Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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What a heartacheingly beautiful photograph of your boys....so Very special.
My deepest condolences to you and your family...virtual {{{hugs}}} to you Tara, and to Shamus too.
What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Helen Keller
Anita, mom to Xena & Roger
and my angels, Spammy & Chloe
That is a beautiful photo..........I think Charon hit the nail on the head when she said it was two souls making plans for when one took the journey to the Bridge.
Godspeed, Fergus....run fast, play hard. See you on the Other Side.
Tara,
The photo of Fergus and Shamus was so loving and beautiful.
We are so sorry that Fergus had to leave you--there is never enough time with someone you love. You gave him a wonderful home and he enriched your life. He will always be with you.
Spirit Hope
This quote, posted here by Anita, is so very true.....
What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Helen Keller
Tara,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss ... I know how deeply it cuts , please know our thoughts are with you and your family.
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Beautiful Fergus,
Run free tripawd warrior, your loss is felt throughout the tripawd world, but you will never be forgotten. Say hi to Jerry for us, OK?
xoxox,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
Tara, that photo is beautiful, what a sweet image of what had to have been an emotionally tough day. Two months isn't long enough.
As you find yourself missing that sweet boy, always remember that Fergus is there looking out for you, Shamus and all of our Tripawd heroes. May his spirit be strong and shine in your heart forever. We are deeply sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Such a beautiful picture! I'm an so sorry that Fergus' journey ended so soon, but I am glad that he got to spens a good week before his goodbye. Warm thoughts, and virtual hugs...
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
That is a beautiful picture and a touching picture. I am so sorry for your loss of Fergus.
Tara, I'm really sorry. I hope you can feel consoled by knowing you did the best for Fergus, and by an extra snuggle with Shamus. I know it's not the same, but hope it will help with this difficult transition.
Kathleen
I am so sorry about your sweet Fergus. Your description of his last days brought tears to his eyes. Fergus obviously was well-loved and I am sure he knew it.
Your situation sounds similar to ours, so I hope you don't mind if I impose on your grief to ask the question I have asked others: How did you know it was time?
Our Sammy lost his right front leg last November, then was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his remaining front leg in October. Although the x-rays show that his upper leg bone and shoulder are riddled with cancer, he seems pain-free on just two tramadol tablets a day. He doesn't walk very much, but doesn't seem to be in pain when he does. Our vet seemed surprised when she manipulated his leg and he didn't show any sensitivity to the movement.
We, as you did, worry about his leg breaking — but his spirits are high, he shakes his head and "talks," lets us know what he wants (mainly petting and rolling the ball to him), and is eating, drinking and pottying just fine. We worry about his leg breaking, but he seems so happy that they idea of letting him go seems premature. On the other hand, the idea of his leg breaking is terrifying to me. We don't want him to go through that.
People keep saying that we will know when it is time ...
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. We still (and always will) miss Fergus terribly but each day it gets a little easier. I have to bring Shamus to the vet tomorrow for a check up which will be difficult since it will be exactly one week since we put Fergus down. Shamus has been very lethargic, so I am going to have him tested for Lyme Disease. We have a real issue with deer ticks. It may be he is just grieving but we want to be sure he is ok.
Hi Sammy's mom,
I know we said goodbye to Fergus too soon but we were terrified to wait too long and have him suffer from a shattered leg. Fergus was 130 pounds and was putting a lot of pressure on his remaining legs. His tumor was visibly growing and 50-60% of the bone was already destroyed. Fergus was still eating and running well when we said goodbye. He was having a harder time getting up, had fallen the day before and when standing was trying not to put pressure on his front left leg. With the snow and ice season approaching, we weren't sure how he would manage his ramp, yard and deck. We had a freak snow storm in October and the ice was very difficult for him to navigate. I'm probably not helping you with your decision but we couldn't imagine him going through any more pain. Our vet thought it was time too.
I am sorry you are going through this terrible experience. Hopefully Sammy will give you a sign when he knows it is time. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Tell Sammy to look for Fergus when he crosses the Bridge.
Take care,
Tara
Fergus was a lucky boy to have you all as family. The picture speaks a 1000 words, all of them love for you, his pack. I am so sorry that you are now dealing with the grief. Please know we pray for healing for your hurt, and that Fergus is running whole and free again.
Elizabeth
P.S. Smiling Sammy's people, I know what you mean about being unsure. I was that way this last summer with my beautiful sheppard girl and her dementia. Her body was whole and sound, her mind coming and going daily. I just couldn't picture that I would know when it was time. I finally set her free and struggle still with the unsurety of it. I just didn't want her being confused and scared while I was at work and she was alone. It is the hardest decision in the world when they are smiling and happy and hopping along.... Much luck to you in your choices.
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Tara and Elizabeth,
You are so kind to take the time and trouble to counsel me. It may sound strange, but it is very helpful to know that others felt the uncertainty that I feel. I always thought I knew my baby so well that I would just know when it was time. But, you both hit on the hardest part of the decision: acting before disaster strikes. For two months, Our biggest fear has been that his leg would break and he would be in terrible pain. Our wonderful vet said we could call anytime, day or night, and that she would come over and tend to Sammy. But we heard him scream when he developed a hairline crack before his amputation and never want to hear that again. And, we want our goodbye to be loving, quiet and sweet.
But, as you know, things can change quickly. He hasn't been walking well so when we potty him I help him walk part of the way, then Rick picks him up and carries him the rest of the way. He seemed fine, but once we were back inside and Rick went to bed, Sammy started to cry softly. Those beautiful amber eyes were just staring at me. I offered him food and water, which he declined. When I asked him if he wanted to play ball, his tail thumped — so I rolled the ball to him a few times. When I sat back down, he cried again and we went through the same thing. After the third bout of ball playing, I firmly said, "Enough," and he dutifully laid his head down. I didn't think too much of it at the time because he hasn't been feeling any pain — but he certainly has gotten more spoiled.
This morning I woke up, looked down at him and started crying. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully and I attributed my weepiness to stress and lack of sleep. As feelings of coming loss raced through my mind I felt the need to write about my fears and grief. As I finished scribbling my thoughts, I saw his worried face and sat beside him to comfort us both. Shortly afterward, when Rick and I attempted to take him out to potty, we realized something had drastically changed. His foot is turning under and, when he tried to put some weight on it, he cried out. He is even having trouble maneuvering when he is lying down, and isn't showing his usual spirit.
Tonight he is lying on potty pads after our unsuccessful attempt to catheterize him and his refusal to go when we carried him outside. While I am praying for a miracle recovery, if he is no better tomorrow we will not let him be further robbed of his quality of life and dignity.
Please keep us in your thoughts tomorrow — and tell your furkids on the other side of the bridge to watch out for Sammy.
Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Beth,
I am tearing up as I read your post. Hopefully Sammy bounces back and has a better day today, I will keep him in my thoughts. It will be very difficult when you have to say goodbye but you will also have a sense of peace knowing he is no longer in pain. You will be in pain but it gets easier each day and you will have wonderful lasting memories of him.
He knows you love him dearly and you have done all you can for him. Fergus will be happy to greet him when it is time.
Love and hugs to your family,
Tara
Beth, we are so sorry to hear about Sammy's condition, we understand how heartbreaking the situation is. I hope that the vet can help alleviate his pain and help him feel better.
Please consider starting a new topic in the Forums so that your story doesn't get lost in this thread and we can be there for you to lean on if you want it. We are here for you. {{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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