Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our dear Buddy died unexpectedly Monday night.
On Monday night, for no apparent reason, Buddy our giant Golden died. He had been his usual happy bouncy energetic self bouncing around (in that adorable way our front leg amputees have), wagging his tail, insisting on pets, gobbling his dinner (and extra). He jumped onto his pillow for the night when my husband put all the dogs to bed. In the morning he was dead. We think it was possibly a seizure. He has had a few seizures in the past few years. Or else it was his heart.
I have posted photos of him on the blog I set up for him.
http://goldenbo.....ow-bridge/
He had been doing so well we thought we could keep him around for a few years. But it has only been six months. Every now and then I would think about posting another update on the blog about him. I thought I had time to do that later. There wasn't to be a later.
But we had wonderful fun with him in the six months extra we got from doing the amputation. The week or so post-surgery was difficult. But then he was up and hopping around doing everything he loved. Chasing dogs, chasing balls, running to everyone he saw to get petted. He even was still able to mis-behave at the dog part - jumping on younger dogs to establish his status!
You all have no idea how wonderful your support has been to me.
The Ruff Wear harness that was so kindly given to us, we will pass along to the next big dog who needs it.
Sending lots of love and hugs to all the tripawd pups out there and their mommies and daddies.
I am so sorry for your loss. This is very difficult when tough choices were made to try to extend his life. It sounds like Buddy passed peacefully. Hugs to you.
Mary and Blaze
I'm so sorry to hear about Buddy. Their time here is never long enough. Run free Buddy, I know the Angel tripawds pack was there to welcome you home.
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry about Buddy. I just lost my tripawd Golden, Eddy, on Tuesday. There seems to be an awful lot of Golden Angels needed in Heaven right now, because Buddy is the 4th Golden I know of to have passed in the new year. You will be in my prayers, and I hope Buddy and Eddy are at the bridge together. Eddy LOVED other dogs, especially male Goldens! Take care~ Betsy
Betsy Golden and Angel, Eddy. Eddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-23-14, had a left rear amputation 8-07-14, had 3 rounds of carboplatin chemotherapy, a small lung met was discovered in October, had 2 rounds of doxorubicin, and unfortunately more lung mets were discovered. Eddy fought cancer valiantly and went to the Rainbow Bridge 1-6-15, at the age of 7 years and 359 days, just six days short of his 8th birthday. Best Dog, Ever....you will never be forgotten.
My heart breaks for you. Whether the loss is expected or unexpected it is still traumatic. I hope you find comfort in knowing you always did the very best for him. Sending strength as you learn your new normal.
RIP sweet Buddy. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I am so sorry for your loss.... my heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you peace and love.
Hugs!
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
So very sorry for the loss of your Golden Buddy. He will forever be in your heart!
Nicole and Golden Molly
Mardi I just saw your blog post and am so sorry. I know it's so hard to say goodbye and I can't imagine the shock of waking up to see him gone, my heart breaks for you.
Hold those memories close as your heart heals, know that Buddy's story will never be forgotten and always a source of hope for people and pets who are looking for hope. Senior dogs like Buddy are truly special and as Tripawds make a big difference in this world for anyone who questions the feasibility of surgery. Thank you for the gift of getting to know you both and following your journey. Now that Buddy's earthly one has ended, we are here for you as you cope with your grief.
Lots of hugs & condolences coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Buddy. It is never easy how old or how young they are or how expected or unexpected. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family..
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
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."
Thank you all for your kind responses. Just reading your loving comments really touches my heart and encourages me. I haven't wanted to take our other dogs back to the dog park yet. We've gone there for years and there are so many who have known and loved Buddy. He made a point of going around to everyone at the park and getting attention. Even when they were talking and didn't notice him he would stand next to their hand and they would absent mindedly start petting him. When people would gladly welcome him he'd start leaning on them as they petted him. Then he'd decide he had to get pets from the next person he saw.
Right now I just can't face the dozen or more regulars who will be really shocked to learn of his death and repeating the story over and over when I see each one. So I'm taking the other dogs up to the other small dog park for awhile where we don't know anyone. And there are not so many memories there for me of the last 10 years with Buddy going to the park.
I am so glad I can come here and talk about Buddy and you all really understand and give me strength to face the changes in our life without Buddy.
Online
Mardi and Buddy....it will always be MARDI AND BUDDY! A connection...a soul sonnection like that can NEVER be broken!!!
As I cpsit here and cry with you...as we all do...I smile at the delightful visual you painted of him getting people to pet him, leaning against them, gently and subtly getting their attention!
I am crushed for you...the sadness...the loss...the void...the shock....we all understand it far too well here. We know the days and months ahead will not be easy. The intensity of this journey...the decisions...the amputation...the recovery...the fear...the watching their every move 24/7, is impossible for anyone to comlrehew unless you've lived it!
But the treasured memories, the intensity of the joy, the victories, the tail wags, the tummy rubs, the spoiling and the loving ks like no other!!!
That sweet Buddy touched all of us deeply! I love how he always had his toys with him and always greeted everyone with a stuffie. THOSE are the memories Buddy wants you to remember!
Why his soul decided kt needed to exit in the manner it did, who knows. Buddy wasn't afraid. Buddy was at complete leace that his earthly mission had been accomplished. He taught you life lessons that could be not be taught by anyone else other than Zen Master Buddy!! I look forward to hearing what some of those life lessons are! Imw sure one kf them is to live life to the fullest every moment!! Buddy sure did!! As Buddy entered another open door onto his next adventure at the Bridge, he did so excitedly and with all four legs! YAY Buddy!
PLEASE stay connected, okay? PLEASE continue to share more "golden nuggets" about that sweet Golden Buddy. We are family and we love Buddy. He will never be forgotten here! IMPOSSIBLE!!
Surrounding you with Buddy's eternal grace, sloppy kisses and happy tail wags!!
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Mardi, so sorry to hear about Buddy. I can certainly understand your avoiding the dog park. It is hard enough without recounting the story over and over. And yet, it hurts if someone doesn't ask. Keeping you in my thoughts. It is so very hard to lose our furbabies. May your good memories make you smile even through this hard time. Come here for support, it really helps a lot. Hugs from, Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Totally understandable about not being ready to repeat that story, that was one of those triggers that can really ignite a meltdown in me. It takes a LOT of practice. Maybe it's best to figure out what you're going to say before you need to say it, and try it with people you really trust before you say it to strangers?
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Bless your heart. My heart-felt condolences to you and your pack. I always thought of Goldens as earth-bound angels. I've never, ever met one in a bad mood.
Peace be with you and yours,
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
So sorry for your loss, especially so suddenly. Big hugs from us.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
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