I've been out in the garden a few times today. It was sunny so I had a few minutes with a bone on the lawn this afternoon. Feeling pretty good. Looking pretty awful. Big shaved patch as you can see. However, I can put quite a bit of weight on the new joint and it feels fine.

My owners have to take my temperature every evening to make sure I'm not getting an infection. The vet said they don't give antiobiotics systematically any more. (The pin and socket have an antibiotic coating and I had an injection while I was in hospital.) The owners have just been out to buy a thermometer at the pharmacy. Apparently that caused quite a stir ... finding one suitable for a dog's bum! The lady in the pharmacy told my owners to make sure they don't get bitten ... as if I'd do anything like that to them! Where would I be without them?!

We live in France but we're all English. My operation was done by Dr Philippe Haudiquet in Angers. He's a bone surgeon specialist. It cost 1,767 euros - there have been other costs such as the initial x-rays and consultations, Metacam, etc. At some point (oh no!) I will probably have to have my left hip done too but it's nowhere near as bad as the right was and they can't do two hips at once - thank goodness. I'm not looking forward to that. I have to stay in the house or garden for the next two months and I can't run, jump or climb stairs. I'll have my stitches out at my usual vet's in two weeks and I have to go back to see Dr Haudiquet for x-rays in a month.

My owners are so relieved and happy it's all over - me too!