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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Bailey had 1.5 years since amputation even though they gave him 3-6 months. And most of it was very high quality of life, he didn't start acting like a sick dog until around June. We have gone back and forth with when would be the time to put him to sleep and came close a few times but he would always bounce back and showed us he wasn't ready. But come Saturday he lost his spunk, couldn't get up without assistance and didn't have as much desire for food. So we decided that we would put him to sleep on Monday after the kids went to school. We didn't make it that far, he passed away on his own Saturday night while we were at work. Our babysitter said that it was relatively quick, he was having a hard time breathing and then just stopped. I brought back his ashes today. It is so, so hard not having him here anymore. I wrote a blog post about it but I am not sure if it has gone through yet. It has been a long time since I have been on here but wanted to give the update in case it helped someone out there make the hard decision to amputate or not. I am so glad that we gave him 1.5 years without a painful limb! I think he wouldn't have made it this long had we decided to do the pain medication route. Thank you everyone here for helping me make that decision!
Xrays taken Jan 31, 2014, Osteosarcoma biopsy results Feb 10, 2014, Amputation Feb 17, 2014, Happy and healthy until June 2015 when a hip tumor started to form, passed away Aug 22, 2015. 18 months past amputation is pretty remarkable for this miracle dog!
I'm sorry that you've lost your Baily. I didn't know his story but he sure beat the odds! We weren't quite as lucky as you, but I agree that the time we did have was pain free, which is the most important thing. And even when you know time has run out finally, it never makes it easier.
Denise and 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
Bailey, you are a Rock Star of Hope around jere! Always have been, always will be!
You did things your own way and on your own terms! Good job sweet Bailey, good job.
This is sooooooo hard right now. The void is...and will be..seemingly unbearable for quite awhile. The routine of caring for a tripawd, the intensity of this whole journey makes the loss hurt even more. We are all so very, very sorry. And we all cry with you. This just hurts.
The fact that he made his transition out of his earth clothes at home...a home he loved and was so at peace in...yeah, a remarkable fella'. Bailey knew he didn't need to hang around anymore. He had gotten a lifetime of loving and spoiling in every single second of every single day.
Bailey has quite an inspirational legacy to share for anyone on this journey. He truly is a Beacon of Hope and has show us all that statistics don't mean much around here.
You jave a rough road ahead of you for awhile. Those of us who have been through it understand like no others can. The waves of grief will hit you like a ton of bricks out of the blue even years down the road. But the joy and happiness that you shared with Bailey will also be present a d help push the grief further and further into the background.
I know as Bailey got closer and closer to the Rainbow Bridge and started feeling better and better, he was greeted by the biggest welcome ho e pawty a dog could imagine! Steak, ice cream, pristine clear lakes for swimming, a gazillion toys and cookies...and all this in just the first hour!
I look forward to seeing Bailey's Blog. We are family. Bailey will never be forgotten here!! He has such a life affirming legacy for you to carry on.....sooo @ife affirming and full lf hope for others.
Bailey, it is an honor to be with you in this journey. Knowing how well loved you are...and knowing you knew that...just makes my heart smile.
Surrounding you with the love and grace of gentle Bailey...
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
PS. PLEASE don't hesitate to call us on the Tripawds Helpline . 1 844. TRIPAWDS.....no words can help, but having someone who understands the depth of your love a d the depth of your hurt can help comfort you during this tough time.
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!
God bless you and your pack. Bailey will pass time playing while waiting for you to join him.
xoxo
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
Dayna my heart breaks for you and your family, I'm so sorry to hear the news.
It's a sad time for sure, but wow, 1.5 years post diagnosis is just incredible. Bailey beat the odds and he ROCKED on three legs!
Every story here adds to the collective hope of this community for members new and old. We thank you for adding Bailey's to it and inviting us into your journey with his blog.
Speaking of his blog, I see your post is still in draft mode. When you are ready for it to go live, just click the Publish button. We look forward to reading your tribute.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My heart breaks for you ... I am so sorry for your loss of Bailey. That was definitely an amazing journey and way to beat those statistics. Bailey will always reside right next to you - in your heart, in your soul ... and as your guardian angel.
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
I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet Bailey. She made it 1 1/2 years when they said 3-6 months, what a journey. That just goes to show that a prognosis means nothing. Bailey went when she was ready. Run free Bailey! Hugs to you, it's always so hard to lose them.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I am so sorry to hear about Bailey. He went on his conditions and I hate to say it sometimes that is better. We don't have to make that decision. It doesn't make it any easier. I am sorry. Run free Bailey. We are here to help & support this part of the journey just as we were the 1st part.
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."
I too, am sorry to hear about Bailey. It will seem quite empty for awhile. Know that we all understand completely. 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.
Thank you everyone for all of your support, understanding and loving replies! It truly means the world to me. To have people who know exactly what we went through and what I am going through now is just so comforting. I have shared Bailey's story numerous times to people on the street and facebook to give them hope that the prognosis and expected life expectancy isn't set in stone. I am glad that he was able to give many people hope. 1.5 years is amazing and he lived it to the fullest up until the end. It is still very hard to have him not here anymore though I know he is no longer in pain. My sweet boy held on so long for us.
Xrays taken Jan 31, 2014, Osteosarcoma biopsy results Feb 10, 2014, Amputation Feb 17, 2014, Happy and healthy until June 2015 when a hip tumor started to form, passed away Aug 22, 2015. 18 months past amputation is pretty remarkable for this miracle dog!
Just wanted to post your link to your sweet Bailey's Blog (they go up and down so quickly sometimes). . It's such a chronicle of courage and love and with massive amounts of hope for others! Bailey's legacy of hope will love on eternally here!
Wrapping you up in Bailey's eternal grace.
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Some days are easier than others when you're coping with heartache over the passing of a beloved pup. In time, you start to smile more but there's still that tinge of sadness that makes an appearance when you least expect it. It's really amazing how their lives can impact all of us in so many great ways. I'm happy to hear you are sharing Bailey's battle with others. What a tribute to your sweet boy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry for your loss. Bailey was beautiful. Thank you so much for posting about your journey. We are just starting this journey tomorrow and you have given me such hope. Bailey truly was a rock star and is now running free and in prime condition at the bridge. Godspeed Bailey!
I am just seeing this terrible news about your Bailey, tears are streaming down my face..... When I saw your date of joining this wonderful community, I had an extra moment of heartbreak for us both, because this was the exact day and year that I lost my precious Tripawd Lab girl Polly to the ugly "c"...... and Polly was also a sweet yellow Lab.
I am so happy you had 1.5 years of quality time with Bailey, and like a few others have said, he definitely went on his terms, and also knowing how much he was loved by you and your family.
May time ease your heartache, and all happy memories of Bailey remain within your heart.....
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new pups
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