Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It is with such a heavy heart that I tell you that we lost Hunter last night. We didn't lose her to the osteosarcoma, we lost her to a very unfortunate accident. Last night she slipped while diving for a piece of salmon on the floor and twisted her left front leg in a horrifying direction. In her 12 years with us I had never heard her cry out in pain like that – she cried and yelped for about 30 seconds. We knew instantly what had happened but held on to the hope that we were wrong. Fearing the worst, I clung to her sweet soft neck and said my goodbyes. My husband rushed her to the emergency vet and x-rays showed a bad fracture in the shoulder area. They put her to sleep while my husband held her and told her how much we all loved her.
All of the beautiful creatures we are fortunate to share our lives with are special but Hunter was absolutely amazing. She recovered from her osteosarcoma surgery with flying colors and was up and around in hours like she was born with three legs. She was a champ through all the chemo treatments and had just had another clean bill of health (just prior to what would have been her 8 month ampuversary). From fending off would-be muggers in alley (yes she did that!) to covering us with kisses, she was the dog that could do it all. She was incredibly intelligent (beyond any dog I've had the privilege of knowing) affectionate, playful, protective and a beautiful spirit all rolled into one. I am grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of our trips to the barn, romps at the dog beach, snuggling on the bed, watching her graduate at the top of her obedience class, being surprised and amused when she decided to stand guard between me and our newborn baby and anyone else who dared to come in the room and then later allowing that baby, then a toddler to learn to stand by balancing on her back. So many memories, too many to share.
RIP beautiful Hunter angel. You are so deeply missed.
Here is a picture we took just a couple of weeks ago. I think she was looking down the street for the mailman 
.
And here is one of her in her heyday… I hope she is running free like this right now:
Hunter – 12 yo female Rottie/Lab mix
Diagnosed with a fracture in an osteosarcoma on 12/23/10 (right rear leg)
Amputation on 12/29/10
7-Month Ampuversary on 07/29/11 – clean bill of health, great blood work and clear chest x-rays
Hunter gained her wings and flew free on 08/19/11
Oh my goodness! What a scary thing to happen - talk about a freak accident.
I can't even begin to tell you how sad I feel for you and your family. I love your attitude in your post, very positive and proud of Hunter. That is the way she will be remembered.
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your gorgeous Hunter. She sounds like she was an extraordinary dog and an extraordinary friend and family member. How lucky you are to have had her in your life...she will now watch over you as an angel. Time, and the many wonderful memories that you made together will come to heal your broken heart.
Run free sweet Hunter
Anita, mom to Xena, puppy Roger
and my angels, Spammy & Chloe
I'm so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Hunter, but I can tell from your post what an amazing dog she was and that she had a great life. I'm sure she had a very happy life and never knew anything but love.
Sending virtual hugs,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
just to say sorry for your loss but you have happy memories to remember her by
Dizzy diagnosed with osteosarcoma 24 may 2011 amputated same day doing fine hopping around on three legs giving the neighbourhood cats what for
Losing one is never easy, and we are never prepared even if we think we are, but to lose one to that kind of freaky accident is the worst. My heart is with you and your family as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful friend.
RIP sweet Hunter. 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.
Oh, I'm so very sorry about Hunter! That is just so terrible!
Setting Hunter free of pain doesn't lessen the hurt but I hope you find peace in all the wonderful years you had.
My deepest condolences.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I'm so sorry for your loss. It is somehow even more heartbreaking to lose her to a random accident after the journey of the past months. She was a beautiful mix...always my favorite... I hope you will find comfort in the wonderful memories of your life together.
Cynthia & Isabelle
I am so sorry to hear about Hunter, and to think once you have started this cancer journey it's about all we think about and when it will show its ugly face again, what a shock. You have such a wonderful history, what good memories, I hope time will let you heal and the memories keep her close to your heart, our thoughts are with you, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
We are so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an extraordinary dog and you shared such wonderful memories of her with us. I'm so sorry you had to lose her so suddenly. I am sure she knows how much you loved her. Run free Hunter!
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 to hear of your loss. What a wonderful companion she was…May your memories fill the void in your heart…
What a beautiful girl Hunter was.......and is now whole and healthy at the Bridge. It seems so utterly unfair that a freak accident would claim a life....my heart goes out to you and I have asked all my goldens, labs and kitties at the Bridge to welcome your beautiful girl.
Godspeed, Hunter....
we are so sorry for your loss. so tragic. love never ends.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Thank you all for your kind words. Sharing our sad news with people who understand what we are going through is very therapeutic. It's comforting to know that she is being greeted at the bridge by all of our sweet furbabies.
Hunter – 12 yo female Rottie/Lab mix
Diagnosed with a fracture in an osteosarcoma on 12/23/10 (right rear leg)
Amputation on 12/29/10
7-Month Ampuversary on 07/29/11 – clean bill of health, great blood work and clear chest x-rays
Hunter gained her wings and flew free on 08/19/11
Oh Hunter! We are so sorry! Seems like just yesterday when you joined us.
This kind of accident is something that all of us Tripawd pawrents worry so much about. We are very, very sad to know you have your wings now.
May you have all the stuffy toys your heart desires forever and ever. You will be missed sweet girl.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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