WELCOME TO JIM'S AUTISM BLOG





Hi everyone and thanks for visiting our blog. My wife and I created this blog to chronicle our experience while raising a son with Asperger's syndrome. Since our son was diagnosed with an ASD at age 5, we've had a lot of questions. Lucky for us we have a great support network in place. And our blog gives us an opportunity to share what we've learned with our readers. We hope you find our blog informative and interesting. Thanks again for visiting.


"It seems that for success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential." Dr Hans Asperger 1906-1980



Monday 30 July 2012

CHICO'S SURGERY

What a day.  Today was Chico's neutering.  It was in fact the second time we had to schedule the procedure to be done.  The first time we went to get the procedure done, which was back in March, Chico had elevated white blood cell levels.  Which of course meant an infection of some kind.  So we were unable to get it done then, but today was the makeup date.

Now the question I pose to you is; how do you explain to a boy with Asperger's, that his best friend has to get neutered?  The simple answer is, you don't.  Jacob knew that Chico had to go to the vet today, but he isn't exactly sure why.  So we have concerns about the impending possible conversation that we might have when Jacob notices that something is missing.  I can imagine the conversation.

Jacob:  What happened to Chico?

Dad:  He got neutered.

Jacob:  What's neutered mean?

Dad:  It means that Chico is now unable to have puppies.

Jacob:  Why can't Chico have puppies?

Dad:  Well, because he doesn't have the necessary parts anymore.

I'm nervous just typing it.  Then if Jacob notices that Chico doesn't have his, you know whats, it could throw Jacob into a tail spin.  So I'm actually contemplating telling Jacob exactly what's happened.  That way, hopefully, there won't be too much stress when Jacob realises what the truth is.  Then I'll have to explain that it's normal for dogs to have this done.  Ouch. 

On the bright side, Chico was in the vet today for 8AM and was scheduled to go home at 4:15PM.  Shannie and I were both nervous about how sad or sore Chico would be.  But when Shannie went to the vet to pick Chico up, he was jumping and playing already.  He even began jumping on our couches upon arrival at home.  It's almost as if he didn't care.  (or he hasn't realised yet)

Now he's settled a bit.  I think the meds have worn off and reality is setting in.  But either way, we're just happy to have Chico home safe and sound.  Well, pretty sound any way.



Here's our handsome boy Chico. 


4 comments:

  1. awwww! Chico is a cutie! So glad the surgery went okay. My son was in 7th or 8th grade when we got our cats and had them neutered so he understood what was going on by then. I don't think he really cared though. I was the only one who was concerned about their well being I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kristy. Chico is fine. It doesn't even seem like he cares that he lost his marbles. And Jacob is fine with what happened. He's just sad that Chico can't have puppies.

      Delete
  2. Awww! I'm glad it went okay and that Jacob took it so well. Chico is one cute pup!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the compliment. Everything is great and it's hard to even tell he had a surgery. Chico won't stop playing.

      Delete