Well, he's done it again. As of this writing, Mulder is in surgery for the repair of the cruciate ligament in his left hind leg. We've been through this before -- he didn't get the nickname Million Dollar Mulder for no reason. In 2003, we had to have the same surgery performed on his right hind leg. He came through that surgery with flying colors and the new "bionic" leg has given us no problems. Fingers crossed the same is true this time around.

But back in 2003, we were a single-dog household. There wasn't a rambunctious 16-month old Swissy to contend with.

So, I'm not sure who this recovery is going to be harder on -- Mulder or Gracie.

When my husband loaded Mulder into the car this morning for the trip to the vet, Gracie began wailing inconsolably. She does not like Mulder being out of her sight. For my benefit as much as hers, I dropped her off at daycare on my way to work. With some luck, she'll be so exhausted tonight she won't pace the house endlessly looking for Mulder. That kills me.

But when Mulder comes home from the hospital tomorrow, Gracie will be expecting her buddy. And that's what he's become, which has been a huge surprise to me. I think it's safe to say he's become fond of her. He growls with less frequency when she chews on his ears and more than 50% of the time, will allow her to lie close to him. It's going to be difficult for her to understand that he — for the next 6-8 weeks — won't be able to play and engage as she has become so used to.

It has really been amazing how close they've become. Mulder was an only dog for 7 years — I wasn't sure if he'd every truly accept a new dog. But he has. Truth be told, I think Gracie wore him down with the sheer power of her pure adoration. She takes her cues about life from Mulder on just about everything — what's good, what's bad, what's interesting to sniff, what's worthy to bark at.

It happened gradually. During her first few months with us, Gracie was a dainty eater. She took her time chewing, and would take occasional breaks to look out the window, scratch her ear, etc. Now, she eats like Mulder, in one inhaling motion. And she anticipates meals with the same veracity as Mulder. So now, instead of one 95 lb. dog jumping up and down anticipating every meal, I have two.

And that’s just the beginning. If Mulder runs to the window, Gracie slips and slides over to his side (she’s still remarkably uncoordinated and gangly). If Mulder grabs a Nylabone, Gracie grabs a Nylabone (I’ve since learned that I need to buy two of every single toy – for my own sanity).

Gracie has also learned about good vs. bad signals. The water coming on in the guest bathroom = BAD. That means bath time. And the opening of the cabinet above the sink = GOOD. That means peanut butter-flavored toothpaste. The opening of the hallway closet could be bad or good. That likely means the vacuum cleaner (BAD) or retrieval of the leash (GOOD).

So, although I dread the next 6-8 weeks of Mulder’s convalescence for him — the confinement, the boredom, the physical discomfort — I also dread it for Gracie. Her best buddy will be largely unavailable. I’m hoping daycare will help. Perhaps an independent streak will emerge. Or perhaps she’ll divert her attentions to my husband and me…try to chew on our ears, engage us in a Nylabone marathon...

I have a feeling it is going to be a long two months -- for us all.