A couple of life events occurred in the Alexander home recently…
Last Friday, we experienced our first time to have a pet undergo surgery. Our sweet little Jack (12-lb silky terrier) is recuperating from a completely detached ACL, bless him. He has to wear the cone (yes, “of shame”) for two weeks with very limited movement/walking during that time, and after two weeks only gradual walking. He can’t run or jump for another eight weeks (!!).
After trying to barricade him in with pillows and other household objects, we broke down and—okay, I’m slightly embarrassed admitting this—bought a playpen, the cheapest one we could find, to keep him corralled for the duration. And oh, is it a lifesaver!
He’s never stayed in a kennel and usually has “run of the house,” so a kennel would have added major anxiety for him on top of the pain. So this is a compromise of sorts, and a very new and unwelcome change for him. But he’s adjusting, sweet little guy.
I’m so grateful for Dr. Mirae Wood and this surgery. Otherwise, Jack would have gone lame and eventually lost his right hind leg. We were playing ball on partial carpet/wood floor and he slipped and tore the ligament completely. #FeelSOBad
Lesson: Play ball ONLY on fully carpeted area. Sigh…
Second life event…
Joe and I celebrated 30 years of marriage yesterday! And we were especially celebrating the “in sickness” part of our vows because we’re both a bit under the weather. Nothing serious, just a virus or cold or something. But we pretty much stayed in and watched TV and chatted and took care of Jack. It wasn’t half bad… 
Then our kids, Kelsey and Kurt, brought over dinner for us. So sweet. And this after they threw us a SURPRISE 30th Wedding Anniversary party two weeks ago. It was such fun. Here are some glimpses with friends and family…
Kelsey put together a slide show of pictures through the years, so that’s what we’re watching in the bottom right pic above.
With Kurt, Kelsey, & Joe at Granite City
(one of my favorite restaurants and where the party was held)
The party was a complete surprise to me and Joe—and such a sweet gift from our kids. One we’ll treasure, along with the many cards and emails and notes they gathered from friends and family. We’re incredibly blessed!
When’s the last time you’ve been completely surprised by someone? Either by an event or some kindness done? And if you’ve ever had a pet undergo surgery and have advice for help in healing, I’d love to know!
Tammy
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Tamera blogs every first and third Tuesday at Inspired by Life . . . and Fiction, a group blog she shares with a wonderful community of authors. If you'd like to join the conversation on this post, Tamera would love to see you there!