Cash's Journey : Episode 4 - Cash gets to come home??...yeah!???

A Morning Full of Nerves and Excitement

The morning Cashie was finally coming home felt like Christmas, graduation day, and the first day of school all rolled into one. I was practically buzzing with excitement, but oh, was I nervous. Did I mention nervous? Because wow, was I nervous.

When I arrived at the clinic, my heart raced. This was itwe were going home.

Before I could see my boy, the doctor met with me, handing me a small bag filled with medications: something for inflammation, something for pain, and, honestly, something for my rapidly rising anxiety wouldve been appreciated too.

Justins Crash Course in Puppy Care

Then came Justin, the vet tech who had become Cashies personal nurse during his stay. He greeted me with a warm smile and a reassuring nod before effortlessly scooping Cashie into his arms.

Lets go outside so I can show you a few things, he said with a calm confidence that I clung to like a life raft.

Outside in a small grassy yard, Justin laid Cashie down gently and walked me through the basics. How to carry him, how to lay him down properly, what tiny improvements to watch forlike him rolling up onto his elbows.

Keep water within reach at all times, Justin instructed with a grin. Think of him like a VIP guest at a luxury hotel. Except, well... youre the room service.

I laughed, but then we got to the part that made my palms sweat.

A New Responsibility I Never Expected

Justin bent down and demonstrated how to help Cashie stand, using his own calves to support him. Then, casually, he said, And youll need to express his bladder every few hours.

I blinked. Express his what?

Justin, bless him, stayed calm. So he can pee, he explained gently.

He cant pee on his own? My heart sank. My stomach flipped. Was it suddenly hotter out here, or was that just me?

Justin showed me exactly where to press on Cashies little belly to help him go. I nodded along like I understood, but internally? Panic mode activated.

A Humbling First Attempt

Now it was my turn. I positioned my hands just as Justin showed me, pressed gently, and nothing.

Was I doing this wrong?

Justin adjusted my hands slightly, and then success!

Except... not exactly the success I was hoping for.

Warm liquid splashed over my feet. Yep, my sweet boy had just peed on me. Thank goodness for flip-flops.

Justin chuckled, and I couldnt help but laugh too, even as I stood there, a little soggy but determined. I had just mastered the art of doggy bathroom assistance. Well, at least for #1. (Dont even get me started on #2thats a story for another day.)

The Ride Home and Reality Setting In

With Cashies meds in hand, a follow-up appointment scheduled, and my brave pup loaded into the back of my SUV, we headed home.

And thats when reality hit me, hard and fast.

Cashie was completely dependent on me now. He couldnt get up for water. He couldnt relieve himself without help. Every moment, every need, every little thingthat was on me.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on my shoulders. How long would this last? When would he walk again? When would he be able to just... be a dog again?

I swallowed the lump in my throat and glanced in the rearview mirror.

There he was. My brave, beautiful boy, lying quietly, trusting me with every ounce of his being.

Whatever it takes, I promised him silently. Well figure it out.

One pee-soaked step at a time.