Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It has taken me a month to finally put this in writing, but we made the decision to say goodbye to Sully on December 22nd. Sully got his osteosarcoma diagnosis in the beginning of November of 2015 and had his amputation shortly after. We were told we might have 4-6 months with him and I can say with confidence Sully had a whole year of wonderful, quality life on three legs. It was just in his last month, right around Thanksgiving, that he started having problems with pain and we noticed a lump on his side. When he stopped wanted to do the things he loved and then stopped eating, we knew he was ready, even if we weren't. In his year on 3 legs Sully visited Lake Ontario, ran around on Virginia Beach, went camping in Maine, and spent time with everyone who loved him. He was a special guy and is still missed dearly.
I would not have made it through the last year without the help and guidance of everyone here on Tripawds and am hoping I'll be able to find the time to use Sully's story to help others dealing with the same difficult diagnosis and following decisions. 
I am so sorry to hear this, but you have to celebrate that extra year you had together. You shared wonderful times, and he knew how much you loved him. I know that this is such a hard time, and your heart feels empty, but we are all here grieving with you.
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.
The MAGNIFICENT MIRACULOUS SULLY has made a lasting impact on all of js!! And I mean that, Sully is truly MAGNIFICENT and MIRACULOUS!
Sully carved out a brand new path of hope on this journey that will inspire others forever here!!
Sully blew statistics out of the water! He has shown everyone that really big dogs, with a front leg amputation, with no chemo, who it was thought would never see his next birthday, has, indeed, shown us all that EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT!! Statistics do not take into consideration the INDIVIDUAL dog.
So Sully, we owe you so much gratitude on so many levels for showing everyone how to BE MORE SULLY and do things Sully's way!!
And when Sully showed you he could no longer be Sully anymore, you gave him the most loving gift of all, the gift of release. His beautiful Soul no longer needed a body that was failing. He is now free and healthy and having a blast at the Bridge.
We KNOW how hard this part of the journey is for the humans. It hurts sooo badly and will for a long time. As you have have already seen though, or will soon see, the happier memories do start to push the grief further into the background. Make no mistake, our hearts beak with you and we cry with you.
We also celebrate the life of Sully that was soooo well loved and soooo well loved. Sully TRULY loved a life of meaning and purpose. His legacy of hope will be one we will share with others forever around here. THANK YOU SULLY! THANK YOU!
With love
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!
Ohhhh my gosh I was just answering your post about that doggie Wyatt and then I saw this. I am SO sorry, my heart and condolences go out to you and your family. I can't blame you one bit for waiting to share this news, it's so darn hard.
As for how he lived as a Tripawd...Sully ROCKED it on three legs! He was so fortunate to have such great humans giving him the best days any dog could ask for. His last year sounds incredible. Do you have any photos you'd like to share? We'd love to see them and celebrate those happy times with you. Here's a post about adding images to the forums but if you'd like help I'm happy to assist, just PM me.
Dogs like Sully are extra exceptional Tripawds because of their size. Stories like his are incredibly helpful to others who are just beginning the Tripawd journey. His life will always be honored and admired here in the Tripawds Nation. Thank you for giving him a chance to show the world what giant breed dogs can do.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, I'm so sorry! Sully was such a beautiful giant boy! He was so very lucky to be loved by you!
I'm sorry for you loss
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
So very sorry to be reading this. Peace be with you and your pack.
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
I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a beautiful boy!
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
Soo very sorry for the loss of your precious giant boy! What a beauty he was 🙂 He is watching over you from the bridge and will great you again someday! Wishing you much comfort during this very difficult time. Love - Summer Patchy and Gang XXOO
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sully was a magnificent beautiful boy and the love you had will transcend the heavens and be with you forever. He was a true Warrior and has given and will continue to give hope here to others. Fly free sweet boy well done! Thinking of you with healing peace at this hard time. Hugs!
Linda with Spirit Mighty Max
So sorry to hear of the loss of Sully. He sure had a lot of good times in this last year. Sometimes, reflecting back on the good life you have given them helps just a bit. Hugs, Lori, Ty and 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.
I am so sorry for your loss... But wow... what a life Sully had and shared with you and what a true hero and fighter. Sending you love and peace!
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 sorry to hear of Sully's crossing. He was a true warrior. Sounds like he had a wonderful life.
Run Free Sully
hugs
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."
So sorry for the loss of Sully, this journey is such a difficult one for sure. I know there is never enough time with our special furry Tripawds, and their time with us is usually limited, so time well spent is the best revenge against ugly, awful cancer, and that is definitely what you and Sully accomplished. May all of his joyful life memories fill your heart, and eventually ease your heartbreak 💜
Thinking of you and Sully,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu 🐾
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