Cone of Shame

Sculpin's recovery continues. Unfortunately, even with the progression, she is required to wear the cone. The "cone of shame". At first, she was so drugged up that the cone had little effect on her. She would lay quietly as I fixed it to her collar and then pass out on my couch. As the week progressed, however, her annoyance became obvious. She is still on pain medication, but she fully comprehends her situation. This cone is obtrusive, sight debilitating, and makes it damn hard to cuddle. Whenever I come near her with it, she jumps onto the couch and buries her head in the cushions.

For the past few days, she has tried everything in her power to have it removed. At first, I thought she was running into things because she couldn't see them; then, I realized, she was purposely attempting to get the edge of the cone hooked on an object so it would tear loose. As a consequence, the cone has been truly mangled. Rips around the edges testify for her near victories and the red dirt covering the plastic is proof of her frustrated rolls.

Doug made the term famous in "Up"

I have to keep reminding myself that this is necessary. Without the cone, she would inevitably tear out her own stitches. Whenever I'm home, she gets a break; but when I'm at work or sleeping, I can't trust her without it. She's come to expect freedom whenever I'm around, so she'll instantly start bumping the cone against my legs whenever I come in sight. It makes it difficult for either of us to walk...
I've also tried my hardest to keep her out of sight from the other dogs when she's wearing the cone. A few times, her friends spotted her and I swear they started laughing. Sculpin's head lowered to the ground and she sighed with the greatest remorse. The poor dog is having to suffer the cone of shame. Thankfully, on Saturday, her stitches will be removed and her suffering can cease. Until then, I can expect waking up in the middle of the night to her running into the table and her mournful howls when I tie her up in view of her friends. Poor girl.