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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I hate to come to this day but i know it was inevitable.
It's been almost 20 hours since Titus' passing in our home. We were 1.5 hours before the scheduled vet appointment to put him to sleep. I called early Thursday morning to meet the vet at 5pm so we can relieve Titus' ordeal for good. It was the most difficult decision I had to make when he always showed the energy to play and beg for treats.
The past 5 days had been the most difficult time for us. We took Titus to the vet on monday only to be reassured by another vet (our regular vet was away on a vacation) that the sore on his foot was the main cause of his reluctance to walk. We weren't able to stitch it up as it would require sedation.
Knowing that we could pad up the bandage while it stays clean and slowly heal from inside out initially was a huge relief, but xrays showed that his lungs were also not looking good. Mets were in both sides, with at least 50% being consumed. His abdomen seemed bloated with fluids but I was not well-informed. I read up after the vet and think it was ascites and it became more prominent on the last two days. Does anyone have experiences with fluid build up in the abdomen and maybe the lungs?
The vet suggested we double the dose of prednisone, and take care of the sore. It felt hopeful that Titus would try to get up on his own again with less pressure to his foot, but seeing the lungs gave me a good idea of where we were heading.
The next couple of days on Tuesday and Wednesday were bright with great enthusiasm to stand and hop outside to relieve himself, with loud bright barks to play and greeted guests who came to see him with rapid tail wags with his little nub. It was painful to see him pant after a short burst of energy be it hopping out or just popping a balloon laying down. I knew i had to call in on Thursday despite our regular vet being out of the country.
We spent the previous night and all day cuddling and I told him how brave he had been and that he had been loved so much all these years we've spent together. I even had a video of him playing balloon 1.5 hours before he passed on. Even though he panted more than usual yesterday, he didn't stop taking treats and food that we gave him. Titus had chosen his own time to go, and only when he was left alone in the living room for 30 minutes while i got ready to go to the vet. My world shattered when i came back out to see him gone, and all I wish for was that it was over for him quickly. It kills me to know that I never got to say a proper goodbye, and I kick myself for not being there when it happened.
Words cant describe how i'm feeling now, tears have been flowing uncontrollably and I miss my boy so much. He was my pillar of strength and source of joy for every single day of my life these past 8.5 years. My heart is in my stomach and I hope I can soon come to terms with his departure.
I thank all of you on Tripawds for encouraging us through the good and bad times. Cancer sucks and Titus was defeated in the end. Knowing that he fought a good fight and lived everyday to the fullest is my best consolation right now. The gentle rottie with the big personality as all my friends and family know him as is now in doggy heaven. He will always be a part of me, and I promise to keep his memory alive everyday til we meet again at the rainbow bridge.
With all my heart,
Carol
"A dog is the only thing in the world that loves you more than he loves himself."
OSA in left hind leg–30 August 2008. Ampuversary–4 October 2008.
Titus earned his wings on 15th July 2010.
He is dearly missed and our love lives on.
Carol, my heart is breaking for you right now you are so right cancer sucks big time! Even though you weren't with him when he died he knew that you loved him unconditionally and please take comfort in knowing there were a lot of wonderful Tripawd angels waiting for him while he crossed over the bridge.
Sincerely,
Darlene (angel Tehya's Mom)
Carol, I am so so sorry to hear of Titus' passing.
He was a true gentleman.
Just know in your heart that he did indeed, know how much you loved him. Everyday, in everyway.
Just like you know how much he loved you. (and still does...just now his love reaches you from over that rainbow bridge.)
Big hugs and yes, tears falling here for you and your boy.
Denise
Kona turned 9yrs on April 16, 2010.
Kona was diagnosed Memorial Weekend 2010 with osteosarcoma.
Right rear leg amputated on June 4th. First chemo June 18th 2010
Second chemo July 9th, 2010 Third and final (yea !!!) chemo July 30th, 2010
ONE TOUGH GIRL this Australian Cattledog !
***Kona's journey/fight ended late in the evening of December 22, 2010***
We Love you so much Kona….always
Bella 9yrs, albino lab/aussie shep/pit?(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind (from birth) in one eye limited vision in other.(laid back, ok lazy 73 lbs)
Cotton, 5yrs, albino hound/terrier of somesort/???(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind in one eye(from birth), excellent vision in seeing eye. (ball addict…destroyer of Kong balls…yes,etc), high energy 55lbs knots of muscle)
Kona Kai's pup brother and sister as well as her buddy and playmate cat, Shaymous 12yrs (like Seamus), miss her terribly.
Carol said:
Knowing that he fought a good fight and lived everyday to the fullest is my best consolation right now.
Bless you for all you did for Titus, including this most lofing and honorable final act of compassion. Thank you for sharing your ecperiences. They are certain to help others who go down the same road with their dogs.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Carol,
I am so sorry that Titus' journey came to an end. I hope that you can look at his passing at home as a blessing. He passed in familiar and comfortable surroundings. And also Titus is telling you that you made the right decision when you made that vet appointment. You will forever know that even though it is one of the hardest decisions we ever have to make- you were right, it was his time.
You did everything you could for Titus through this cancer fight. He was happy playing and eating right to the end. Don't be too hard on yourself. As with almost everything in this cancer fight we don't get to dictate the time table or out come.
You did your best, he knows you loved him, and he is now free of all pain.
Sending peaceful thoughts your way tonight.
Karen
Carol, our sincere condolences on your loss.
Carmen, Catie and Riley
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Carol, I'm so sorry to hear of Titus' passing. Our boy, Max, also had the fluid buildup around his lungs. That was what helped us make our decision to let him go when we did. Our doctors told us the fluid could be removed, but it would just continue to come back in a few days. Titus was a very brave boy to choose his own time to pass over the Bridge. He'll be swimmin' all day, every day now. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Take care,
Diane
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your good friend. I'm crying as I write this because I DO know--right now--what you went through/are going through, as my Daisy's time is very near. I hope the happy memories will bring you comfort and eventually outweigh the sorrow.
Lexi
Daisy, 12 years young, had left forelimb amp on 5/19/2010 due to osteosarcoma. She left her body behind and joined the other spirit tripawds on 7/16/2010.
So grateful for each day with her!
Lexi (Daisy's momma)
Oh Carol,
I'm just heartbroken for you. Titus was a sensational dog. The love you guys shared was amazing!
I find his passing without your help an incredibly good sign. I'm sure he knew how hard it would be for you and he lifted that burden off of you. That's how I see it. I think dogs do those things for us.
I know your world is shattered. But just know that we are here for you. Please come and talk if you need to and reach out if you have to.
Loving hugs across the ocean,
Comet' mom
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.
Sending you our deepest condolences Carol. We are sorry this time has come for you and are thinking of you and Angel Titus.
Hugs from Australia,
Storm and Koda
Carol, as the others here, I will grieve with you. These heros become so much a part of our being. Don't beat yourself up for not being there. I think you said it best when you said he chose his time. I look at that as his last gift to you. He was able to choose his time and go peacefully in his sleep, that is what I truly wish for Trouble.
I sincerely hope you find happiness in your beautiful memories and that happy memories soon replace your pain.
RIP sweet Titus, 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.
Carol , My sincere sympathy. This news is heartbreaking.
We wish this day never came. You have been an amazing pawrent and Titus knew that and loved you. Please do not be hard on yourself: Titus knew you were near him up to the end.
Take care,
Suzanne and Spirit Oslo
carol, we are so sorry to hear of titus' passing. our thoughts are with you during this sad, sad time. remember love never ends.
gayle & charon
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'm so sorry Carol,
The bravery our dogs show through all of this makes it all the harder to admit defeat. Titus will always live in your heart and now is on all 4 legs and will wait patiently for you to arrive.
Take care,
Spirit Ruthie's Mom
Pat
Carol, I am so deeply sorry to hear about Titus' passing. He was a brave dog, and a stunning example of everything that we hope for when we get the news that our dogs have cancer. Few pups, like Titus, who first became Tripawds in 2008 are still with us today. What an amazing dog Titus was!
Please, do not feel guilty for the way in which he chose his time. He spared you the added grief of having to be there during the euthanasia process, and in so many ways, the way he went was a blessing. I know it's hard to believe that now, and it just goes to show us that no matter which way our dogs take their last breath, it hurts like hell.
You did a fantastic job as his Mom, and he took such great care of you. Rest assured he will always be in your heart and his spirit guiding you through life, he will never, ever leave your side.
Allow yourself the time to grieve, but remember for each tear that falls, there are at least ten happy memories to replace it. Some day, those happy memories will take the place of the tears. Until then, know that we are all thinking of you and sending our love and condolences.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
