Today marks four weeks since my full knee replacement.

I’ll be honest – this journey has been rougher and slower than I expected. Between pharmacy mix-ups, delays in getting my physical therapy started, and the daily challenge of maneuvering my walker or crutch around six dogs (ranging from 50 pounds to 115 pounds), it’s felt like playing a real-life obstacle course game on my phone… just without the fun sound effects.

In those early days, while I was icing and resting, I spent a lot of time simply watching my dogs. Most of them instinctively kept their distance at first – they knew something was different and weren’t sure how to respond. My youngest, a year-and-a-half-old puppy, was the exception. She made it her mission to be the first to greet me in the morning, the last to say goodnight, and my little shadow whenever she wasn’t off doing puppy things.

 

I couldn’t help but think about my Sunshine, whom we lost earlier this year. She was my true nurse – gentle, attentive, and always by my side during any illness or injury. I missed her presence deeply during these long weeks.

 

But as I watched the pack, I found myself observing more than just their care for me. I started paying attention to how they played together – especially with their stuffed toys. The hunt for the squeaker was always the grand event. They’d tear the toy apart, find the squeaker, pull out all the stuffing… and then, just like that, lose interest. It made me start thinking about how stuffed toys can be so much more than just “toys.”

So, I began jotting down ways I’ve used stuffies for enrichment and training – both in the past and during my recovery – and I’d like to share some with you.

 

1. Supervised Squeaker Hunts

Before giving a dog a stuffed toy, I always ask myself: Will they actually swallow the parts? If yes, close supervision is a must. In my house, when the squeaker comes out, I immediately take it away. Then the toy goes to “the surgeon” – my mother – for repairs. Once stitched up, it’s ready for another round. Limiting access keeps the toy’s value high and helps teach that the privilege disappears if they start destroying it.

 

2. The Guest-Greeting Trick

Back when I ran my business from home, I had a constant flow of guests. At the time, I had three large Labs who were very enthusiastic greeters. To keep everyone’s feet on the floor, I set up a basket of stuffies in the mudroom with a sign:

“Please give each dog a stuffy as you enter.”

It was magical. The moment the door opened, my dogs were focused on the basket – not the guests. They’d take their stuffy, proudly trot to the living room, and settle down. Over time, the excitement shifted from people at the door to yay, it’s stuffy time! Guests could then enter without being jumped on, and the dogs got to greet calmly once everyone was settled.

 

3. “Go Get a Stuffy” as a Cue

For dogs who don’t destroy toys, I use stuffies as a way to manage movement and emotions. If I need to move them from one room to another, I’ll say, “Go get a stuffy!” They dash off to find one, giving me a calm way to direct them. It’s also great for vet visits or car rides – taking a stuffy from home gives them comfort in unfamiliar settings.

 

4. Comfort and Connection

Stuffies aren’t just for play – they can be emotional anchors. For anxious dogs, having a familiar toy can reduce stress and help them self-soothe. For me, they’ve been a way to connect with my dogs even when I wasn’t mobile enough to actively train. Watching them interact, trade toys, and show off their “kills” kept me entertained and gave me insight into their personalities.

 

A Few Safety Reminders

• • Watch for swallowing. If your dog is likely to eat stuffing or squeakers, either supervise closely or choose a different type of toy.

• • Repair instead of replace. If your dog loves the “thrill of the squeak” but doesn’t destroy the toy beyond repair, stitch it back up for reuse.

• • Limit access. Short, supervised play sessions keep toys exciting and extend their lifespan.

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As I heal, I’m reminded that recovery – much like dog training – is a slow process filled with small wins. My dogs have been my distraction, my entertainment, and my little teachers. And sometimes, the best lessons come from something as simple as a squeaky, stuffed toy.