It's been 3.5 days since Ralphie got neutered.  The first day he was very restless - he kept moving from one spot to another spot to another with in a few minutes.  Everytime he laid down he let out a groan.  It was so sad. :(  But the good news was that he did very well in terms of not getting sick or having the runs.  He took his medicine like a champ and was able to hold all his food down (though his stomach was making a few gurgling noises).  It was the saddest thing... because he is so low to the ground, he'd get stuck on the rug as the cone angled downward and the edge of the cone would get caught on the rug.  He got stuck several times.  HE also had to take some maneuvering around the house as he'd bump into several things since he was not used to this huge satellite dish around his neck.  "Bump bump bump" I kept hearing all night long.  Poor Ralphie!

Day 2 was much better. I was surprised to see how active he was.  It seemed like his cone of shame was bothering him more so than his wound.  But I think he finally got used to the cone after the first night, no more bumping in to things as much or getting stuck.  When I was able to keep my eye on him I took his cone off, but as soon as he attempted to lick his wound and I had to say "eh EHH!"  Which he listened (Good boy!).  But still the cone had to go back on. I also ordered the comfy cone on amazon which really did look more COMFY than the plastic cone.  My husband did point out that he lost his peripheral vision since it is made of some sort of soft opaque fabric.  The comfy cone is sold at Petco but we purchased it at amazon since we had 2 day Prime shipping.  I took him on a walk around the block and when we saw another dog, Ralphie was sooo eager to play w/ them he was jumping and lunging towards them.  Boy was I worried that his wound was going to get messed up.  Luckily, his wound is healing just fine. I took pictures if anyone is interested in seeing as I know I was (just for comparison sake).  I also continued to give him his medicine Tramadol every 8-10 hours. 

Day 3 - Wow what energy.  I think being cooped up with only 1 walk around the block yesterday and me prohibiting him to play too rough or jump around due to his sutures is making Ralphie very antsy.  Today we took him on one short walk and one kinda long walk around a strip mall.  He is still very afraid of all things new.  His newest experience this time was passing by a Trader Joes.  He kind of freaked when he saw all these grocery carts rolling by so loudly.  I doubley made sure his collar was on tight so he wouldn't get loose.  I'm not sure if it's because he is getting a lot more comfortable with us but he has become alot more affectionate with his kisses and jumping up on us and cuddling.  I also read this happens once the dog gets neutered.  But that quickly? 

Day 4 - I took him on a long walk today as he seemed fine.  I have 2 more tablets left for his pain meds but he doesn't seem to need it as he is back to his old self.   His wound is looking slightly better and better each day (kinda scabby and it looks like the scabs will falll off on their own very soon). I can't wait to get him back at the dog park so he can run around and play.  I read we should wait awhile...and I hope to wait at least 2 weeks or depending on how soon he heals. I can tell he is really missing the dog park.  We live right by one and each time we walk... he always tries to pull me in the direction of the dog park.  I even had to battle him during our walk today.  He would not move, he just sat there, not budging because he wanted to make a right to the park, and I was walking towards the left back to our house. WE sat there for quite some time, and finally I WON and he started following me without me pulling on the leash even a bit.  Phew!  I am usually a pushover, but nope not this time!  I think they really can sense weakness because I almost gave in but glad my patience endured. 

I wasn't too sure what to expect with the whole neutering thing and I was extremely worried the first day and felt so horrible for him.  But as each day progresses Ralphie is getting better and better.  

Next challenge is obedience training!  I can't wait to learn recall and leash walking.  We have sit and down so far.  But he doesn't always listen unless I have a treat in my hand.  Must learn as soon as possible.  

Lots of challenges ahead - including toothbrush time, potty in one spot, and toe clipping time.