Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The time has come. I have scheduled the vet to come to the house tomorrow night and relieve Tai from her pain so that she can run and jump and play once again. She began to be lame on her left back leg a few days ago but, as it wasn't improving, I took her in today for xrays. She has a new tumor, or a metastisis of the original. I can't do anything else except relieve her of the pain and end her journey. She still seems so happy it makes it hard but in an odd way I prefer the lack of choice that I now have over having the responsibility of judging her quality of life. We will spend tomorrow going for a car ride, eating cheeseburgers, looking for mice, and generally having "together time". I know I am doing the right thing despite the tremendous loss I know I will feel. I was writing to a friend and caught myself wanting to write that I wished she wasn't still wagging her tail, looking bright eyed, ears perked, happy to see me…then I thought to myself "no, that's exactly how she should be going out. If she wasn't those things she would be sad and I would have waited too long." Tomorrow will SUCK but I will always remember her with a smile and love her forever. Thanks for everything and everyones support along the way.
Laura and Tai
P.S. If I knew how to post a picture here I would.
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Laura and Tai,
You are so right this is a post that breaks my heart to read, I am so sorry that we will be losing another of our Tripawd heroes tomorrow. Treasure each moment you have together today.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you both as you face tomorrow.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Oh, Laura, tomorrow is going to SUCK. I am so sorry, but at the same time thankful you have a great last day planned. Those special memories will be with you a lifetime. It is amazing you have such focus while facing this decision.
My thoughts will be with you tommorow - through the good and bad.
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.
We'll be thinking of you too. Thank you for letting us get to know Tai, by sharing her story here youre certain to help others down the same road.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Laura, we are so very, very sorry. We just read your blog post.
This decision is sooooo difficult, we understand completely. When my pawrents had to help me along, their hearts knew it was time but it didn't make things easier. I told them that I always wanted to be remembered as a strong, hoppy dog, and that's the image they have of me on my last day too. We are all glad and so fortunate that things turned out that way.
We are here to lean on if you need us. Our hearts go out to you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We're so sorry to read this and are really touched by your words - we will think of you enjoying your time together tomorrow afternoon and send you comforting thoughts tomorrow night.
Bethany
Laura and Tai,
I have stared through the tears, struggling to find words, and not wanting to believe what I thought that I saw. Every one of this community hurts when one of our great warrior's journey comes to an end, and I find you now going down the exact same path that I traveled last December. I too treated my little girls to a long ride, showed her with the few treats that she would take (pumpkin pie ice cream for us), and spent the day telling her just how much I loved her. We all had so hoped that Tai would be able to celebrate the 11 month ampuversary, but the battle you waged with her was galliant, strong, and filled with love. All we can really ask is that we gave the the best life possible and in your case there is a clear and distinct YES YOU DID. The love and devotion that you shared has come through so very strong during this journey and you should always take comfort that the love you shared is very special. I always remind ones at this time, that you will never totally be without Tai for the gifts that Tai gave you will live with you forever.
As with Charlie and with your permission, we will lift a toast for the life that Tai lived, for the love she gave, and for the devotion you shared. I know that you feel blessed that she passed through YOUR life.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Dear Laura & Tai,
Our hearts are so heavy tonight with the loss of Charlie and now with Tai. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow as you enjoy everything wonderful.
I'm so very sorry. We are are just a keyboard away if you need us.
Please give her an extra kiss from Cometdog.
Comet's Mom
Ge'Lena
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Laura,
I'm so sorry for you and Tai. But you said it so well when you said she's going out happy still. I think you're doing soooo good for your pup. Have a wonderful day tomorrow with her....it will surely SUCK for sure but you are doing her 'good'.
Gonna go give Mags and extra hug now...
Tracy & Maggie
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Laura,
I'm so sorry to hear about Tai. I will be keeping you both in my thoughts tomorrow. I pray you find peace and comfort in your remaining time together.
Fortis'Dad
Brett
Hi Laura,
I posted in your blog too...
I have written and erased several lines here tonight so I will just say that I stood where you are just about 5 months ago and know just how you feel.
In the coming days the knowledge that you did the right thing, and the memories of a life well lived will be of great comfort.
Peace to you tonight- cherish every moment.
Karen
Oh Laura - my heart just breaks for you....when I saw your post I had to take a moment before I could read it. I'm trying really hard to hold back my tears right now and I'm really at a loss for words. I so admire your strength and courage during such a difficult time and what must have been an extremely difficult decision to make. I wish you much peace and strength tonight, tomorrow and in the coming days and hope that your time with Tai is spent with beautiful and loving memories as you pass through this final journey together. But it's not really the final journey because you'll be meeting up with Tai again soon enough and she'll be waiting for you with that big beautiful smile. Please give her a big hug and kiss from us.
Kami, Mackenzie & Kobe
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Laura,
I am so sorry. Know in your heart that you've done all that you can and Tai knows it too.
Like you said, soon your sweetie will be free of pain and running running running....playing happily.
Our pup kids are with us always. In our hearts.
Big hugs and tears,
Denise
Kona turned 9yrs on April 16, 2010.
Kona was diagnosed Memorial Weekend 2010 with osteosarcoma.
Right rear leg amputated on June 4th. First chemo June 18th 2010
Second chemo July 9th, 2010 Third and final (yea !!!) chemo July 30th, 2010
ONE TOUGH GIRL this Australian Cattledog !
***Kona's journey/fight ended late in the evening of December 22, 2010***
We Love you so much Kona….always
Bella 9yrs, albino lab/aussie shep/pit?(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind (from birth) in one eye limited vision in other.(laid back, ok lazy 73 lbs)
Cotton, 5yrs, albino hound/terrier of somesort/???(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind in one eye(from birth), excellent vision in seeing eye. (ball addict…destroyer of Kong balls…yes,etc), high energy 55lbs knots of muscle)
Kona Kai's pup brother and sister as well as her buddy and playmate cat, Shaymous 12yrs (like Seamus), miss her terribly.
Laura,
I am so sorry you have to go through this today. I'd write more (being the novelist that I am) but I'm at a loss for words. You know that I know (like so many on here) exactly what you are going through.
Lots of love and comforting thoughts coming your way,
Tammy & Spirit Charlie
"I don't know where I am."
I am so sorry to hear about Tai - I had followed some of her updates through the blog and the forums. You gave her such a beautiful life. You will be in our thoughts today.
Chance, our 9.5 year old Rottie/Shepherd mix was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his left front shoulder. In July of 2010, we planned to proceed with the amputation, but lung mets were discovered. Chance reached the Rainbow Bridge October 1, 2010, just a few weeks after his 10th birthday.
http://www.figh.....ipawds.com
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