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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I am so, so sorry about your handsome Dakota--I have always loved hearing about him--such a hard loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. I so wish that you didn't have to write this post either. At least we know that he is running free with no more pain and with so many cherished tripawds. We are all here for you.
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
I will always remember your sweet Dakota; he was one of the first tripawds I followed-- he and Scout were so similar-- Scout's amputation was Jan 2011; Scout had STS, Scout would have been 11 in Jan; they were both such good boys. I smiled at Dakota as he celebrated his birthday, I admired him when he broke a tooth on Evelyn's head, I was proud of him for kicking cancer's butt for nearly two years, I cried when I read how you'd come to acquire Dakota Dawg. He was an extraordinary dog, and he will be missed by so so many. My heart breaks for you tonight as you grieve for your boy. I hope you can find some comfort in your memories; he will dwell there forever.
Thinking of you,
Catherine
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
This came as such a shock, we are so sorry.
Dakota's sweet spirit shall live on here, and in your heart, forever. We are honored to have met your gentle boy.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Shari, ever since I saw your post on facebook I have been trying to figure out what to say. I am so sorry. Yours was one of the first blogs I read when I first came to this site and since then you have become a good friend since. You gave Dakota a home and love when no one else wanted him. He knew what love really was. Run free Dakota Dawg.
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.
I want to thank everyone for sharing your kind words and memories. Catherine, I had no idea anyone would remember that Dakota lost a tooth to Evelyn's hard head! What an awful roommate.
Jim, the banner is pretty doggone gorgeous. Thank you for finding some pictures of Dakota where he loved it best, in that meadow so full of voles and field mice.
The chapter isn't quite finished, as my obligation to Dakota isn't over till Monday. Some may think I'm weird, but after losing our true heart dog 5 years ago, I swore I'd never ask one of my faithful companions to cross the bridge alone. I am their guardian till there's nothing left to do, so I took Dakota's body to the wonderful local pet cremation place today and he will be kept there till Monday. I'll go back then and help the kind employees there and then bring home a small box. For me, it's the only way to close the book. Having something to do helps me.
I tell people that Dakota and I had a deal: I would never, ever make him hurt without end or ask him to stay here on my account, and in return he would never tell anyone what an a-hole I can be at times. He kept up his end of the bargain for 10 years, and today I got to honor mine.
--Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Shari, George and Aiden,
Dakota Dawg is proof that love can overcome anything. After his horrible start in life there was no reason for him to trust any two leggers. But your family provided for him a full belly, a warm fire, and most importantly love. I am so grateful for your stories about Dakota which have given me hope for Obie.
The suddenness must be so hard- I guess D.D. must have finished his job here with you and is now onto his next adventure. Maggie I'm sure was glad to meet him- she is always on the lookout for someone to nap with.
The Tripawd Nation is a little poorer tonight- but doggie heaven is much the better for their new addition.
Sending strong, peaceful thoughts and much love your way tonight.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
You just made me cry all over again.
I hope you realize that as lucky as you were to have Dakota, he was equally as lucky to have you!
So, so sorrry! That precious boy! My heart bleeds for your loss! Sending prayers your way!
Shari I am so sorry for your loss. You brought Dakota to life for us in his blogs. I truly enjoyed the stories of Dakota and Evelyn. I fondly remember Barney's visit to your house. I know Dakota was so lucky to be with you and your family as you were lucky to have him bless your lives. Thank you for sharing your story again. As I sit here wiping away tears over your loss, I know Dakota runs pain free waiting for you. Take care. Mary, Lucy's mom.
Lucy's front right leg was amputated 12/19/11. Thankfully there was no tumor, but her nerves were found to be degenerative. Life as a tripawd is Lucy's new adventure!!
Oh Shari, I am so very sorry. This is such a shock. You and Dakota have been an inspiration to many and I can remember many wise words that you have shared during Magnum's last months and the writing of her blog.
You were true to Dakota to the end and I know how difficult that is to do. But it is the ultimate act of love.
Thinking of you and sending you many hugs.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
I was so sorry to see the news on Facebook. And so surprised... Dakota seemed like one of the Tripawds that would just go on and on. You were meant to find each other. He had a wonderful life, once you rescued him from his awful start. There was no doubt he'd hold up his end of the bargain, since I'm sure he was very grateful to you. I know it was hard to hold up your end, but I hope you have peace knowing that you did the right thing by him - today and since that first day he found you.
He is with all the other angels and heroes that went before him, running pain free now. I know he has left a big hole in your heart and you, George, Aidan and Evelyn will miss him so much. We'll miss him too.
Jackie, Angel Abby and Bunny Rita
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!
Shari,
I just don't have the right words. They are not eloquent or witty.
D Dawg was a special fella in this house hold.
Please know that you did not cry alone today...
Thinking of all of you...Thanks for reaching out to us and sharing Dakota with us!
Bud and family
February Furballs yesterday, today and until we meet again!
I cant believe it, I am so sorry. Tears are rolling down my face just reading the beautiful things people are posting to you, your fur baby was so loved by everyone.
Run free Dakota Dawg,
Amanda & Angel Porthos x
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Oh &$%#@ &**&$# im so sorry that was a hell of a shock to read. Dakota Fly free buddy and watch out over everyone.
Biggest hugs to you all
You will be in my thoughts over the next few days please look after yourselves there are so many loving thoughts heading you way from everyone i hope you feel all the love and compassion.
Hugs
Sarah, Kayla and Sarge
Shari,
You were the best of dog mama's for Dakota, you were meant for each other. Seeing the pictures makes me cry again even though I thought I was through it all. I am so sorry for your loss. I was hoping he would be able to beat the cancer because he was such a special boy. I remember his story of how he came to you, I had so hoped he would beat the bad stuff in the end. But I think he did beat it in a way, because he was never alone again, he always could count on you.
Sending you much love in this virtual hug {{{ <3 }}}}
Elizabeth, Sammy's mom
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
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