How Crush Helps With Surgery Recovery

Crush has been incredibly helpful throughout all my surgeries. Although, most of the time after surgery he can’t perform his regular tasks, he can still help. So what does that look like? Here’s how my service dog helps me after surgery!

• Get Help

This is a big one. Crush is trained to go and find someone in my house. I can simply say, “get help” and he’ll find someone and nudge them until they follow him back to me. This can be helpful if I’ve fallen or simply can’t get to my phone. 

• Retrieve

Crush usually has retrieving tasks. Picking stuff up off the ground is incredibly strenuous for me and causes me to be very symptomatic. When Crush can retrieve things it makes my life easier. After hip surgery, it’s especially helpful when he can get my crutches. I also tend to drop my phone a lot and he dutifully retrieves it every time. 

• Cuddles

Okay, I think this goes without saying but nothing beats Crush cuddles. I know it sounds cheesy but it really is helpful to have him next to me. I find it extremely comforting, especially when I’m in a lot of pain. When someone can’t be by my side, I’m grateful to have Crush there.

• Balance support

Even though I’m on crutches and can’t use Crush for balance support, he’s still very helpful. When I initially walked in the door, Crush saw I was in pain and immediately heeled to my side. He stood by me at every step. Even though he can’t provide a sense of grounding, it’s still helpful for him to be next to me. Then I still have a sense of where I am in space.

• Alerts

Crush can and always does alert to itching. This is especially helpful post surgery when I’m more likely to have a reaction. When my body is under stress, it’s easy for things to become serious very quickly. Having Crush near by is important for my overall safety. He is also more aware of my blood pressure and heart rate post surgery. This can be helpful when changing positions. It also allows me to give my body what it needs before things become severe. 

Crush has provided me endless support through all of my trials and tribulations. I don’t know what I would do without him. Although his tasks look different after surgery, he still provides essential services. I can’t explain in words how much gratitude and love I have for him. 

I hope you’re having an amazing day. I hope your day is filled with joy, positivity, and laughter. I hope you find peace, love, and happiness.