We got the sad news that our friend Timber lost her fight with osteosarcoma. Timber was a beautiful nine year old girl who became a tripawd last July.
Being a tripawd didn’t change Timber’s quality of life. She used a doggie door like a champ. She still played fetch with her favorite soccer ball, and loved pushing around her 13 pound bowling ball.
Her Mom, Crystal, deeply saddened by the loss of her beloved family friend, wants to remind us:
My advice to those that have any animals not just tripawds or cancer survivors, don’t take any day you have with your pet for granted. Their lives are so short and it is our job to make sue they enjoy every day they have.
Even if you are not feeling up to a walk when they want to go for one take them; it will put a smile on your face to see them enjoying themselves. Play their favorite game everyday, at least twice a day. Never be too busy to sit on the floor with your animal to brush, pet, hug and kiss them. Take lots of pictures and video.
Another thing I learned was that you need to make sure you have a good vet that will come out to your house if need be to ease the passing of your pet. Timber hated the vet office and we could not find any vet willing to come to our house no matter how much money we offered them. They all said they were to busy with their regular practice and were unwiling to come out after hours or just never do house calls period. Be prepared and make sure you have a good vet willing to do what is best for your pets comfort.”
Our hearts to out to The Grange Family (Brad, Crystal, Timber, Scrappy, Gizmo, Hendricks) and Timber’s Grandparents, Ed and Sherryl Socie. We hope that time will ease the pain of losing such a great family member.
Announcements:
Thank you all for your support.
BETHANN, it is worth it to do what you can to help your companion. The $6,000 we spent on Timber’s amputation, Chemo and other vet bills was well worth the extra 6 good, and pain free months she had. Even if you chose only amputation, at least you will be giving her a chance to live a good life a little longer. If your dog is otherwise healthy and has no mobility issues, I would say go for it, get the amputation that could help her. Your dog is ALWAYS worth it. I agree with Jerry, get a vet that has more compassion for animals!!!
The only reason we had to let Timber go was because she completely lost function in her rear legs because the cancer had spread to her spine and there was nothing else we could do. We could not let her suffer like that. Don’t give up on your pet. As long as they are happy and able, do all you can to help them fight it!
Bethann: If your talking about bone cancer in the leg, and you caught it early enough that it hasn’t spread … by all means, get another opinion! Or just take a look at Jerry’s movies and all the other inspirational stories on this website.
Dogs do just fine on three legs. And it’s all bout quality of life not quantity. If any vet told my people “treatment makes no sense” they’d get a new vet. Immediately. In fact that’s what they did when my vet thought my limp was just arthritis. Best of luck…
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, IM GOING THROUGH THIS WITH MY ROT/LAB RIGHT NOW. SHES 9 AND THE DR SAYS THERES NO SENSE TREATING THIS SINCE THE OUTCOMES ARE NOT GOOD, SHE HAS IT IN HER LEG, AND HAS NOT SPREAD ANYWHERE ELSE YET. ANY ADVICE THANKS BETHANN
My deepest sympathy’s for you and your family. I lost my dog 15 years ago but not to any kind of illness. He was given to someone out from under my nose. I was very upset and never forgave my mother for doing it. I found out a couple of years later he had died. The thing that makes me so upset is that I never got any closure with him.
Be Grateful for the time you had with Timber and be glad that you were able to get that closure with her. She looked like a wonderful dog and again I am very sorry about you loss.
Crystal I am so sorry for your loss. It really hurts when you love someone or something and then you use them. I know that loss well and I truly feel for you. Hope all is well. If he was suffering just try to remember that the pain is gone and now he is free.
Brandi
Timber’s story tugged at my heartstrings. Although I never met her or her family, there’s no doubt she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
As she moves into the next world, she surely leaves behind a legacy of loyalty and love that will live on forever.
My thoughts and prayers go out (long distance) to Timber’s family and friends.
Nancy Womack (Julie’s mom)
I met Timber once and that’s all it took to see what a sweetheart she was, just like her momma. Hugs and kisses to her family.
Our thoughts are with Timber’s family