Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Levi crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday. While we are devastated, we refuse to say that this disease beat him. Levi WON, damn it. 22 months after amputation, when he was given 6-12 months. He got around better on his three legs than most dogs do on four. The stupid OSA had to call in reinforcements (what the doctor thinks was a second primary tumor - not metastasis to another bone - in his front limb). Talk about playing dirty!
You get no credit for a win here, OSA. You cheated. Levi beat you fair and square.
Anyway, here's what happened...
After about a month knowing that he had a second tumor (or suspecting as much) in the front leg around his surgical repair site, during which he was happy, but unable to go on walks or play much, we think he fractured something at the tumor. He was walking on Tuesday and cried out in pain, then wouldn't use the leg at all. His quality of life quickly went from a 7 or so down to a 2-3. He's rallied after a tough day in the past, but this time it was too much. The leg swelled, with fluid draining down to his forelimb. He would eat, but not much. He only went out to pee twice between Tuesday and Thursday. We knew it was time. We called our vet to discuss, and he confirmed that the amount of painkillers Levi would have to be on to be comfortable would probably leave us with nothing much of a dog. We had talked about using one of those services that comes to your home, so I asked him if he recommended any. To my surprise, he offered to come to the house himself. He couldn't do it that day (Wednesday evening), but offered to come Thursday afternoon. Moving Levi at that point would have been awful for all involved, so we scheduled it for then.
That gave us a night and most of a day to lay with him, snuggle, say goodbye, and of course, bawl our eyes out. My wife and I both worked from home that day to maximize the time. When our vet & his tech arrived, Levi was on the couch - one of his favorite spots - sprawled out like normal. We decided to do it right there, with his head in my lap. Dr. A sedated Levi and they stepped out for a few minutes to let us say our final goodbyes. My wife decided that was all she could handle, and retreated to the bedroom when they returned. A few minutes later, Dr. A confirmed that the drugs had done their duty, again with Levi comfortable on the couch with his Dad. 
Here are some photos/vids of Levi's life as a Tripawd, from my instagram:
https://www.ins.....tMy5-HMJu/
https://www.ins.....k8CV-HML3/
https://www.ins....._KfccnMNP/
https://www.ins.....hJKW4nMC1/
https://www.ins.....LEf1_nMII/
https://www.ins.....J4H7qnMKM/
https://www.ins.....cekSlnMGP/
https://www.ins.....0cJ3YhalF/
https://www.ins.....O4ajGByX2/
https://www.ins.....5yxUiD7Nj/
Levi was diagnosed w/likely osteosarcoma at 7.5 years old in 7/2015 and became a Tripawd on 9/11/15. Loved life until he broke one of his front legs on 2/12/17. As x-rays showed clean bone, we decided to repair the leg. He recovered well, but in June of 2017, started to limp on the same leg. X-Rays showed return of OSA in the front leg. Levi crossed the rainbow bridge on 7/20/17, after over 22 months as a happy Tripawd.
Levi did Win! When ugly cancer saw that it changed the rules! Cancer cheats! Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us! You and Levi started your amp journey within days of us and I remember your boy well! Such a fighter your boy was! My heart breaks for you now as you've come to the hardest part of this journey! You have precious memories and beautiful pictures of your boy I hope they and the love you have for him will help heal your hearts. Fly free new Angel. You have earned those Angel wings Mighty Warrior! Look up your amp twin Max at Heavens bridge who's waited a long time to play with you! Sending you love, light and peace.
Linda & Spirit Mighty Max
Levi most definitely WINS! He wins against cancer and he wins because he is loved. Levi is beautiful and clearly loved his life with you. What a truly lucky boy to have someone who understands him and knows how special he is. I am so glad that you had so much time with your hero. I love the pictures and videos. I know your heart is broken and hope that in time all of your happy memories will outshine your sorrow. You've definitely got the right attitude. I love the white snip on his nose and the white on his toes. That Halloween costume is hilarious, how clever! What a great and inspiring story.
Much ❤️Amy & Rusty
In my opinion, Levi's big win was choosing your family. That was the jackpot!! Cancer? That's just something in his body that he didn't focus on - his great family was his focus and that's where his energy went.
The baby photo is adorable and I see he was the navigator when you drove. Wonderful dog and you'll have wonderful memories for life.
I don't know boxers well but want to tell you of a boxer experience I had a few years ago. As I was walking up a long driveway to a house there was a boxer sitting beside the house. Totally still. A statue perhaps? As I got closer I started talking to him, fully aware I may be talking to a statue. He did not move. I thought he may be tricking me - pretend he's a statue and then attack when I got close. I continued to chat in a soothing voice and at about 10 feet away, I said, "Where's your ball?" BOINGGGGG He got a ball and we played as I continued to the door. No one was home, I had a great time, and I'll never forget this dog. I don't know if that's a typical boxer's personality but I sure can see Levi had lots of character.
My condolences for having to let Levi go. I wish you peace and comfort.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Yes, he WON! He won the family lottery when he ended up with you. He defied those stupid statistics and he won then! And he won when he passed peacefully at home, surrounded by people he loved, on HIS and his family's terms, not cancer's stupid terms!
We're so sorry that he had to leave - but what a true warrior and an inspiration to us all!
Wishing you peace,
Tracy & Zatoichi
Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓
Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018. Read his story here.
Derek I am soooo sorry he got his wings but darn right, you bet he won! Levi kicked butt! And he did it with charm, humor and courage. He showed the world that life can be great on three legs and that cancer is not an instant death sentence. Levi's journey is proof that even something as difficult as cancer need not stop you from enjoying all the things that you love to do, and it's a reminder that all days are precious even if you don't have the disease. For that, we will always cherish his memory here and spread the word about your pack's inspawrational approach to living with cancer. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey in some small way.
Run free Levi, may you enjoy all the couch and counter surfing your heart desires up at the bridge. We love you forever.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos of sweet Levi, and his journey's end with us, many of us know how special, difficult, and totally heart crushing this entire journey is..... And you are absolutely right, Levi DID win, in many ways. First, kicking the ugly "c's" butt for twice the time given him, and to have an incredible family to love him so deeply, and to help him leave this earth when it was time.
May all his joyous and happy memories fill your heart, and help ease the pain of his loss in time 💜🐾
Keeping you in my thoughts....
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu 🐾
I'm sorry for your loss. I remember the shark victim picture, that was funny! Hold close to you all of the good memories of Levi. He was obviously very loved. 22 months is a win!!
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
kazann said
In my opinion, Levi's big win was choosing your family. That was the jackpot!! Cancer? That's just something in his body that he didn't focus on - his great family was his focus and that's where his energy went.
YES! LEVI WON IN SOOOO MANY WAYS!!! That piece of crap disease couldn't touch Levi's fighting Spirit....couldn't touch his gentle Soul...and can never ,ever, ever break the ETERNAL bond you shared!
rikntracy said
Yes, he WON! He won the family lottery when he ended up with you. He defied those stupid statistics and he won then! And he won when he passed peacefully at home, surrounded by people he loved, on HIS and his family's terms, not cancer's stupid terms!We're so sorry that he had to leave - but what a true warrior and an inspiration to us all!
And NOTHING can change the FACT that the LEGACY OF LEVI will FOREVER be one of INSPIRATION, HOPE, AN J STOPPABLE DETERMINATION TO LIVE THE LIFE TO THE FULLEST no matter what!!!
Almost TWO YEARS!!! T.W.O. Y.E.A.R.S....Levi took statistics and blew them sky high!!
And this is a beautiful love storu. Yes, LEVI WON when he decided you woukd be his humans to share his earth journey with him.
Just as privileged as you were to have him in his life, he felt just as privileged to have you in his!
We have cried almost everyday on here for a couple of months because our losses of our heroes seems to be coming at us non-stop.
We cry with you and your family tonight Derek. Our hearts break with yours. You and Levi jumped into our hearts with your first post. And then we saw some of the most WONDERFUL photos of Levi....presented with some great wit by his human!! You coukd just tell that Levi had a sense of humor too!! He had to with yiu as hupis human, right!!
Through our sadness we can have smiles as we look at these wonderful pictures of a life so well lived and so well loved.....sooooo loved!! 🙂
I can only imagine the laughter at the Beidge as Levi tells them about the "shark attack" costume! And then he starts bragging about what a cute little human sibling he has!! I love that picture of Levi and "Baby Derek":-) Maybe Levi felt like he had to head to the Bridge because he could watch over you and his new family better better from the Bridge. Levis shall forever be your Guardian Angel.
Many of us know the void you are facing...The break in routine....the feeling like yiur world has stopped (and it has) And we know the waves of grief will be with you for a long time.
But we also know that, if someone told you they could take your grief away right now...but it means you never would have had all these glorious years with Levi by your side.....you wouldn't change a thing.
I sooo hope you will share more of these sacred pictures of handsome Levi and some more wonderful stories about this MAGNIFICENT LEVI!!!
Love and hugs to all
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...Let us know how Levi connects with you...how he lets you know he is still around. I have a feeling it will be in a way that makes you smile, maybe even laugh out loud!
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!
PS...Let us know how Levi connects with you...how he lets you know he is still around. I have a feeling it will be in a way that makes you smile, maybe even laugh out loud!
True story: When Levi was around, we had to keep the front screen door locked at all times (or pull the main door closed), because he knew how to open it. On many occasions before we got more vigilant, he opened it and he and his dog brother (Bohdie) ran out. They would just run across the street to my parents' house, where they hung out sometimes.
-Aside- the first time he did it, we had had him for like a month. A pizza delivery man parked in the driveway and knocked on the door. Levi OPENED the door, both dogs ran out, and led by Levi, GOT IN HIS CAR (the door was ajar). /Aside
When it was just Bohdie (if Levi were at the vet, or out back, or whatever), we didn't have to lock it. Bohdie never opened it on his own.
On Thursday evening, just hours after Levi left us, I walked out front, leaving the main door open and the screen door unlocked. Bohdie, for the first time as far as I can remember, opened it up himself and ran after me.
Levi's still here! 
Levi was diagnosed w/likely osteosarcoma at 7.5 years old in 7/2015 and became a Tripawd on 9/11/15. Loved life until he broke one of his front legs on 2/12/17. As x-rays showed clean bone, we decided to repair the leg. He recovered well, but in June of 2017, started to limp on the same leg. X-Rays showed return of OSA in the front leg. Levi crossed the rainbow bridge on 7/20/17, after over 22 months as a happy Tripawd.
kazann said
I don't know boxers well but want to tell you of a boxer experience I had a few years ago. As I was walking up a long driveway to a house there was a boxer sitting beside the house. Totally still. A statue perhaps? As I got closer I started talking to him, fully aware I may be talking to a statue. He did not move. I thought he may be tricking me - pretend he's a statue and then attack when I got close. I continued to chat in a soothing voice and at about 10 feet away, I said, "Where's your ball?" BOINGGGGG He got a ball and we played as I continued to the door. No one was home, I had a great time, and I'll never forget this dog. I don't know if that's a typical boxer's personality but I sure can see Levi had lots of character.
I never knew much about Boxers. As a teen, dreaming of what dogs I'd own when I had my own place (as we dog folks do!), Boxers were never on my list. A babysitter when I was young had one, and it was always kept chained up outside, and the kids weren't allowed to go near him. So that was a bad first, and lasting, impression.
My wife though, always wanted a Boxer, though she didn't know much about them either. So one day about, oh...8 years ago, we started looking up Boxer videos on YouTube. And OH MY LORD, what a rabbit hole! They are such incredible goofs. We couldn't believe how many videos there were of them being completely ridiculous clowns. We were sold. Seriously, if you want to laugh for a few hours, start looking up Boxer videos on the web.
It's funny that you say BOINGGGG, because my wife and I started saying years ago that Boxers don't have usual insides, but instead they are full of springs!
Don't believe me? Watch this!
https://www.you.....oMuU382UPc
Springs!!!
On top of that, your staring story reminded me of this:
They are such 
!!!
So yes, we think there will be another Boxer in our future, though of course none could ever replace Levi in our hearts. Thank you for the kind words as well.
Levi was diagnosed w/likely osteosarcoma at 7.5 years old in 7/2015 and became a Tripawd on 9/11/15. Loved life until he broke one of his front legs on 2/12/17. As x-rays showed clean bone, we decided to repair the leg. He recovered well, but in June of 2017, started to limp on the same leg. X-Rays showed return of OSA in the front leg. Levi crossed the rainbow bridge on 7/20/17, after over 22 months as a happy Tripawd.
Oh Derek!:-) 🙂 🙂 This just gave me chills head to toe!!! And that just means that everything you just said was validated by Levi...and Bodhie too!!!
Dogs who have transitioned seem to always have such an easy way of re-connecting with their pals still here. I'm sure Bodhie never gave it a second thought when Levi communicated with him to go open the door!!! 🙂 I've seen it time after time with my dogs.
And I'm sure Levimis up at the Bridge laughing his a*s off watching all this unfold!! 🙂 🙂 The story of he and Bodhie running and getting into the Pizza Delivery car.....soooo priceless!!! 🙂
Yep, I knew Levi had ro have a great sense of humor with you as his dad!! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this today. Goodness knows the grief is still.overwhelming, vut this HAS to make you smile! Can't wait to see what he does next!
Hugs to all Levi's family...and Bohdie too!
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
My stupid connection is flipping out, so can't see the cideo right now...vut I'll be back....we could use some laughs compliments of Boxers! 🙂
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!
One time he took a "selfie!"
Levi was diagnosed w/likely osteosarcoma at 7.5 years old in 7/2015 and became a Tripawd on 9/11/15. Loved life until he broke one of his front legs on 2/12/17. As x-rays showed clean bone, we decided to repair the leg. He recovered well, but in June of 2017, started to limp on the same leg. X-Rays showed return of OSA in the front leg. Levi crossed the rainbow bridge on 7/20/17, after over 22 months as a happy Tripawd.
I loved reading your posts about Levi! What a cool dog. I am so sorry for your loss and I know what a vacant hole in your heart this leaves. I sent my dog Bella off on Thursday and we had a very similar day as you and your wife did with Levi. It has always been about their quality of life - not ours, so I did what you did and released my Bella to the better life beyond. I loved your story about the pizza delivery guy...very funny. Enjoy your memories and access them often. Levi was clearly loved beyond words.
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