Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog is on month three of her chemo treatments. She was doing so well. Then this past week I’ve seen a bit of a decline. I was told the prognosis was 6-8 months, but this is looking like that won’t be the case. She goes in on Monday for her reevaluation. I’m having a really tough time coping with this. I can’t function. This has been my best friend for 16 years. I know the end is coming but I just don’t know how to accept it. I just can’t stop crying. It’s just been me and her for so many years. She’s my best friend. Please help me with how y’all came to terms with the this for your pet.
Jeremy I'm sorry to hear she's not her usual self this week. It's super easy at a time like this to think the worst. We all do it. But you never really know what's going on. She could just be tired from all the fun she's been having. We can't all be 100% energetic, right? We all have off days or weeks. And since you don't have x-ray vision, only when she sees the vet on Monday can you know for sure hopefully what's happening. That isn't too far away and we will keep our paws crossed they will find that this is something totally easy to resolve, and not at all related to her cancer.
Meanwhile, so how do you cope and stay present without mourning while your girl is still here? That's what we all struggle with! It's a tough thing to Be More Dog as we say, but it worked for us. The first step is to remember that someday there will be plenty of time for tears, but this isn't the time. She is still here with you and the same dog she always was. And she wants you to remain your usual self, and do all your usual things together as best she can.
You can also remember that acceptance doesn't mean goodbye right now. It means that you realize that all living things have a cycle, and someday she will reach that point in the cycle where her physical body no longer serves her. You will too, we all will. But right now, she's with you, and if you let your grief get in the way of your time together, then cancer wins. Don't let it.
Here's an article we wrote about preparing for pet loss, which has some resources to check out. There is also a really good book called The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer that I found helped me cope with Jerry's inevitable passing. And whenever you feel like talking, we are here for you too so please keep us updated on how you are doing.
Jeremy, Jerry has given you such wise words of comfort and reassurance. I can only say ditto and to please read her response several times over.
We understand where you are right now and how your mind can take you to worst case scenarios instead of best case scenarios. As Jerry i said, the solution is to stay fully present, Be More Dog and don't let any of the fears interfere with your time together now.
Again, reread Jerry's reply and I hope you can find some Solace and some reassurance in her Sage advice. We've all been where you are, or we are where you are, or we will be where you are sometime in the future. Just know that we understand and are sending you our love and positive energy for a good check up Monday.
((((((((((Hugs))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thank you for this Jerry. It’s been a hard week. I am saying goodbye to my baby tomorrow. I am just absolutely shattered. She’s been my best friend and rock for 16 years. But she’s in pain and the cancer has now spread to her other leg. I don’t wanna be without her. I’m taking this so hard. She’s the absolute best thing that’s ever happened to me. I feel like I’m going to be so alone without her. I just keep talking to her and telling her I love her and that she’s the best dog in the world. But I know it’s time. She’s ready. But I’m not ready. I don’t think I’ll ever be. No time is enough time.
Nooooo! I'm so sorry for this awful news 
. Thank you for letting us know, it's not an easy thing to write, nor is it the news any of us were hoping for. We can do all the right things and still this disease will do what it wants when it wants sometimes. It's the cruelest situation.
You're right, we are never ready for this time. You have walked side-by-side with Zoey all these years, and that is a long, long time. You stuck by her when things go really hard. And you aren't leaving her now, by allowing her to suffer. This is the hardest decision to make because we worry about being alone, and without our beloved dog. Many people delay it until things get really, really bad. But by putting her needs ahead of your grief, and giving her the send-off she deserves, you are paying her the highest honor. It's what all dogs want from the people they trust so much, and she is so grateful that you got to be her dad.
All of us stand by your side, and are sending lots, and lots of love to you both. Please give Zoey lots of love and kisses from us, and tell her our fur kids will be waiting for her at the Bridge. And remember we are always here for you OK? Your journey won't be over tomorrow, there's still so much learning and growth, and if there is anything we can do please drop by and lean on us.
Ohhh dear Jeremy. We KNOW how your jeart os breaking in two. We DO cry with you and oir jeart hirt with you.
As always, Jerry jas given heartfelt words of comfort and support and I can only say ditto.
We are sending you and Zoey our love ♥️. You two have a beautiful bond thst can never be broken
With lpve,
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
I just wanted to say that I am thinking of you and Zoey and sending love. It’s very clear that the two of you share such a strong and beautiful bond. . The decision you have taken to release her from her pain is truly loving and courageous and you have my utmost admiration and respect
It sounds trite to say that she will always be with you but in my experience it is also absolutely true. Though at the time of their passing the pain seemed to obliterate everything, I have found that in time there is a sort of rebalancing and the pain of the end and even the struggles of aging and sickness fade into the background and my dogs come back to me as they were when they were young and vigorous and healthy and full of life.
Love, Clare xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 20 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Clare....your words of comfort.......♥️♥️♥️
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!
Thank you all for your kind words and support. This week has been agonizing and has also felt like the longest time. As fate would have it, there was a change in the schedule and they had to postpone it another day. So my best little buddy is now scheduled to cross the rainbow bridge on Friday at 4:45. Welcome to island life I guess. We don’t have many services down here for pets. I was having to driving about 4 hours one way to get her chemo treatments every 3 weeks. Tomorrow I plan on making her some good food, maybe a juicy cheeseburger and, since she has trouble walking right now, I’m going to hold her in my arms and walk her around the island so she can watch the wild roosters roam about. It was always her favorite. I’m attaching a video from just a few weeks ago when she could still chase them.
I know this pain will get better over time and I know that it’s the right thing to do, but I am so terrified to go through with this on Friday. I just can’t imagine my life without those big beautiful puppy eyes looking back at me and seeing that little tail wag with excitement every time she would see me walk through the door, or how she would always go looking for me when I wasn’t right next to her. I’ve never experienced a love like this in my 42 years of existence. My life just won’t be the same. I’m sorry for the rant. I feel like a broken record lately. Even to her I just keep saying over and over again, “I love you. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life.” And she just looks right into my eyes and I know she hears me. I’m just completely shattered. Thank you again for everyone’s kind words. And Jerry you are a wise one. Thank you.
Jeremy♥️ For some reason in a Universe sort of way, the transition was delayed. My guess is she's holding out for the cheeseburger and the opportunity to have you carry her around to look at those roosters. Staying in the moment, living in the now, not thinking about the tomorrows, that's the hardest thing to do right now is actually a little technique that you might try to snap you back to the present anytime you start going down that rabbit hole. Put a rubber band around your wrist and every time you find yourself not fully present in the moment with her, snap it. Snap it hard. Snap it so it hurts and jokes you back into the present. We are here with you Jeremy. We are right by your side. Now go make that Tail Wag of hers. She wants to see you smile back at her.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie♥️ 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!
Jeremy you are so kind. Thank you.
I hope today is spent doing all the things that make you both happy, creating beautiful memories that will stay in your heart and bring you comfort.
Didn't realize you live on an island somewhere. Wow. You're right though, island time is different that's for sure. There's a reason her appointment got moved, and whatever it is, make the most of this time together.
You can lean on us my friend, we get it.
P.S. Did you share your video on YouTube? Put the URL here and we can see it. 
That video is priceless! We see what you mean about her enjoyment from chasing roosters! This is such a wonderful reminder to tell you how she has lived life to the fullest. Even though things have slowed down the last week, she still is enjoying being with you and will clearly enjoy having you walk her around the island in your arms.
(((((((((([(Hugs))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and FRANKIE 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!
She’s gone. I’m so completely gutted. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life and I keep replaying it over and over again. Here’s a little video to recap her wonderful life. I had thousands of photos and photos so it was really hard to choose. But this pain is just unbearable 💔
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