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.
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It is with heavy heart and through many tears that I let you know we had to send our beautiful boy to the bridge today. It went fast my friends so very fast. On Thursday he was just off, very lethargic and didn't want to play. Nothing much changed until Sunday night when he was unable to keep himself up. It was like his back end was paralyzed. He wasn't in any pain it was just like his remaining back leg wasn't there at all. The vet thinks it was a proble spread of cancer to his spine. We called the vet to come this morning to the house and Max had one last day of eating as much dog food (6 full cups) when his normal was 2, steak, ice cream and beef jerky all of which he enjoyed immensely. From last night on he got total loving and petting non stop. We squeezed an eternity into his last day and a half and let him go with dignity and so very much love. I know he's now at the Rainbow bridge, healthy and whole chasing his orange ball and will be waiting for us to join him. It hurts so very much right now but I do know at some point I will be able to remember with a smile all of our joyous times because we had many both before and after that dreaded C diagnosis, Cancer can steal a lot but it couldn't take away Max's zest for life or who he was. It can't take ours either because Max taught me that. In Max's memory I will live each day fully like he taught me to do....live like dog. Thank you all sweet friends I could not have done this journey without each and every one of you.
Love you all
Linda, Bob and Spirit Mighty Max the Extreme Warrior
I can't believe it! Not Max! I'm so sorry for you and for your son and the rest of your family. I know Max was truly loved. I know he will be very missed. And I know he felt the love from all of your holding him tight while he slipped away.
I remember your first post, when you asked something like 'is it really hopeless'? I still hear the heartbreak in your voice when you first learned that your beloved boy had such an awful disease. And then to proceed with amputation and see him recover and love life again! And all the help and encouragement you've given here to others. It just isn't fair. I'm just so so sorry for you and your family.
Grieving with you,
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
NOOOOOOOOO!!! Oh my dear, dear Linda. I'm just stunned! SHOCKED!! I'm so very, very, very sorry! Forgive me, I nave ro come back later. Crying too hard....my neart breaks with you and Bob. It is broken
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!
Ohhhh nooooo Linda, our hearts are shattered, we are so sad to hear this! Warrior Max, sweet angel and Tripawd hero, we just can't believe it either. You really kicked butt my friend, you always rocked and showed us how to live life to ... the Max.
I wish I could say or do something to make this time easier Linda, it's so hard. Let the tears flow, and ust know that you and your family did everything, gave him all the love and care and happiness that any dog could ever ask for. He enriched our lives here too, leaving a legacy in this community that will never, ever be forgotten.
Max, run free and go wrassle with all our heroes, we know that they're all having a ball with you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so so sorry! I love how you can see through the grief to the future, when the happy times will start coming back. Max is proud. It just hurts so darn bad. There are not really even words to describe it. This forum was a terrific support to me when I lost Ty. I could come here and post memories. Thinking of you, 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.
Oh Linda... I am so sorry to read this ... Max was such a warrior! A true hero in SO many ways and he will always be a part of our family (you all too). I know how much this hurts right now but what a send off Max got! All dogs wish they could go with steak, lots of petting and love and compassion.... and dignity.
I know this hurts like he!! right now but so many of our angels met him at the bridge and picked up like no time was lost ... healthy, happy and playful.
RIP sweet Max.
Sending you love and hugs and happy memories ...
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
For MAX.........we got to bask in his bright light here on earth, now it shines down on us from a Star, Max's Star, twinkling in the heavens
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 am so sorry to be reading this tonight, we all do know how painful and heartbreaking this is for you and your family...... Max lived life on his terms, and that is what is most important, and learning how to Be More Dog is one of the best lessons of all.
Keeping you in my thoughts, wishing for peace and healing within your heart, and that memories of Max stay within your heart always as well....
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu
Dearest Linda, Bob and John.....words cannot express how sad I am to hear this news. Max was so special to you all, (and us too). It sounds like you gave him an incredible send-off; he was indeed a lucky guy to have such a caring and loving family. I can't believe he's gone...we really must live our lives like our canine companions. Its seems you've totally figured this out in the short time you've been in the Tripawd family. Its seems like just yesterday we were talking on the phone about his situation; you've come a long way since that first phone call - and you've helped so many others with your wisdom and experience. I'm so glad we got to meet mighty Max; he was a beautiful and gentle soul. I look forward to continuing the friendship we formed through our 3-legged warriors.
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Thank you all so much for your support and kind words. Our Max was such a fighter. No matter what happened to him he accepted all challenges and went on in his usual stoic fashion. He lived his life full out and never knew the word moderation. After recovery he truly lived life fully and without complaint and with happy doggie gusto. Even at the end his spirit was willing but his body couldn't take the challenge anymore. The one thing he hated just hated was going to the vets. He hated the poking and prodding. After the last chemo we promised him no more poking and prodding for him. Our goal became quality of life over quantity and I pray we gave him that. No dog on the earth was more loved, spoiled or catered to than Max the last four months. I have no regrets about doing the amp it taught us so many life lessons that will be with me forever. My heart hurts so terribly right now but I know it will heal in time. You all along with Max taught me to life each day joyfully and without fear. Max will always be with Bob and I because we will carry him in our hearts forever. Run free sweet boy you have so earned your place at the bridge.
Love you guys,
Linda, Bob & Spirit Mighty Max
You all absolutely gave him the best quality of life Linda, no doubt about that. You knew him and what he wanted and you made ever decision with love and his best interest in mind. Max will reward you a thousand times over by staying strong by your side in spirit, he will never leave you. {{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, I'm so, so sorry! I really wish that there were words I could say that would help, but I know there aren't any. Max was an amazing soul, and you gave him the life he deserved.
Fly high sweet Max!
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
I am so sorry to hear about Max. My heart is breaking for you all. Run free. He is 100% healthy and will be ready to meet you when the time is right at the Bridge. Until that time he will be playing and running with all of our other Warriors & Princess Warriors
xoxoxox
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 Linda and Bob, I am SO sorry to hear that Max has gone on. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and believe me when I say we all are grieving with you right now. It was wonderful to follow Max's progress (and yours as well!) in the months following his amputation. He really rocked on 3!! What a Tripawd Warrior!! And Linda, you became such a wonderful source of support for others in our community--I can't believe how you just jumped right in and started sharing the love!
Quality of life? Are you kidding? Max knew you loved him to the moon and back and most definitely had an awesome life with your family. Your love for Max shines bright in your description of his last days and in your decision to let him go with his dignity intact. Such a hard decision but one of the greatest gifts we can give our sweet friends. Lighting a candle tonight for Max and sending you two lots of peace and love from the Oaktown Pack.
Run free Most Magnificent and Mighty Max. See that beautiful GSD girldog over by the stream? That's my Rosa and I just know she would love to meet you ...
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the OP
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!
Perhaps now I can settle down enough to just let the thoughts flow unhindered. It mist be the right time to try and write, because Happy Hannah's banner is sitting right over me at the rop of the page. Clearly her message ks that Max has arrived safely at rhe Bridge and is having a blast!
I always envision Jerry greeting each new member and passing ojt Purple Hearts to honor their bravery and courage. Shhh...don't tell the other dogs....pretty sure he gives German Shepherds two!
It's very special that Max got to stay with you awhile back while Bob went to play with his human friends. You clearly were the best Grandma, and so much more, that a dog could have! You and Max resonated on such a deep level. Two wise souls who really understood each other. Yes, he was a wonderful Professor of Life Lessons and you were a wonderful student!
Max KNEW you got his lessons. He KNEW you and Bob would release him when he told you he was ready. Max KNEW you and Bob understood it was "his time" and would not put him through more vet trips that stressed him out so much.
What a gift you gave him! You gave him the gift of THE most massive amounts of loving and spoiling any dog could ever imagine possible! Every post...every picture...that special video of Max romping around oitside...true testament to Max living his life to the fullest and loving every moment!! Such treasured memories!!
And I know when Max got to the Bridge he was wagging non-stop as he told his friends about his send-off mea!! In fact, rumor has it that some dogs joke around that, had they known how good their send-off meals would have been, they would have jumped out of their earth clothes sooner!!!
.ax will not only reside in your heart, he will be with you in his "presence". You will see him in everything that is beautiful. You will feel his breath as a gentle wind brushes across your face. He is with you in so many ways.
And he is with you everytime you post here. Because of your generosity of Spirit, you are here helping others, even as you grieve so heavily. You had profound faithfulness to Max, as he did to you. Max is now able to continue to touch lives, to touch hearts, to inspire, through your grace.
I know it probably feels very "different" when you post now because of the hole in your heart, the void. You BELONG here and you get that. I know that, even though I continued to post, I felt separate, lost. I potentially felt the feeling of another loss..that of all the dear, dear friends Id made here. Yet I wanted to support others as so many had supported me. I wanted Happy Hannah's journey to inspire and offer hope.
Bonnie, Polly's Mom, started the thread "Tripawds Alumnk" for everyone, but especially for thos of us who know longer had our tripawds "here". It has become a wonderful gathering place where we share our happy memories, all sorts of "versaries" AND, a place where we share the adventures of the new dogs our Spirit Dogs have sent us from the Bridge!! Oh heah, make no mistake about it, Max WILL be sending you someone!!
Max, as you already know, we are so grateful you brought Linda to us. We are so grateful for all the joy you brought to us. We are so grateful for your story of overcoming hurdles and getting on with life with vigor and wagging tails!!
Thank you Max! Your life matters to us! You fulfilled your mission of making a difference with excellence!! Good job sweet boy! Good job!
With so much love...so very much
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being 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!
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