Katrina has shared the following story about her dog Dymond for this week’s Tripawd Tuesday.
Read on to find out how you can submit your own Tripawd Tuesday story or consider a personalized copy of Tripawd Heroes featuring your three legged friend!
I’ve had Dymond since she was eleven weeks old. She has seen me through many hard times and has remained a constant source of love, loyalty and companionship.
Our journey with cancer began early September 2013 when I noticed a lump on Dymond’s elbow. Initially I thought she may have hit or bumped her leg, so I began to apply ice thinking the swelling would subside. When it didn’t I scheduled her to see her veterinarian, which later referred us to an orthopedic specialist. He took one look at it and immediately said he believed the mass to be a soft tissue sarcoma. After a biopsy, numerous tests and special stain analysis the mass was confirmed as a Histiocytic Sarcoma. Knowing this diagnosis brought many sleepless nights, uncontrolled tears and countless visits to oncology and internal medicine specialists.
Shortly after I got over my self-pity I began to realize that it is my responsibility to ensure Dymond has the best quality of life possible. I made a vow to her years ago to love her as I would my very own and since she is a member of my family we WILL fight this disease together. Then I began to feel enlightened and began educating myself by reading many articles, books and guides to assist in combating cancer.
The literature pointed to ways of battling cancer through supplements, change in diet, along with conventional and holistic remedies. Most recently Dymond started Chemotherapy, but after one treatment we stopped this regiment because her liver enzymes stayed elevated.
We are not in this alone, with the love, support and guidance of so many amazing people two months post amputation (December 18, 2013) Dymond is going strong. Her spirit is infectious and as she surpasses her abilities in so many ways she remains an inspiration. Dymond has taught me that having a disease does not measure your ability, does not define your capability; instead it tells a story of hope, resiliency, determination, strength and bravery.
Though all of our lives have been changed by this disease it will not shape our future.
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On every Tuesday of the week, tell us about your three-legged hero here in the Tripawds Discussion Forums or on the Tripawds Facebook page. Just follow these easy steps:
- In a few short sentences, describe your three-legged hero’s story.
- Include a photo or video.
- Include a link to your Trpawds Facebook page, Forum topic and/or Tripawds blog (if applicable)
All entries must be received by Saturday at 11:59 pm. One Tripawd story will be selected at random to be featured the following Tuesday.
Hi,
Dymond has adjusted amazingly well. I’m so happy that her strength has surpassed the limitations I’ve placed on her in my mind. I’m sorry to know your Rottie has cancer and my heart truly goes out to all the fur babies fighting a disease. Truthfully, our pets are profoundly resilient and although I’ve second guessed my choices for Dymond, I regret nothing. She’s just as vivacious as the day I brought her home. God bless!
Update: 1-11-14…Our Rottie Cait….Rear leg amputation 3 months ago…I must say these past few months have been the saddest months of my life; and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s been so hard to see my little girl struggle doing the things she loves to do, walking, playing ball, tug rope and going for a ride in the SUV.
Cait turned 5 year old yesterday 1-10-14 and I’m sure that it will be her last birthday. The cancer is starting to taking over her body now and I can see her life starting to change, she is licking more and winning more nowadays and not sleeping all night. She will awake me in the early morning with her cold nose on my face wanting to get up on the bed, of course I let her. At times she will look at me with her dark brown eyes and I can just wonder what she would tell me if she could.
She is back on pain meds now; and it’s only a matter of time when we will need to put her down. There has been many days that has gone by that I wonder if we did the right thing by amputating her leg and I can honestly say I would never do it again, but it was the right thing to do at the time.
People say dogs will adapt to only having three legs and Cait has, what they don’t say is how hard it’s going to be the owners to adapt to all the changes. I love Cait maybe more than I should she has truly been man’s best friend and I’m going to miss her a lot when she is gone.
Katrina, best wishes for you and Dymond our Rotties are the best!
Garry and Cait.
Garry, we’re so sorry it’s been so rough. Yes, it’s always worse for the humans than the dogs. It takes all we’ve got to follow their lead and live moment by moment. Our keynote about Being More Dog can help: http://downloads.tripawds.com/2013/02/04/how-to-be-more-dog/ and you are always welcome to come to our Forums and talk with others who understand what you’re going through. It’s not easy. {{{{hugs}}}}
Hi Katrina. I was so happy to log in today after being away awhile and to see your blog. Dymond looks fabulous – and healthy and happy. I’d wondered how you and she were doing and it’s wonderful to see you so pawsitive and she looking very spoiled (as it should be). They teach us such important lessons about really living!
Happy holidays to you both and blessings for the new year.
-Liz and Angel Roxie
Thank you Liz. Merry Christmas and blessings for a wonderful New Year.