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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Dear Brett and Pattie,
It's so painful for me to write any words right now....too painful for me to watch your video in its entirety. I am grieving with you and for you. This really hits home so hard for me and I'm so so sorry that you lost your beautiful Fortis...it pains me beyond words....I know what you are going through and it's so so difficult. What gives me comfort and peace is knowing that maybe Mackenzie and Fortis are together now - looking down at us and telling us that they're ok. My heart goes out to both of you....
Sending you lots of golden hugs,
Kami, Angel Mackenzie and Kobe
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Dear Brett and Pattie,
I was devastated to hear the news about Fortis. Just the other day I was online and checked in on him and was thrilled to read about his 11-month ampuversary. I was astounded to hear how quickly things changed, as I was scrolling through my Facebook updates and saw the dreadful news posted on a Tripawds member's status. I just buried my head in my hands and cried. Fortis was so very dear to so many of us in this community and his zest for life and "living large" will continue to inspire future Tripawds in their journeys.
The video was beautiful, although my keyboard and shirt-sleeves are drenched with tears!
My heart breaks for you as you struggle to cope with the loss of his physical body, and I pray that each day will bring you peace and comfort that his spirit lives on, and that your pack WILL be together again at the swimming hole. I hope you'll return there often to feel his presence.
Love, licks and Dane leans from Queen Nova and Mom Sue
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Your big strong boy was admired and loved by so many here. Fortis is a hero and inspired us to live the best quality life we can in the time we have. Thank you for sharing Fortis with us.... Alex
Dear Brett and Pattie,
Words are inadequate. I have been staring at the keyboard for ages. I simply cannot express my deep sorrow at the loss of Fortis. You both truly made Fortis' life the best a dog could ever wish for and you showed tremendous courage and love in setting him free - many of us, too many, know how devastating that decision is. My heart is with you.
Fortis,
God speed you big lug of a dog, you will be missed in body but live forever with us in spirit. Please say a special hello to Tai, she will show you all the best places to swim.
Laura (Angel Tai's Mum)
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Oh Fortis, you did so well, such a very strong boy. Sadie was diagnosed about the same time, and had her surgery on 2/13/2010. She left us in October and I miss her every day. When you see her, giver her a big kiss for me. You were an inspiration to us and will be missed terribly.
Brett and Patti, what a beautiful tribute to your sweet boy. I think that looking through the pictures and the discussions that follow are very therapeutic. Seemed the more I talked about Sadie (especially of her last days/hours) the more I began to heal. I know you have many, many friends here (including me) that are here for you whenever you feel like talking. Take your time to enjoy his memory and come to terms with it all.
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
I just read your blog and watched your video. He was an inspawration to us all and he will surely be missed.
-Nicole and Chloe
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
I am all...silent....
Am so sorry for your loss...
Rest in peace and run free sweet giant
Daniela,
Angel Dons Mum
Brett and Pattie,
I can never come up with the right words, but this is worse than usual. Just know that I'm devastated at your news--Fortis was a strong anchor for us too. I'll be praying for you in the days to come and hoping to hear from you as you begin to heal.
Rest in peace, dear dear friend.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
So very sorry to read this news.
Words seem so useless at a time like this but Fortis and his story have been an inspiration to us.
Rest in peace Big Fellow
Roger, Mich, Io and Cobweb
I just saw this through the link on Facebook since I'm not actively checking in with Tripawds these days. Brett and Pattie I want to offer you my condolences on the loss of your dearest friend Fortis. You were there for me and Tshuvah during her too brief struggle with hemangiosarcoma, and I thank the three of you for being so generous of spirit. I know the grief is crushing and that there's no way out but through. I will hold you all in my heart and my prayers during this dark time, and pray for safe and joyous passage for Fortis into the world that awaits us all, whatever it may be.
Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
I loved you too, Fortis. For real. 
Monkeydogs are just crunchy on the outside. Our insides are soft and chewy. I hope when I meet you in person that you will be my friend and take me schwimming. - MFMattie
Brett & Pattie …
I know. I know how much you hurt. I know how empty your house feels. I know.
I know not one of us here would trade a single moment of joy we were given with our Tripawds, to lessen the pain we feel when they are gone. We know how blessed we were to have had them in our lives, even if they were unfairly taken from us and our time together wasn’t long enough.
I also know, I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to know you. Thank you.
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. ~Theodor Seuss Geisel, attributed
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Who knew that 11 months ago to the day today, that I'd make such an amazing lifelong friends; Brett and Pattie. It was all thanks to the most beautiful big smile, tiny ears and no tail dog.
I thank you Fortis for bringing two special people to me, your dad and mom. I thank you for being strong and brave when we weren't. I thank you for filling our world with so much love that we forgot about our worries, our cares and learned to laugh at ourselves and even make fools of ourselves. We were young at heart and we, at moments were carefree.
Your dad wrote it perfectly when he made his first topic post about you. The words still hold true today.
"Fortis has taught me so much about courage, strength and even more importantly about presence. Fortis and I don't know what the future holds but we do have the magic of this moment. What more is there? My old friend Forits has shown me this. I am truly thankful."
We had more than moment of magic. We had 11 months. I'm so grateful.
Please watch out over Comet now as an angel and when her time comes, please show her your gentle spirit and protect her because she'll need your help.
You friend always,
Ge'Lena
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.
Dear Brett and Pattie,
I am so sorry to hear that Fortis crossed over the bridge. I will give Koda a special hug tonight and let him know that another blow has been dealt to the Tripawds family.
I can still remember the first time I saw Fortis photo beside your post, and thinkiing he looked like one cool dog!!!!
Storm and Koda~
Note to Ge'Lena - just when I thought I could cry no more, you proved me wrong.
Your post is so moving.
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.
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