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
Exactly 12 years ago to the exact today, I kissed and held Comet for the first time. And tonight as I sit here in shock, hysteria and disbelief, I had to say goodbye and kiss her soft as kitten fur for the last time.
As with every death I experience, it happened so fast. She became instantly lethargic and I took her temp and checked her gums which were grey. We rushed to the emergency clinic. Her stomach was full of blood and she was bleeding internally. I knew I had to say goodbye because I couldn't let her die like Rugby by arresting. The vet recommended letting her go.
She wasn't scared anymore and she was brave. The bravest I've ever seen. She even had her head raised . I can't believe it just happened. I can't believe I'm writing this. She was my world. I worried about her so much for so long, I don't know how I'll not worry about her.
I just wanted to make this little deformed, emotionally traumatized dog happy. I had grown up protecting my brother from being picked on for his disability so this was nothing new to me.
Our world revolved around her. Comet and I were as one. I knew every look and what it meant and I knew what every bark meant. We had our own language.
And although I'm hysterical from grief right now, I needed to write this tonight. Her banner popped up as I started this.
She got a bath today, something she loved. She loved being clean and having her bed clean. She was for a moment a puppy as she dried off rolling on her back on the carpet to dry. I bought her two different kinds of butter cookies last night that she really liked. She was her piglet self wanting them and guarding them. She even got up this morning standing under them and barking to have one. I gave her one. This was going to be my sign if she was sick. But she ate a cookie before we took her in but it wasn't with enthusiam.
She actually walked today at the park a lot farther than normal. She only wanted to go to the park to find disgarded water bottles. SHe loved to crunch them especially if they still water in them so she could make them spray water by punching a hole in them. We couldn't find one today.
I can't help but wonder why everyone I love leaves me suddenly. Maybe I can't handle terminal illnesses. I lost almost all of my loved ones suddenly. I laugh on the outside because I cry on the inside for all the losses.
Maybe I needed Comet as much as she needed me.
It not yet soaked in and I don't even know what I'll feel tomorrow but tonight, I had to write something.
Goodbye Cometdog, you precious little sassy baby girl.
(admin, if this is gibberish from errors will you fix it - I can't re-read it right now)
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.
My dear friend, I have no words. I am devastated for you, teardrops fall for you and for Comet, that beautiful soul we have all grown to love so very much. There is no reason why the ones we love leave us suddenly, it isn't something in you that makes that happen. We all have a definite number of days we will live and some just go immedialtey, while others linger. Be thankful there was no long suffering. I watched my dad fight a five year battle with lung cancer, losing them a bit each day is no picnic.
Perhaps this will help in some small way...
" Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."
Holding you in my heart, as I would any friend who is hurting, wishing I could be beside you.
RIP sweet Comet. I'm so glad you and Trouble shared your 12th birthday. It will be a cherrished memory.
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.
Oh, I'm so very sorry. There are no words. You gave that little puppy, not only a chance, but the happiest life, filled with love. Comet was protected & living her life so well until the last. You & Comet will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia
Ge'Lena,
I am speechless. I am shocked, but above all, I am so sorry. I didn't realize anything was going on with Comet. My heart goes out to you, the bond I have witnessed with you and her is intense and your love for her completely obvious. This has snuck up out of no where, how devistating.
I am sending you strength through my prayers in hopes that it will help you get through today. My prayers for Comet will be easy, she is very loved and so I ask for peace and for a perfectly whole body for Comet, so she can run and play, with always a clean bed for her until you see each other again. My heart has already been broken here, but it seems to be shattering once again for you and your beautiful girl. I am so sorry.
Elizabeth
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.
Oh my goodness, I am just so shocked to read this I don't even know what to say.
We all loved Comet here so much,but I know the pain and sadness we feel can't even compare to what you are feeling right now. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet, sweet Comet. Thankfully she didn't suffer and had you with her at the end. You have always been there for her, and you made her life so happy and special.
Bless you Ge'Lena,
Michelle
Ge'Lena, I am sitting here in total shock not knowing what to say. I am so, so sorry. I hope you can feel some kind of comfort in knowing she didn't suffer, it's what we all hope for when this time comes. You and Comet have been such a pillar of strength for everyone here at all times, I hope you feel the support from everyone here. You have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace dear Comet, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
OMG, Ge'Lena,
I was in shock to see this post this morning. My heart goes out to you in your HUGE loss of your beautiful girl.
Hugs to you,
Tracy & Maggie
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
there are no words to express the pain and sadness of this news. perhaps she wanted to go quickly, to save you the anguish of a long sad goodbye. our thoughts are with you, george and rocket. love never ends.
charon & gayle
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
Ge' Lena,
I am just so shocked, sad, my heart is breaking for you for the loss of Comet. I hope that you are able to take a little comfort that her last day you spent time doing some of Comets favorite things, she was happy and went quickly, she didn't suffer.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time of sadness, my heart aches for your loss and ours, we all love you Comet.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
I am in total shock! I go away for a few days, and come back to this??? I am so very sorry for your loss. You have been there for all of us, so now it's our turn to be there for you, and comfort you. Sending you lots of golden hugs. My heart is very sad today. with not only your loss but with our loss of Comet. She is now with Fortis, and all the other heroes who have passed.
Run free, Comet. And go find Skyler!
Cathy
I'm so sorry to hear the news. I'm glad you got to spend such a wonderfuol day and life together. Comet sounds like she was truly an amazing dog and you soulnd like a truly amazing owner. You found each other and that's an amazing thing in itself. So sorry for your loss. Big hugs
Oh Ge'Lena, I am so sad to be reading this. As I'm sure others will agree, I felt I knew Comet through all of your posts about her. I am so sorry this day has come. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope there is some comfort for you in knowing that you are the one who gave her the best life she possibly could have had. I am so glad you were the one who rescued her. Comet's memory will live on in this forum for a very long time, and that's a wonderful testament to how much she touched everyone here.
Take care,
Diane & John
Dear Ge'Lena,
I'm so so sorry. I loved Comet so much. She was so brave, so precious and such an inspiration to so many. Ge'Lena, you gave Comet a wonderful life. You protected and loved her and it is with you that she found comfort and peace. I know how much you are hurting and I only wish there were something I could do to help ease your pain. Please know that I'm thinking about you and that my heart is aching for you.
Comet was Fortis' sweetheart and although I know your heart is full of sadness I hope you find some comfort in knowing that they are now together. Fortis will protect her and watch over her until once again you are reunited with your dear dear sweet Comet.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, George and Rocket.
Brett
Ge'Lena,
I can't believe I'm reading this today- I only have a min, but couldn't continue at work without posting something. You gave Comet a wonderful life, one she didn't seem destined to have with her rough start.
You have been here for us as each of us as we have dealt with this part of our lives- please lean on us now so we can repay just a bit of the debt we owe to you and Cometdog.
Karen
Dear Ge'Lena
I know you already know how I feel but I want to, again, say how shocked and saddened I am by this terrible news.
Please know that I, too, am thinking of you. We have a strong south wind today and I'm hoping it will carry all my thoughts of comfort and strength to you during this time of unspeakable heartbreak.
Catie and Riley send their deep, sincere condolences too.
Carmen
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
5 Guest(s)
