Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Member Since:
31 May 2016

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22 May 2020 - 5:47 pm

Well, the time has come. I can barely type through the tears and honestly don't know how I'll have the strength to go through with it tomorrow, but his journey has come to an end. He had what was probably a seizure on Wednesday evening but recovered. I spoke to the vet on Thursday (couldn't get him in) who recommended chest x-rays. We had those done today. He has fluid around his lungs and they are basically collapsed. He isn't really showing any signs, but is breathing maybe a little harder than usual. Anyway, the vet said we could drain the fluid and have it tested, but that there is really nothing that can be done and told me that he thought it was his time. He wants me to bring him in tomorrow because he said this condition could get bad fast and didn't want me to have to take him to an ER vet.

So, I'll have my final night with Clyde the Wonder Dog. It will have been 4 years almost to the day of his diagnosis with osteosarcoma. I know how blessed I've been to have had him for so long. But its never enough and I will miss him every day forever.

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

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22 May 2020 - 8:26 pm

I’m really sorry. Thank you for letting us know, I can’t believe his four year miracle is winding down. What an amazing pup.

My heart is heavy knowing you and Clyde are at this point, we just never have enough time together. It’s the most difficult part of being a pet parent but your love for him will come through for you tomorrow as you put his needs first so that he will leave this earth in peace and without suffering. There is no greater gift, and none more selfless.

Know that we are keeping you in our hearts and sending Tripawd Power to help you find strength, now and always.

Please check in with us and let us know how you’re doing ok? We send lots of love to you and Clyde. Our Tripawd angels will be there for him when he is ready.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia

Member Since:
22 February 2013

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22 May 2020 - 8:27 pm

Oh my gosh, I can't believe what I'm reading. I was just thinking about Clyde today as an inspiration for somebody I was going to make a post to. Clyde is definitely a Beacon of Hope for any new person on this journey. I'm just so very very very very sorry you are having to go through this, but you are making the right decision. As your vet said, things can do down quickly when fluid is on the longs.

I've known clad Clyfe ever since day one and I have loved Clyde ever since day one. I've also had the privilege of witnessing firsthand a miracle in the making. The bond you two share and the depth of your devotion Knows No Limits. And I have no doubt that his what has helped Clyde beat this piece of crap disease for so long.

I really have no words right now. One thing I know for sure, your love is strong enough. To be fully present with Clyde as you celebrate him home and congratulate him for being the Beacon of Hope for so many. Right now, just going to be fully present with Clyde. He is with you now and you still have Treasured Memories to make as you celebrate the Treasured Memories every single day he has been in your life.

Give that sweet boy a kiss on the head for me tonight. He is my friend and he is a friend to everyone here.

Again, I really have no words. I'm just sending you love and strength and Clarity and peace. I can only imagine how good clad will feel when he sheds these Earthly clothes that no longer serve him. He will be greeted at the Rainbow Bridge with Jerry first in line to give him a purple heart for a job well done. There will be a band there playing When the Saints Go Marching that will be led by a Lab named Brownie. who just recently went to the bridge.

We are all holding you in their heart and sending you love as you celebrate Clyde home

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Mrrry 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!

brownie1201

Member Since:
4 April 2019

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23 May 2020 - 7:15 am

I'm so sorry to hear about Clyde. Four years is amazing, what a fighter he is. I am sure it was the love the two of you have for each other. I am not going to say that it gets better with time, because at this point I don't know since I currently said good bye to Brownie. But I do know Brownie will be there to great Clyde and will definitely show him where the best cookies are. Since your love is so huge for Clyde you will find the strength because you will put him first, before your own fears. Even though you pain is just beginning, you can rejoice in knowing that Clyde will never be in pain again...

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Virginia

Member Since:
22 February 2013

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23 May 2020 - 9:01 am

In my heart today❤❤❤ We're still by your side, just like we have been all three years....and will continue to be during this hard rime.❤❤❤

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

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23 May 2020 - 12:08 pm

Thinking of you and handsome Clyde today . . .

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
31 May 2016

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23 May 2020 - 7:02 pm

Thank you everyone. Today was so hard and yet so beautiful. Yesterday I spent a lot of time crying. I made Clyde steak for dinner, with a peanut butter chaser. A bedtime, he had as many treats as he could eat. I put him up on the bed with me (he's allowed but both of us have been nervous about him getting up there since he fell off when he had his vestibular issue a couple of years ago). He was breathing super rapidly and it took him quite a while to settle. Neither of us got much sleep, but he did seem comfortable eventually.

Today, more steak and peanut butter. I took him in the front yard, which his favorite place. We sat there for hours, just hanging out. I told him all the things I wanted to say to him. And he told me in his own way that he was ready - he just looked tired in his soul. He wanted to be free of his failing body.

Then to the vet. With COVID, I had to wait in the car with him until they set everything up. For once I was smart and brought a jar of peanut butter. So he licked peanut butter off my fingers while I sang to him, told him how much he was loved, and that soon he would be free of all pain and discomfort.

They had us go to a side yard - they have a large area there with fake grass and large awnings for shade. They had a big bed set up for him. He was kind of excited about the new place, but I got him settled on the bed, and I was on the ground just petting him and hugging him while we waited. I don't know if I told this story before, but about two weeks before Clyde was diagnosed 4 years ago, I had to have my then oldest dog, Murray, put to sleep. On that day, I took Murray for a very short walk in our neighborhood before going in. A hummingbird came to him and nearly landed on his head. That little bird followed us home and hung around for a while. To me, it was a sign that I was doing the right thing.

Well today, while we were waiting in the side yard, a hummingbird came over to us. It flitted around some flowers, and came over and just hovered there for a few seconds looking at us before it left. I've called hummingbirds "Murray birds" ever since that day I had him put to sleep, and it was extraordinary to me - Murray sent an emissary to let Clyde know he was waiting for him.

The vet was so kind. Although he'd told me on the phone that I'd have to move a bit away when he gave the injections, he didn't ask me to leave Clyde's side. Clyde was gone in under a minute - he was so ready to go to that big field I'd promised him he'd wake up in that he didn't wait any time at all. I stayed with him for a little bit afterwards. I told him again that I will always love him and that he was the bravest, goodest boy.

I was beyond blessed to have him 4 years almost to the day since his original diagnosis. He was diagnosed Memorial Day Weekend in 2016. He was so brave, and battled back from not only osteosarcoma, but a life threatening bowel obstruction and more recently, an injury to his elbow on his remaining front leg. I told him I was sorry I couldn't help him get better this time but that his next chapter was going to be so great and he'd be so happy running on ALL FOUR LEGS with his friends.

I ache with the loss. Of course, reminders of him are everywhere. Plus, he was a larger than life presence. Even though I have other dogs at home, the house feels so empty.

I hope Clyde's story has offered hope to people and their pets who are facing this battle - I plan to still visit this site and offer hope where I can.

I will miss him forever.

Kristin

Stacy

New York, NY

Member Since:
24 March 2020

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23 May 2020 - 7:30 pm

Kristin - I am so very sorry for your loss and so appreciative that you took the time to share the beautiful story of Clyde's last physical day. I know the universe sent you that hummingbird today to let you know that Murray would be waiting for his brother on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, along with all the other angel pups. And I know that you will see signs that Clyde is still with you in spirit. Clyde living 4 years after a diagnosis of OSA fills me with such hope for my pup, Griffin, who was diagnosed with OSA 2 months ago, so thank you for the gift of Clyde's story. May you find some moments of peace each day in this time of grief and may Clyde's memory be a blessing. sp_hearticon2 Stacy

Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin .tripawds.com

Virginia

Member Since:
22 February 2013

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23 May 2020 - 8:00 pm

Crying so hard right now. And I know you were struggling thru the tears to get this typed.

Let me tell you, this is one of the most beautiful "from the heart tributes" any dog could ever have. And as hard as it was to share here, the loving way you made sure his freedom run to the Bridge and his time leading up to his freedoms run to the Bridge was so beautiful. CLyde made sure he gave you peace and clarity today.

I DO remember Murray had passed. I was waiting g for your post to ight to assure you that Murray was there to welcome Clyde home. And just as Clyde brought comfort to Murray (16 yrs young) as he ran free, Murray brought Clyde comfort when they saw each other at the Bridge. And I'm sure they both spent a lot of time licking each others face, just like here on earth.

But Kriston, the story of the HUMMINGBIRD blew me away!! Just blew me away!! Through all the tears I started grinning because I have NO doubt, ZERO doubt, that it was Murray's energy guiding that Humminbird to you. We always talk about when our Spirit energy connects with us, communicates with us. It usually doesn't happen this quickly though and with such a SPECIFIC way so uou would DEF know every was okay now AND, Clyde and Murray are both with you always!!❤❤

Clyde's story is shared so often here. Yes, it's bec he is cute and adorable and fun and smart. But it's also because CLYDE INSPIRES HOPE!! CLYDE SHOWS STATISTICS DON'T MEAN SQUAT!!. And another import reason Clyde will always be a Legend around here, is because he did his joirneymhis way and didn't do chemo. New members often struggle whether or not to do chemo. Clyde story brings balance and clarity when trying to make that decision

So yes, Clyde will ALWAYS be remembered here! His life mattered on so many levels, but he definitely had a purpose of hope when he came here. And he fulfilled his purpose perfectly.

We are so privileged to be on this journey with you and Clyde. And you both were priv to jave each other in uour lives.

We know your grief will be git wrenc for awhile. We k ow the void and change in routine is awful. We also know with absolute certainty all the thousands of happy times you and Clyde shared will help push the sadness further and further away. When you feel like it, we hope you will share more of thos boy's glorious earth life.

Tonight I'm going to have a "pea ut butter toast" with my dogs to help celebrate Clyde. And, btw, make sure you have a Hummingbird feeder in your yard. Clyde and Murray will come by to say hello.

With love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie

Virginia

Member Since:
22 February 2013

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23 May 2020 - 8:09 pm

PS:

When a hummingbird flies, his wings form the pattern of the infinity symbol. This speaks to his message of infinity and eternity.

On The Road

Member Since:
24 September 2009

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24 May 2020 - 1:14 pm

Kristin, I have tears in my eyes, and my heart aches for your grief. I'm so sorry.

Clyde had the most perfect transition anyone could ever hope for, and to have Murray show up was just so incredible (did you know that it's said in many folklore traditions that spirits of our beloved deceased relatives return to us as birds?). What a sign that those two boys are together, forever free of pain and oh so beautiful! I hope that magical moment sustains you as you get used to life without Clyde's physical presence in your home, and hope that it brings you comfort knowing that his soul surrounds you with love, now and always.

Yes, he will always be an inspiration to us and everyone who joins our community. Four years after a cancer diagnosis is remarkable on so many levels. It has been our honor to be a part of your journey with him. Thank you so much for that.

Please feel free to share more of the good times you shared with him, he was such a great dog!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
31 May 2016

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25 May 2020 - 11:17 pm

I took this picture (along with many, many others) in the morning before taking him in. I didn't really look at it until later - I'm so happy I captured this moment.

This has been so hard. Harder than others that I've gone through. I think I've gotten through most of the "firsts" - like the first time waking up without him, first time feeding the other dogs without him, etc. I gave some things I had for him (flea control, supplements, etc) to my neighbors who have a cute little pitty who is big enough for them - the little guys are too small for the dosages.

My three little guys are all missing him too, especially Rudy who was particularly bonded to him. I've been a wreck, and am not looking forward to having to concentrate at work tomorrow - I'm working from home right now, and Clyde was always there on a bed in my office. So tomorrow will be another "first" to get through.

Thanks to all of you for your beautiful words, they mean a lot.

Member Since:
31 May 2016

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25 May 2020 - 11:24 pm

This is Clyde with baby Rudy - probably taken about a week or so after I adopted Rudy. Clyde was the best big brother a tiny puppy could ever have! He was so patient with Rudy, who would sleep on him regularly, and even after growing up, Rudy still used Clyde as a giant pillow - I'd find Rudy draped over Clyde while chewing on a toy. Rudy also used to "decorate" Clyde regularly by laying toys all over him. And Clyde would just tolerate all the puppy stuff along with everything else. Such a good boy.