Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This past Thursday we said goodbye to our Chanceyboy. His breathing had become more labored and he was getting tired. He still wanted to eat and play but would take 2 bites of his food and lay down or run for his ball but not pick it up to bring it back. We noticed that his tongue was turning blue and he was breathing close to 100 times per minute and we knew he wasn't getting the oxygen that he needed. The fluid that had been drained several days before had returned and we knew that there was nothing else for us to do for him. We made the decision to let him go and it was the hardest thing that I have ever done. We laid him to rest on our new lot that we plan to build a house so that he will always be with us.
I still look for him when I round the corner at home or listen for his bark when I walk in the door, but he isn't there. It seems so surreal, but Chance gave us the best 20 months we could have ever asked for.
He was one of a kind and I don’t know that I will ever find another one like him. He was the smartest, loyalest, funnest, friendliest, most obedient and playful dog I have ever had the privilege of calling me own. RIP Chanceyboy, you will forever be loved and missed.
To read more about Chance's story and see some of his last pictures and videos
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
I am sooooo sorry to hear this about Chance. I saw your blog...
What a beautiful place to make as his final resting place. He will definitely always be with you and you family.
Sending you love and hugs and healing energy...
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever 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
I just posted this in your blog...it caught my attention first. Figured I'd add it here as well....
I’m so sorry for your loss of your beloved Chance. Just reading through your posting it shows how truly loved he was and how much he will be missed. Losing these amazing animals is tough….I still cry over having to let my Leland go back in June.
Just know that Chance was welcomed at the Bridge by all his Tripawd brothers and sisters that have gone before him and that he along with the others are running and playing and just having a blast. I believe our treasured furkids are just hanging out at the Bridge waiting for the day when their moms and dads come to meet them.
Sending you a warm hug during this sad time....
Sahana and her Angel Leland
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!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts. You did all you could and sometimes this is the last kind thing we do for our beloved pets. Hang in there...it's a tough time but we're all here for you.
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
I'm so so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful boy, Chance.
Chance will always be with you - in your heart, "in" your home, and in the heart of the new little one that you will welcome in March - he/she will learn to love Chance too through all the wonderful stories you will have to share.
Run free Chance,
Many hugs and much love
Linda and Tucker
So sorry to hear about Chance - but he was deeply loved and cared for and was a very happy dog.
This period of mourning our beloved friends is very hard, and only time will be able to turn these hurtful moments into fond memories of Chance.
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.
My heart is breaking for you and your family.......many of us definitely know the immense loss you are feeling. Just know, you gave your sweet boy the best possibility of a quality life and in my opinion, blew stats out of the water.....
In time, I am hoping your terrible heartache will ease, and happy memories of Chance fill your heart......take one day at a time for healing, you will eventually get to a place of acceptance....we are all here for you to lean on.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers,
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I read your heartfelt blog first...and then returned to the forums trying to collect myself...a.....
Then I read the post Christine made...Dogs Don't Die!" and tears re-started.....I immediately thought of Chance and that wonderful video.....I could hear him saying...."Don't you dare think I'm done walkingnyet, or chasing my tennis balls either!"
STANDING OVATION TO YOU CHANCE!!! 
Well done sweet boy! Well done!!!
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'm sorry to hear your boy has gone on. Chance was a strong boy and fought a tough battle. Sending healing thoughts to you.
I am sorry for the loss of Chance. He was a true Warrior and fighter. He will be with you in everything you do. He will still be that big brother to that little one you bring into the world. In fact that little guy or gal will have one heck of a guardian Angel.
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."
It really broke our hearts to read about Chance in your blog, we are so sorry. What a fighter and a hero to the very end, his courage and your devotion to him will always be legendary here and never, ever forgotten.
After having spent the summer with 6 Shelties, we really got to know the personality of this breed and they really are such wonderful doggies. I know you'll miss him very, very much. What a sweetie.
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry for your loss of Chance. I'm sure he's just running and chasing all those balls. May you RIP Chance, you will bemused by all here.
Esther and her Angel Snoop
So sorry to hear about Chance. RIP and Godspeed.
Marla, Daisy & Biscuit
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
So sorry for your immense loss! Chance was amazing! Please know that you did the right thing and hopefully your pain will be replaced with happy memories.
Laurie
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family and Maddie. The photos in your blog say it all.
Thanks to you, Chance transformed from a sad-eyed boy who had lost all hope in a shelter to the happy and joyful ball of love he was always meant to be. I'm so glad you gave him a chance. The world needs more people like you in it.
Hopefully you can take comfort in all the happy memories. You have an incredible guardian angel up there who is running and playing with his new angel friends but will always be watching out for you...his first love.
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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