Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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WTF happened? We were so busy & doing so well that I figured when I had more time I could get properly caught up with the Tripawds community and also let everyone know how great Kermit was doing. Until he wasn't. And we ran out of time.
Too long a story to get into through all the tears & wailing & sobbing, but he had to go for an ultrasound today and his onco discovered that his spleen & liver are covered in masses and he has blood in his abdomen.
I have a tentative appointment to say goodbye at home tomorrow unless he rallies, but he's laying in my lap squeaking his toy & I cannot believe I'm doing this. However he's unable to stand on his own & his abdomen is too painful for the harness to help much. He had a cheeseburger & fries for dinner, so I'm hoping against all odds that good ol' McDonalds food will buy him a day or two, but the fact remains that my best friend, my baby boy, the love of my life, is dying.
I've lost a LOT of pets over the years but never one that has held my heart and those of everyone he meets, from day one, the way Kermit has. He's one of a kind and I don't know how to go on without him.
That sounds ridiculous, since I know that when we get a pet, we do it with the knowledge that we'll lose them eventually, and 11 years is a good run. But my heart is so heavy.
I probably won't be back to Tripawds for a few days because it's just too hard. But I have no regrets about all we've done for my boy. He deserves to cross the bridge without suffering and I intend to hug him from now until that moment arrives.
Oh Dharma. I am so so sorry. I can't believe this. My heart breaks for your whole family. NO Regrets ever. You gave Kermit the best life you could possibly give him. Every time I read one of these I cry. You enjoyed every minute of your boys life that is what you were supposed to do.
He isn't a pet he is part of your family. Its never easy no matter how old they are. RIP Kermit. God Speed and Dharma will see you again at the Bridge
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Oh, I am so sorry. Those words sound so very lame and completely inadequate, but I hope that you know that we all 'get it' and we grieve with you. There really is no way to describe the bond that we make with these tripawds. Even if he was your heart dog prior to amputation, this journey just bonds us even more. I hope you have some good quality time left with Kermit. When the time does finally come, please know that he will live on forever in the hearts of all of us. Peace and strength to you.
Lisa
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/
Dharma I do not even have the words to write. I am sobbing along with you. You and Kermie have been an incredibly important part of this journey for Jill and me, your posts always make me smile, and this is just not fair. Anything I write is so inadequate. I wish I could come give you a hug right now and hold your hand. I am so very sorry. Your boy fought an amazing fight and you will do right by him. It doesnt compensate, but your memories will eventually let you smile through the pain.
I am thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs and strength.
All my love,
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Dharma,
I just heard about Kermit over in the chatroom from Michelle and Erica. I haven't been following the forums much lately because of news such as yours. But I wanted to let you know how heartbroken I am for you. I have been endeared by you and Kermit, possibly because our usernames are so similar, possibly because Kermit's sweet loving face reminds me of my Brendol's. Words can't possilby express how sorry I am for you guys.
In my heart, I am sending a huge loving hug to both Kermit and yourself.
Karma
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
Kristine, I'm just stunned like everyone else here. I can't believe this awful, awful news. "I'm sorry" can't even convey how heartbroken we all are.
Please give Kermit lots and lots of hugs and kisses from his Tripawds family. You are in our thoughts and prayers, please know that. When you're ready, come back and yell, vent, scream, whatever it takes, we will be there right along with you.
My heart goes out to you, this is just so awful.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I wish your boy had more time with you. He has fought a brave battle against a disease that plays dirty. When it's time, please let your handsome boy know he will have so many new friends to greet him at the Bridge.
I'm so, so sorry to read this. The tears are rolling. Keeping your both in my thoughts and prayers.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Ohhhh my heart is breaking for you. This is just sooooo out of nowhere.
Right now, as we "speak", Kermit is alive with you enjoying being in your lap, stomach probably gurgling from all the McDonald's junk food. Maybe it has some healing powers, who knows.
NOTHING can rob you of your time right now. NOTHING! You are together sharing the love in your hearts....the eternal, infinite love in your hearts.
We would all fly to be right by your side if we thought it would help. We all love you both so much. Right now, you have each other and stay completely present in that togetherness, the bond, the unbreakable bond.
I'm sendingou love and I'm wrapping my arms around you reminding you we are all with you.
Now go get Kermit another squeaky toy from his supply---I think he's bored with that one.
Holding you in our hearts,
Sally and Happy Hannah
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'm so very sorry to hear about Kermit. This disease is too unpredictable.
Your love for each other will always be with you and I hope it gives you some peace to know that Kermit most definitely knows how much he is loved.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen 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/
Oh, Dharma... I am so, so sorry. You were one of the first people I met after joining this site, and Kermit has always been a source of inspiration. Bless your heart, and we will keep Kermit and you both in our thoughts.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
My heart goes out to you. Kermit will forever hold a piece of your heart until you meet over the bridge. Enjoy this time together and make the best memories possible to join all the others he had provided you with. Know we are thinking of you and giving you all our support.
Luanne & Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Anything I can think of to say seems so inadequete right now, but know that we are thinking of you and Kermit. I pray that your time with him is peaceful and he can feel your comforting and love.
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Oh Dharma I'm so sorry. It is stunning and heartbreaking how fast the cancer journey can turn. You gave Kermit every chance, and now will give him the most selfless gift you can, setting him free to go on to his next adventure.
By all means spend each moment with Kermit, come back when it feels right.
Kermit will live on in your heart and so will always be by your side.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
oh my.. the wave of pain just enveloped my heart as I know exactly what you are going through right now.. as it was exactly 2 weeks ago today that we decided that my sweet boy Franklin should not suffer any more.. I have no words of wisdom... I have no words to ease your pain... I have only tears on my cheeks for you and your sweet boy. You know that we are all thinking of you... love him up.. tell him you will always love him... snuggle with him all night... and be brave.. he knows you would do anything for him.. and you will.. you will do the most unselfish, brave, loving thing that we as tripawd owners do..
Christine... with Franklin in her heart ♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
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