Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tina,
I told Paula you will know. They will give you the look that you know it's time. I am glad you are loving on him and letting him do the stuff he enjoys. I am sending prayers, good ju ju and everything else I have to let you know that I am thinking of you and Manni. Give him hugs and tell him we all love him. Glad his tummy is feeling a little better.
I said this before on here I hate it when my friends have to go through the end parts of the journey and then the definite end. I cry (as you know at a drop of a hat) like right now. I know you and Manni are both stoic. We are here for you.
Love you my friend.
xoxoxxo
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."
Okay, Manni's tummy is better and that's a really good thing!! It could be that all that extra good ju ju we've been sending is helping! So sending more just may help!
If I recall correctly, according to Dr Michael Foxx, some dogs DO have a higher threshold to tolerate pain than others! Just as humans do.
So while we all certainly know animals do their best not to signal pain, we also know that some just aren't feeling the pain as strongly as others.
Manni IS a tough dog! Guess Imw trying to say thst Manni may not be in too much pain at all because he is one of the lucky dogs who does indeed have a higher tolerance!!! And based on everything you've said about the way he reacts (or actually doesn't react!) to all the previous seemingly painful situations he's dealt with, it sounds like he's not necee "hidi g" his pain right now.....it's just that his threshold for tolerating pain is high.
POOPING ON ELECTRIC FENCE and not yelping like a maniac????? Yeah, I think Manni has a higher tolerance than most!! OUCH!!
For whatever it's worth, here's an old article that explains the genetic reasons for the difference in humans.
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!
http://news.har.....ere's the link....hopefully
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!
I get it too.... I think we all do. Shelby was also incredibly stoic and brave ... which is probably why we waited so long to remove her leg as I really had no clue it was as bad as it was since she never let me know.
I also always asked her for a sign and she indeed gave it to me - crystal clear - which I know because of the bond you and Manni have, he will make it clear in some form. What that form is, we can't predict.
But you are strong and your love for Manni is obvious! I am glad his tummy is feeling better and he is able to eat more ... if not as much as before. I hope he enjoys the beach, the ice-cream (and your coffee) ...take lots of photos! Take lots of selfies. Trust me .. those photos and those memories will be your best friend in the years to come.
But by no means do I think we are saying goodbye anytime soon but know that I am here if you need me !!!
XOXO
alison with spirit shelby in her heart (and little jasper too) 
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
Tina, Manni will find the way that speaks to you - he knows you well. Until that moment, you make as many memories as you can with your boy. Take videos, make a paw print if you'd like, tell him how much you love him and remind him to let you know when he's ready. He will, and you'll do what you must.
Wishing you many days to enjoy with him and sending all the positive vibes, as well as love.
xoxo,
Amy & the hungriest hound in heaven, Izzy
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Tina...clearly that wasn't the link and now I can't find it. Not that it's relevant, but it did say there is a molecule in a gene that makes a difference in how pain is perceived in each individual. Sorry.
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!
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!
Darling Tina, sweet friend
If this is of any help, Eurydice was also very stoic and damn knew how to hide pain ...
Their situation was different as she did not go through what Manni is going through.
I was told lung tumours are not painful but the night before she earned her wings and for a few times when her breathing was a struggle I saw an expression in her eyes I had never seen before.
It was a mixture of (sad) surprise and deep disappointment ...
She did not know what was going on.
She looked at me for answers and I had none ...
My heart broke as I could not help.
But I was about to realise the moment had come to release her.
My point of sharing this with you, and I really hope it helps, is to say Manni will show you he is ready.
They know when it is time.
And so will you, as you are so, so in tune with your baby.
The closer we are with our loved ones the more we can understand in our heart as well as in our head.
Until then (and hopefully weeks and weeks and weeks from now) enjoy your time as you are doing.
Beach walks, ice cream, sitting together smelling the flowers, totally in tune, sharing many beautiful, magical moments, building loving forever memories
This is what life is about my lovely, lovely friend.
Sending you the biggest hug and holding you both next to my heart, always
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Hey, checking in for an update on the Wonderdog, the Magnificent Manni!
I hope you're out on adventures and too busy for us!
Thinking of you both,
Hugs (even if Manni doesn't like them)
Teri
Right rear leg amp 7/12/16 due to OSA. Metastatic lesion on her right front leg, January 2017. Joined the Winter Warriors January 19, 2017. Run free my sweet girl.
Teri,
I have been bubble-bound pretty much 🙂 and yes, we have been out on adventures.
I have learned to live day by day. When I get up in the morning I try to figure out how Manni feels that day. I give him pain meds by injection twice a day and a very carefully dosed morphine (which otherwise just knocks him out) late at night. I feel like I could go to three injections a day but they have been a hassle as is and Manni has become weary of me - and I don't want him to leave me on that note necessarily. However, the injections have proved to be a lot more easy on his tummy which is a huge relief. Also, Masha, and eventually my vet, too, recommend Slippery Elm, which has worked wonders. To anyone with a dog with tummy issues: try it! And the 
has not been that good in years 🙂
Manni's biggest issues, weirdly, are his hind legs, especially the left one. They grow weaker by the day and he gets muscle tremors. I am sure he's in some pain and walking is becoming more difficult. We don't manage much more than about 30 yards by now but I still make sure we go out a couple of times a day. Some days are better than others, or the other way around. I have been on the verge of making "the" appointment twice now. The vet will come to our house for it if at all possible. However, Manni is still alert, he still barks at people outside of our property and he still wants to go out and his appetite is very much back (I do believe the CBD oil has something to do with that). As long as we still have that we'll keep going. We have a vet appointment tomorrow which is really more for my sake, to see if I'm still on the right track. But maybe she'll have a thought regarding the hind legs, too.
We are in month 21. Maybe in a few years I'll be able to be thankful for this time as maybe I will then be able to be thankful for the few good days we have gotten since I thought all was lost. Right now I am not and I refuse to be. I am angry as all can be, I have been devastated for 20+ months and more so these last few weeks. Manni does not deserve this. None of our dogs do, ever.
I know we don't have much time left and Manni has started to "stare into space" occasionally. We will keep on spending these days with adventures, ice cream and lots of love.
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
Tina,
You are an awesome guardian of Manni. You know and he knows how much you love each other. You have a right to be angry. It's not fair. Manni is such a beautiful boy. I am glad you are sharing the pictures with us of your days together.
This part sucks and the next part is even worse. I hate this effing disease.
much love to you & Manni
xoxoxo
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."
Tina the staring into space may be due to the CBD
Paula
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
dobemom said
Tina the staring into space may be due to the CBDPaula
I had the same thought Paula!!
Glad the tummy issues jave settled down. Yeah, I've heard good things about Slippery Elm for people too.
Tina, regardless of the hell you are going through emotionally, you seemingly have an incredible ability to compartmentalize "things" as a way of keeping "balance" (also your sanity!). Your commitment to making every moment the best moment possible for Manni and staying focused on staying in the present is such a testament to your love for him. Your love, your bond, that's what gives you your strength.
Barking to warn people to stay away from his kingdom...eating.....obviously alert....still wanting to go out......eating ice cream...yeah, Manni is still Manni!!! And these pictures certainly show a very content boy.....a very HANDSOME and content boy!
The photo in front of the field of flowers, the selfie with light surrounding you and Manni....BEAUTIFUL!! I love the freckles on his nose...his coloring. He really is an exquisite dog. And as far as Manni is concerned, he is living an exquisite life with an exquisite Soul from one moment to the next. Manni has no anger, no fear, no regrets. He just feels the bliss of being loved by you. Ahhhh...the innocence of being dog!
Sending love and hugs to you and Manni. Myrtle and Frankie are sending their love too!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Tina, you and Manni have been on my mind. How did the vet appointment go?
The photos are so beautiful. Even though you are understandably angry at the situation, you have managed to push that aside for now and give Manni the best days a dog could ever ask for. He doesn't know he has cancer, I'm sure he just knows life is getting a little slower and he is savoring every minute of this beautiful summer with his favorite human. I love that so much of Manni still shines through.
Keep us posted oK? We're all thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for this update, Tina. The pics are wonderful! That one with the flowers behind Manni, and the light picking up the same colours in his coat. OMD! And the one of you together with the sun behind, as well. So precious. I am also wondering how the vet appointment went. And ditto Paula on the CBD oil, (or possibly the morphine?) causing him to stare into space.
Truly, you are doing the most phenomenal job in the hardest of circumstances, and I LOVE your defiant attitude. FU Cancer!
Big hug. You are in our thoughts.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
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