At 2 days post-op after TPLO surgery for a torn ACL, we took Tenor home from the pet hospital. 

Dr. Beckman said that he was healing faster than most dogs, and he was also putting more weight on his leg sooner than most.

I think Tenor paid the price for that extra weight on his leg in those first days post-op, because his leg and ankle swelled up like an over-stuffed balloon just moments after we got him home.

Here's a little about our dog's recovery from TPLO surgery, as well as the stories of other dogs who've been through it.

If you walk your dog on a leash, then you have to pick up dog poop.

Such is why you need to find some dog waste bags and a dog poop bag holder or dispenser that you like.

The bags... I'm not so particular about.

There are the biodegradable dog poop bags -- which we use because I always find the best deal on them. And, truth is, most every poop bag manufacturer is making their bags biodegradable these days. If you look hard enough, you'll also find the super-tough ones that are extra thick and durable

I usually get these blue dog poop bags (they're biodegradable, but they're a little on the thinn side), or these silver gray dog poop bags (they're a really good quality... and they go on sale a lot).

Okay, so pick out the dog waste bags of your choosing, that's the easy part.

Finding a dog poop bag holder that you like... now that's a whole 'nother story!

Litter boxes aren't just for kitties anymore...

If you have a new pup in the house and need a housebreaking helper, there are a number of products available these days that do a great job.

But if your going to be away at work, school, or play for many hours during the day, consider a litterbox made especially for dogs.

Did you know that you don't always have to take your dog to the vet in order to get a veterinarian's diagnosis (and maybe even meds) for your dog's minor health issues?

It's true. With any non-emergency doggie ailment, you generally have 3 options:

1. You could call the vet's office & ask your question over the phone.

2. You could take a sample of your dog's pee or poop to the vet.

3. You could take your dog to the vet.

Here's more about each option...

Use your best judgment...

If your dog is showing a particular symptom or dealing with a doggie ailment, then anything you can show the vet that might be related to "the problem" will usually be helpful when it comes to diagnosing and/or treating your pet.

Here's when you should take samples to the vet... what type of samples to take... and how to gather & transport your samples (e.g. dog pee or poop).

There are a few things that I always have on me any time I'm out & about with my dog.

I take different things, depending on whether we're going for a walk vs going for a ride in the car.

Here's what we take...

I learned about this freebie on a site called NoWorms.com (..."your resource for intestinal parasite treatment and prevention).

Now you can get a Drontal Plus Cleanup Bags Dispenser that fits on your belt!

This pocket-sized doggie poop disposal system keeps your hands germ-free.

With Scoopex, it's a cinch to clean up after your pet!

And now you can get a free sample of Scoopex...

All this talk about dog poop (here and here) reminds me of yet another popular thing that people do with dog poo...

Recycle it!

Here's a list of all the health reasons... why it's important to pick up that poop!