Layla underwent a successful open heart surgery yesterday. Amazingly, she is walking around, very slowly and cautiously. She doesn't want to lay down; she stands with her head drooping and falling to sleep. It must be very uncomfortable for her to lay down. She has a huge incision from the top of her shoulders all the way around her chest. There is also a little "hole" where a chest tube was inserted so the surgeons could collapse the lung while operating. For the next 3 weeks, Layla has to stay crated except when walked on a leash outside and no playing with other dogs. This may be a challenge! We will monitor her blood pressure for a few months and do an X-ray in about 3 months and again at 6 months. She has a great outlook and her medical team is very positive about her recovery and renewed life. She has a pain patch that comes off next Tuesday, and is taking medication for pain and inflammation.

Today is the first official day of winter and Layla is completing her first week of recovery from heart surgery. What a trooper! This little girl has a zest for life like none other I have seen. She wants to get out and play with her furry friends and feels good enough to run. But momma is following the doctor's instructions and keeping her on a leash and walking slowly when we go outside. In the house, Layla either stays in her crate or on the bed with her foster mom. She will share Christmas with her furry friends around a Christmas tree that has an abundance of doggy toys and treats under it. She asked me to say Happy Holidays to all and to be safe; believe in Santa Claus, she does.