Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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After careful consideration and discussion round and round the topic of when to release our boy and set him free, we have finally decided on Monday December 31st. His health took a turn for the worse after Thanksgiving and it was as though time and the disease decided to accelerate. I still remained optimistic but i could not ignore the signs that his body was failing him. Bruno thankfully made it to see Christmas, although there were a few scary moments. Atrophy has severely taken over and my once muscular, agile boy is no longer able to muster up the strength to rise on his own. It breaks my heart to think of letting him go but I know I have no choice. The time has arrived. His birthday is January 1st , and although he'll be one day shy of his 8th birthday I feel that at the rate at which he is declining, and with it being a holiday, we cannot hold off anymore. So for the past few days my husband, Daphne (Bruno's companion), Bruno, and I have all been camped out on the livingroom floor in front of the fireplace indulging in pizza, ice cream, and whatever else our hearts desire. It doesn't make it any easier, but for a brief moment it makes me smile to see him wide-eyed and alert and loving life.
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
I am so sorry to read this. But, it sounds like there's been a lot of thought and Bruno's wishes in mind. Not being to lift your own weight and manage without constant care are significant things. He's had nearly 8 glorious years in your family. He's a lucky dog. Best wishes and care on Monday.
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Ah... I'm so sorry. 
I think it's a very brave and selfless thing to let him go before he suffers too much. I heard once that there's some kind of formula to help you decide: you think of three things that make life worth living for your beloved companion. When he can no longer do any of them, it's time to let go. Sometimes I think that still leaves it too late, but it depends so much on the individual that only those closest to him can truly make a judgement.
Better a day too early than a day too late. I do believe that's true.
Maricela, I've been dreading reading this but I know you've been dancing around the edges of it for a month. I am glad that you have had warning and that you are doing all the things Bruno enjoys now. That is my biggest (really only) regret about losing Dakota. Quick may have some benefits, but I wish we'd been able to indulge him. So I'm really glad that you're doing it.
Bruno has fought hard and he is a true tripawd warrior. You can't make cancer follow the rules, but it can't change the heart of who and what Bruno is. It can't change how much your family all love him, and it can't diminish his journey. Bruno wins. He really does. He got a loving family, so he won.
We'll all be thinking of you and behind you, all the way.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Oh no......I am so sorry to hear this. Reading about Bruno gave me such inspiration. I thank you so much for sharing his story. Bruno knows how much he was loved and will always be loved. You gave him a wonderful life and in return he gave you unconditional love. I always wonder if I will know when its time, but I do believe that our dogs let us know when its time. It sounds like Bruno has let you know and by spending this time with him and all the family surrounding him, he knows just how much he has meant to you . He is surrounded by love and the people he loves the most. Bruno will always be in your heart and will always be a part of the family. Enjoy every minute of the time you spend with him. Spoil him rotten. Please know that you are in my thoughts as is Bruno.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
I'm so sorry to hear that Bruno's body has started to fail. That's the tough part about this disease: the spirit is willing, but the body cannot follow. We were lucky enough to have been on vacation for two weeks with our dogs when Max's body began to fail. We knew the end of his illness was coming, but we thought we had at least a few months left; but it wasn't to be. For us it was almost surreal, like it couldn't be happening after we had fought so hard. So, I (and everyone on this site) know how difficult it has been for you and your family to come to this decision. But having the clarity to get to where you are now shows how much you love your boy. I've enjoyed reading Bruno's blog these past several months. I'll never forget (or stop laughing at) the video of him twirling in circles! The thoughts and prayers of the Tripawd Nation will be with Bruno and his family.
I'm sorry you have reached the end with Bruno, at the same time I am glad Bruno has such a loving family who are willing to put his needs first. I know this is not easy, but knowing you did the right thing at the right time for your boy will bring you peace.
Bruno did win- he lived life large despite the cancer. He inspired and gave hope to others here and those he met. And he reaches the end with dignity. He did win.
He will always be a part of your heart and soul.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
What a wonderful family Bruno has had for 8 years! You are just awesome.. and your post shows that you hold so much love in your heart for your puppers.. almost as much love as he has in his. Hugs to you all.. I wish you strength and peace.
Christine & Franklin
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!
Wow, I'm so, so sorry. This is the hardest thing in the world to do, and I know your hearts are breaking. I wish I could make it hurt less. All I can offer is this: by not letting him suffer, you are providing him with the dignity at the end of his life that he so deserves.
Bruno is an amazing, gorgeous, funny dog who will always be a hero to us. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your life and your Tripawd journey, it was an honor.
May his spirit shine brightly forever, and continue to show others that there is hope for a good life after a diagnosis.
You twirled into our hearts Bruno. We will never forget you.
Our deepest condolences, we are so very sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Many of us know how tough this decision is. Know that my heart is with you. For me, even though I knew I was making the only choice available, it was incredibly hard for me. I truly hope you find the strength, peace, and bravery to face the days ahead.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
I'm sorry you have to take that difficult decision. I don't know you or Bruno but I can tell he as a special place in your heart. He is bless to have you to take good care of him. Bruno will be able to watch for you from above.
(((hugs)))
Dogs: Friends for life, faithful and true.
Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyways.- John Wayne
bikeintime.wordpress.com (will soon have Hank story)
Tonight will be our last with Bruno, and while my heart is breaking I am also thankful for the love and support you all have extended our way. I will share pictures and memories of our last days soon. Thanks again for your words of encouragement.
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
So sorry to read this. It is so hard to let our beloved pups go. Our pain begins when their's ends.
Hang in there,
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
My Sweet Bruno,
I can't even imagine not ever being able to see you again. You have been such a wonderful part of our lives. You and Daphne have been such a joy to Maricela and JD. You will leave many wonderful memories. My little taste tester who always sat up at the sound of pots and pans knowing that I was cooking something you would later get to savor. You have filled my daughter's life with smiles and laughter. It's so hard to let go and know that you won't be with us. I am heartbroken. You will forever live in my heart. As I write this, my heart feels heavy and I am brought to tears. I love you Bruno. I will miss you. We will all miss you. Thank you for giving us so much love and for showing us what unconditional love is. You have been so special to us. I'm so glad that I was able to spend time with you this Thanksgiving. I wish you could stay, but we can't be selfish. I love you. I send you hugs and kisses from Texas. You will be in my prayers tomorrow.
Love,
Your Texas Grandma
Texas Grandma said
My Sweet Bruno,I can't even imagine not ever being able to see you again. You have been such a wonderful part of our lives. You and Daphne have been such a joy to Maricela and JD. You will leave many wonderful memories. My little taste tester who always sat up at the sound of pots and pans knowing that I was cooking something you would later get to savor. You have filled my daughter's life with smiles and laughter. It's so hard to let go and know that you won't be with us. I am heartbroken. You will forever live in my heart. As I write this, my heart feels heavy and I am brought to tears. I love you Bruno. I will miss you. We will all miss you. Thank you for giving us so much love and for showing us what unconditional love is. You have been so special to us. I'm so glad that I was able to spend time with you this Thanksgiving. I wish you could stay, but we can't be selfish. I love you. I send you hugs and kisses from Texas. You will be in my prayers tomorrow.
Love,
Your Texas Grandma
How very lovely. Beautiful words for a beautiful warrior hero.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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