Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Elizabeth, I am so sorry to see Sammy has gotten to this point in his journey. I f it helps at all, go back and reread some of the post in the thread where we all talked about making THAT decsion last weekend. I truly feel Sammy is asking for your help, as much as it tears you apart. Follow your heart and what it is telling you, our thoughts and prayers are with you both, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Elizabeth, I am sitting here crying like a fool. Rick and I feel so bad for you, and it brings back our last night with our Sammy. We slept on either side of him and and whenever we stopped petting him he whimpered softly. Listening to him cry was unbearable.
We had decided the day before, when Sammy couldn't stand and didn't pee for the second day in a row that it was time, but Rick kept hoping that the next day would bring about some miracle improvement. But, after listening to him cry, Rick knew that we couldn't prolong his suffering.
Now you have to ask yourself: can you and Sammy go through another night like last night? He depends on you and cannot alleviate his own pain — and, when pain meds cannot mask his pain, it must be truly horrible.
Elizabeth, I know how much you love your Sammy and you have given the fight everything you had. Doubt and guilt are almost always a part of this terrible decision, but it sounds like you already know it is time to help Sammy cross the bridge.
Rick and I send our love and support. If you need anything, or just want to scream online about the unfairness of it all, you know where to find me.
Love,
Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Elizabeth it breaks our hearts to catch up on what has happened over the last 24 hours, we are so very sorry.
When we talk about the "look" and "you will know when it's time," well, that's what you are seeing. Everyone copes differently which is why your husband hasn't seen it yet, but as his Momma, you have an instinctual knack for knowing these things. From what it sounds like, a week of this would be awful for everyone. You and your hubby need to both sit down and honestly ask yourself, "Is this how we want to remember our last days together?" Because waiting any longer will ultimately cause more grief than the heartache of separating for now. I know you will do the right thing.
Your devotion and belief in God can get you through this devastating part of life, Elizabeth. You are stronger than you think. And we will be with you every step of the way. The chat is always open, please don't hesitate to go there, keep posting here and let us know how we can help.
Much, much love coming your way right now. You are not alone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Elizabeth I am so so sorry to read this about Sammy. My heart is simply breaking for you. I know that letting him go is the most difficult decision you'll ever have to make but he is letting you know that it is time. The animal communicator that was on tripawds said that dogs will send you a telepathic message that it's time to release them. When you start to question whether it is time, which you have, you are getting your message. As much as I hated having to make this horrible decision for Mackenzie, I knew in my heart that it was the only decision that I had to make - for her. So please follow your heart and know that he can't go through any more suffering. When the quality of life deterioriates this quickly and badly, I hate to say it, but it's time to let go. And Sammy will thank you for releasing him from this horrible pain that he's in.
We are all here for you. My heart goes out to you. So so sorry.....
Kami, Angel Mackenzie
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Listen to your heart, Elizabeth. I desperately wanted to keep Trouble just a little bit longer, but she had digressed to a point where she could do nothing for herself and it happened almost overnight. We had just started her on Adequan and I desperately wanted to finish the loading dosage to see if things would improve, but deep inside I knew the fight was over. Making the decision takes all the courage you can pull together.
Hugs to you and Sammy.
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.
I hear what you are all saying, I do. I know it is time. Even in the light of day, with Sammy doing better, his tail wagging and he was able to hobble around this morning to use the restroom, I know it is time.
This has put a serious spin on our 14 year marriage today. I am telling him it is time let Sammy go. Sammy does seem better today, but he will never be whole again. I know it is time, but I don't know how to fix what happened last night, with Sammy, with my husband. We are at seperate corners and Sammy is caught in the middle. My husband is angry that I scheduled him for next Saturday.
I know that this isn't the place to air that part of my life, nor do I share it with anyone. But this is where I am today, and why today isn't the day that Sammy will go. I don't know how to make it happen. I am going to call Dr. Pam on Monday and see if she can call my husband and tell him her opinion. Two weeks doesn't have to be two weeks. I can't imagine making Sammy wait any more. I am despondent. I hear all of you, and I know you are right. I know you tell me out of love for our dogs that this is right. I hope you won't judge me too badly for this.
Elizabeth and Sammy
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.
My goodness, Elizabeth. What a lot you are dealing with. I hope Sammy's wagging tail today doesn't give your husband false hope that he has 2 more weeks in him. I hope you guys can have a calm discussion and make him see what Sammy needs. Two more weeks, two more days, two more hours - none of it will ever be "enough" time - so at this point I hope you guys can come together on your decision to help Sammy and then begin the healing process.
Sending strength and hugs your way. Hang in there.
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!
I am sorry this is such a painful and stressful time for you!
Dark times, don't always bring out the best in us.
No judgement just love and prayers!!!
No judgements at all. Sending you lots of prayers and hugs. I'm sorry that you have to go through this, and I know you feel like you are alone, but we are all here for you. Lean on us, please.
Jenna
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Unfortunately, when we love something so very much and don't know how to let it go, it can make us behave in ways that we aren't proud of. Your husband doesn't know how to let Sammy go, I don't think. I hope Pam can educate him and let him know that in fact Sammy is caught in the middle here. He is the one it should be about--not you or your husband--so perhaps an outside, objective voice can remind him.
I may be out of line saying that, Elizabeth, but I speak from experience. I had exactly the same experience. In my case, the dog was not in imminent danger of dying, but she lived with chronic, daily pain. For her last 6 months, my husband carried her outside to potty. She was basically paralyzed. She stood propped up against his leg. Only when she had a stroke and began yelping constantly for hours was he able to see the light. I never wanted to knock his teeth down his throat, but I could have strangled him. Instead, I kicked myself for going along with it. I just don't want to see you do that to yourself.
I find it kind of ironic that your husband told you to "man up," because I think he needs to realize that Sammy is ready to go and needs a man and a woman both to help him. I'm really sorry if I am saying awful things. Tact has never been a strong point for me, but I care about you and your husband and Sammy and I want to see you all at peace. Believe me when I say nothing good for any of you will come from delaying. Not a damn thing.
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/
Oh Elizabeth honey, my heart aches for you. I hope somehow your husband will realize that it isn't going to get better.......I know with my little foster pup, Nicky, I was told perhaps a couple of months. The next day, he either suffered a stroke or the suspected cancer in his brain made him immobile. His tail still wagged, but he couldn't stand, he couldn't eat..................I couldn't let him suffer.
My heart is just so with you.
Oh Elizabeth,
I too am just so sorry that you are having to deal with this terribly difficult time. I hope that Dr. Pam can help your husband see that it is infinitely more loving to let Sammy go NOW, even if he has rallied a little. There are no miracles left. Sammy has told you that as clearly as he can.
I have been following your thread and this is just so gut- and heart-wrenching. I know, so many of us know, what you are going through. Please know we are with you every step of the way, with unconditional love, as our beloved dogs have taught us it should be.
Lighting a candle for you and Sammy tonight and sending you all the strength of the Oaktown Pack.
xoxoxoxox,
Travis Ray, Codie Rae, Smokey B, Austin Ray, Martha, and Ralph
No one here would judge you, Elizabeth. This decision is so heartrendingly difficult that everyone questions it through the whole process.
I know your husband must be feeling miserable and alone in his pain, and anger is one outlet. Has he been reading these posts? Perhaps it might help him to see the understanding of others who have gone through it — or, perhaps not. You know him best.
I pray tomorrow brings resolution to your family. Sammy needs your help, and you and your hubby need each other's loving support.
Comforting hugs,
Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Oh My Elizabeth...we could NEVER judge you. It is so painful and heart-wrenching...it is almost impossible to be of one mind and one heart with your hub on this decision. It is far too emotional and critical.
We went thru this twice...and it damn near killed us...and our marriage. But we lived to fight another day. I agree with all here who have said to do the right thing for sweet sammy!! You will both learn to deal with this pain...because you must.
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