Mary Beth, I hope you find you dog. I have 7 (ues seven) cats and both my daughter and I would be very sad if any of them came up missing.
About your surgery. My almost 9 year old daughter is also worried that I might die. Of course I couldn't tell her that is a possibility. I continually reassure her that I will be find, and that this surgery is going to offer us both a life full of fun and passion. Hang in there, take a bubble bath, put on some good musicl light a candle and relax. Good luck to you on your surgery.