Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My little Pom has her leg amputated last December due to cancer. The vet thought it would not return due to the type of cancer but after we noticed her panting was getting worse this month we took her into the vet. 2 xrays later we saw a big nodual on her lung and fluid around her lungs. I had a chest tap done to help her breath better last week and a meeting with an oncologist on Monday. The fluid was not cancerous but the growth in the lungs was already pretty large. The oncologist said it would be very hard to get a sample of the growth due to location in the lung and it would be hard on her body. She also said if it was cancer and they did surgery on her lungs to remove the part with the tumor that would only buy is around 2 more months.
We didn’t want to have to take her back to the very for a week or so but last night her breathing was SO BAD! I was so scared she was going to suffocate and die. We got her back into the vet today and they confirmed that there was now fluid in the lungs! She was very honest with us and said they could give her diratics and pain meds with she was really struggling to breath and was stressed. She then said “I can get her comfortable for the weekend but its very close to time to let her go, she’s struggling and it not going to get better. The pills are just a bandaid” and oh man that cut through my heart like a knife....yet I felt some relief that she will leave us while comfortable and with all of her humans holding her and loving her.
I’m dreading the day we take her in so much. I would really appreciate some advice on how to deal with it and how to help my father deal with it too. He loves this dog so much and seeing him sad is killing me more then my own heart break of losing her. Also some advice on just healing from all of this would be appreciated so much. I know I need to let her go but it’s going to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. My heart is so broken.
I'm so sorry to read this about Snookie. Unfortunately, for all of us, this is how the journey ends. It's never easy. My thoughts are with you.
I don't know if there is such a thing as advice on how to deal with it. It's personal and different for everybody. It's also hell for everybody. But you will get through it, even though it will often feel as though you never will.
- Give yourself time to grieve and heal. I think the biggest mistake people make is trying to set a limit. It doesn't work that way. It's been more than a year since Rocky went to the Bridge. I still feel it. And that's OK.
- Remember the good times with Snookie. You'll realize they far far outweigh any bad times at the end. As much as it hurts - and believe me, IT HURTS! - that pain is nothing compared to all the joy Snookie gave you, and you gave her. Don't forget that.
- Remember you did everything you could. And Snookie knows that and appreciates that and loves you for that. Don't second guess decisions you made. You did the best you could and made every decision with Snookie's well-being in mind.
- Listen to the people who understand. It sounds like your father is one of them. Pay no attention to those say "she was just a dog." They have no idea what they're missing out on.
- Be on the lookout for signs. Be it a penny or a cloud or a sounds, Snookie will let you know she's still around.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
This breaks my heart to read tonight. I am so very sorry, so very, very sorry sweet Snookie's earthy journey is ending.
David has shared so much wisdom with you in his post. He, like so many of us here, have been where you are and we understand yoir heartache like no others can.
You are doing the ultimate act of l9ve for Anookie. You are releasing her from her earthly body that can no longer serve her. You are not "letting her go". You are returning her beautiful vibrant Soul back home, unencumbered by pain, or age or disease. And Snookie is looking forward to that transition . She KNOWS she is still with you, just in differemt form.
Use this special time you and your Dad have with Snookie to talk with her. Sit beside her and recall some of the happy times you've had. Remind her of some of the silly things she did that made you laugh. Let her know you will be sad that she has s to transition , but you understand and you will be okay. Tell her to be sure and send you signs that she is still with yo.
Pack a little suitcase for her . Pack her favorite food in it. Pack a toy she likes. Maybe pack a piece of your clothing and your Dad's. Pack a photo of the three of you...one that she can show to everyone at the Rainbow Bridge when she brags about having the best life ever with you!!
Yes, use this time to reminisce and celebrate the special times you've had. And, of course, give her any piece of forbidden junk food she's never been allowed to have before! I gave my Happy Hannah some M&M's and her most favorite delicacy of all, a scoop of deer poop! I taped a lock of my hair over her heart, and I kept some of her fur with me.
Snookie will have the best send off any doggy could have. She will be surrounded by love. She will be applauded for being such a spectacular partner with you all these years. Yes, use this time to express your gratitude for allowing you the privilege to be in her life all thesenuears. And I can assure you, she feels just as privileged to have you by her side all these years.....and especially now.
We are here with you and for you. We also have the TRIPAWDS HELPLINE so don't hesitate to reach out, okay? 1- 844 -TRIPAWD
And re-read David's post again. Lots of support from someone who understands.
Surrounding you with our love and Snookie's eternal light.
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'm so sorry to hear this. This part is never easy but you have a lot of people here who understand.
David and Sally have good input. I lost my dog in May and will tell you my experience, but you may find things are different for you. We knew a day or two in advance that it was time and I spent the last day cuddling with her on the couch and sitting in the park with her. I found making the decision more difficult than when we actually went in for the appointment. It was sweet and calm and we shared stories with the vet during the process.
What helped me afterwards was thinking and writing and talking about all the ways Jack had changed my life and the people she had brought into it. We made several donations in her name to organizations that made it possible for me to take care of her when she was a stray and to bring her back to the US. Seeing the organizations use that money to improve other dogs' lives has brought me a lot of comfort. I've also taken the time I used to spend taking care of her to volunteer with cat rescue organization. Having a new community of animal lovers around me and a purpose has helped to bring me comfort as well.
I hope your time with her is peaceful and comforting. She knows you love her and that makes her one of the luckiest animals around.
becky111390 said
I’m dreading the day we take her in so much. I would really appreciate some advice on how to deal with it and how to help my father deal with it too. He loves this dog so much and seeing him sad is killing me more then my own heart break of losing her. Also some advice on just healing from all of this would be appreciated so much. I know I need to let her go but it’s going to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. My heart is so broken.
My heart aches for you and Snookie, your dad and your family. I'm so sorry. Getting near the end is sooo hard on everyone. Our family has only had to go through this one time, so in addition to the great advice everyone has offered already, I'll add:
Do your best to hold back the tears. When you feel like crying, go for a walk, just don't let her see you are upset. You want her to know that you are strong and can go on in her honor. When people and pets are in their last stages of life, it's difficult for them to transition on when they know that their loved ones are struggling with the time at hand. As Admin Guy told me when we were going through it, there will be plenty of time for tears later.
Surround yourself with people who understand, especially during the next few weeks after she gets her wings. If someone can't say anything compassionate, walk away. They don't get it, never will.
Know that Snookie was soooo much more than this awful disease. Nothing can take away the joy she brought into your life. She came to you for a reason, and now is the time to honor those gifts she gave, by remembering her as she would want you to.
I'm so very, very sorry. If you want to talk, the Tripawds Helpline
is always around OK? Let us know how you are doing, we are keeping you all in our hearts. 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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