Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My pawrents and I are so sad to hear that my Canadian friend Genie’s health is rapidly deteriorating. Her Mom, Jessie, told me today:
“Unfortunately I think her days are numbered - single digit. Highly likely this week. . . She has lost almost all her mobility . . . She is suffering. It isn’t cancer that is taking her, it is the stupid spondylosis. I can tell you … it is very very hard not to cry in front of my baby. “
As I said in today’s blog post “Buying Time on an Emotional Budget,” how does one prepare for such a dark reality?
These are heartbreaking days for Jessie and Genie, and although my words alone cannot help ease the sadness, I know that the moral support of all of us, my Tripawd friends and pawrents, can.
Everyone, your wise words and wisdom is needed; won’t you please help our friends through this transition? Thanks.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My heart goes out to Jessie and Genie. My mom will pray for God to give you the strenght to get through this difficult time. Just think that Genie will not be suffering any longer and will meet all her tripawds friends at the rainbow bridge and be healthy and happy until all the pawrents come meet them.
Kellie
Genie's mom - I am so sorry to hear this. Just want you to know though that your story about Genie was very much the inspiration for Winston following the same path, and that he wouldnt be here now had it not been for your example. Undoubtedly you have given Genie close on 9 months that she would not have otherwise have had, and that those 9 months have been very high quality ones.
I will be thinking of you over the next few days.
Winston and Winston's mom.
We are so sad to let you all know that Genie passed away in Jessie's arms today, May 20.
All of us send our love and comforting thoughts out to Jessie during this time. May she take comfort in remembering all of the good times and extraordinary life that Genie had, before and after joining the Tripawd community.
We love you Jessie and Genie. Peace.
-Jerry, Rene & Jim
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am sorry for your loss. Allow yourself to express your grief, as you have lost a good friend.
To be perfectly honest, as you probably have realized by now, it's gonna suck. Everyone can say nice words, and all that good stuff, but no matter how much anyone says, it's gonna suck. Plain and simple. I know it sounds brutal, but it's true. The positive thing about this is the fact that because of this forum, you're not alone. We share in the feelings, as we've all been there, done that, or are gonna be there and do that.
Keep strong! It will get better. For some of us sooner than later. I'm more of a later myself. The important thing is that you're not alone!!!
Jessie,
We are so saddened by the news of your loss. We know your heart is breaking and just hope that you find comfort in knowing you gave your Genie many happy days by loving her so much.
Much love,
Barney B and his mom, Linda
Thank you.
I am taking over Genie’s account to communicate to you all.
Yes, the brutal reality is that Genie passed away peacefully in my arms on May 20 at 13:08 MDT.
On April 13, I noticed that she was favouring her left hind leg. At that moment, I was very scared, knowing that chances were the nasty beast had spreaded to otner bones.
X-ray was done on April 16, her lungs were clear, couldn’t see any cancer growing in her spine, hips, or leg bones. Though, it showed that she had mild osteoarthritis on her elbow and advanced lumbar spondylosis. (Quite a few vertebrates were fused up tightly.)
Her mobility was definitely not as good as before, but she still managed to hop around slowly and maybe having a harder time to get up. Since the spondylosis diagnosis, I did frequent massage on her back, added more supplements for joints; and she had acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.
Life was good again, we thought. Not!
Wheels had started fallen off her once again since May 10. Each day passed, she was more more hesitant to get up. Once she got up, she had a hard time balancing herself. Still she enjoyed going out to the backyard. It was obvious that she needed to lie down for a rest every so often.
Who would have thought that she was already getting closer and closer to the edge of the cliff …
Her free falling off the cliff started on May 15 evening, even her right hind was failing. Her hind legs started to get very very weak. I had to semi-lift her with the harness, then she hopped a few steps, lied down and rested. Then I lifted again. At that time, she was still able to stand on her own, managed to eliminate herself, though took a long time to get into position.
Over the weekend, her condition just nose dived. Sunday morning, May 18, was the last time she eliminated on her own. After that, she needed help.
Sunday afternoon, her hind legs lost all the mobility and coordination.
On Monday, her condition deteriorated even more drastic. She could not stand at all. She became very vocal, very agitated. She was suffering, she was in distress.
Monday night, she was restless, panting heavily, whining and whimpering. It was hard to see what my baby was going through.
I phoned the vet Tuesday morning, told her what had happened over the long weekend (it was long weekend here in Canada, but an exceptionally long one for Genie and I). I also told the vet that I thought it was time.
I always had thought that she was cancer-free at least up till April 16’s x-ray, but I might be wrong …
The vet was surprised to hear how drastic the deterioration of Genie’s condition was in less than a week. She suspected something else was going on besides the fused up spine. She said spondylosis would not usually cause that rapid downturn. She said sometimes MRI or some painful procedure were needed to diagnose if there were things going on in the spine.
But it didn’t matter anymore.
Genie is at a better place, pain-free, no more suffering, and she has all her four limbs chasing wild rabbits.
I miss her.
May all of you tripawds be as healthy as you can be and continue to beat the odds which Genie could not do.
Genie’s mom.
Thank you for sharing these details. Hopefully knowing that your observations and experiences can help others may help you through this difficult time. If only a little.
Genie was beautiful as are you for the care you gave her. Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Deepest Condolences for your loss of Genie...the hardest part is saying goodbye. May she rest in peace and in time may your heart heal. Remember your fondest memories of her and the extra time here you were able to provide for her.....In our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
With Sympathy,
KIM&BUSTER
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss.
All I can say is that the only thing that will heal your pain is time.
Sherry and Sasha
I am very sorry to hear about Genie. You did all you possibly could for her and that shows how much you loved her. May you always treasure the happy memories of her and may your pain heal in time...
Ansunette & Dee
Sorry to hear about your loss. Just know that you did the best thing for her and that was to set her free of her pain. It will be hard to heal and only time will help. You are in our thoughts and prayers. thanks for sharing her story so that it helps others.
Kellie
We're so sorry to hear about Genie...may you find comfort and peace knowing that she is in a better place free of pain and discomfort. It seems to always be harder on the ones left behind. How courageous you both were until the end - thank you sharing your story with us. You're in our thoughts.
Love and prayers,
Heather, Zeus and Buddy
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
I'm so sorry to hear of Genie's passing. It's clear from your writing that Genie was a very special, much loved dog who will be sadly mourned.
Bev & Darcy
xx
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
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