Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My husband has gone to find work in the oil fields, so I am home taking care of the puppies. I can't work late anymore because I am already gone from home 12 hours a day. There is no one to let my guys out for potty breaks. I tried for months to get this better paying job but it didn't work out.
My sadness comes because I am having to make horrible choices. I have to choose between suppliments that can help my girl Shy with her dementia, or suppliments that can save the life of Sammy. I had the cable shut off for awhile, (also the computer is in the bundle so I haven't been on) and I am not spending anything extra. I quit smoking, (except for when I can bum them from friends) and am living the most basic of lives. I chose whether I can go see my family, because the extra gas is too much, or whether I should turn the heat up. I have sold my expensive sewing machine, I used to love to quilt, but of course I love my puppies more.
In no way am I complaining, I just can't stop hurting because I can't give my furry kids what they need. I wish I hadn't bought my car that I bought a couple of years ago, when my husband's job was good and I didn't know about bone cancer.
I am not looking for nor would I accept anything but help in an emotional way. I tried to talk to a friend about it at work (why I did that I don't know, they have no love for animals). I need to find a way to stop the wieght of guilt from making my house of cards fall down.
I give my girl fish oil, and small amounts of the other suppliment, but I can't afford the whole dose she needs. She could be doing so much better but she isn't. I am letting her down. I am chosing my love Sammy over my love of her.
How can I make this sit better inside my gut? I look into her sunken face, her eyes are sometimes bright and aware, sometimes she is physically here, but her mind is already gone. Maybe someone here has some pearls of wisdom? If not, thank you for listening.
Elizabeth, Sammy and Shy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
No pearls of wisdom, sadly. I just wanted you to know you are not alone. We all want to care equally for our children, but the reality is that we, more often than not, have to make tough choices like this. Dogs instinctively understand the unfairness of life. They don't hold it against us when we can't fulfill their every need. In fact they don't even expect us to. Your girl loves you unconditionally, without reservation, no matter what. You are doing everything you can given the economy and job market these days. Take a break from the self-flagellation, load your pups in the car and go to a park or someplace fun (and free!). Get your mind off your troubles for a few, make some happy memories and play for a little bit.
Hang in there! (Oh, did you check the Angels Exchange forum? I think I saw a couple postings for supplements being donated there.)
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
I dont have any wisdom to share but I do understand where you are comming from and sometimes a little empathy goes along way!
We have spent quite alot on the three surgeries and all of the meds and when I just try to visit or vent with someone about just this whole process I always hear....I cant believe you are doing all this or spending all this ...on a dog!
I tend to find that so offensive! This isnt just a "dog" this is such a integral member of our immediate family! It is so easy for others to judge because they are missing out on the love factor!
If it were grandma with a bad hip what would they do...then I think maybe I dont want to know what they would do!
Anyway, sorry you are having to make these choices and I hope you find peace within them!
Just love them and take comfort in that you are trying!!!
Please try to not be so hard on yourself. We can only do, what we can do. We know it's hard on the heart, and the only wisdom we have is to try to Be More Dog . But Shy ans Sammy would never want you to feel so sad or guilty, nor do they fear what the future may bring like us silly humans. Perhaps try searching for any available clinical trials that may help pay for treatment and aide in research.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
sometimes it seems life sucks, and it sucks hard. we don't have any great ideas either, but know that sammy and shy love you no matter what, it's unconditional....so, don't fret over your 'condition', just love them back. the world of folks that don't understand all we do for our pups is just missing out. i think sometimes those folks really deserve pity, as they are missing out on the really meaning of friendship and love. hang tough, have faith, answers come in unexpected ways. sending our best juju your way,
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Thanks Riosmom,
It is just really difficult when I see my girl failing. I SEE it.. Maybe it is like when a mom sees her child needing something that she can't provide. I like the park idea, whenever it stops raining here I just may do that. I forgot about the angel exchange, silly me!
anji,
You hit the nail on the head. I was talking to my friend at work and some idiot came in and told me that I shouldn't have dogs if I can't afford them... duh. What am I supposed to do now? Give them away? Get real! When they came in my life I could afford them, and once you are in my family, like any gang, there is no out. We are united forever, sink or swim.
Someone else at work chimed in by giving me a newspaper with the dog section. He said just get a new one. They all thought that was sooo funny. It just made me shrink inside and I had to walk away or I was going to hurt some feelings!
This is the hard part, the ecomony, this moment in my life. I know it will all be okay, we are all here right now and I don't regret the money spent on my beloved boy. I just feel like I am smart enough I should've seen this coming. I should find a way. I am mad at myself, and so sad that my puppy family has these challenges when I don't have the funds to meet the challenge.
admin,
I don't know how to Be More Dog . I have plenty around me to teach me but right now my heart seems to be breaking anyway. I looked on the clinical trial page and it is an excellent idea. I didn't see any for Washington state but it gives me an idea. I will talk with Dr. Pam and see if she knows of any. Thanks so much for that 🙂
Elizabeth and Sammy and Shy, Titan too.
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Ditto with what everyone before me has written to you. Spend quality time with your pups. That is more important than anything else you can do for them.
Sending you lots of golden hugs!
Cathy & Jane
I didn't realize you were here in Washington, too. The weather is definitely a factor in the park idea (was snowing here this morning!) 🙂 Maybe when Rio is feeling a little better we can do a 3-legged meet and greet. We'd love to meet your Sammy (and Shy and Titan, too).
|
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
PS: your work people are DUMB! If someone had said those words to me, I doubt I would have been able to hold my tongue!
|
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Elizabeth-
Take a deep breath and give yourself credit for doing all you possibly can. The economy sucks for lots of folks right now, and while that won't make you feel any better, it should put it into perspective a little better. Enjoy the fur children, because spending time with you is the most important thing in the world for them. Sending you a virtual ((hug)).
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Rios mom,
lol, they are dumb, thanks for that, it makes me smile.
I would like to do a meet and greet. Since Sammy had his amp he gets really growly with other dogs, so we would have to proceed cautiously. I think Dr. Pam was trying to get us together and would we would love to meet you. It snowed here this morning too, followed by rain, rain, cold grey skys, and once in a while I have seen a burning orb in the sky. Someone told me that was the sun, but as you know, it has been awhile so I can't say for sure.
Elizabeth and Sammy and Shy
And for Cathy and Charon,
That is good advice. That is something I can excel at, I do love my sweet kids.
Elizabeth and Sammy and Shy, Titan too 😉
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Hugs Shanna,
thank you.
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Elizabeth, my heart breaks for you. I'm sorry you have to work with such unintentionally stoopid people and sad that you are going through so much by yourself up there in Washington. I wish I could be there to help you somehow.
Here's the thing: you are not alone. We are here for you and we can relate. We all feel like there's more we could be doing for our furkids, especially when cancer is involved.
But the truth is, what our dogs need the most from us is love in the purest sense possible. You can't buy it, you can't taste it, it won't save their life or cure cancer. What it will do is give you quality time that is unhindered by worry and guilt. Quality time that focuses on living that bucket list as best you can right now, and enjoying every minute.
The best way I've found to get through hard times, financially and emotionally, is to focus on what I do have, right now. Not what I had at one time, or what I wish I had. Just counting the blessings at this very minute makes me feel a little better. Keeping a gratitude journal also helps. Every night, write down 10 things you are grateful for. Soon you'll start to see that even the most seemingly mundane things really do make us happy every single day.
I don't know if this helps or not. But just know that we're here for you OK? You can vent here anytime.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Elizabeth,
I know how hard this miserable economy is right now. I am also looking for work and am amazed at how many applicants there are for a single job, and how low paying they all are. People will settle for anything now.
As far as what you can do for Shy and Sammy, though, Jerry hit the nail on the head. The most important thing to both of them is your love and attention. If they could talk and you told them that you couldn't do everything you wanted to do for them, but you could provide them with more love than they could soak up, which do you think they would choose? If I were a dog, and I could be cared for completely but without love, I'd take the love without the extras.
And you know what? It's all really extras, after food and shelter and love. Those are the only things any of us really need, regardless of our species. Hang in there. You have the best gifts in the world in those furry folks. They don't give a you-know-what about anything but your belly rubs and smiles.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Elizabeth, I have no pearls of wisdom here , but I can tell you that we are thinking about you and will send prayers up on your behalf. You have done such an outstanding job caring for your furkids, please font feel guilty because times and the economy prevent you from doing more - you can only do so much and you are doing it, there are so many people that would do nothing or worse.. you are a good person and you are doing your very best!
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
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