Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I don't mean to be a wimp, but I am so worried. Zeus has declined considerably in the last few days. He is still eating and moving around some, but he can barely make it out to relieve himself and back to the house. He has also started having sneezing fits, which I've not heard of before so I'm not sure what it means. His eyes are still bright and he doesn't seem unhappy, so we just don't feel like he has told us he's done but his body is rapidly giving out. I don't want him to suffer at all, but we also can't bring ourselves to do it too soon and steal even one moment from this dog who has fought so very hard for every second.
That said, Greg leaves today for a work trip and will not return until late Friday night. I am so worried that Zeus won't make it that long. Greg spent extra time with him this morning, just in case. It was beautiful, but I know that he and Zeus would prefer that our family is together when the time comes. Please keep us in your thoughts for a few more good days or, if that's not in the cards I'm gonna need the strength of this entire community to do this alone.
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
I will definitely keep Zeus, you and Greg in my prayers. I wish I were closer to PA because I would offer to help in any way I could. Stay positive and remember that sometimes when things get tough, we humans have adrenaline or something that gives us strength we never knew we had.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
Sending strong thoughts your way. Things will happen however they are meant to happen. I hope you can be together, but if you can't I know you can handle this by yourself. The journey you have made with Zeus has given you strength and courage- you might not feel it now but it is there. And you have all of us to lean on.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Sending positive thoughts to Zeus, and you. And I agree with the others: if the time comes before Greg gets back in town, you WILL find the strength to do what needs to be done. Because you'd be doing it for Zeus, and he's the most important thing. Having said that, let's all hope and pray that this is not the case, and that Greg will come home Friday to see his boy again. Keeping your entire pack in my thougths and prayers.
Lisa, you are not now, nor will you ever be, a wimp. You are so very strong; you've been there for so many of us; now it's our turn to be there for you. I literally think about you, Greg, and Zeus every day. I've cheered along with you at Zeus's highs and cried with you at his lows. As the end nears, I have no doubt that you will continue to be strong, Zeus will continue to give it everything he's got, and when it's time, Zeus will let you know and you'll summon the strength to do one last thing for your beloved Zeus. I do hope Zeus has one last rally in him and your family will be together to say their goodbyes, but if it doesn't work out that way, then you certainly have the support of your tripawds family. Thinking of you,
Catherine, Spirit Scout and MB Tom
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
You are in our thoughts and prayers. I also think of you everyday, and always check for updates. A wimp??? Never! Just full of love for your beautiful Zeus (who by the way, is like a rock star here). I know that whatever happens, you will always have the very best for Zeus in mind-that's all you have done and can continue to do. I also hope for that one last rally, but I know that whatever happens he is in the best of hands.
Thinking of you and sending tons of support,
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Oh, I know how hard that is. We've been in a similar situation before and it's so tough. I hope Zeus can rally again and hang in for a few more good days. But... it the time comes we are here for you just like you will be there for Zeus.
Hang in there. We are all sending out our best pawsitive thoughts to him.
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
A wimp? Are you kidding? You, Greg and Zeus are solid, not wimpy at all. Please don't be afraid, don't let this situation rob you of a single moment together. Keep looking at what you have right now, not what if. This is really living life by the minute, for sure.
And should the worst happen, you will find it in you to honor Zeus' needs. It's amazing the strength one can find at a time like this. of course, we are here for you too, if you need anything at all OK?
The collective paws, fingers and toes are crossed for a good, beautiful week ahead.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all so much...
There is nothing in this universe that could keep me from doing the right thing for him, but it is nice to know that I have support. I think I mostly worry about Greg being guilty if he's not here when the time comes. It tore my heart out when we left this morning and Greg had to say goodbye 'for a couple of days.' The catch in his voice was heartbreaking.
Of course, knowing Zeus' history of thumbing his nose at any prognosis, maybe he will make me look like a fool for even posting this.
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Lisa,
I have been in your shoes with one of my dogs and my husband was gone for business. If things go sideways you WILL do what you need to do because your love for Zeus is so strong you would do anything for him. I have a strong feeling he will be waiting for Daddy on Friday. I am hoping for that for you and your husband. You are an amazing lady and that is why Zeus is an amazing Dog. There is that connection thingy. I'll be thinking of you, like I have been since Zeusy has been feeling yucky.
All our Best
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Lisa, we are so with you! So sorry Greg has to go out of town right now, it is hard. Zeus is such a hero but it sounds like he is happy and eating well.
Sending you tons of huge hugs and special scratches for our boy,
Joanne & Lylee
xoxxo
http://lyleegir.....ipawds.com
Lisa,
Though you and Zeus have only recently come into our lives, the impression you have both made is indelible. Every day I have been coming here looking for answers, and every day I see you standing strong and supporting all of us as difficult decisions are made, tears are shed and celebrations are made. I am so impressed with your gracious generosity of strength, there is no way that anyone would consider you a wimp.
I have thought to myself often this week how lucky Zeus is to have a momma like you. I've also thought how great it is that you have such an awesome bond with Zeus. He will tell you. You will know. And should you doubt your strength for even a minute - know that we are all locked arms ready to support you in any way we can, and to catch you if it comes to that. I am sorry that your family is physically divided as this is coming your way. But know, in your heart, you are not alone.
Until then, which I pray is a long time from now... look at his eyes, laugh at his jokes, smell his ears, and enjoy every minute of it. He is looking at your eyes, smiling at your jokes, and smelling your love for him. That is forever.
All of our hearts are with you now.
Hugs and ear scratches from far away friends.
-Samdog and his mom.
Samdog was a 10 yr old Golden and retired SAR dog. We found a bone mass on 8/17/12, needle biopsy showed sarcoma 8/22/12, amputation on 8/23/12, post-amp biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma on 8/28/12. Sadly, we found lung mets on 11/27/12 and my Spirit Sam earned his wings on 12/2/12.
We didn't know where we were headed and we don't regret a single step along our path. It all happened too fast, but he left a legacy of love that we will always cherish. Good bye my heart.
You can find our story at http://samdog.t.....ipawds.com
Hugs and prayers coming your way. Zeus and Sweetpea are almost at the same point of their journey. Hang in there Zeus - papa will be home a smidge over 48 hrs!!!
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to you and Zeus. We'll keep our fingers and 3-paws crossed too. Sending lots of hugs and love too! Hang in there...
Hugs and chocolate labby kisses,
Ellen & Charley
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
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