Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm just wondering if anyone else experienced this: two weeks after the amputation, Bonnie is coping well, even going up and down the stairs, and hasn't taken any major tumbles. The scar is healing really well, and her fur is growing back. But I'm getting the weepies several times a day now, when I watch my little girl who used to be so perfectly put together - strong, tireless, nimble, quick and sure-footed - and now hobbles about on three legs.
I don't remember the exact timing of it early on, but yes...I went through a period where I was very upset like you as well. Zeus was originally bred for show (though I didn't show him) and he always had this perfect stance and just like his name, I always thought he looked like a god...powerful and strong. He still has that stance, though not quite the same...he doesn't quite look as powerful and strong as he used to, but looks are not everything...I don't care about what we've "lost" AS LONG AS HE IS HAPPY AND HEALTHY and not in any pain. He is my hero and we have gained so much - most of all, we have gained more time together which is why we took this journey.
Zeus taught me to look past the "perfection" at what really matters - his heart and his soul. That lesson learned made the weepies stop...and I haven't had them since.
Look in her eyes and see what matters...she doesn't know she is different now...she is just happy to be here with you and that's all that matters to her.
I hope this helps a little bit
Much love and big hug through cyberspace
Heather
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
OMG YES!!! While Calamity does so well now, I see it, I say it, I KNOW it, I still have a real problem with this. I know she does not miss anything she might be missing with this new way of life, I find myself thinking "when she had all of her legs she could" a lot.
I know I will get over this but yes, I do miss having her "whole". I fought for a year to keep her that way so I think this loss is so much more than just the amputation to me. It's loosing a battle that I fought with all of my heart (and wallet! LOL!).
Janie & Calamity (who does not miss the painful leg)
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Anyanka said:
... I’m getting the weepies several times a day now.
It's perfectly normal to feel this way, but please try to remain strong for Bonnie's sake. It is still early, she won't hobble once she gets off the meds and regains her strength. But as a pack animal, she will follow your lead.
It's OK to cry, just don't let Bonnie hear you! 
Try to reframe the situation. Rejoice in the fact that she is out of pain, and that you have likely extended her life. She just needs time to rest and recuperate.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
anyanka, I think you might be experiencing a litte bit of grief. You have just gone through something that can certainly be termed a loss, but try to look at the positive side of it.....your baby is still with you and from the way it sounds, she is doing well!! I have just recently gotten Max home (last Sat) and I can tell you that the first 2 days I was asking myself and my husband if we did the right thing. Its certainly an adjustment for both you and your dog and I think its healthy to grieve......but make sure that your dog feels the love and not the sadness you are going thorugh. I have used this forum many times to get myself throught the tough times...so let us all support you and help you in your journey. Its a tough one...but remember, dogs live in the minute and you want those minutes to be happy ones! She is happy to be with you and to make you happy!
Paula and Spirit Max
Thanks for the supportive words, everyone.
Our situation is a bit different from some of you because Bonnie did not have cancer, or a major accident where I could be grateful that it was only a limb lost, not our lovely little dog. But she lost her leg after a normal walk in our usual place - just from stepping on something bad. It has made me feel very vulnerable to loss again, back to the place I was in when my youthful and always healthy mother died after a bout of pneumonia 17 years ago. Right now ice cold panic grips me every time the three greyhounds go racing around the garden (Calamity's dreadful story on my mind).
It gets a bit better every day, as Bonnie returns to her normal self. And this forum helps tremendously!
Have a good Christmas, all you lovely people!
Anyanka said:
... And this forum helps tremendously!
That means so much to us ... makes all the efforts worthwhile. Thank you for your support. Merry Christmas to you too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Anyanka said:
Right now ice cold panic grips me every time the three greyhounds go racing around the garden (Calamity’s dreadful story on my mind).
I know what you mean EXACTLY!!!!! An Calamity loves to "race" her brothers and sister so much!!! She starts the races now days. I just hold my breath.
I was having dinner with my best friend (who is a vet) today and we talked about our greyhound "angels" and how they have left us. My dear Colt came up and we reminised about the day he left me at 13 years old. Osteo, no outward signs at all. Colt had the most wonderful day, it was April and he played in the backyard with a toy (something he did not do often), he ran with the others, he ate a great dinner and cuddled with me for hours (he favorite thing!). He got up on the sofa and his leg broke, just like that. Within 45 minutes, he was gone.
My point in this story, is that if anything happens to Calamity again & I have to let her go, I'll know that she loved the last of her life, doing what she loved the most. And this was why I chose to amputate, so she could be "herself" once again.
Hug those hounds & have a Blessed Christmas!
Janie & Calamity
Morgan, Trigger, Kade & Munchie too!
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
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