Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you all that we set Ellie free from her pain on Sunday afternoon. We took her to the emergency vet first thing that morning and they found probable lysis in her cervical spine. We made the only decision we could make. We were both with her and told her what a good dog she was and how much we loved her as she slipped quietly away.
We wish we could have been one of those to beat the odds but it was not to be. She had 10 months of really excellent doggy quality of life. It was only in the last couple of weeks when we saw some changes, like more difficulty getting up and some pain on her left shoulder and foreleg. We thought we were dealing with a muscle strain and had her on muscle relaxant and we were doing PT. But the course was more down than up so we were starting to worry something else was going on. But the change on Saturday was really dramatic. She could stand but she could not walk without difficulty. Still though, she did not cry out in pain. And she spent some quality time on the porch that evening watching the world go by. I know now that she was probably in pain and I'll always regret that we did not take her in on Saturday.
It was so hard to come home to an empty house yesterday. Ellie wasn’t there to greet us, as though we’d been gone 100 years and she was so glad see us again. Who cares what the day brought if your dog is there to greet you and shower you with kissies at the end of it. She was a good dog.
We had an evening ritual when Bill and I would lie down on either side of her and give her a snuggle before going off to bed. We’d joke that she would be lying there thinking “I am the Sun and you are my Moons”. We always laughed about her thinking that. But she really was our Sun and now she’s gone.
Bill and Denise.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
I'm so sorry for your loss. This part of the journey is the hardest. You did everything right by your girl and I'm sure she knew that and knows that you love her. Your days ahead will be hard but your angel will be there to help you through.
Hugs,
Marla, Biscuit and Spirit Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Bill and Denise,
I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Ellie, we all absolutely know the heartbreak you are feeling. Never forget you gave her everything possible to have a quality life, and she loved living every moment in the joy of being with you.
The last gift of love we can give them, is to set them free of their pain, but in return, your pain is just beginning. Take one day at a time, and hoping each day brings you closer to peace, and happy memories within your heart.
Keeping you both in my thoughts,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu
Bill and Denise I'm really so sorry. My heart sank when I saw this. I know this time is empty, difficult and there are lots of feelings of guilt that take over our hearts, but try to always remember that you did so good by your girl.
You gave her the best life possible and in so many ways she DID beat the odds. She lived 10 amazing months, longer than lots of dogs with OSA get to enjoy, and she lived that time doing what she loves best, with her own Sun and Moon beside her. When the clock was ticking, you guys ignored it and made the most of every single day.
We would love to hear more stories about your time together so please share when you feel strong enough OK? And remember, she is not gone, she is just changed form to something more glorious and eternal than the body. Ellie's spirit can never fade, it's always surrounding you with love from the time you wake up to the time you close your eyes at night. She's near you, just be still and you'll sense her, I promise.
Many hugs and condolences coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My heart breaks for you .... I am so sorry for your loss. Know that your angel will always be your sun and she will shine even brighter now!
Much love,
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
Ohhh nooo! Not what I was expecting at all!
Tears are flowing. I'm just so darn sorry. When we say our hearts break withnyiu, we mean it. Far too many of us understand and know that, as unbelievable as it seems, it does even get harder. The void...the awful, awful void...the routi es no longer there...the care...the waves of grief will knock you to your knees for a long time.
Ellie has been our family for almost a year now and you and she have made a HUGE impact on all of us! You have shared valuable insight and lots of comfort and support. Ellie has inspired us, and she will continue to inspire others facing this journey.
No regrets!!!!! It is the human in us that will actually SEARCH until we find something to regret. She WANTED to be with you on the porch. She wanted to take that memory with her and let you "be her moons" that night! And she would REALLY be ticked off if she thought you were focusing on a made up regret than the wonderfulness of her entire life with you!
And Ellie had THE best life on earth here with you! Yes, she's gone through another open door onto the next part of her Soul's journey, but will ALWAYS be with you and definitely will make her presence known! Pay attention!
You've done a beautiful job of paying tribute to Ellie through your broken hearted tears. You even made us smile as you spoke about your good night ritual and as you recounted how splendid she made you feel when she greeted you. NOTHING can take away that kind of love you shared. When you can, PLEASE share more and, with pictures of course!
I've always loved her avatar picture because it shows her gentleness....such a gentle soul. And trust me, she has touched us all.
No dog could have been loved more...and she knew it! And she has taken all that love with her and made sure she left her love with you. The good memories will start to push the pain slowly, but surely. And those are the memories she wa ts you to remember...the thousa ds and thousa ds of gloriously happy tail wagging days you shared!!
I love your nightly ritual...and it's still true! As Alison said, her Sun is even shining brighter now! And the light of her Sun can NEVER be dimmed! Her life made a difference and is continuing to do so! ELLIE MATTERED!! So when you feel the warmth of the Sun, know all is well with Ellie and she is still lighting the path for others.
Stay connected. We no there are no words, just supporting you anyway we can right now. Lean on us, we'll help hold you up.
Surrounding you and Bill with Ellie's eternal grace and sweet kisses
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
I am so sorry to hear of Ellie's crossing. This part of the journey is very tough and each our own. We are here to support you. No one can tell you the right length to grieve. Ellie fought a good battle. RIP Ellie , fly free
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."
I am so so sorry, my heart is breaking for you guys. It is never easy to let them go. When we love hard we grieve hard. Ellie knew she was loved. She knew that no matter what, you guys had her back right up until the end. Run free sweet Ellie....
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”
All we can wish is strength to overcome this difficult moment. You were able to give her ten months of top-quality doggie life, and she was able to give back the unconditional love that only our blessed fur babies know how to give. Allow yourselves to grieve, because this is part of losing a loved family member. Run free, Ellie !
hugs from Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Ellie...
My heart breaks for what you both are going through right now with the grieving process. This part in the journey is so difficult. Just know we are here for you both to lean on.
Wrapping you both in a warm hug!
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Oh no, I am just seeing this! Bill and Denise, I am so sorry for your loss. You were there for me, Connor AND Mac when we were going through this all and I am forever grateful for your kindness. Ellie will forever live on in your hearts and the positive impact she made on your lives will last a lifetime.
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
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