Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all! This is not for my tripawd Domino, but for his big sister Bounder...
Bounder is my adorable border collie mix. This June would be her 16th birthday. Unfortunately I'm at that point in her life where I'm having to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. But before sad things, here's some history on miss Bounder.
I adopted Bounder from our local animal shelter when she was 12 weeks old.... 15 1/2 years ago! I was 11 years old. Bounder was my very first puppy of my own. I potty trained her, took her to obedience classes, she catapulted my love for dogs. She has been the most amazing dog I've ever owned, and I know everyone says that about their own dogs, but she's special. Over the past 15 1/2 years shes let me dress her up, take her picture, gone on amazing hikes and camping trips, tolerated new furry family members even if she didn't like them, she's been my best friend.
Medically, Bounder has always been super healthy. No major medical issues at all, healthy as a horse. As she's aged she's had normal old dog problems, achy joints, slow to get up etc. Recently it's been her mental stability that's really worried me. The last 6 months she's really gone downhill. To put it simply, she's not Bounder anymore. She can't stand to be touched, if she is touched she tries to bite (Bounder has never ever ever snapped a person in her life until now), her legs shake when she stands, she acts so confused and lost most of the time. It's heartbreaking to see her deteriorate this way. I know it sounds terrible, but I almost wish there was a medical condition pushing me to decide for her. This is easily the worst decision I've ever had to make.
I know I've rambled and I'm sorry. I guess what I really want is some assurance, some comfort. Who else has had to deal with "doggie dementia" and what decisions did you make? I know this topic isn't easy, but I'd really appreciate some opinions and personal stories. I know saying goodbye is never easy, yet I know it's inevitable. Thank you so much in advance for your support, it means the world to me.
Cassie and Bounder
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Sometimes these decisions are the hardest to make. Although it is never easy how ever we have to make it. Ms Bounder will be waiting and 100% healthy when it is time for you to meet her again. We all will be here to support you through this tough decision and grieving period.
xoxoxo
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."
Oh Cassie, my dear sweet Cassie. Hope you can feel the collective hug of the community reach through the screen and wrapping you up in a big reassuring hug. We know,and you know, you will do what's best for Bounder, just like you have every single day of her life!
Oh my dog! Bpu der is 16 yrs old! You clearly have given her the best care in the world!!
And those pictures.....such sweetness! A d then to scroll down and see that lovely grey muzzle! Love that grey muzzle!!! So much history wrapped up in that grey mug and wise eyes!!
You said something that, in my opinion, is an answer that comes from Bou der's Soul straight into your Soul:
"To put it simply, she's not Bounder anymore"
Bounder, like any of us, would want ro be released from our earthly bodies that no lo ger let us be who we are.
I jad the privilege of providing love and care for my Mom's dogs when she transitioned. After awhile, her beloved Bodie coukd no longer be Bodie anymore at approximately 15 yrs. I made the gut wrenching decision to help him transition three months before it was Happy Hannah became an April Angel.
I think Bounder is making the decision for you. She's telling you and showing you. I can only tell you that, with my Bodie, he also showed me with some of the same signs Bpu der has given you. This may not be a "medical condition" but it's a "condition of the heart". You will do what is best for Bounder and you will do it with Bounder's blessing.
Right now, untill the second lf transition, you and Vou der are together. Celebrate it. Savor it. I don't know if Bounder is eating very well now. If so, give her any junk food she wants!!
Cassie, you are such a lovi g Soul, such a caring and compassionate Soul. I wish we could make this easier for you, but we can't.
I'll just repeat your statement again:
"To put it simply, she's not Bounder anymore"
Bounder is reassuring you.
Sending you love and clarity
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Michelle, thank you so much. It means so much to me to have such an amazing support group on here.
Sally, I don't think I can ever tell you how much your response means to me. I think I've known in my heart that she was ready, but I didn't fully grasp it until I put it into words. On her good days I hate myself for even considering euthanasia, and on her bad days I hate myself for waiting.... These days, the bad are overtaking the good. I've promised Bounder a Bounder Day. All of her best friends, the people that love her will come over and spend the day with her, she'll eat what she wants, do what she wants, all day. I don't know when that will happen, I need to prepare myself for that first.
Again, thank you to everyone on here, to have the comfort and support of all of you is wonderful.
Cassie and Bounder
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Cassie ~ I was thinking the exact same things as Sally! That sweet, sweet face! And that gray muzzle, oh..it just begs to be smooched! Oh, but if she's not Bounder anymore, then she's telling you... in her own special way. You want to remember all of the good times, not the bad.
hugs to you 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
A BOUNDER DAY!!! Great idea Cassie!! And you know what? You can start tomorrow and make it incorporate a multitude of BLUNDER DAYS!!
She deserves more than just one day! Let's get this pawty started! Tomorrow can be BOUNDER'S DAY FOR BACON AND EGG BREAKFAST!
Okay, from here on out, everyday is BOUNDER DAY!!
Soooo, my contribution to the first BOULDER DAY would be a scoop...or two, of ice cream!!! 🙂 Do you mind making that happen on my behalf? I wish I coukd be there to give it to her! Pictures! We have to jave pictures of some of the special good things that Bounder does on each of her BOUNDER DAYS!!
Okay, any other ideas people would like to "contribute for all the upcomi g BOUNDER DAYS?
Lots and lots of love Cassie. We're with you.
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!
Cassie I'm really sorry. I wish I had wise words to offer, but never having had the privilege of caring for a senior dog, I honestly can't say I've been there. I would agree that a disease like cancer takes some of the sting away during end of life care. But in your case, your brain put into words exactly what your heart is thinking, and that's when you know it's time. What a very fortunate doggie to have you for her entire life.
Yep, a Bounderoo celebration it is! Please share photos with us, we are right here celebrating with you. {{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone.
I love the idea of making everyday Bounder Day! I have to be careful with it though, her stomach isn't nearly as steel as it used to be lol. I promise I'll share pictures of what we do!
Cassie and Bounder
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Awww . . . sweet, sweet Bounder.
Cassie, my heart aches for you and your pack.
The only dementia I've dealt with is family members. However, this is what helped me through those times and, let's face it, our fur-babies are just about the closest family member we can have.
As my favorite aunt currently succumbs to incapacitation due to dementia, I keep reminding myself a quote I once heard a long time ago at a memorial, "When the body becomes unfit for the soul, the soul moves on to a higher plane."
It sounds to me your Bounder's soul has already decided to go to the Bridge and forgot to "take care of business" before she left. But she knows you've got her back.
{{{{hugs}}}}
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
A beautiful sentiment Pam.
Does Bounder like being brushed? If her tummy is a little goofy maybe today could be Bounder's Brushing Day! Maybe just a gentle massage day?
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!
It is always so painful to face their mortality. As much as we want them to be with us forever, at some point we have to say goodbye. I can't imagine how much more painful it is when a pup has been a part of your life for so many years.
Listen to your heart. It will not lead you astray.
Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.
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
Hi Cassie - I know first hand the heart break of having to make that decision for your sweet bounder. I have had to do that twice in the 6 months. Nothing can curb the pain of losing a best friend like those of us who have pets, just know that Bounder is relying on you to help her through this and sometimes the best decisions for them are the worst for us.
In time you will be able to think of her without as many tears though you will always miss her presence, she will forever be your guardian angle looking down on you until you meet again.
Wishing you comfort and peace in this difficult time - Summer
Oh Cassie... I'm so sorry ... I can only imagine how hard this ..... sending you so much love. I think the others have said exactly what I would say and I send you peace and love in your time of pain and sadness...
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
Hi all. I wanted to give everyone an update on Bounder.
I hate that it took me almost 2 months to make the decision, it's the most difficult decision I've ever had to make. Bounder is scheduled to make her journey to the Rainbow Bridge this coming Saturday the 28th. I keep second guessing myself, and I know I will up until that day. But now, not only is her mind failing her, but her body is too. Walking is becoming a big struggle for her, she acts as if her rear legs are just giving out. She's constantly walking hunched like her back hurts (she's had arthritis in her spine for years). Her incontinence has gotten much worse and more frequent. The logical side of my brain, my vet tech brain, tells me it's past time. If this was a clients dog we would have recommended it months ago. But the dog mom side of my brain, the side that still occasionally see's that twinkle in her eye, just doesn't want to do it.
This coming Saturday will be hard. Harder than I even want to imagine. Saturday will be 3 weeks shy of her 16th birthday. But she's lived an amazing life. Since I adopted her when I was 11, we've gone camping and hiking, we've played dress up, we've had photo shoots. She's helped welcome new family members, both furry and human 🙂 She's also been my shoulder and best friend when I've had to say goodbye to other pets. She has been the best dog I've ever owned. When I was younger I made her promise to live forever, what 11 year old doesn't want their first puppy to live forever....
Bounder is going to spend the week in the company of family and friends. We're going to laugh, and I'm sure we're going to cry, but this week is for her. I'm not sure how my other two dogs are going to react to everything. Finn is very close with Bounder and is always looking out for her, so I think he'll take it pretty bad.
I can't thank all of you enough for the support and friendship that you've offered. It means the world to me to not have to go through this alone. So if you can this week, spare a thought or prayer for my family and myself.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Oh Cassie... I came in a little late to all this so I Am so sorry .... I haven't dealt with doggie dementia either ... But I know how heartbreaking this is for you and how hard it is to see the "vet tech" side and your desire to be "the mom"... I know it sounds trite but Bounder has lived a LONG and AMAZING LIFE - the life most dogs only wish they could have ... she has had you as her mom, her best friend, her soul mate ... and you have grown together! What a beautiful love story!!!
I will send you so much love and healing energy as this weekend grows closer and help you celebrate her life as we all grieve with you.
Hugs and love!
alison with spirit shelby 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
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