Felicity the Greyhound

On 11th August, 2015 Felicity had her surgery for amputation of her front right leg.  A little known secret for years now, somehow got out – this day was also my Birthday.  I didn’t want to celebrate my Birthday – this day was about Felicity.  I wanted an ordinary day for us.  Ordinary it certainly was not.  The support from close friends, family, work colleagues, my boss, Felicity’s ever loving Uncle’s and Aunties, people ocean’s away and our new friends from the Tripawds community made this day extraordinary.

Our Felicity made this day extraordinary.

We arrived at the vet hospital at 8am.  Felicity’s vet and team at the hospital are second to none.  Felicity and I had kisses and cuddles while I attempted to hide my tears from her – but she is no fool.  Our vet gave me a hug and reminded me that we were taking away her pain and saving her life.  You see, Felicity has aggressive cancer in her shoulder.  This means not only amputating her leg but also taking her scapula.  We certainly don’t have it as bad as some, but it’s not nice all the same.

Felicity with our lovely vet, Susan – not enough room to photograph the rest of the amazing team, but they are there.

I cannot begin to identify how I felt this day.  I just simply cannot.  Over the week prior to surgery, I struggled with the thought of taking Felicity’s dignity from her by taking her leg.  She runs.  That was her life.  That is her life.  The guilt haunted me.  While I slept it haunted me.  I felt a stupid amount of guilt on “the” day even considering all the positives for her.  Once again, the wonderful close supports that I have knocked that right out of me – thank you lovelies.  At 3.30pm I hadn’t heard a word.  Susan and the team are amazing at keeping me updated.  It would be a lie to say I wasn’t worried as hell.  I checked my phone.  I plugged it in.  I checked it again, like a woman possessed.  Susan finally called in the afternoon to tell me that the surgery went very well.  That there were no complications and that she was heavily sedated for the pain.  She is in ICU and will remain there.  She will receive 15 minute observations during the night, all night.  Susan assured me she would call me in the morning to update me and organise a visit.  I cannot begin to tell you the relief…although most of you reading this WILL KNOW!

At 8.30am this morning (12th August) Susan phoned to let me know that Felicity was doing well and much to their utter surprise and delight, decided she needed to go to the toilet in the middle of the night and “I’m all good to walk”…and walk she did!!!!  They were stunned, I was stunned!

I arrived at 10.30am bearing gifts of warm BBQ chicken and a warm egg and bacon pie for my girl who was not eating.  Nothing prepared me for seeing my girl without her leg.  Absolutely nothing.  Tears welled again.  I told her that she is amazing, brave and the most beautiful greyhound ever.  She was extremely sleepy from her pain medication and that was ok – it was just the best ever belated Birthday present just to see her.  She lay on her heated bed with a pillow under her head for quite some time as I stroked her head gently.  Then the light bulb came on – MOM IS HERE!!!!!  She pricked her ears, looked at me and proceeded to stand up!  Honestly, I could not believe my once again watery eyes.  I was shocked and delighted.  I shouldn’t have been shocked though because this is what Felicity is like – “Don’t worry Mom, I’ve got this”.  She is brave.  She is courageous.

She is extraordinary.

Before the light bulb moment…

After the light bulb moment…

I would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful, kind people from all around the world who have sent us warm blessings, best wishes and encouragement.  Our new friends from the Tripawds community who have embraced our story as it’s their own.  Our family and friends, Uncles and Aunts who adore “Miss Fliss”.  My Mom, who is our greatest fan and support.  And all who follow our story of Felicity’s strength and grace upon entering life as a Tripawd.  We will continue to update you on our every amazing step forward toward recovery. Every achievement – none are greater than the other.  Our deepest gratitude and thanks.

Three of my best and closet friends, all in their own special ways expressed the following today (and I think it sums her up completely);

“Felicity.  Grace and strength.  We could all learn a thing or two from her.”

** We interrupt this blog post to update you – we have had a call from the vet hospital and Felicity is not eating.  A mad dash was made with one of her favourites – fish and chips – delivered direct to ICU.  I really should have thought ahead and ordered some for the team, but my head is not working to it’s capacity at the moment.  Her drain is out and she MAY come home tomorrow!  I know my girl though…she WILL eat.

undeniably scrawled with blessings and many thanks, Cate

So proud of you, special girl. You ROCK!