Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It is with a very heavy broken heart that I tell my Tripawds friends that Mighty Atlas has left this earth. I can't breath. My heart is broken.
He beat the cancer for 2 years 2 months only to be taken down by that stupid wobblers disease. He started showing signs of increased ataxia (loss of hind leg control) about a month ago and I knew something was wrong when the acupuncture didn't make him pop back up as usual. Two weeks ago we had to really assist the big guy to get up and out. within a week he was paralyzed - we think it was a stoke on his last night but he didn't seem to be in pain so much as frustrated because his body was betraying him. All the other animals came in his room and gathered around the most benevolent King ever and sniffed him and said their goodbyes. Sophie practically laid on his head to be next to him and Isa the cat sat on the other bed staring at him. Dr. Williams came over and we said goodbye to him in his room, in his bed, surrounded by his pack.
It was so hard to watch it take him because his spirit was so strong and so mighty, like he wasn't ready to go, like he could have lived a few more years if not for his body giving out on him. At 52 years old, the hardest thing I've ever survived. Even harder than the decision to amputate.
He was the most incredible friend and angel soul that I have ever known. I am very grateful for the time I had with Atlas, but living life without that magnificent being is going to be hard.
Patricia & Mighty Atlas
Oh, Patricia. I am so very sad to hear this news. Atlas was a true warrior and he will be missed by all of us. He certainly has a lot of friends waiting at the Bridge to show him the ropes.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
My heart breaks with you. What a beautiful and majestic fur-baby.
There just isn't anything that can be said to ease your sorrow, just know you're not alone. And remember, at The Bridge, time is but a fleeting moment. He won't have to wait long for you.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
My heart sank when I saw this post Patricia, it's what I never ever wanted to see. I just can't believe it and I am so very, very sorry.
There are no words to describe the great loss this community is experiencing today. Mighty Atlas is our hero, our inspawration, our beacon of hope for every dog but especially the bigger ones. He came to us with the odds stacked against him according to the "experts," but it was YOU who believed in him and knew that he could thrive. Without that intuitive feeling you so wisely followed, you never would have come here and we never would have had the joy of experiencing the amazing, remarkable life of this one-of-a-kind handsome pup. We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
This is such a sad day, and I wish I had the right words to help you and the pack feel better. I know that in time you, and all of us, will rejoice in his unforgettable life and the fact that HE BEAT CANCER, but for now, we are just very, very sad. I'm so sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh my heart breaks for you ... I have long admired our "Mighty Atlas" as a true warrior for all - especially those larger breeds. There are no words right now but know we are sending you love and peace ... He beat SO many odds! He will continue to inspire our community!
Hugs and love,
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
No, none of us can breathe right now. Not Atlas, not the Mighty and Majestic atlas! Stunned, just stunned.
Our hearts are just ripped open and we are all crying with you.
No words....I will have to come back and write.more later when I can make better sense...too hard right now.
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!
Patricia, I'm so sorry for your loss. Be kind to yourself and take the time you need to grieve. Just as you were lucky to know Atlas, he was lucky to know you and to have someone care for him with so much love. Wishing you peace and light.
-Karen (and Ollie)
Six-year-old Ollie, a spunky, 55-lb. Australian cattle dog mix, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma May 1, 2015. Front right leg was amputated May 12. Did four rounds of carboplatin chemo treatment, ending Aug. 20. Lung x-rays still clear as of end of September. The rest of our story is still unfolding.
Patricia I am so sorry that Atlas went on ahead. Because you followed your heart the Tripawds Nation got to know the Mighty Atlas and we were inspired by him as he overcame the hurdles life had to offer.
I hope the wonderful memories bring you some peace and comfort as you once again face a new 'normal'.
The Mighty Atlas will live on forever in your heart and so will always be by your side.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Patricia,
We are so, so sorry to hear that Atlas has gone on. Thank you so much for sharing him with all of us. He truly was magnificent and majestic. He was a true Tripawd Warrior and such an inspiration to us all. Atlas' love for you and yours for him will live forever in your heart.
Run free Mighty Atlas! <3 <3 <3
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
My heart broke again when I saw this on Facebook. Atlas was my hero and his will to survive and prove the vets wrong about everything put him on a pedestal. Please know that I am thinking about you and yours. Hold those special memories close as they will help you smile when the pain eases a little. What a grand welcome party they had for him at the Bridge and he will always be watching over you.
Hugs to you - Luanne & Team 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.
Patricia,
I am so sorry for your loss of sweet, and brave hero Mighty Atlas.....I am amazed at how every time I read another loss here, my heart feels like it has a knife stuck in it again.
We all absolutely know the heavy heartache, and life-altering heartbreak you are feeling. What is most important, is Atlas knew how much he was loved, and how much you did for him. Unfortunately, this last gift of love, is the hardest thing in the world for us.
I am hoping the lifetime of happiness you shared with him, will eventually heal the immense pain in your heart, and only the good memories will remain.
Thinking of you....
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu
Patricia,
I am so so sorry. I can't believe Mighty Atlas is gone. I am sitting here crying as I am writing this. He beat so many odds. He beat cancer. He is a true warrior. I just can't believe he is gone.
Atlas knows how much he was loved and that you fought hard with him. This part of the journey is tough. Basically it sucks to be kinda polite about it. It is going to hurt for a long long long time. No one can tell you when or how long is enough its personal.
Eventually you will be able to smile more & cry less. Not at first its going to take time.
Thinking of you & your family
RIP Atlas run free. Play with your new friends.
xoxoxox
Michelle & Angel 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."
Patricia. I'm so very sorry. I know the depth of your pain. Libbys heart was also willing but her body didn't feel the same way. I wish I had some magic words to make it all better.
Sending you hugs. Run free brave Atlas.
Amy & Spirit Libby
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
It is hard! I am so sorry to hear this. What a hero Atlas was. What love and dedication you showed, even that last hard decision. Was made out of selflessness and love for your boy. Know that you are held close here tonight. Run free Atlas! Lori, Ty & the gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I'm so sad to hear this. It's just not right, not fair when our pups are cruising along so well and loving their life, their health, their pack, only to be defeated by something else and something so sudden. I love that Atlas joined the Rainbow Bridge Pack from his home, surrounded by his pack, and fully embraced with love. My heart bleeds for you...and me still...
Hugs
~ Katy, with her Jackson always
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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