Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Dear Liz,
anniversaries are never easy with missing the ones that have moved on. I'm always amazed when I realize that time has moved so fast...one year just can't be possible. I know you think and miss her dearly. I also think what you said about the "Right" dog or cat is spot on. So, so true. They do come to teach and love. Opening our hearts for someone else to come in is really the legacy we continue for those that came before. You've done exceptionally well in Roxys legacy.
Im sure your girl is rooing it up and watching and smiling.
in our thoughts,
Esther and her Angel Snoop
LIZ, uou are on a Sage roll soul sista'!
Thoroughly enjoyed this ppst.
Thoroughly love gettingnto know Logan, The Baddest Dog Ever, a bit better. Checking to see if the treat was significant enough...love that!!
I'm sooooo glad GSD Smokey and Abby have bonded in a way that's a win/win for both of them.
ROXIE, I'd go for the most bling anyday over the biggest urn on the shelf!!!
"What a miracle to have the bonds we have and to celebrate each different one." Sage wisdom shining through again! Nice!
Lpve and hugs!
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!
each is “THE Dog”, or “THE Cat” in their moment and for their purpose. I think that our hearts expand with the act of loving another, and that makes a special place for the next and the next. And that honors the memory of each who’s passed before.
Liz, you said this perfectly! I couldn't agree more. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I've been away too long. This place is just so special and I am so glad to see this section.
Sending out love to everyone
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
blackdogcompanion said
I've been away too long. This place is just so special and I am so glad to see this section.
Sending out love to everyone
I said it in your other forum post on Cora, but I will say it again....Welcome back and glad you have found this forum for all us "Alumni", and any other members that want to join us here......Every member of this wonderful community will ALWAYS have a place here at Tripawds, and this forum is our special place to meet for those that had beloved Tripawds but have earned their beautiful angel wings.
And I do agree, this place is very special!
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Ya' know Bonnie and Polly, I feel so sad for those who ended up leaving the community after a loss because they just didn't feel like they belonged anymore. Also, because it was just too painful. I feesl expecially sad knowing they missed out on so much love and support and UNDERSTANDING after their pet transitioned..
I will nNEVER forget SADIE! Had not been a member too long and it was the first time I had been involved when a dog crossed over in about ten days or less of surgery. We were all cheering her on just thinking it was a recovery, etc. I don't remember all the specifics, but I remember her post when she passed....it was short and full of lain and anguish.. I was DEVASTATED for them! To not get the chance to at least recover from surgery..cruel beyond words. She never came back after that post. Unfortunately, I now know those scenarios DO happe and are the most gut wrenching of all. And I know the brave soldiers who do stay on, like Harmony's mom, you, Sahana, Sevydots,, Lori have found comfort and have found a way to honor their pets in a life affirming way.
Anyway, just trying to say thank you for creating such a great gathering place for ALL of us.
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!
Some of us still linger here but maybe don't post so much any more. I will always feel a connection to the Tripawd family. I never could have helped Libby survive for 14 months post amp, without the love, support and advice I got from all of you.
I fall into the category of it being too painful to spend a lot of time here, though. Tears are rolling just writing this. The pain of losing Libby's battle is always right under the surface. I admire all of you that can be here regularly, offering your comfort and knowledge. I think about you often, I truly do.
I wish everyone a Happy, Hoppy New Year. Many blessings to you all in 2015.
Love,
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
It is wonderful to see you here Chris. We think of Cora's amazing miracle story all the time, you and she are such an inspawration. I know you posted and update elsewhere and I haven't read it yet but am heading over there now. Thank you for returning, it's so nice to know you're feeling at home again.
Sally, as for your realization...yeah, Sadie's story broke our hearts too. Through the years we've seen it happen when people don't feel comfortable returning to the community after losing their Tripawd, it's just too difficult. Can't blame them at all and its OK, we learned that everyone copes with grief differently and for some, being here isn't part of their healing process. Ultimately all that matters is they find a way to heal, so that they can eventually open their hearts to another animal in need of a great home. For those like you who do return and find a way to support newcomers, we are forever grateful.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
AMY!!!! AMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY AND LIBBY! You have no idea how wonderful it is to hear from you! And I LROMISE, we ALL think of you soonoften ...and always with love in our hearts!!
And Merry's poat above said it beautifully when she described the differences in how we heal and, all that matters is that we do heal and are able to open our hearts to the love of another dog.
EVERYONE understands ten thousand percent that most don't stay on the site for many reasons, but mostly because it's far too painful...far too painful. And some of us stay for various reasons....there is nothing admirable about it, it's just an example of a different way some of us heal.
I'm so glad to know you are able to touch base every now and then becasue we love you so! You've been through a lot of firsts this year and the holidays are the toughest. Jist KNOW you don't have to move through the grief by yourself. We all understand how it comes in waves and knocks y o u to your knees when you least expect it. And somehow, ya' feel a little less crazy when others say, "Yeah, that happens to us too."
I cannot tell you how many times I see Libby's banner and it always leaves a smile on my heart, as well as hoping you still feel our love and understanding.
Has Liibby visited you in dreams or made her presence known in other ways? Has she let you know she's picking out a dog for you? A lot of "us" who had losses around the same time, have had dogs sent to us by our pups at the Bridge. It has helped put color back in n our days.
Sending y o u so much love Amy. Thanks sooooo much for n posting. And ALWAYS know....ALWAYS.....LIBBY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN HERE! And the care and love y ou provided her her whole life is what will continue to sustain you! As Jerry always reminds us, the timeleadingnup to transition is just a blink of the eye compared to the THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of wonderful days we had together!
From my heart to yours...LOVE!!!
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!
Amy, I think of you and Libby so often. Murphy has been honored to share the July calendar page with Libby, so I tell everyone who comments on the resemblance between the two that she is the only other Chesadore we have ever known. Her picture in her yellow Speedo always makes me smile. Our lives would have been poorer if we had not known her.
Kathi and Murphy
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!
Thank you Sallie & Kathi! It's so nice to *see* you.
Sallie, I have had a few dreams about Libby and I cherish each one. I think she hasn't guided us to a new pup yet because she was so possessive of her daddy she can't let another in yet. 
Also, I've had some health issues since August (2 back surgeries, 2 kidney stone surgeries) but I'm feeling good and will be ready to handle a 2nd dog in the near future. Also, I think I will be ready when I stop looking for a replacement and start looking for an addition. Sammie needs a companion to light a fire under her. Yep, this holiday didn't go by without shedding a tear for our Libby. I decorated her resting spot for Christmas.
Kathi, I am thrilled Libby is on the same page with Murph! I'm very grateful the "powers that be" could work their magic and fit her in, even though the picture wasn't the best quality. Chesador's are like no other, right? You get the best of 2 worlds...lab loyalty and chessy high energy! Thank you for your kind words. I feel the same about you and Murph. Give him a belly rub and a sloppy labby kiss from me on that handsome muzzle.
I feel Libby's spirit lives on right here in the Tripawd community and I carry this special family in my heart, always.
Love and 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
AMY!!!! We love you so much and feel your spirit and see / feel Libby's spirit! Everytime I see her banner, it makes me smile so big!!!! You guys were so great to us on our journey and I know that Libby and Shelby are playing over the bridge.
Don't apologize for not being here - everyone processes grief different.... for me, I feel compelled to be here - drawn to this site daily. But I understand how hard it is and how others cannot not. When my father passed, I could not face that; was withdrawn and refused to discuss cancer at all. So I get it. truly.
And I'm sorry about your health challenges ... hugs and prayers coming your way!
With love,
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever 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
Hi Allison and thank you! You are so sweet. My baby girl's banner is at the top of the page as I type!
I'm so glad there are members like you that can remain and offer encouragement and wisdom. This place and the people in it are simply the BEST.
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
Amy! How funny, we were posting at almost the exact same time. I didn't see that you've been here until just now.
Sorry to hear about your health issues. Ouch! I hope that you are feeling better and the new year brings you all the good health and pawsitivity you so deserve. And you are right...there is no such thing as a replacement, but rather an addition to the pack. Once you get in that frame of mind, which it sounds like you are, the right one will come your way.
It's wonderful to hear from you. Please never feel guilty about not posting, you are always part of this family no matter how long you've been away. Your and Libby's lives are permanently a part of this beautiful fabric called Tripawds. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah Amy...I like that"addition" mindset too!
Really sorry youve had health issues. My brother gets kidney stones sometimes and I can only imagine how painful they can be. And then back surgery on top of that?! YIKES!!
Keel a little journal by your bed and make notes anytime to have a dream with Libby.....dontw want to miss one single nugget ofnher wisdom!
Sending you love and best wishes....and cannot wait to see who Libby sends you! It'll probably be a boy dogs sense she's already MARRIED to your hubby!! I'll never forget that beautiful gesture of the ring! LIBBY AND HER SISTER WIFE!!! Bings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! If she sends you a boy, Breyy can be a BROTHER HUSBAND"!
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!
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