Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Fellow Tripawders,
It's been a long time since I've posted here, and with good reason! First, I just want to thank everyone. This site was SUCH an amazing resource to my family and me when my dear Abby dog was diagnosed with bone cancer in August 2012. We decided the treatment for her was leg amputation and she officially became a tripawd in early September 2012. She had her back left leg removed. That was maybe the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Hardest decision I've had to make was to let her go yesterday afternoon.
The 18 months she had on 3 legs was incredible! It was the right decision. She was able to be her normal self. We walked all over, played with other dogs and were just so happy! When we lived in Chicago, she was the most popular dog in our neighborhood. Kids would always stop to ask to pet her, people would stop in their cars and ask what happened. People would always end with a, God bless her! Seriously, the truth. I'd have neighbors say they'd heard someone at dinner talking about the 3-legged dog on Mohawk (our street). She made me so very proud. What a fighter!
To say Abby was a sweetheart is an understatement. She was so kind, gentle, patient and loyal. She was our "first" baby and was with us for our biggest life events. Marriage, 2 kids, city to suburbs, etc. We always felt so lucky that she adapted to everything so well. We adopted her when she was 3, but we think probably older. We never knew her back story, but we know it wasn't easy. She was easily scared of thunder, "L" train, snow plows and even cameras. Came to learn she had been shot and had 3 bullets and fragments lodged in her abdomen when we did x-rays in 2012. She had ACL surgery, bone cancer, leg amputation!!! I thought this dog would live forever! It was horrible (understatement again) when we learned she had bone cancer again, this time in her right shoulder. There wasn't much more we could do. This was last Tuesday, a week ago.
She tried so hard to get around, essentially on 2 legs, but yesterday we knew it was time to say goodbye. The pain was too much, but she tried! She lived to please my husband, two girls and me. I can only hope we pleased her, too, I am grateful we had extra time with her. She got steak, Lou Malnati's pizza and so much love. We will miss her more than words could ever say.
RIP sweet Abby
I forgot to mention, if it's ever helpful to anyone, after Abby's amputation and biopsy cam back, she was diagnosed with a myxoma, non aggressive type of joint cancer. Had spread only the tiniest bit. We were very lucky.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Abby was so lucky to be part of such a wonderful, loving family. She knew she was loved! And although it was hard to let her go, it was yet another gift that you gave her. She will always be with you, in your heart and your memories.
Hugs,
Carol
She sounds like a wonderful and amazing companion. I am sorry for your loss, but so glad you were able to have so many good days to share with her. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
She sounds amazing!!!! I am so sorry for your loss....
Sending you lots of love and healing energy!
Alison and Shelby
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
Oh my heart aches for you, I'm so very sorry. Thank you for returning to let us know, I know that isn't an easy thing to do.
You both fought such a great battle, you went out there in the world and showed people what was really possible. Best of all, Abby such a big great impression on everyone she met that the ripples will be felt through the universe for all time.
Cancer is a horrible disease but it can also serve as the catalyst to teach us so much about making the most of life. You and Abby graduated with flying colors, I know your life will never be the same because of it.
Please accept our condolences. If you'd like to post some photos and share more of her amazing life with us we'd love to hear more.
{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I will absolutely share some photos! Towards the end, Abby let me snap some more 
I don't know if it's because she finally "gave in" or she was just too tired to move. Either way, I am so happy to have these lasting memories of my girl.
It's been hard, pretty much all day. Thinking I hear her walking around upstairs, looking for her EVERYWHERE, picturing her outside, so happy in the snow and knowing she will no longer make any tracks, ugh.
One the things that made me saddest after her diagnosis was that it has been such a horrible snowy, cold and icy winter. Abby was having a really hard time outside because things had melted and frozen fast and left ice everywhere. I just wish she could have made it til the weather was nice and she could lay out in the yard like she enjoyed doing so much. The sun is warm though and was coming in through the windows in back. The day before she crossed the rainbow bridge, she laid down on the rug in the sun, on my feet, as she, my 6 mo old and I all closed our eyes for a bit. She was beautiful. So many wonderful memories!
Abby in her front yard, one last time
Some of Abby's favorite places and people
Thanks again to all of you for letting me share my Abby. It is so appreciated.
What beautiful memories of a beautiful girl. Run free, Abby. There is no ice at the Bridge.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Oh what a life! I really love the the pic with her and the baby, too cute. She looks like such a protector there.
Yep, no more ice, no more icky weather, just perfect sunshine for her to play in, every day, for all time. Some day you will get to experience that with her.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So very sorry for your loss of your sweet Abby......she was truly a beautiful girl. This is the hardest part of the journey, but try to take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain, and running around happy once again. I know my Polly will be there to greet her, and they will be together with many, many other good buddies.
Keeping you in my thoughts,,,,,,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
So sorry ....my post showed up twice and I don't know how to delete it.......
But since I am here again, just let me add that I truly know, happy, lasting memories of Abby will remain within your hearts, always to help ease your pain.
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I'm a teary wreck for you. What a stellar companion. To have gone through a lot of Big Life moments with you. What a pal! She became quite a famous hero and a fighter. Days are tough, nights are hard, and the silence is deafening. I know what you mean. She is without pain right now. Basking in some sunny area with nothing but the summer, sweet breezes to enjoy.
You did right by her. You gave her love. The BEST love! She had and lived The BEST life ever.
Run free, dear girl. We miss you.
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Sorry to hear of your loss of Abby. I have an Abby too.(a blind mixed terrier ). The loss is never easy but the love and and beautiful memories stay with us forever.
In our thoughts
Esther and her Snoop
Thanks again, all. This is a wonderful community with such beautiful support and sympathy.
Went back to the vet yesterday to pick up Abby's clay paw print we had made. It made me smile. Her nails were so long and it's visible, for sure, in that print 
haha! It's been a week and it's still hard. I'd look for her face like 1000x a day and I still am. Cancer stinks.
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