Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Many years ago I saw a movie called 'Gorillas in the Mist', I would never forget the connection Dianne Fossey had with her favorite Gorilla 'Digit' it was an incredible bond that really touched me and she was devastated when Digit died. I always hoped that one day I would find this same connection with an animal, this unspoken bond of love.
Yesterday, I said goodbye to my 'Digit'.
When we lived in Australia and then Vanuatu I received different comments about my boys breed. I would often hear "he's a Pyrenean what?" and then "oh! its a St Bernard!" or "Wow, a Great Pyrenees!" and "Oh look honey, a horse!". My favorite was my husband telling someone that Porthos was a "giant Mexican long haired Chihuahua!".
Then there was his name! we got, 'Thorthos', 'Sorsos', 'Pathos', 'Sasos' and "What?"
I found this description of the name 'Porthos' that completely describes my boy-
"Porthos, honest and slightly gullible, is the extrovert of the group, enjoying wine, women and song. Though he is often seen as the comic relief, he is also extremely dedicated and loyal toward his friends and fellow Musketeers. His eating abilities even impress King Louise XIV during a banquet at Versailles. As the story advances, he looks more and more of a giant, and his death is that of a titan".
He was a Pyrenean Mastiff
And his name was 'Porthos'.
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Amanda and family
I feel your loss completely as Fizzly was my Digit
Your loving bond will last forever I promise because I still feel my connection to Fizzly over a year after her final battle 
Your Memorial for your amazing Boy shines through the words and passes over oceans and continents
All I have left to say is that was Beautiful ........ that's all I have to say xoxox
all my love
zena and Fizzle's xoxox <3
Oh no, not beautiful Porthos. I am so incredibly sorry. After reading about his name, I think he may have just had the best name ever. He clearly fit it to a "T". Porthos will remain a titan in your memory, because a spirit as bright as Porthos will live on forever. He'll always be a part of you. Thinking of you as you grieve for your boy.
Catherine
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…
What a fitting name for such a beautiful dog! You will feel your bond forever. I know this because Chili Dawg was my heart dog and I still feel my bond with him well over a year since he has crossed the bridge. I bet he met Porthos at the bridge and is showing him all the good places 
Sending you hugs
Spirit Chili Dawgs pack
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.
We are so sorry for your loss. It is the hardest thing to do, but setting your boy free was a true gift of love for him. We're thing of you during this difficult time. Run free, sweet Porthos.
Meghan and Angel Bo
What a great name for a great boy! Porthos will not only live on in your heart and memory forever, but in the hearts and memories of the Tripawds Nation! I am so sorry you lost your boy, but I am honored that you were able to share him with us for awhile. Sending healing thoughts to you.
Amanda,
Our deepest condolences to you. We know that you are hurting but it's great to see you sharing memories of Porthos. It's talking about all of the good times that helps get through the saddest moments, so whenever you feel a sadness spell coming on, please come here and tell us more great stories like this.
What a perfect description of your gentle giant, that description really seems to fit him well. I'll bet he really stood out among all the critters where you live, he was an exotic in an exotic land. It was your destiny to be together, and show the people of Vanatu what an amazing dog he was. And thanks to your generously sharing his story here with us, his spirit can go on to inspire other current and future giant breed tripawds around the globe. He will never be forgotten.
We send all our love, hugs and sympathy to you across the miles. Please know we are thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your handsome Porthos -we will remember your beautiful boy.
Thinking of you,
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.
Amanda, I am so very sorry for your loss. Porthos was just majestic and I loved seeing his avatar. He earned a special place in my heart standing beside Zeus to battle with the evil monkeydogs. Others have said that he will never be forgotten. I hope you know that is true. Every dog in this community makes an impression on our hearts. Porthos truly will be remembered. Many wishes for strength and peace during this sad time.
Lisa and Angel Zeus
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 am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your big boy. I have never seen a Pyrenean Mastiff but I can tell how handsome he was from his photo.
Pam
What a fitting name for an amazing boy. I am so sorry you had to let Porthos go on to his next adventures. The influence of his giant heart and gentle soul will always be with you, and so Porthos will always be with you.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
That connection with an animal, that unspoken love, is truly beautiful and precious. It makes parting with them all the more painful and my heart goes out to you at this time. But that bond never dies. Porthos will always be in your heart and in your soul. I'm sure Magnum is there with Chile Dawg and all the other Tripawds guiding Porthos on his next adventure.
Many hugs
Karen, Ruby and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Porthos really was a beautiful dog - awesome name, too. I have thought a lot about you and your dog this week, since I saw your post 'the cough'. My dog is 4 months post amp, and the lumps and bumps and 'off' days often make me wonder how long I will have with him. I try to do all the things these forums recommend - being more dog, not grieving ahead of time, etc., but your week was all the things I dread. I only hope that when the time comes I can be as merciful and see that the time has indeed arrived , and do the right thing as you did. It is an act of kindness not without cost to let a beloved companion go on with as little pain and suffering as possible, and you did just that. I'm so sorry it came so soon for your boy-
Amanda, I am truly sorry for your loss. Porthos was a beauty, a giant, a legend. I know what it is like to lose the 'Digit' in your life. There are many tripawd 'Digit's' waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge. They love so unconditionally, they teach us so much, they make us better humans. Our time with them is a blessing.
RIP sweet Porthos. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
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.
Amanda,
I am so sorry that it was Portho's time to journey to Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for sharing the meaning of his name...it fit him perfectly. Porthos will always be with connected to you in spirit and nothing will break the bond of love that you both shared. In time, I hope the immense feelings of his loss will be replaced with happy memories.
Godspeed sweet Porthos. Please send your mommy pennies so she knows that you arrived safely. Run free with all of the hero angels that have gone before you.
Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
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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