Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Warning! Novel approaching!

It is not what happens to us (or our dogs) but how we respond to it. We have been brought together by some tragic circumstances, it is how we respond to these events that is our measure. Just by joining this site, we have shown that a community can help more than just one of us.

There has been numerous times where the darkness has seemed too much. Generally this is when I feel completely alone and without options. It is when I come here that those options open up. Not to get philosophical, but me, being along with my own mind, is a dangerous place to be. I anticipate there will be more dark times, but for today, I am hopeful. When we run out of options and the end is near, we will know.

I ended up writing my thesis on humor. I knew it long before I actually did any research, but humor saved me during various low points in my life. Humor also puts me in the right frame of mind. Charlie does not need me to be depressed or full of despair. There will be plenty of time for me to fall into a depressive funk…later.

Right now, he’s still fighting and so am I. Until his fight comes to an end, I will do whatever I can to help him along this journey.

As far as this latest diagnosis is concerned, it is not uncommon for a dog his age, size and history. Without the cancer and 3-leggedness, he probably still would have this issue. Sure, the pre-existing diagnoses have hastened it, but if anything, those things have helped us prepare for today. We knew before the cancer that he was our old man and accommodations would need to be made for him. The immediacy is what always gets us!

Currently Charlie is doing really well. Affect, even on stupid Tramadol, has been really good. I have noticed a difference (positive) since putting him on pain meds. He hasn’t been ‘weird’ like he has in the past on Tramadol, and for that I’m extremely grateful. Again, as far as humor is concerned, Charlie is the dork dog.

Since this became a much longer post than I had anticipated: no crazy Charlie stories.

Zak’s mom – I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through this. I truly understand. If you want to pm me, I’ll be around.

Tomorrow is my last class! You know what I’m looking forward to the most? Spending more time with Charlie! Okay, fine, we’re both dorks.