Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Today our gorgeous brave Hector who was 10 years and 3 months had to be put to sleep, and he went peacefully in his own home with us beside him. We are absolutely broken hearted and can't believe he has gone. He was only give a few months to live in November 2013 but he proved everyone wrong, he battled with soft tissue sarcoma, and when he lost his leg in August 2013 he bounced back and managed well for a few months. He started to go down hill in December, and we didn't think he would still be here when we went to Australia in March, but he was still here, and happy to see us back home. The last couple of weeks his mobility was steadily decreasing and he could only get up for a couple of seconds and then collapse, and we had him at the vet as there was a lump at the top of his only good leg, which the vet though was another tumour. We brought him home and his breathing started to get very bad whereby he was gasping for breath, and even the pain killers did not help him settle, and would hardly eat or drink. We made the decision to call out the vet, as Hector's quality of life had gone. Hector wagged his tail as the vet was injecting him, and we held him close as he passed away.
life will never be the same without our brave gorgeous Hector, he brought so much joy and happiness into our lives.
Mary
Mary,
I am so sorry hear about Hector's crossing. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. You gave him the most selfless gift we give our babies. RIP Hector
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 for your kindness, it means so much. I just feel so alone, and miss Hector so much, our lives will never be the same without him. He was such a fighter and battled on and on, I had really thought he would have go over this hurdle.
Thanks again
Mary
Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss of your precious Hector. When we have to finally let our Tripawds cross to the Bridge there is a great hurt in our heart. Take comfort in knowing that Hector is not alone...he was greeted by all his Tripawd brothers and sisters who have gone before him. He's now healthy and happy frolicking in green meadows. And he will be there waiting for you to greet you with slobbery kisses and a wiggling butt when it's your time to leave this Earth.
Just know that we are wrapping you in a big Tripawd hug and Hector's spirit will always be by your side.
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!
Hector rawked.. beating cancers ass for that long!! What a blessing and a determined little guy! Good for you Hector!! Unfortunately, the day comes that we know we have to let the leash go for the last time.. and how lucky you were to hold onto that leash a little longer than they said!!
No one else understands how you feel right now but us here in the Tripawd land. It hurts... and it was soooooo worth it... wasn't it? When you love hard, you grieve hard. If it didn't hurt, then that would mean that you really didn't care.
I am sure he has been welcomed at the Bridge by some pretty amazing Tripawds who are hanging out there having a good time.... and he is waiting for you. See.. the thing at the Bridge is that there is no sense of time there... it does't feel like years to our furkids there... it only feels like a few days to them.... that way they never feel alone or lonely for very long. There is so much to do there that they enjoy, that they don't even realize that they have been gone for that long. And when the time comes that they meet us with muddy paw prints, slobbery kisses and knocking us over on our butts, we are the only ones who know how long it has been for us till we hold that head in our hands again, and kiss that nose! I personally know that I don't plan on meeting my furkids at the Bridge for a very long time... which is a good thing. But when I do.. the love will be just as strong then, as it is now.
They leave our sides.. but they never leave our hearts.....
I know it hurts, and the tears will flow for a while.... but, the smiles will come eventually and the memories will make you laugh, and your heart will swell when you feel Hector wagging his tail in your heart.
Trust me.. I know
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
I found this yesterday on a post from Facebook. One of the more beautiful versions I have seen. Every time I look at it, I see something new. Like the 2 Angel Dogs playing in the water. Felt this might be a good place to post it today. I am so sorry that Hector has crossed the Bridge. This picture with Christine's explanation of their life at the bridge makes a good combo. It helps a bit to remember that their lives are now pain free and they are young and able bodied again. It just hurts so bad. Feels so lonely and empty. Notice also that they seem to be watching out for us too. I like that thought. It is a brave and very selfless choice to let them cross. It is not without pain, not without tears. Would we do it again to have those wonderful years with our pups. In a heartbeat! Know that we are here for you. I found a lot of comfort here when Ty crossed over. This picture is in honor and memory of all The "April Angels" 2014 and 2015 and all of our other Tripawd warriors that are at the bridge running free. Love, Lori, TY & Gang
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.
I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet Hector.... he kicked some serious cancer butt and he's a warrior for sure!!!
I love Lori's photo and post. My girl, Shelby, was an April 2014 angel and I like to think they are ALL playing over the bridge and running free and having fun until we are all together again.
I know this is the hardest part of this ... the saddest part... the most pain! We are all here for you and we understand like none-other. Stay close to us and know that as a community, we all hold you in our hearts...
much love,
alison with the spirit of shelby furever 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
Oh what such a lovely picture, so very meaningful. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts, and it does so much help that you understand the pain I am going through. I am sitting here beside where Hector used to lie with tears streaming down my face. The memories of Hector very much alive, like when we collected him as a 4 month old bundle of fluff. He loved life and lived every day to the full, and adored my husband his daddy whom he would sit loyally beside, very rarely leaving his side. He used to love getting up to mischief, like when he found out how to operate the car windows and hang out of them, tail wagging and ears back flapping in the wind. Oh how I miss the walks with him, when we would meet his little friends and they would all play together. Hector has left such a massive void in our lives.
He struggled so much with his failing health, and was getting so distressed when he could not get up, and his breathing became so laboured, so I know in my heart that it was right to leave Hector go in peace, but we are so very heartbroken, to lose our gorgeous brave Hector who will never be forgotten.
Your kind words are such a great help to me, I can't thank you enough.
Mary
Hector tibetan terrier born 21.7.04 diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma February 2014, tumour removed March 2014, followed up with radiotherapy then tumour recurred June 2014, leg amputated August 2014. December 2014, he started to decline with reduced mobility, tried acupuncture which gave some relief. Died 24.4.15
rest in peace over the rainbow our beloved brave Hector who will never be forgotten and will live in our memories for ever.
Yes, this is the hardest part. The part where you will question yourself, get angry, sad, all those emotions. I love how you are already tapping into memories. They will help. Eventually, you will get to a point where the memories will not be as painful. You will realize you are thinking of him with a smile in your face. I am picturing him running the car windows. And I am smiling. See, Hector lives on here. We never forget our angels here. I started a blog for My Ty and started sharing memories of him. It was healing and gave everyone a good picture of the real Ty Guy, not just when he was sick. I made a scrapbook and a garden too. Just some suggestions that helped me a lot. Thinking of you, Lori, Ty & the Gang
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.
Mary, it broke my heart to see that Hector has earned his wings, I am really, really sorry. And I was extra sad to see that we missed you in the Chat room today. Please stop by again or private message me so we can arrange a time to connect OK? I know there's a time difference but we can work something out.
I'm just so sorry. I know the pain of just knowing in your heart that you did the right thing but the shock of not having him around is so overwhelming. It's easy to say "time heals" but right now, this moment, I understand your grief and I feel for you. Would it help to post photos of him? Here are instructions for adding images to forum posts. If you can't figure it out I am happy to help, just pm me OK?
As the days pass your heart and your brain will make a truce. You'll realize that you did do the most humane, loving thing for him and the tears won't sting so much. Until then, and beyond, we are here for you OK? Please come back and let us know how you are doing, we are thinking of you.
Much love, hugs & condolences are coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet boy Hector.....Most of us here know how terribly heartbreaking this is for you and your family. Time is supposed to heal our painful, empty hearts, but he will always stay close within your heart as well. Our beloved Tripawds take a huge piece of our heart when they leave us, that's for sure.
I am hoping that eventually, only happy memories remain with you, and thinking of him brings tears of joy in his memory, instead of tears of loss and pain.....And never forget that he was an inspiration, and a brave cancer-fighting pup, that truly kicked cancer to the gutter. He will always be remembered here, and his spirit will remain with you always.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts,
{{{hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew
Dear All
Thank you for your kindness, your understanding and words are helping me cope with my overwhelming grief, which I am finding so very very hard to come to terms with the sad loss of Hector. My husband like me is absolutely overwhelmed with grief, and it is so very hard for him as he has been ill for nearly 2 years, and Hector was his companion and best friend and they were inseparable. Archie who never cooks would cook Hector his favourite food each day, and latterly when Hector struggled with eating he would hand feed him, and carry him into the car to take him to the park where he would lie him in his favourite spot so Hector could see some of his doggy friends. I have spent today just looking at photos of Hector, and recalling all the fun we had with him, it seemed as if he went from a mischievous full of character pup, to being taken over by the vicious cancer.
Jerry you have so beautifully summed up how I am feeling, and I just can't seem to stop crying, and the ache in my heart is so overwhelming. I know Hector is at peace, but I miss him terribly, and the house is so quiet and lonely without him. You have been on my long journey with Hector from when he became a Tripawd last year, to him now gaining his wings. I will try and upload some photos, and also get back onto the chat line.
please keep in touch, and thank you for your kind words, they mean so much to me.
Mary and Hector with his wings
We'll look forward to more pictures Mary. Would it help to write his story for Tripawd Tuesday? We would love to pay tribute to him that way. If you want to write one let me know OK?
Pictures, writing, creating things is good therapy when you feel like this. Some people don't like looking at photos but it sounds like you feel better when you do, If that's the case, when you look at the photos, or even when you think of him, focus on the good times, not the sad ones. There's a saying that goes "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." That kinda sums it all up, focus on how fortunate you were to have that sweetie in your life, and all the gifts he gave. It takes lots of practice but over time it helps ease the pain.
{{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, and I do find looking at photos and writing about him does help, but the grief is so raw, and the pain of him not being with us so hard. Happy to write for Tripawds Tuesday, just let me know,what I need to do. I will have another go at uploading some photos.
Mary
Dear Sweet Mary, Archie a d "Hector with his Wings"...
It has taken until today for me to respond. I, like many here, jave been with you on this j o urney since day 1...the ups and downs of recovery and all the glorious victories we all applauded!! And my oh my, Hector liked ro overcome challenges!!
Mary, the pain seems suffocating right now. It seems.like your world has stopped. You are going through the motions of existing. And that's avout all you can do right now, is "exist". We understand like no others can. The intensity of this journey is like no other. And the when our dogs and cats transition, , the intensity surrounding all of that is like no other. And you know what? Hector would do it all over again to have that extra bonus time of getting his favorite foods cooked for him or being trated like Royalty (which, of course, he is!) and having his loyal subject carry him to his favorite spot at the dog park. And extra bonus time opening the car windows himself to let the breeze flap across his face!!! You KNOW he was soooo proud of himself for that!!
We understand the void, the erasing of routines, the depth of despair. And yet we can do nothing. Jerry's great quote about changing the way we look at things will evolve...promise. There certainly are no timeframes here. I think everyone will tell you the sadness is always there, it DOES dissipate and it DOES get pushed aside as all the happy memories start filling the void. Waves of grief still show up. Waves of joy and happiness for the bonus time we did jave together show up too!
I look forward to seeing more ohots and hear i ng more stories about ADORABLE HECTOR!!! Such a cute, cute boy!!
We are all still by your side, okay? We are family. HECTOR WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED HERE!!! And you know the crazy thing? Hector will send you another dog when HE decides you are ready...not when YOU decide! And he, or she, will already be infused with tips from Hector, so just be prepared! I've got a feeling this one will be even more mischievous than Hector...and Hector will have a ball watching it all unfold!!
Sending yoj all the love jn the world...plus some...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
PS... I like your signature for Hector..just because the visual of him prancing arou d in a little set of "wings" made just for him makes my heart smile. I ordered a set for Hap p y Hannah ahead of thime because they had to be custom made...XL and made out of chocolate!!
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!
1 Guest(s)
