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 wish I had some beautiful words for you that would lessen your pain. But the truth is that I can't fault you for those feelings because I felt so many of the same things when we lost Zeus. We went to Target that night to get out of the house and I ended up blasting some poor woman literally as soon as we were walking through the front door. Zeus was a 'nester' and we still have the big blankie pile on the bed. And I am lost in the morning because I don't have to walk and feed him - I just get up and shower and go. I miss the hectic-ness. I even totally agree that you can have more than one heart dog in your life. Each one can have your heart - just different parts of it.
But that guilt, my friend, I cannot agree with. That precious dog knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that you loved him completely and that you would never hurt him. And he trusted you enough that he would have yelped, or whined, or growled, or communicated in some form if you were truly hurting him because he knew if he told you then you would stop. As sick as he was in your post description and if he had lost use of his legs, then his body had likely already shut down and he wasn't able to feel the pain that you are afraid you caused. I know it is human nature to question ourselves and to find fault in our actions, but Dakota was blessed from the moment you found him until the moment you set him 'off on the next adventure.'
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Well, I don't usually share in specifics but because it is you, I'm going too
When the vet office called to tell me that my "box" was there. I had four lil preschool boys with me. I felt that I couldn't wait so I brought them with me.
I went into the reception area and there were boxes lying on the counter, mine was not there so I had to go up to the desk. I said in my scratchy whispered voice..."I'm here to pick up Basil". This of course confused the little ones and they got all excited...looking around. One of them happily and hopeful called out for him. "Basil, Come here Basil." I of course stood and sobbed, choking with tears. The receptionist was completely horrified and wanted to crawl under the counter.
We got in the vehicle and drove home. My hand placed on that box the entire way. I kept looking at it thinking, I brought you my loyal and closest friend and now all I have is this little box.... and that just sucks! Boxes aren't soft and warm. It won't follow me wherever I go. It won't run to me then stop and run away. It won't stand between me and the front door.
Grief is ugly! Anger and guilt are part of it,
You are damn brave to own it and write it!
It will get better but not today....
Thinking of you
Oh heart break time. I can hardly believe to hear this news about our D-Dawg, our Tripawd Warrior Extraordinaire. Wow, what a shock. I'm so, so sorry Shari. You did everything for him humanly possible, it all happened so suddenly there was no way for you to know what was going on inside of him. He knew you were doing everything for him, please don't beat yourself up. Your boy was so blessed the day you came along and took him home.
Sending many hugs to you and your family and surrounding you with love,
Joanne
http://lyleegir.....ipawds.com
Shari, so many of the things you said hit home for me. The emptiness, even with Duke still there, was just almost too much for me to bear. The tears flowed like a faucet I couldn't turn off. I felt like such a failure. How could I have not given her the best care, how could I have failed her and been forced to let her go. Why didn't I aggressively fight the arthritis, how could I have been so short sighted. I went to work the following day so I wouldn't have to face the emptiness, never thinking for a moment Bob would be there in the loneliness without Trouble and without my support. I could have kicked myself for being so selfish. That weekend I cleaned the house like never before. I got all the items together that I would donate and got them in boxes. I pulled up all the carpet runners. I put away her toys and personal items. I knew if I didn't do it immediately, I'd never be able to part with any of it.
It is the grief my friend. We can't bear that they are gone, so we blame ourselves. Trouble lived a long and happy life, I simply was not ready (and probably never would have been) to let her go. I've said it before, I'll say it again, it is a very special bond we form with these cancer fighters. They become our focus, our very being. We don't do anything without knowing what the consequence is for them. They become the heart dog of all heart dogs. They are our hearts, our souls, our passion.
I, too, picked up that little urn and touched it and spoke to it all the way home. I still was not ready to admit this was the end.
I am so sorry you are experiencing all these horrible emotions. If you need me you know where to find me.
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.
Shari, I'm so sorry. Writing helps to vent, so get it out here and that way you won't fell like doing it while you're driving.
Anger is part of the process unfortunately. Feelings of not doing enough, doing things incorrectly, that's all so normal and required in order for humans to process grief. I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that you did so much for Dakota, you went above and beyond and gave him the best life he possibly have. In time, I know you will see that. But for now as your heart aches and the memories of that last day remain strong, this kind of sadness will help you work through everything in order to get to that point.
{{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I don't know what to say. I know that nothing will lessen the pain you are feeling except that cliche time! Your words ring so true for me, I can identify more than I'd like to. The guilt is the worst. It tortured me for months. I think it's because we have fought so hard to give our Tripawds more time that we struggle with the feelings of failure when, for most of us, no amount of effort or love is enough to fend off the cancer forever.
The house is certainly an empty place when they are no longer there. I also missed the feeding ritual and the time spent fussing over Magnum. Not only was the house empty, I was empty inside myself without her.
Please do not buy into the guilt. You and Dakota had a very special bond and there is absolutely no doubt that he knew how much you loved him. He would have known something was really wrong inside himself and that your urgency that morning in "hauling" him was all about trying to get help.
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/
Shari, Shelby & I haven't been on the board in quite some time. Life, rescue, family issues.....they all seem to have taken up so much time. But seeing your post made my blood run cold, and I cried.
I cried for you because I've been there.........so many times before, and while Shelby is doing well now, with lung mets after 2.5 years, every day is a blessing.
I have a gaggle of goldens on the Other Side....and a labbie and a few sweet kitties. They'll keep your boy company until you arrive.
You have my heart.....Godspeed to a beautiful golden boy. Run fast, play hard....see you on the Other Side.
We are so sad to hear of Dakota's departure. He had truly been a fighter since birth and overcame many adversities. I can only imagine how sudden and unexpected the loss of him feels. although each of us experiences the journey with our beloved pet and knows that the final goodbye is inevitable, I don't think that anyone can fully feel prepared once the actual moment arrives. It feels so final. However, this is the moment in which we must alI dig the deepest and find peace within ourselves and allow our companions to go ahead (on to their next journey where they are free to romp around and love life without physical limitation) with grace , love, compassion, and understanding.
You should not feel guilt for any of the could've, should've, would'ves which have taken place on your journey. In the words of Maya Angelou, "I did as I knew, and when I knew better, I did better." We all have tried our best and given it our all. I know that it's easier said than done, but I'm sure that Dakota knows how deeply you care for him. You will be in our thoughts. I hope that the ache hurts a little less each day, but for now it is still very raw. Bruno's health has quickly diminished the past couple days and we are just hoping to make it to Christmas. He too will soon run across rainbow bridge Where he will meet up with Dakota and all the other warriors. thanks for sharing his story.
bruno & Maricela
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
Shari,
Sorry we are a bit late on this. Something told me to look at Tripawds tonight and we are just heartbroken to read of Dakota's passing. He was such a fighter from the very beginning and he has inspired so many. Our thoughts are with you at this dificult time.
Ginger's pack
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