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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Frankie has train to be Merry Myrtle's "Seeing Eye Dog". Bummer
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Virginia







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8 April 2018 - 8:54 pm
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2018-04-08-18.07.38.jpgImage Enlarger

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Virginia







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8 April 2018 - 8:57 pm
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A four-legged vlind dog with a three-legged  Guide Dog....what a pair! 🙂

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Virginia







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8 April 2018 - 8:59 pm
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benny55 said
2018-04-08-18.07.38.jpgImage Enlarger

  

And yeah Holy, I'll take her shopping for some of those googles you showcased to complete her look...and what a look it is!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

London, UK


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9 April 2018 - 3:13 am
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I cannot BELIEVE I missed your last update. Sally, I am SO sorry. I feel absolutely terrible after all the support you have given me, and give to everyone on the site, that I wasn't there for you when you needed support. Thankfully, I see so many others were, and the community has gathered round in its wonderful way, but I still feel terrible that I didn't see this. Trust me, I am "pulling a Clare" at myself...

Merry Myrtle and Frankie are two of the luckiest dogs on planet earth. They know that. We all know that. Happy Hannah knows that too. That's why she sent them to you, because she knew that with their particular needs they were going to need an extra special human to love them and take care of them and fuss over them and spoil them rotten and buy them puppy lattes, and all the rest. And she knew who that human was.

Please, Sally, be kind to yourself. This is a lot to handle emotionally. Myrtle and Frankie will be absolutely fine. They could not be in better hands, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It is you I am concerned about. Please try and show yourself the same love and compassion you give so abundantly to everyone in this community.

Sending huge love, as ever,

Clare heartheartheart

PS I see Myrtle has NO problem finding the treats you hold out to her. Now why doesn't that surprise me! In terms of the vision, I think that as apes, with a HUGELY dominant visual sense, it is hard for us to fully imagine just how VASTLY more important to a dog the sense of smell is. It is literally thousands of times more sensitive than ours, and in the case of some breeds (e.g. Frankie...) millions of times. This is from Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz, one of my favourite dog writers:

"Imagine if each detail of our visual world were matched by a corresponding smell. Each petal on a rose may be distinct, having been visited by insects leaving pollen footprints from faraway flowers. What is to us just a single stem actually holds a record of who held it and when. A burst of chemicals marks where a leaf was torn. The flesh of the petals, plump with moisture compared to that of the leaf, holds a different odour besides. The fold of a leaf has a smell; so does a dewdrop on a thorn. And time is in those details: while we can see one of the petals drying and browning, the dog can smell this process of decay and ageing. Imagine smelling every minute visual detail. That might be the experience of a rose to a dog."

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

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9 April 2018 - 4:03 am
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Oh Sally,

I was in bed before this post last night, needed an early bedtime. I am sorry I missed this. Myrtle is beautiful, omd I could just smoosh those cheeks with my hands. Clare is right, she does not look like she is having a hard time getting around at all. To me she is just taking her time and adjusting to the other senses that she is relying on more heavily now. She may stay closer to you now, that's not really a bad thing. And Frankie.. well all you have to do is listen and you know where Frankie is winkerYou know he will be there to help her, those two pups are so close. Is she finding her "babies" ok still?

Sending you the most ginormously huge hugs, and the pups too. I know I can say anything I want right now but I cannot take it away. I could not have said it better, they are in the best hands right now. Nowhere else could they have a pawrent to love and fuss over them the way that you do. She will adjust fine, I have no doubt. 

My heart goes out to you, I think it is so unfair to keep getting stuff like this dished out to all of you, but you are tough. If there is anything I can do, no matter what it is, please let me know. In the meantime I will hang back and keep cheering you on heartheart 

Much love and tons of hugs heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog





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9 April 2018 - 6:37 am
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Sally,

I am sending lots of love.  I know this is hard on you.  Myrtle will adjust. I have had a few dogs with cataracts and they have gotten around really well after the adjustments.  I love her new gear. 

Once she gets adjusted you will see her move around a little easier.   I saw her using her paw to help feel her way around.  I am sorry I didn't see this last night.   You should have called me. 

I am sending my love heartheartheart

xooxoxox

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

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9 April 2018 - 9:30 am
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Wow, you do have a pair there!  Isn't it great the way the dogs in a pack compete with yet support each other?  I am sure that with your loving care, these two will do just fine.

Our 15-in-May English Spaniel mix is nearly blind (and deaf), and his biggest challenge seems to be going down stairs.  Funny thing though . . . those stairs are NO problem at breakfast time.  Dogs adapt beautifully.

Best wishes as you tackle this new stage in life.

Los Angeles, CA
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9 April 2018 - 9:40 am
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Sally.... I'm also remiss in missing these posts. But I do love her new outfit! Girl's got to look good, right?! And look good she does... that sweet mug is still the same sweet mug as always!!!! I am so sorry to hear of these challenges but these are some lucky dogs to have YOU as their human guiding their way through life... I have no doubt Myrtle will do splendid as a dog without vision. Dogs are amazingly adaptable. I had a dog growing up that had cataracts and she managed great for many, many years ... lived close to 20! 

I wish there was more I could do but I know you will tackle this with the same grace, positive energy, humor and loads of chocolate that I know you have!!!

XOXO

alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too)  

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


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9 April 2018 - 10:04 am
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Sally, this situation has go to be difficult for all of you. I'd pretty much be a mess. But I know that if anyone can do great things for Myrtle and Frankie, you can. These two special pups are in your life for a reason and I have no doubt that you are the best person to manage their needs. We all learn so much from your optimism, your humor and strength, you are the definition of grace. 

Myrtle looks GREAT by the way. I mean FIT! And Frankie, wow. The way he hops around now, I can't believe he's the same doggie of just a couple of months ago. YAY!

Let us know how the appointment goes. We are thinking of you and sending lots of love.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Schofield, WI
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9 April 2018 - 10:20 am
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Oh Sally......hugs (((()))).  I'm so sorry this progressed so fast.....  Myrtle does seem to do well though and seems to be adapting.  We too are all praying for that Miracle on Friday at the eye vet.....I know the glaucoma still needs to be managed and that eye pressure be kept down.....hang in there Sally re-inforcements are coming soon along with a huge support group! ❤️  As Rene said Myrtle does look fantastic and Frankie too!  I'm going to start buying a lottery ticket each week for Myrtle and Frankie.....is a small shot but something monumental is due to come your way....so you never know 😳.  Maybe the Powers that BE have some big plans for you and those two.  

Sending all my love to you three!  ❤️❤️

Michigan


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9 April 2018 - 12:58 pm
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We are so sorry this happened so quickly! We were hoping you had time with the drops. Myrtle probably has been adjusting as it was progressing.

I love her new blouse!! Myrtle is a blind rockstar! She will adjust she did great finding her treats. How is she doing in the house and yard looks like she did great in the video?

It looks like Frankie is doing great on his 3 legs the little I could see he had all his weight on the leg. You will get thru this all three of you, and you will all learn the new normal again.

Will say prayers and send our good juju for the eye appointment. What the next steps are from here and going forward.

Lots of love, prayers, good juju, pawsitivity for you all!

heartheartheart



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10 April 2018 - 2:56 am
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Oh Sally, sweetheart heart

I am so, so, so sorry to hear ...

This has to be extremely hard on you, sweetie ... 

But, as Clare's book quotation shows you and us beautifully, a dog's sense of smell is the most precious of all of their senses and Myrtle has no problem there, no sir!

She is already negotiating her way around and definitely knows where her cookies are, bless her heart heart

Frankie will be a huge help too, you can be totally sure of that!

For a reason neither you nor I can know, you were sent another extremely difficult test so you can grow spiritually. 

I had never realised these things happen for a reason. 

Not until Kinky left me so suddenly and without previous warning.

Not until Eurydice left me even if this time I was given time to adjust.

These challenges, as hard and unfair as they were, made me grow, taught me to accept facts and try my absolute best and by doing so I learnt to live each day appreciating any moments of happiness like never before.

It also taught me how to separate important stuff from trivia and boy, oh boy do we humans spend half our lives concentrating in the wrong things ...

I know you understand.

You and Myrtle will overcome this.

She will adapt much quicker than we think, her life will be as happy as before because she has the most loving Mom ever existed and the craziest baby brother ever too. 

Me, and all tripawdians, we are holding you and Myrtle in our hearts.

You are far more precious to us than we will ever be able to express in words.

There's a huge avalanche of kisses going your way right now, sweetie, and a tornado of cuddles and hugs and tummy rubs and ear scratches to Myrtle and Frankie too plus lots and lots of slobbery kisses from Happy Hannah and Eurydice from the sky heartheartheart

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

Michigan
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2 April 2013
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10 April 2018 - 9:28 am
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Oh Sally ~ 

You know you haven't done anything wrong.  Myrtle doesn't seem to care that she can't see, she still knows right where the person she loves the most is!  And right where those yummy treats are, too laughing

Many years ago we had a very old Siamese cat who was going blind ..at night he would start meowing and my younger cat would all of a sudden jump up and run to him.  Whenever she did, he suddenly stopped meowing ...I think she would go to him and guide him to wherever he needed to go to.  During the day I think he could see shadows enough to figure out where he needed to go to, but at night it was harder, so he needed Bailey's guidance.  It was funny that she just knew to do it for him heart

I'm sure it's the same way with Frankie - he knows that Myrtle needs his help and he will help her!

Can't wait to see you next month!

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Canada
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10 April 2018 - 9:59 pm
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Well my darling beautiful Myrtle! Look at that most stylin’ jacket! Blind Rock Star! Haha! Love it!!! You can be our Rock Star Dawg! Between you and Stewie, we would fill the stadiums! AllenSong could be your opening act! 

I have to agree that both Myrtle and Frankie are looking like they are in spectacular shape! Frankie was touching Myrtle to offer his support and Nurse Myrtle gave him just a little nudge to remind her darling brother that he needs to stand straight for the camera! She found her way back to her path beautifully and notice how she didn’t trip! Love it!

Sally, you are among one of the best Mum’s ever, don’t ever doubt it! We are all here to support you and show you love and kindness in return for all that you do for us!

Much love to you all and wishing you all the very best for your Friday appointment Merriest of Myrtle’s!

heartheartheart

On July 10/17 I became a Super Tripawd! You can find out more about my Pawrents Allensong but first Check out my 🎗 journey Super Stu Remember...“live in the moment!“  

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11 April 2018 - 4:07 am
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megstamum said

Merry Myrtle and Frankie are two of the luckiest dogs on planet earth. They know that. We all know that. Happy Hannah knows that too. That's why she sent them to you, because she knew that with their particular needs they were going to need an extra special human to love them and take care of them and fuss over them and spoil them rotten and buy them puppy lattes, and all the rest. And she knew who that human was.

Please, Sally, be kind to yourself. This is a lot to handle emotionally. Myrtle and Frankie will be absolutely fine. They could not be in better hands, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It is you I am concerned about. Please try and show yourself the same love and compassion you give so abundantly to everyone in this community.

 I couldn't have said it any better than that!

heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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