Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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3:03 pm
9 February 2010
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We celebrated Rusty's 3rd birthday last Friday the 5th; Dr. Macy was not in town on Rusty's actual date, July 30th, and he wanted to attend the party. Dr. Huber and Dr. Yee were also included in the party; Dr. Huber performed Rusty's amputation. Several of Rusty's dog friends parents also helped him celebrate his special day. Jan decorated the dining tables in a doggy theme and made cupcakes with dog picks & liners. We ordered a new bandanna for his party and he received several toys and gifts from his supporters.
Rusty had his 18 month follow-up with Dr. Macy on the 4th; his 18 month amputation anniversary was July 25th. Dr. Macy took X-Rays of his chest, abdomen and pelvis and they were all clear of any Mets!!; Dr. Huber did an rectal exam and everything seemed normal! His blood work was normal except for the liver functions; he is continuing to have elevated levels, up again since three months ago. Dr. Macy said that he is getting concerned about the continued rise in enzymes and performed some additional tests to see if any cancer was present; the tests were negative for cancer.
The liver issues started when Rusty consumed some meds when a friend left her open purse on the floor at Christmas; she claims that he only ate some ant-acids. However, she had several meds in her purse including heart pills; we will never know if that was the cause of his problems. Dr. Macy started him on milk thistle, which is not agreeing with his stomach; we are taking him off the milk thistle for a few days and will try it again on Monday. He needs it for his liver.
Dr.'s Macy & Huber were very pleased with Rusty's 18th month checkup; Dr. Huber had been optimistic that Rusty would make 18 months or longer, but Dr. Macy was not as confident because of the very aggressive form of cancer than Rusty has. Rusty continues to make new friends and they are amazed when they hear his story; as I have said we don't know how long Rusty will be with us but are very grateful that he continues to do so well. Were are not making any plans for his 4th birthday but we are keeping the decorations just in case the miracle continues. He continues to enjoy his swimming, socializing at the lake and riding around in his golf cart.
Chuck & Rusty
Rusty is a Labradoodle who was diagnosed with level 3 Fibrosarcoma on January 16th, 2010 and had his left hind leg amputated on January 25th, 2010 five days before his 18 month birthday. Please see Rusty's blog @rusty.tripawds.com. He is putting up one heck of a fight against this terrible disease.
3:17 pm
12 January 2010
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Rusty! Happy happy birthday, surfer dude. Just look at those cupcakes and balloons. How lovely is that sight?!
We can't say with any certainty how many more days or hours or moments any of us. For certain, though, you and your family and your friends have got it right in celebrating your birthday and your continued tripawd journey with such grace and gratitude. Keep holding onto all that hope and all those pawsome decorations, and spreading all that love.
You're a beauty, Rusty.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
3:49 pm
29 November 2008
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What a great post!!!! Happy Birthday, and congrats on an excellent check-up!! Keep rockin' dude!!!
4:49 pm
17 January 2011
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What a great party!!!! Even the cupcakes have dogs on them 
So happy that Rusty is still doing well !! He looks adorable in the pix!!
Paws up!
KaCee & Riley
6:15 pm
Surfer dudes know how to PARTY!!!
Happy, Happy to all the good news.
Karen and the pugapalooza
7:43 pm
12 February 2010
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rusty, congrats on your 18 month check up and birthday #3!!! we love, love, love that new bandanna!!! thanks for sharing pictures of this wonderful day - we're looking forward to many many more celebrations!
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
7:53 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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YAAAAAAHOOOOOO!!!!!
Rusty, you are such an incredible pup, a true shining beacon of hope for everyone here. We can't tell you how hoppy we are for you guys!!! Congrats!!!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
7:53 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Hoppy Birthday Rusty!!!!! Thanks for the great update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
10:29 pm
14 August 2009
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LOTS of celebrations! WOOHOO!
We are having a round of cheese in your honor Rusty!
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.
