happy for both of you.
Posted by: Charlene on October 14, 2002 09:18 AMYay, Nellie! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Suzy on October 14, 2002 09:27 AMYippee!!! I had been having a crappy day and I checked your site and you have just made me so happy! Thank goodness she is doing so well!!! I bet you can't wait to have her come home. How are the other babies doing without her around?
Posted by: Allison on October 14, 2002 10:12 AMJazz seemed okay without Nellie at first - kind of enjoying the individual attention, but yesterday and today she's been very mopey. She's even vomited twice in the last two days and isn't eating at all today. We're getting a little worried about HER now! We put the shirt I wore to visit Nellie in her bed and she's been snuggling up to that today. I think she's starting to miss her buddy...
Posted by: Tess on October 14, 2002 11:29 AMThat is such great news. Except for poor little Jazz. She sounds like *my* Jazz -- she acts like she is bothered by Ocho, but I'm convinced she is secretly totally smitted with him.
Posted by: Kelly on October 14, 2002 01:18 PMThe species of a beloved being doesn't make any difference any more than her/his race or any other trait does. I'm SO glad to learn the news! :-) May she get better and come home soon, and may she long remain among her family!
Blessings and hugs to Tess and all her household!
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Posted by: Emilio N Fischman on October 14, 2002 05:16 PMHigh paws from Mugsy, Maggie and Max. They knew Nellie would pull through ok...yep they told me!!!
So glad to hear the news. She will be home in your arms before you know it!
Posted by: amanda on October 14, 2002 07:37 PM{^..^} Big sigh of relief {^..^}
Rambo says:: Hi, Nellie {{hugs and kithes}}
Posted by: Lorraine on October 14, 2002 07:44 PMWonderful news, Tess! And so appreciated. Seems all the news I've heard today has been bad and this just brightened my day. :-)
Posted by: Lee on October 14, 2002 10:50 PM