When I got involved with a man who had kids, I read all the parenting books I could find. Ditto when I found out I was pregnant. I do not like to “wing it,” especially when so much information is available. It makes sense, therefore, that I researched bringing home rescue dogs before I did.

“Of course, you did,” is how those in my circle respond upon finding out.

I looked into German Shepherds when I decided to focus on that breed: we had a cross while I was growing up, and I adored him. Louis was a pistol. Clever as the day is long and Suki looks to be the same.

When I discovered that Suki, my new dog, was scheduled for a spay two days after I brought her home, I looked into that too. I had not picked up random information about pet neutering in my travels beyond knowing it was a good thing. This is the joy of the internet – you can turn yourself into an expert on almost anything.

There was a piece of information missing from all the sources, however, and it was the same piece that was missing from the articles on parenting, though I understand they do better these days when it comes to talking about how tiring it can be.

Other people take energy, even when other people are dogs.

A dog post-surgery is a twenty-four-seven proposition for several days. Suki also wants nothing more than to be at my ankles at every moment. I plan to work on her separation anxiety – it’s common with rescue animals – but not post-procedure. This means I spent all of Friday sitting next to her on the floor save for the few moments I left to get myself food and drink. She remained mostly uninterested in those things, especially in the former, until late in the day.

Her surgery was late Thursday so she didn’t really kick the anesthesia until Friday night. Nobody likes eating when sedation is making you silly.

Suki likes to sit next to me on the couch, but getting up there was not a good idea post-op, so I camped with her on the floor. I learned that even with pillows, adult bones don’t love it down there. I suppose this is why we invented IKEA. Sticks and stones may not break the bones, but a laminate floor just might.

I don’t mind at all. I took ibuprofen and stretched. Isn’t it funny how quickly you can lose your heart? Isn’t it funny what you’re willing to do when you do? It’s why you’re willing to deal with the ick of children and pets. Love trumps much.

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