Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tara,
I hope your heart is healing.
— Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Hi Beth,
We are doing well, thank you for checking in. Little things will have me tearing up, like the smell of Tide with Febreeze. His amputation recovery was very long and his bedding was being washed every day for 6 weeks. The smell of the Tide on his bedding would rub off on him. So now I will always smile when I do laundry! Shamus is almost back to his old self, looking for lots of snuggles.
How are you doing? Are you finding it a little easier every day? I hope you are healing as well. There are so many things to do with the holidays I think that keeps my mind a little more occupied. Will miss him at Christmas but I am sure he will be eating a Christmas feast with all of his new friends, including Sammy, at the Bridge.
I see you are from Peoria, my son flew home to Boston from the U of I this weekend. He isn't too far away from you in Champaign.
Enoy the Season,
Tara
It is such a small world, isn't it? U of I is where Sammy had his amputation and subsequent treatment. It seems that we were in Champaign every couple of weeks for months — and I bought an obscene amount of Illini wear. They were wonderful to us and Sammy participated in a clinical trial during which a nano-particle containing chemo was injected directly into the tumor.
Our son graduated U of I and loved it. Does your son like it and what is he studying? How did he happen to choose U of I?
I am so glad you are feeling a little better. It is a day-to-day process, isn't it? We, too, are able to smile more and cry less — but, as you say, the little things jump up to bite you. I heard an old Mamas and Papas song called "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and I broke down and bawled like a baby. All I had to hear was "Sweet dreams 'til sunbeams find you," and that was it. I will always remember how his golden coat gleamed in the sun. About three weeks before he died I shot some beautiful pictures in the sun that were some of his best.
Sosa is feeling better, although as I posted to some discussion forum (I forget which) he seems to be channeling Sammy, copying many of his behaviors. He is also seeking more attention that usual, which is fine with us since we could use lots of doggie hugs and kisses.
I now have a mental picture of a huge dog feast at the bridge and it makes me smile. Thanks for the vision, and have a great Christmas!
— Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
geesh, you guys...the world get's smaller. gayle's dad, don, went to illinois too... maybe we need to have an illini tripawd get together sometime. ginger (brian and annie) live in pontiac and also support the chief. it's good to know gayle is now talking illini sports and 'chief chatter' with fergus and sammy. hugs.
charon & spirit 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
I can see them all sporting their bright orange gear. Maybe it is politically correct for them to wear an Illini headdress there!!
I am up for an Illini reunion although the monkeybutts wouldn't be able to handle a 20 car ride! Shamus came from Paducah, KY but he flew home with my husband. We are looking for another irish wolfhound breeder for a potential late spring litter and several we are considering are in the Midwest. I am hoping I will be able to welcome another IW into my heart by then. I just wish I could get a guarantee there will never be an OSA diagnosis, but I guess there are no definites!
Have a great Holiday,
Tara
Illini and Cubs fans — can it get any better? One of these days I will remind myself how I attached a photo to a forum post and show you guys a photo of Sammy and Sosa in their No. 21 Cubs shirts. they really didn't like it much, but they sure looked cute and all our trick-or-treaters like it!
Annie tells me that some Illinois Tripawds get together occasionally. I think I would like to do that. I know you have reason to visit Illinois, Tara. How about you Charon? Do you still have Illinois ties?
Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
don's mom is still in the quad cities...maybe a spring meet-up or something...
charon & spirit 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
Cubs is an evil 4 letter word in our house!! We are Cardinal and Red Sox fans. Hope that means we can still meet up.
Mom's weekend at U of I is in April and I'm not sure who is doing the May pickup and the August drop off. We will have to stay in touch!
Enjoy the weekend ladies,
Tara
We will be in Florida part of the winter, so April would be good. Also, we might have a new family member to show off if all goes well. I know we can never replace Sammy, but I also know there is room in our hearts for a fluffy golden puppy. Spring seems like a good idea. Tara, it would be fun have two new puppies to introduce. Charon, is it too soon for you to consider such a thing?
Charon and I will have to forgive the Cardinals thing, Tara, but you know what a rivalry that is in Central Illinois! I must admit, it is easier to be a Cardinals fan. If any team can drive one to drink, it is my Cubbies. Come to think of it, any excuse is a good one.
I finished wrapping presents today and I am starting to get a little more in the mood. It will be a different Christmas than we hoped, but we have wonderful family and a sweet "granddog" who deserve some Christmas cheer. I hope you guys enjoy both the holidays and happy memories of Fergus and Gayle.
Beth
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
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