Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I first want to say thank you to everyone who has commented, followed, viewed our 13 month Journey with Coco. Especially Jerry and Benny55 your support, unseemingly spot on advice and compassion have helped me more than you will ever know. With your support, you provided me the strength and courage to help Coco transition this morning 4-8-2023 around 9:50am.
Coco was a special dog with which I had an incredible bond with. Her soul was pure and her love was unconditional and for that I will be forever grateful.
The last couple of weeks have been a struggle with her taking her pills and the distrust in her eyes when I approached her to finding what her flavor of the day was gonna be for dinner. She just did things her way. That changed I guess about wed where she was really difficult to take hers meds and went down to barely eating at the end if the day. Im not sure what day I noticed but there was trickle of blood on the floor. At first i thought she did a face plant and or possibly allergies. Than it contiued on into friday and I knew cancer had probably got to the lungs. I had asked the vet this morning if he could check her lungs and indeed she had congestion in both lungs and agreed it was time. He didnt believe she was suffering, maybe a little discomfort, but stressed that her health would have turned for the worse rapidly. We all agreed she was ready and it was the most humane thing to do.
I think it pained me more not being able see her live the life she used to be able to do and to struggle with things she used to do with ease. Although just this morning she chased a truck coming up the driveway. There was just no quit in her and her will to live and she left this world with her tail wagging. She was truly a happy dog.
I would be lying if I didnt say I was a bit relieved now that it is all over and I know I did everything in my power financially, medically and plain old pure love for her to be able to live her best life to the very end. I am sure their will be more to say when my emotions settle down.
Oh, one more thing, I always told her when we had chocolate and she would want some. I would tell her "No chocolate for Chocolates" well today Coco got a chocolate easter bunny for her final taste.
I apologize for the photo dump. I just wanted to share her one last time.
Thank You all for your Support!
As soon as I saw the title of your thread I started balling like a baby. And I'm still balling like a baby. And you know how much I love seeing pictures of Cocoa, but the tears were blurring my eyes so much I couldn't even see them really well. I want to come back more when I'm able to gather my thoughts and compose myself a bit better.
Yes, there is a sense of relief knowing that you were able to provide such a peaceful release and knowing that you did, indeed, avoid a true crisis. That relief is well deserved and Coco is happy to know you had that sense of peace.
We know the days weeks months ahead will be incredibly hard. The void and break in routine that you will feel after all this caregiving all this time, especially the last several weeks will take you to your knees sometimes. We understand.
I can say this right off the top though you did exactly what needed to be done when it needed to be done and you were able to give Coco, not only the best life ever, but the best send off ever, I know when she ran free young and strong to the Rainbow Bridge with chocolate smeared all over her fac. The greeting committee started licking/ kissing her chovilate covered mug with all tails wagging.
I'm pretty sure my Happy Hannah was in charge of putting her first meal together as she was welcomed home. Steak, covered with ice cream and chocolate syrup we're at the top of the list. Then there was a chocolate bunny that was at least 6 ft tall that cocoa devoured Within minutes.
I did just now scroll back up to look at the pictures and I was able to smile through the tears. Seeing that Tail Wag and seeing how relaxed and peaceful she was when she got to eat some of that chocolate warmed my heart.
It has been such a privilege and honor to know Coco and the loving Bond you shared with her and she shared with you. Her care could not have been more exquisite. I'm sure everyone here wants to come back is your dog someday!
Again, I'm going to come back later but I was just wanted to send you a great big cyber hug.
May Coco's wagging tail and never-ending smile remain strong in your heart and your memories. And know that your love epand joy she shared with you will remain with her forever too.💖
(((((((((>Hugs))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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 was a silent lurker, but really enjoyed all the pictures you shared of Coco- it's easy to see how special she was and how much love you have for her.
I'm really grateful you were able to get a clear sign that it was her time without her suffering, versus weighing the pros and cons. It is a blessing that you know she's not hurting, and you were able to confidently give her everything till she was ready.
I know how much you are hurting, and glad you have been comfortable enough on here to share your journey. I'm grieving with you in spirit and will look back on Coco's pictures here bittersweetly.
Ohhhh I saw the post and my heart broke. I'm so sorry. We all dreaded this moment. It feels unreal that it happened, she's been with us for over a year, and it still wasn't long enough. We all enjoyed her sweet personality so much.
You do not need to apologize for the photo dump, you can post as much as you'd like. Coco is and always will be the spirit of life on three legs.
Making that call is the hardest thing in the world, and there is no easy way around it. But you did it with her best interests in mind, you made sure that she left this world with her tail wagging (I love that description!), and with enough sparkle to chase intruders in the yard. WOW! That is what's been called "a good death." The kind of send-off we all want for our dogs, whether they have three legs or four. To know that they aren't in pain, that they are leaving with as much spirit as when they arrived.
This is how I will always remember her.
And they never really leave, in my opinion. They just change form. That is true love, it just transitions to another state of being in the universe.
Watch for signs from your sweet girl. She's always nearby.
I hope you, your wife, and your other pup feel her love now and always. She was so special, and it was a privilege to part of her life. Thank you for sharing. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Correction She made it 15 months and a few days. Her strength still astounds me
Just saw where you posted on Ayra's tribute. Very kind of you while you are still grappling with your own grief.
Yes, Coco defied any "prognosis" time and time again. Almost a year and a half....and as a senior pup too!
When you first posted her transition, I don't think it dawned on me at rhe time (too sad) that she was a new "team member" to the April Angels. Quite an impressive group of Angels having an absolute blast living the after life to the fullest.
Let is know of you've had any "sign/ connection " from Miss Coco. She may be too busy wagging her tail and smiling to stop long eno to give you a "hello....I'm still here!"
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you very much for everything. I actually brought Coco home this evening. My wife took Jack to the vet today for a wellness visit and I told her if Coco was there to call me. I wanted to be the one to bring her home. I think I had my first sign today actually. When I opened the box there was a certificate of Cocos cremation date. She transitioned on April 8th and she was cremated on April 12th which oddly enough was the day my mother passed away exactly 3 years ago on Easter Sunday. I want to believe my Mom was there waiting for her. She Loved Coco and Coco loved her. She would always bring her and Jack treats. They were her dog grandkids. I have a duck decoy being made in her honor. This one is not her, but one very similiar. Its a sleeping head mallard hen. I have my golden Maverick in a Mallard drake decoy and when Its Jacks time he will go in a black duck. I would like to pass these down to my kids when its my time and hopefully when that time comes my kids will put all our ashes together and spread us throughout the areas we loved. Also, heres a video my wife sent me tonight. It has Coco and Jack. She lived a great life.Coco was a special once in a lifetime dog who will always have my heart. Jack he's a good ole boy. Nickname " Big Lovin" We rescued him 4 years ago and He was very depressed when Coco left us. He would barely eat for 2 days and just seemed lost in the mornings when I would let them out. He is finally starting to get back to his new normal. Hes a great dog as well. Hopefully, I wont be posting anything about Jack in the future, except for maybe a check in eveey now and then. Please feel free to reach out to me if anyone needs advice on our situation or just needs an ear. Coco had a rare histiocytic sarcoma and there is very little information out there about the disease and I am more than willing to share any information I have learned or experienced.
Just wanted to add one more photo. A friend of mine gave this pillow with Cocos picture on it and I placed it in her normal spot on my bed where she slept every night for the past 11 years.
Yes, your Mom was definitely at the head of the line at Rainbow Bridge to greet Coco. What a wonderful reunion that had to be😊 Yoir Mom transitioned on an Easter Sunday.....that makes her the Leader of the back of April's Angels👍
I know having Coco's ashes back home with you is comforting....bittersweet, but comforting.
Enjoyed seeing pictures of Jack "Big Lovin' ". Of course, it's always delightful to see smiling Coco enjoying being Coco. Your wife did a beautiful job of creating this beautiful tribute. It's truly a wonderful reminder of how happy Coco 3as...is... and how very well loved he was...is.... Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It means a lot. ♥️
BTW.....love the idea of the decoys as a way to celebrate the life of loved ones (dog or Dad)and pass them down to generations. Very unique idea to have the ashes of the dogs and you to be put together and scattered out thru nature areas you love. Very touching.
Thanks so much for checking in. Please give Jack an extra treat for us, okay?
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too♥️
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!
Oh wow that was a real sign that your mom was there waiting for her! There's no such thing as coincidences in my world. What a beautiful vision of Coco being met by her gramma.
I loved watching that video, it was so sweet. With all the focus on Coco (rightfully so of course) we didn't get to know Jack very well, and seeing those two together really shows the bond they shared. What a relief that he is doing better now. Pets do grieve, that I don't doubt at all. And yeah I hope you never need to post about him here, except for the occasionally happy update to come and say hello.
Because remember, once a Tripawds family member, always a Tripawds family member. You did such a great thing by honoring Coco's journey here, I know that (sadly) others whose dogs get diagnosed with the same cancer will find comfort in knowing the odds can be beaten, and life can be awesome on three. So thank you for that!
Good to hear from you. Keep in touch
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