Source
r/Stoicism•
big_floop

How should I approach my dogs Knee surgery as a stoic

Seeking Stoic Advice

Hey guys, so I’m still relatively new to stoicism, I’m currently reading meditations, and I need help about how to approach my dogs upcoming knee surgery as a stoic.

I am very attached to my dog, he and I are best buds. He tore his ACL and is having surgery to repair it in two days. To undergo this surgery he will be anesthetized. I heard from a friend, one time awhile ago, that his friends dog died from a routine procedure because of anesthesia. This for some reason is all my mind can fixate on.

I know that worrying about something that is 100% out of my control is dumb, but I just can’t seem to shake the thought. He should be completely fine, it’s not like he’s having heart or internal organ surgery. Yet here I am convinced that my dog is gonna die in two days for a surgery the vet performs 3x a week she said!

What’s even dumber is my dog has already been under anesthesia before, he had a skin tag thing removed a year or two ago and was completely fine. Any stoic readings or thoughts you guys could give me would be a big help right now, I have unfortunately been losing sleep over this.

Posted Jun 28, 2022, 9:47 AM UTC

24
GD_WoTS•

Marcus Aurelius:

Say nothing more to thyself than what the first appearances report. Suppose that it has been reported to thee that a certain person speaks ill of thee. This has been reported; but that thou hast been injured, that has not been reported. I see that my child is sick. I do see; but that he is in danger, I do not see. Thus then always abide by the first appearances, and add nothing thyself from within, and then nothing happens to thee. Or rather add something like a man who knows everything that happens in the world. (8.49)

First appearances report on the thing and not on things aside from it. Your dog is scheduled for surgery. What does that mean? He is scheduled for surgery. The surgery involves anesthesia. What does that mean? First appearance: “he will be anesthetized.” Beyond first appearance, unreasonable, off-limits, fantasy-land: “he will not make it out.” “He will definitely make it out.”

Wherever the chips fall, there’s reason enough to be grateful. You’re being a responsible caretaker and you cannot ask for anything more of yourself.

Edit: citation and clarity

3
big_floopOP•

Thank you, this was exactly what I needed to read. Appreciate it greatly

1
iamlossy•

The person who downvoted this must feel like a *real stoic* i bet

2
AutoModeratorMOD•

Hi, please check out the FAQ section on advice and coping with problems if you are wondering any of the following questions.

Wish you well,

Mod Team

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1