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We brought Murphy home today
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Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
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1
1 May 2015 - 4:50 pm
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Three weeks later and we are still basket cases. Every time I think things are starting to get better, we take another two steps backward. I thought that maybe having his box here would bring some sort of closure, but it just tears the wounds open again. Like Garry says, we just don't know how we will manage without a dog, but we don't want to rush into the wrong one, either.

I know that things will get better as time goes on. Right now it seems like Murphy has been gone forever and also just since yesterday.

Katy, I am completely in agreement with your post of earlier. We are just a week behind you in this process, and I think both of us are starting to feel that that empty space is growing entirely too big and that someone is going to help us fill it. It just has to be that "right" someone or someones.

Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel

PS. Jackson's banner is watching as I type this.

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
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1 May 2015 - 8:04 pm
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I saw Murphy's banner twice yesterday.......what an awesome group of pics.

One day at a time, just take one day at a time.....I can't tell you when that thick fog of grief starts to lift, mine seemed to last forever, but it will eventually fade away. We do know how hard this is, and we will all also be here for you. Murphy and Gus both will always remain within all our hearts....Lastly, you will know when the time is right for a new pup in your life.

Love,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew

Member Since:
2 October 2014
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1 May 2015 - 8:28 pm
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I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Murphy was a beautiful and inspiring dog. I hope your sadness becomes warm memories which bring you joy before too long. Ziggy and I wish you all the best

Bec

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
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1 May 2015 - 8:50 pm
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Yes, I rememnber bringing Ty's box home. Very bittersweet. I was glad he was back under my roof, but I wanted him not a nice wooden box. Held that box and wailed. Totally understand the time concept thing also. How can so little time feel like so long and yet sshort all at once. You are still mired in the really hard part. We have to process that part to keep healing. And it hurts, a lot! And we cry, a lot! But that is ok. You loved him so very much, it is understandable that you will grieve him for a long while. I think that the shock of losing him so quickly makes your journey all the much tougher. Know that our thoughts are with you and we are giving you a big group hug from all around the Tripawd Nation tonight. And something tells me that Gus and Murphy are coercing at the bridge about who is going I to find their way into your nest. 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. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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5
1 May 2015 - 10:17 pm
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Turbotail April Angel...yeah, I can hear the tump, thumping now. Very, very fitting signature.

Bonnie and Lori understand all too well, as do I, where you are in this surreal joirney. And even though we are "further along", it still feels like "yesterday" and like "forever".!

Bringing Murphy back home is such a bittersweet time, especially while you are flooded with grief. Yeah...basket case..good way to describe the way you are feeling right now. And the heartbreak seems like it wil NEVER stop! You have a few moments here and there where you feel like maybe...just maybe...the despair and debilitating grief might be lifting...only to be knocked back down to your knees as though it was day one.

I can only say that, for me, when Happy Hannah brought Merry Myrtle jnto my life after she crossed, the color started coming back into my grey days. I could laugh again. I didnt dread mornings. I didn't dread bedtime. I had a reason to "talk"....and I had someone to talk to and to share my snacks with and eat my meals with.

Cannot wait to see what Gus snd Murphy have in store for you. This is gonna be good...really, really good! I hear Turbotail going nuts at the prospect of yoh and Garry dealing with their choice!

Love and light

Sally and Alumni 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!

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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6
2 May 2015 - 7:35 am
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I love your new signature .... so perfect!!!!

I remember getting Shelby home. I sat on the couch and held that box tightly ... I also talked to her box daily and kissed it. I've eased off some of that but she's still displayed in our home. 🙂 

It is a hard part of the journey but I hear you - the silence was brutal. I had wanted to wait until Christmas but found Jasper 2 months later. Not in my plan but definitely has worked out!

Sending lots of love ...

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

Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
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7
2 May 2015 - 8:26 am
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I know that you all hold us in your hearts, and it means so very much. Thank you all.

For those who don't know about the Turbotail reference, here is a video we took about a year and a half ago. The terrible tail wasn't quite at full force in the enclosed space of the travel trailer, but you can get the idea. He could wag so hard it would give me leg bruises.

http://youtu.be.....imK2WQrE_A

Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8
2 May 2015 - 9:29 am
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Oh yeah, I remember it well! That Murph had a whole lot of force behind his wag!!

Merry Myrtle is sitting next to me as I played this and immediately got up because she thought someone was knocking at the door!!

If you're up to it, one I would LOVE to see again is Dad feeding Gus and Murphy their pancakes!clap

Love, love, and more love to you both!

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!

Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
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9
2 May 2015 - 4:32 pm
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Here you go, Sally.

http://youtu.be.....BjFqv1y-HU

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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10
2 May 2015 - 9:11 pm
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That is such a beatififul video. I just love how they sit so perfectly and wait patiently as Dad lovingly divides the pieces.

This was a smile maker then...itsw a smile maker n ow...and it will be a smile maker forever! Such a treasured quiet moment that speaks volumes.

Love,

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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11
3 May 2015 - 10:00 am
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Kathi, every thing you are feeling is so normal and to be expected. Don't measure the time that's gone by, grief has no timeline. When that right dog shows up you'll both know it.

That crazy kid Murphy and his turbotail is thwack thwacking all over the heavens, rooting around looking for peas. What a sweet memory.

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

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
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12
4 May 2015 - 12:11 pm
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Kathi,

Like you and your husband, we had such a hard time without a fur baby in the home.  I always tell people the quiet in the house is what got to me...you really miss the noise of your fur baby.  We took some time and looked at different breeders...it's sad that we become better educated at the expense of our cherished fur babies...sad

I have no doubt that a wet nose and wiggly butt will find their way to your home.  You and your husband have too huge of a heart to not have another fur baby experience boundless love and snuggles!

Hang in there...a fur baby is coming your way and when the right baby arrives they will help you and your hubby with the grief.

Sahana and her Angel Leland

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

Fort Wayne, IN
Member Since:
25 January 2013
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13
12 May 2015 - 12:55 pm
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Aw, Kathi...I'm sorry I haven't been here enough to offer comfort.  I love the videos.  All of us with labs know that butt weapon, the tail, can make you say "ouch!" 🙂

I actually a wee bit of comfort when Libby's ashes were brought home.  She was back under our roof where she belonged, even if she was in a different form.  

Jerry is so right...grief has no timeline.  The tears still come easily for us and it's been almost 14 months since Libby passed.  Like I have said before, all the "firsts" are so hard to go through....the first holiday, etc. 

You're right, it will get better over time and eventually you will find another, not to take Murph's place, but to share the immense amount of love you have to give.

Many hugs,

Amy & Spirit Libby

Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13.  Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14.  She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self.  Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14

Southwestern Ontario, Canada
Member Since:
22 November 2012
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14
14 May 2015 - 8:30 am
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If anyone understands.. it is certainly us here in Tripawd land...  and you are talking to the lady now who actually opened up Franklin's box so I could hold that ash bag to my heart and tell him how much I loved him...  and I am not embarassed to say that I have done it a few times over the last two yeares so that I can just hold him again.. not the wooden box with his name on it.. but hold HIM.   I'm the one who got down on the floor and inhaled his scent on his dog bed... some would raise their eyebrow and make circular motions beside their head...   others.. understand.

Do I care what others think.. hell no... so what.. sign me up for therapy sessions.. I don't care.... we all do what we have to.. what we need to... to get through it...  I did.. and I still am.... 

you'll get through it..  and we'll all be here..  reading your thoughts.. sharing your memories and stories...  smiley

Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥

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!

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