Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Today we found out our sweet Ruby (10 year old, 9 month amp dog) is not doing well. Her decline was fast. In the last 3 days. Her body is tired and she is in pain.
Our vet is open 7 days a week and after a horrible day yesterday (hardly moving and constant crying) we decided to go to the vet today. They did rear end X-rays and discovered that it appears the cancer is back but this time on Rubys spine.
We we have an appointment on Tuesday at the speciality vet that did her amputation and chemo treatment. We feel like we might need confirmation from an animal oncologist. Although, the vet we saw today is he one that found her cancer from the start.
This last month we have noticed huge changes. But the last 48 hours we have realized that our sweet girl is tired. Friday she was very tired on her walk but yesterday she wouldn't go past our driveway. She stopped cried and wanted to go back inside. She has also hardly eaten in 3 days.
Today we were given pain killers to help keep her comfortable. We are heartbroken. Devastated. Sad. Worried. But we know that a sedated life is not one we want for our girl.
Selfishly since I work from home I am hurting knowing the amount of company Ruby is for me. We know we have to be the voice for our girl.
Turning to my Tripod community for advice and support during this tragic time.
Love and blessings to all.
Xoxo- Laina and Ruby
I am so sorry! This is so hard, I know. Please know that the decision you make is made purely out of your love for your sweet girl. Getting a second opinion sounds like a real good idea. Helps remove the second guessing. A lot of us here know the hard decision you are facing right now. It just hurts so much. Please don't second guess whatever decision you make. I know a lot of us, probably most of us have done that. I guess it is the human part of us. Please know that we are here for you. I know I would not have been able to make my journey with Ty without this forum and the support I found here. Thinking of you, Lori, Ty & the gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I am so terribly sorry and sad for you.... I remember those last days/hours ... but it sounds like you have a plan for Ruby's transition and that should / will bring you some peace. She is WITH you and she is in the now and she isn't scared. She has no clue. She just knows that you all love her and are with her.
The next days / weeks/ months WILL be hard. Especially the silence in the home.. it IS defeaning. ...but we are ALL here for you...
sending you love and peace ...
alison with spirit shelby 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
Yes, as Lori said, we are all here with you and for you. Back in August when you started this journey you called us your "Sipport Warriors". We still are.
A couple of things that I hope you find helpful during this difficult time.
1. Ruby Red is not counting hours, or days, or weeks or months. She is 100% in the present.
2. Ruby is blossfully unware of any test results.
3. The pain meds will help keep Ruby comfortable and may even increase her appetite.
4. Right now...and NOW is all that matters...you do not have a confirmation of the cause of her pain. As hard as this is, FORCE yourself to get from one moment to the next believing that it may actually be something else. This will help you generate some calm energy and that will help Ruby as well.
5. To grieve now for what you have not lost yet, takes away from immersing yourself in the joy of being with Ruby right now.
6. Makes some notes and put them all around the house to help you stay in the present.
RUBY IS WITH ME NOW AND I WILL NOT LET ANYTHING INTERFERE WITH OUR TIME TOGETHER.
BECAUSE I LOVE RUBY SO MUCH I WILL "Be More Dog
".
NOW IS ALL THAT MATTERS.
I WILL CONSTANTLY TELL RUBY WHAT A GOOD GIRL SHE IS AND ALWAYS WITH JOY IN MY VOICE.
I WILL FEED HER ONE SCOOP OF CREAM EVERY COUPLE OF HOURS...TOPPED WITH SPRINKLES.
I WILL REMI DD MYSELF THAT RIBY HAS LOVED ME EVERYDAY OF HER LOFE AND SHE KNOWS SHE IS LOVED EVERYDAY OF HER LIFE. THAT KIND OF LOVE WILL KEEP JS TOGETHER FOREVER.
Now go give Ruby a big smooch for us...and a few thousand for you! Share a bowl of ice cream with her...she gets most of it!
You are Ruby's Support Warrior...we are yours. Surrounding you with a tripawds group hug.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((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!
Laina, my heart goes out to you. I am so very, very sorry. It's not a simple or easy decision to reach but when we have to go through this, as long as we have our pet's best interest in mind, we are making the most compassionate, gentle and kind decision we can. As tough as it is right now, hold off on the tears, there will be plenty of time for those later.
Right now, focus on Ruby and let her know how much she has touched your life, how much she means to you, and how you are OK with her to transition to her next assignment. Talk to her when you are quiet and calm, she will feel your emotions and your love and as awful as this time is for you, it will be more peaceful for her by being present and calm. This is when the here and now counts most. And after, we are here for you too. So please don't be shy OK? We get it.
{{{{hugs}}} to all of you. I'm so sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Laina,
Ditto what everyone has already said......this part of the journey is most definitely the hardest, and we all know the heart-breaking feelings and emotions that come with those last remaining days, hours, and minutes. The love you have for Ruby is never-ending, and even in the face of her impending crossover to the Bridge, just make her the focus of life for now. Take in the moments, and love on her as much as possible..... You will find the strength you need to help you through, and everyone here will help you through as well.
Keeping you and Ruby in my thoughts,
{{{hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew
Ditto what everyone said. I don't have any additional advice, just wanted to surround you with more hugs.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Hi Everyone...
With tears streaming down my face I want to update you all... Ruby took a turn for the worse last night. She collapsed a few times when trying to go potty last night. She could no longer make it up 5 steps without falling. We carried her. Held her and wept.
We have decided not to go to the specialist and to love on her as much as we can today. No matter what the specialist would have said tomorrow our sweet Ruby is done. Her body is tired. She can hardly move and has developed a twitch. I assume it is because of the grown on her spine but about every minute or so her entire body will tense up. We know that she is in pain and will not let her suffer. We are broken.
With sad and brown hearts we have decided to take her to be put down and out of her misery tomorrow. Today she is medicated and still. After 2 types of max dosage pain meds she is finally resting.
I am trying hard not to have regret but rejoice in the time we were given. I have a gut feeling that our sweet baby is ready for eternal rest. Through all of her treatment I have followed my gut and I have to do the same now.
A dear friend sent me this today:
“Heavenly Father, thank you for having entrusted us with a loyal pet. Thank you for letting her teach us unselfish love. Thank you for the memories that we can recall to brighten our days for the rest of our lives. Finally, in gratitude, we return our pet to you. Amen.”
My heart breaks for you and I cry with you.
Yes, you have always trusted your gut. Sometimes I think that is the way are dogs are "talking" to us when we "hear it in our gut.
Ruby is talking to you and she knkws you are listening. She has shown you she is ready now to be released from an earthly body that no longer serves her.
As Jerry always says, this part of the journey is just a vlinkmof an eye comlared to the thousands and thousands of gloriously happy days you and Ruvy Red have shared. You WILL be able to rejoice in those memories. Right now you are in too much pain, but they will eventually come to the forefront and help heal.
You are giving the most selfless gift you can give right now. Ruby does not fear the transition at all. She knows she is going home again free from pain, vibrant and young. Yes, the meds are helping her rest, but she is also at peace knowing you heard her...knowing you love her so much that you can do this for her.
We understand like nonothers can...like NO OTHERS CAN. You hold on to us, okay? Right now just continue to be with Ruby and love her through this. To be surrounded by love and gratitude for a life well lived...well loved...as she transitions is comforting to all.
Ruby has touched us all. That avatar picture of hers has made me smile every single time it shows up.
Holding you in our hearts...
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
I am so sorry for what you and sweet Ruby are having to endure. My heart breaks for you and I cry with you. 
This part in the journey is SO hard as we all can attest to. Just know that we are here with you wrapping you in a big Tripawds hug.
Please don't think of this as "putting Ruby down." You're releasing her from a tired body to go be healthy and young again. I know for me just changing how I thought of euthanasia helped a little. I've always said that my Leland's spirit was still strong but his body could no longer keep up. Like many have said this is the last great gift you can give your precious Ruby.
And like Alison mentioned the quiet in the home that will come is one of the hardest parts to deal with. My husband and I would find anything to do to be out of the home after Leland passed because we couldn't stand how quiet the house was. But like us you will get through it. Staying connected to this community helped me a lot but others can't come back for a while after their precious fur baby has passed. Everyone handles grief differently and that's ok.
Today just stay in the moment with Ruby and love on that sweet girl.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
I am at work w/tears streaming down my face ... my heart aches for you ... this journey is so hard and when it parallels your own (mine) it's even harder. I remember those last few days ... my sweet girl drugged and her body was done. Releasing her spirit was the hardest thing and the best gift for her. As you release sweet Ruby, know that the ENTIRE tripawd angel nation will great her at the bridge and embrace her healthy and healed body.
They will also guide you and serve as your angel in the days and weeks to come. Sending hugs, love and peace ...
alison
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
I'm so, so sorry. You are being very strong and living up to everything Ruby hoped for in a pawrent. Following your gut feeling means you can't go wrong, and putting aside your grief for a few moments in order to help her along through this transition is the greatest gift you can give her.
It's hard, and it just makes you hurt so bad, but in the end you will look back and know you made the best decision for her. We are all here for you now and always. Give Ruby a kiss and tell her our Tripawd heroes will be there to greet her in her new life of eternal puppyhood and playtime. {{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all.
All of those that loved Ruby have come by today. Just one more visitor this evening.
My heart is broken. I am trying to be in the "now" but gosh it is so hard.
I we have decided that tomorrow is the day but I do not know how we will be able to decide what time of day? Is it better to schedule it or just love on her and we will know when the time is right?
I just picture coming home without her and I feel like I am drowning.
I am having periods of doubt and worry about regret.
So many emotions. Why does this have to be the end? Why?
Thankful for all of you.
My heart is breaking with you. And it is totally okay to be selfish!
I have nothing to add except to say this isn't the end. Ruby is just going through the doorway before you. And at the Bridge, time is but a blink of the eye. She won't be waiting, she'll just look back and there you'll be as if you never left her side.
Peace be with you my friend.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
No matter how many times we read heartbreaking news about another beloved Tripawd, it hits us all as hard as losing our own......We are all held together by the same love, hope, up times, down times, and eventual heartache and heart break here, we are never alone. That is what we all wish for you as you go through this gut-wrenching decision for Ruby, and her ultimate transition to the Bridge, that you will NOT be alone......we are all here for you to help you through. This is so hard, and our tears fall with you......
My last bit of any advice is to let Ruby lead, and follow your own heart, any and all decisions will come without question.....and just remember that it is okay to be a bit selfish, but the greatest gift we can give our beloved pups and kitties, is to give them their earthly release of pain and suffering.... I have come to personally believe that they are really okay and ready with this loving release that we can do for them.
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly
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