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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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My Doberlady Is at Rainbow Bridge...
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Maputo, Mozambique
Member Since:
4 March 2016
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26 February 2017 - 9:17 am
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Our doberlady passed away in the middle of Jan and I've only been able to post about it now. It feels like she's taken my heart with her, and I don't think I can move forward from this. My only hope is that she's waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge with her brothers.
Venus had been an amputee for almost a year after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, but unfortunately the cancer had already metastasized and her body couldn't take it any longer after the recent removal of a malignant tumor on her side. 
We nor the vets don't know the exact cause of her death. A week before, she had one or two bouts of "coughing," so the decline may have already started before the surgery. An x-ray after the surgery showed that she was full of tumors and some of them had pushed her heart into an abnormal position. Her incision was healing well but then a couple of days later, she started to deteriorate. After taking her to the vet, she seemed to get much better and even got her appetite back. Then the symptoms quickly returned and seemed worse, as she became extremely uncomfortable and couldn't rest. 
The next day she was put on IV fluids and seemed disoriented afterwards. The vet did a blood test and it showed that her kidneys were in the first stages of failing. After we brought her home, she still seemed to be in pain and discomfort and even went through a sort of subdued seizure. We decided that if she didn't get better the next day, we'd have to euthanize her. We never got to that because in a couple of hours, she lost consciousness and passed away soon afterwards.
Watching her take her last breaths was the hardest thing we've ever been through, and the only consolation is that she's finally free from pain and suffering. Thankfully, my brother managed to arrange a private/individual cremation for her, which the vet said was a first here in Mozambique. We scattered her ashes during sunrise at one of her favorite spots on the beach.
Venus remained a puppy at heart right until the end. She was an incredibly sweet yet feisty girl that loved barking up the neighborhood, chasing anything that moved, and basking in the sunlight. She brought us endless joy and unconditional love for nearly 10 years.
I haven't been active in the forums recently, but I want to say thanks so much to the Tripawd community for all the invaluable advice & support you gave us. It helped us a lot as new Tripawd parents in a place without any proper resources.
Rest in peace my angel xox
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Member Since:
14 February 2016
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26 February 2017 - 11:29 am
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I was thinking about you and Venus from time to time, just wondering how things were after your trip to the US.  You fought a good fight for Venus, and it sounds like she was happy right up to the end, and that is all that matters.  heart

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 February 2017 - 12:52 pm
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Ohhh my gosh. I'm really sorry to hear that. We remember you and Venus well from your last posts, and had hoped that she was doing well. What a life you gave her, she had to have been so happy to have her favorite people for even longer than anyone thought she would. 

I know it was too short, we never get enough time with our animals. But to think about what a chance you gave her after she left your parent's care, and then to enjoy pain-free months with you after her cancer diagnosis...wow. You advocated SO well for her, and in a country where many people don't consider amputation as an option for dogs with cancer, you showed the people of Mozambique that yes, dogs can be happy with one less leg. YOU are amazing, and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your courage. I have no doubt that you and Venus touched many people and made the world better for animals in your country.

Your heart aches now but try to remember, Venus' spirit will never leave your side. She will always be there to remind you of the love that's possible between a human and animal, and how much they can change your life for the better if you give them a chance. Keep her memory strong in your heart and she will repay you a thousand times over until you meet again some day, I promise.

Sending many, many hugs out to you from across the oceans....run free Venus. 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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26 February 2017 - 12:52 pm
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So so sorry for your loss of beautiful Venus.  We know how your heart is hurting and the void she has left you with.  There are no words I can say to help you through this hardest of times, only time can do that.  Know that sweet girl knew she was loved and would want you to keep going on.  To have loved so deeply you will also mourn deeply so allow yourself to do so.  Someday you will be able to smile again when you can remember all the joyful moments you had with her in your life.  Sending you healing light and peace at this hardest of times.  We all mourn with you.

Linda & Spirit Mighty Max

Barbara Vela
5
26 February 2017 - 9:22 pm
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Thank you for sharing with us, prayers and kind thoughts are with you and your baby- Venus is watching over you and most likely worried about you--Please be comforted knowing , she knows you did everything for her and were always with her. She knows,

Owner of a Tripawd Dog-

Barbara



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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27 February 2017 - 2:27 am
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Sweet, sweet Izzy 🌹

My heart breaks with yours, I can so feel your pain and your sorrow for your darling, beautiful Venus 😔

Saudade não tem tradução, amiga, mas nada pode descrever melhor o que temos no nosso coração do que uma saudade imensa, sem limites, pelos nossos amores queridos que partem na sua viagem solitária 🌹💕

I can only begin to image how your hear feels empty right now, you needed all this time to be able to bring yourself to letting us know Venus is no longer with you 😔

It was so heartbreaking for you to be there by Venus side when she took her last breath ...

I truly admire you, darling friend, for having been there, Venus wanted nothing else than to feel your presence with her as she left this earth and became energy 💫 the purest energy and the brightest angel in the sky surrounding you with eternal love 🌟

You are SO right saying she will wait for you on the other side, of course she will !

She will be right there with her brothers and her eyes will shine bright as she will be deliriously happy to meet her loving Mommy again, the love of her life 💘

Love never dies, you can rely on that 💗✊🏼💗

Your sweet baby Venus is watching over you and wants you to remember her with happy tears as you think how lovely and cheerful your baby was and how she kept being a puppy at heart all of her life which, I know, is something you will not be able to do yet ...

Only time can soften the pain we feel in our hearts for the loss of our precious babies ... 

I wish you will find peace sweet sweet friend, my heart is with you and your beautiful, beautiful girl 💕

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

Maputo, Mozambique
Member Since:
4 March 2016
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28 February 2017 - 5:43 pm
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Thank you all – I'm still hurting so much but your very kind words give me hope and make me feel a little less alone in this.

I wish I had posted more frequently about Venus, but after I came back from my trip, her lump started growing quickly and from there on it was just one vet visit after another including two surgeries.

The one unexpected gift I got from her life was discovering how wonderful tripawds are. Before her amputation, I used to just feel pity for whatever 3 or 2-legged furbabies I’d see. Now I realize how brave, beautiful and fun they are. It was strange, but I loved Venus even more after her leg was removed.

@Christine, I am so, so sorry to see that since I last posted, you lost both Otis & Tess. What happened with Tess sounds very much the same as Venus regarding the xray showing tumors around the heart. I just hope all our babies are together at rainbow bridge.heart





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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28 February 2017 - 6:42 pm
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I am so sorry to hear of your baby.  The hardest part of your journey just began.  No one can tell you when it will stop hurting.  No one can take that awful pain away.  Eventually the tears will turn to smiles when you think of her.  Don't get me wrong there will still be days that you cry (even at 3 1/2 years later)

xoxoxo

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

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."

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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28 February 2017 - 6:54 pm
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They must be together - you have to think that this community creates bonds not just with us, but with our tripawds too.  Otis and Tess never saw a real beach, so if there is one there, Venus can show them the ropes.  

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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1 March 2017 - 11:32 am
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I am so sorry for your loss.... may the memories that you shared together bring you comfort in the days and weeks to come! We are all here for you !!! 

XOXO

Alison with Spirit shelby in her in 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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 March 2017 - 10:27 am
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Venus decided she needed to head to the ridge and she ddecided she would do it her way, at home with you. Venus had no fear and was ready to release her Soul from an earthly body that no @o ger served herher.

Your beautiful DoberLady danced through life surrounded by your love! Everyday with you was pure joy! And you gave her the gift of additional bonus days full of loving and spoiling for almost a year. Actually, in doggy/human years it was SEVEN YEARS!

Venus touched soooo many lives. But once she became a tripawd, she really raised awareness through your community what was possible for any dog there facing the same challenge. Venus probably saved more lives than you will ever know. She showed everyone large dogs can handle three legs just fine AND blow statistics out of the water!! You did EVERYTHING possible for your girl and left no stone unturned.

PLEASE know that Venus will ALWAYS be remembered here. We would love to see more pictures and hear more about her when you can. She's such a lovely girl. Venus knew how much she was loved, that's for sure!! In fact, the first thing she did at the Bridge after having her "welcome home" steak and ice cream, was to brag to everyone about the great time she had with you!! Has Venus sent you a sign yet? If not, she will! She's running free at the Bridge and having an absolute ball!! We understand the grief like no others can. We also understand the thousands and thousands of happy memories you and Venus shsred will help push the sadness further into the background.

Surrounding you with love and hugs

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!

Maputo, Mozambique
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4 March 2016
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4 March 2017 - 4:35 pm
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You all are so wonderful. I should have posted here more frequently about her progress when she was alive and then sooner after she died. I was feeling so alone but your support is helping. 

As cliched as it sounds, I still have this huge hole in my heart. I even feel as if I never want to have another dog again. Hope that passes though - it would be lovely to give a rescue a second chance (bonus if it's a tripawd!).

@Sally, thank you. No sign yet from Venus - not that I haven't been hopelessly waiting for one. I'm glad I finally learned out how to add images (wish I had figured it out sooner) and will update more soon.

On The Road


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4 March 2017 - 6:01 pm
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izzyabraham said
You all are so wonderful. I should have posted here more frequently... 

Please stop shoulding on yourself!

We say that all the time about Jerry's early posts during the first two years of the Tripawds community. In reality, we're so glad we were too busy spending quality time together with him that it, just. doesn't. matter.

We all have that hole. Some of us, lots of little holes. They may never go away, but they do get smaller. Like battle scars, reminding you of the love you shared, and how that will always be with you.

Peace. heart

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 March 2017 - 9:43 pm
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Very well said Admin Guy.

Yes, we all wudda' shudda' all over ourselves and it's a complete waste of energy. It's just another way thst piece of crap disease tries to have the upper hand. Don't let it. Your focus needs to be on all the wonderful times you and Venus shared. Let that hole in your heart fill with those treasured times. Venue has already carved iut a space in your heart that she owned from day one. And you can still find her there always.

As far as rescuing another dog so they can know what joy and love feel like, don't worry, Venus will decide when SHE will bring another pup into your life! She knows what it feels like to have your love all these years. She wants you to be able to give love, and receive love, again...when SHE decides the rime is right!

So glad you are staying connected. No, you are not alone.

Love and ((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))

Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. As far as signs, some find pennies that just "show up" when they weren't "there" before. Some find a feather. Some have them connect through their dreams. For me it took many, many, many months for me to feel like I got a really clear sign from my Happy Hannah. It was a Rainbow...a very specific Rainbow. It was low, very low to the ground and it was over her ramp. I could walk through it. I walked through Happy Hannah's rainbow. It only stayed that low ever so briefly before it got larger and raised higher.

Alison sees street signs and license plates with Shelby's name in it, as well as lots of pennies. Christine had a very vivid dream where Otis presented his happy self.

So be patient. Venus probably can't get through your grief right now to send you a message. Plus, she's mighty busy eating junk food and chasing squirrels over at the Bridge!

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!

Maputo, Mozambique
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4 March 2016
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13 March 2017 - 6:40 pm
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Very true Jim. I find myself saying "should have" a lot when it's anything to do with Venus. I guess is some weird way, holding onto guilt is easier than making peace with her death and letting go.

Sally, love the sign you got from Hannah. "Venus probably can't get through your grief right now to send you a message." - yes I believe that too. And chasing squirrels sounds exactly like her, so I hope she is too busy with that to pay attention to mesmileybelieving that gives me some comfort.

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