Always on a Leash

Today is Emme's third day after cyst removal surgery and she continues to heal. She was more restless last night than she has been. We had to talk to her two or three times during the night to get her to settle down and not scratch. Today she is still uncomfortable periodically and wants to be held frequently but otherwise is doing nicely on the pain medicine.

The biggest change is that she can't wear a collar and leash. I always have Emme on a leash when I take her outside. That way I know where she is and I know that she can't take off to chase a squirrel or a jogger. It just keeps her safe. Ken sometimes takes Emme out to play fetch without a collar and leash, but I never do. If she is outside with me, she has on a collar and leash.

Now, obviously, with a giant incision on the back of her neck, we can't put a collar on her. We have been taking her outside to do her business for the last few days without a problem. I was beginning to grow more comfortable with this until this afternoon. A black poodle was galloping around in our next door neighbor's year and I know they do not have a dog. This dog was obviously from somewhere else in the neighborhood and had gotten off the leash. If Emme had been outside, she would have run to the poodle to play and I am not sure what would have happened next. I don't like this. It will be a week or two before Emme can wear her collar and I think I will worry the entire time. Not that worrying will keep her safe. It is just what I do.