Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Everyone,
Our Sweetpea on Sept 2nd passed away and I can not beleive how hard it has been. Last night was really hard- with going in to the new year without her by our side. I talk to her up in Heaven all the time:) There are times- we think maybe we should of waited a little longer and then we see the pics/video taken right before she passed and she looked so tired. I am so sorry to all that have lost their precious babies and may God bless you with a peaceful heart, donna
I'm so sorry.
I lost two within five weeks of each other between Christmas and early Feb 2008/9 and I still can't look at the pictures of Renie from that December without pain. She had a tumour and it wasn't detected early enough to do anything about. I look at those pictures and think 'I should have known' ... but how could I have done? The vet didn't!
Things get better in time, but there are always 'what ifs'. I have heard and said this so many times, but it's still worth repeating when someone is hurting like you: Better a day too early, than a day too late.
Isn't it better to send them off before they are in extremis? Before they have uncontrollable pain? Before they are actually gasping for breath? Every case is different, and everyone knows their own dog better than I do, but that is my maxim. If we can spare them the worst, isn't that a loving thing to do? It's mostly us that suffer, afterwards.
You did what was right and your decision was made with love. Take comfort in that.
I think the first year is hard- and the first Holidays without are really hard. Of course you remember and want things the way they used to be.
And I think it is normal to question if we did the right thing at the right time- you are lucky to have those videos to look at. As hard as it is to see Sweet Pea so tired- it lets you see that you did the right thing for her. One of the gifts Maggie left me with was letting me know she was done. I have no doubt I did the right thing, and that brings peace in difficult times.
It gets better- I promise. We just had our third Christmas without Maggie. She was the one who loved to open packages and see what was inside. We have tried to get the other pugs interested, but it was Maggie's thing. The first Christmas it was sad- but now it brings smiles remembering how much she enjoyed Christmas.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Donna, many hugs are coming your way today.
We totally understand how these holidays and milestones bring back such bittersweet emotions. They do make you question your decision, don't they? It's hard not to, but when these milestones pass, clarity returns, and you will feel confident once again. Four years after my passing, there are times when my people wonder if they acted too soon, but like Sweetpea, the photos from my last day said it all. I was ready.
Our first Christmas without being together as a pack was really, really hard. Like Maggie, Christmas was my thing! I loved unwrapping pressies and playing with Christmas wrapping. We really miss being together this time of year.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm sorry, Donna. I know it's rough. I wish I had magic words to make it easier, but I don't. Unfortunately, we all have to find our own way through this mine field of emotions. The gratifying thing about this site, of course, is that you're in good company and nobody's going to tell you to get over it. We all heal in our own time, and things like holidays can make it worse. I do understand, and I am so sorry.
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/
Everyone says the first milestones are the hardest and they are so right! It has been nearly 8 months since we said goodbye to Magnum and I found the month leading up to Christmas the toughest since those first few months. I have been missing her so much and I also had those old doubts surface - did we act too soon? I do believe that 1 day soon is better than 1 day late and I try to always remember that when I'm having any doubts.
I hope you can find some peace Donna. We are always here.
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/
The firsts are truly the hardest. Some faiths have a year long grieving period and it makes sense. I realized yesterday that this is the first year since 1997 without Lupe and I completely lost it. But I know in time the pain and grief become less raw and intense. I still cannot look at the pics I have of Lupe on her last day, I scroll through them on my phone so quickly and won't let anyone look at them.
You are in my thoughts and sending you so many hugs.
Best,
Kori & Angel Lupe
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
The firsts are definitely the hardest. Time helps us heal, but each of us has to face the challenge of life without them on our own terms. Many of us continue to fight the 'what if' demon along the way, even though we know in our hearts we gave it our all.
Many good thoughts to you as you continue to heal.
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.
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