Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Eva is my baby. A mama dog, we call her, because she is simply mama's dog. We have a bond different from my bond with other humans and animals, I can't even explain how we are with each other. We have other pets in the home, a cat that was here before Eva got here, a skunk that we've gotten since Eva, as well as various other things over the last three years that fostered or stayed over. One thing that has stood the test of time is that Eva loves friends. People friends, pet friends, whatever! When she sees other dogs she gets so excited that usually strangers aren't interested in letting her check out their dogs but when they do, oh Eva gets so happy! She sniffs and kisses them and just absolutely adores it. When we had friends in the area with dogs and we would have puppy parties, Eva played with every dog there!
We decided for Eva's fifth birthday we would get her a dog. I wanted to spend five whole years alone with her, just so she never ever questioned my love and care for her as opposed to other things. She definitely understands that she gets her love despite other animals being in the home, but I know that she would probably take some time to adjust to another baby in the house that wants mama's attention the way she does. Because of Eva's diagnosis, it's really clear now that she might not have a fifth birthday. I know that having a playful pup in the house to keep her on her toes will be good for her, and I want to get her a sibling in the near future.
The problem is, when? When is the right time? When does it stop looking like I'm getting a dog because mine is sick? When does it feel joyous and not like I'm forcing Eva to share the rest of a life that we thought was going to be so much longer? What if I wait too long and Eva passes away and I'm alone? Is that selfish? Can I even take myself into consideration? What if it makes my guilt about all of this even worse? This is the first day since her diagnosis that I've cried and I'm just so overwhelmed because I want to make the right decision but I don't want to make a decision at all... 
Okay, some deep breaths.........B R E A T H E...... B R E A T H E.....inhale s l o w l y.......exhale. s l o w l y......
This journey is very intense and you jave been through a lot thiese last weeks. You DESERVE a good cry! Always follow it up with chocolate though,that helps!
Let's chunk it down, okay? Right now Eva is early in recovery. Bringing another dog into the dynamics before Eva is completely healed probably wouldn't be a good idea for anybody right now. That doesn't mean you can't start "looking" and see who catches your attention. Looking doesn't mean you have to act in anything at this point. It merely means you are open and trusting that the Universe will send youand Eva the "right" dog at the "right" time.
Remember, Eva does NOT have a time frame stamped on her butt! You've interjected a lot of questions about getting another dog around her health and "time frames". And this js certainly understandable.
However, perhaps a more empowering way to look at this would simply be to focus on whether you think this would be good for Eva without worrying about her illness. Wanting to open up your heart to another dog and sharing your love with them is NOT selfish! It is selfless!!
It certainly sounds like Eva would love to jave another dog companion in her life!! Sje doesn't know she's "sick". She's not worrying about whether she'll " ake it" to her fifth birthday...she's living in the NOW...in the present! And it sounds like she would welcome having another dog to share the joy and love that you clearly have an abundance of in your home!
Are Eva sounds like she would be thrilled to help you train another dog using her as the new ouo's role mode! She will be an excellent Coach and Mentor!
Hope this helps. And so glad Eve is doing well!
(((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
benny55 said
Okay, some deep breaths.........B R E A T H E...... B R E A T H E.....inhale s l o w l y.......exhale. s l o w l y......This journey is very intense and you jave been through a lot thiese last weeks. You DESERVE a good cry! Always follow it up with chocolate though,that helps!
Let's chunk it down, okay? Right now Eva is early in recovery. Bringing another dog into the dynamics before Eva is completely healed probably wouldn't be a good idea for anybody right now. That doesn't mean you can't start "looking" and see who catches your attention. Looking doesn't mean you have to act in anything at this point. It merely means you are open and trusting that the Universe will send youand Eva the "right" dog at the "right" time.
Remember, Eva does NOT have a time frame stamped on her butt! You've interjected a lot of questions about getting another dog around her health and "time frames". And this js certainly understandable.
However, perhaps a more empowering way to look at this would simply be to focus on whether you think this would be good for Eva without worrying about her illness. Wanting to open up your heart to another dog and sharing your love with them is NOT selfish! It is selfless!!
It certainly sounds like Eva would love to jave another dog companion in her life!! Sje doesn't know she's "sick". She's not worrying about whether she'll " ake it" to her fifth birthday...she's living in the NOW...in the present! And it sounds like she would welcome having another dog to share the joy and love that you clearly have an abundance of in your home!
Are Eva sounds like she would be thrilled to help you train another dog using her as the new ouo's role mode! She will be an excellent Coach and Mentor!
Hope this helps. And so glad Eve is doing well!
(((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
I think you're right. We had always wanted another dog, it's not like any pet could ever replace her. Seriously. Her personality could NEVER be even closely matched lol she's such a weirdo dog.
You saying Eva doesn't realize she's sick helps a lot. I always feel like she thinks "Oh I got sick, I stopped using my leg, that's why they made me go to the doctor all night!" or like "oh, i have all these doctor appointments now and now mom is getting another dog???" i just never want her to not feel secure in her place in our household. But this is when the reality that dogs are pack animals and I'm giving my dog human emotions hits me in the head like a brick haha. There is a puppy who's birthday is one month before eva's amp date, and his come home date is Eva's one month ampiversary, and OF COURSE his litter tag name is the name of the other main character from the movie Eva is named after... So it's one of those things where I feel like it's fate and the baby falling into my lap from the stork, but I just don't think it's appropriate to rush into getting another dog.
At the same time, you're right about the time frame thing! I could easily have a good extra couple years left with Eva, and I'd like for her to have a baby around the house while she still has her three year old baby personality. Maybe waiting til five was never the right idea, maybe this was how it was supposed to work the whole time. I don't know. I just don't wanna feel like I'm taking something away from her by trying to give her something good.
mushyeva said
...I want to make the right decision but I don't want to make a decision at all...
Perhaps no decision is the best decision after all. Focus on quality of life, Be More Dog , and let what will be, be. If and when the time is right, you will know. Remember, Eva has no idea about this 5 year goal you have conceived. She just wants to live each day to the fullest with you. If having a puppy around will help that, then go for it!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
admin said
mushyeva said
...I want to make the right decision but I don't want to make a decision at all...Perhaps no decision is the best decision after all. Focus on quality of life, Be More Dog , and let what will be, be. If and when the time is right, you will know. Remember, Eva has no idea about this 5 year goal you have conceived. She just wants to live each day to the fullest with you. If having a puppy around will help that, then go for it!
Very true! It was always something we wanted to do for her. And I definitely do not want to run out and do something like that right this second, I just think I think too much.
This nourney has soooo many great life lessons! And Eva is your Professor, that's for sure! And you are a very eager and willing student! All our dogs are THE best teachers for showing us life is not for "thinking and thinking"...it's about LIVING EACH MOMENT TO THE FULLEST!!
It seems like that particular pup who has caught your eye may be just what you and Eva AND the puppy need! Hmmm...it'll be really interesting to see if Eva has picked this pup out to be added to her pack.
I really like your I sight when you said, "There is a puppy who's birthday is one month before eva's amp date, and his come home date is Eva's one month ampiversary, and OF COURSE his litter tag name is the name of the other main character from the movie Eva is named after... So it's one of those things where I feel like it's fate and the baby falling into my lap from the stork..."
Sending hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
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