Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm smiling through tears.... my heart knows exactly how you feel, yet I smile because I am so glad you got that extra time!
How blessed you were to have those last few weeks... we all would have traded our right arm, well.. maybe not my arm... but possibly my first born..( lol ) for more weeks... and YOU GUYS GOT THEM!!!! You got extra Jackson time... extra lovings, extras strokes of the head, legs, back, paw, belly.... and the best part of those extra times are that you realize just how special, how precious, how memorable those times were.... and they will always be with you....
I thought I heard a rukus above... and that is because Jackson arrived!!! woot woot.. the pawty continued through the night.. kept me tossing and turning.. but I didn't have the heart to tell them to all be quiet and go lie down.. after all.. there were banana eating contests happening.. and puppy tag and tug of war events going on... and I could hear all those tongues lolling, and the panting, that came with those puppy grins as they all enjoyed the games!! I mean seriously.. do you know how fast these guys are with 4 legs again...!!!
The pain is there.. but so is Jackson. The pain is in your heart.. in your head.. in your soul.. BUT SO IS JACKSON!!!!
He'll always be there.. and when the pain does fade.. Jackson won't!! He will still be there.. and the love and bond you felt with Jackson will still be there..
The pain is our price for Love.. and we pay it. And we don't mind paying.. as a matter of fact, I am more then willing to pay it to celebrate the love that I had before it.
You know we are all here, when we can be, to hear you scream, share your stories, grieve along wth you... cause those of us who have lost, understand. And those who have not lost yet, can only imagine, yet they know how you feel as well.
Cry.. and smile.. they can go together.
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
I keep coming back to post here and I just can't. We've spoken...you know how I feel about you and Jackson. I am so heartbroken. I love you guys and my heart is aching with you....if I could get on a train to you now I would!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I remember when Brendol went running to the Bridge you and Jackson had a "bubble popping paaty" in her honor.
Happy Hannah sent me this from the Bridge. She said that when they found out Jackson was coming, they broke out a bushel of bananas to celebrate.
In honor of Jackson.......
VID_20140101_113308.3gp:
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!
Katy,
I'm so sorry for your loss of your precious Jackson. Your tribute to him is absolutely beautiful and so well said. Jackson knows how loved he was and that he was the light within your pack. I know things are dim now but the constant excruciating ache in heart will get better...it just takes time. And I can totally relate to the silence in a home that makes you want to leave and not come back. My husband and I experienced that after Leland's passing. We'd find reasons not to be there until time for bed.
You and your husband just take time (if you can) to be there for each other. This is definitely the toughest part within this journey. But like you said Jackson is healthy and happy there at the Bridge. He was greeted by all his Tripawd brothers and sisters that have gone before him. And Jackson will be there waiting for you to greet you when it's your time to leave this earth.
Sending you and your husband a hug!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thank you all for your love and support and knowing words. I am, though, going to remain firm that cancer did ruin us and him. No, not while he was here - while here, we lived it up, had a ball, and enjoyed every moment. Sometimes we made moments and other times it was the routine that affirmed our bond. But, he's gone. And what took him? Cancer. He was going strong and beating OSA. If anything OSA lost. But HSA still took him. It robbed him of more time, more love, more memories, more balls, more bananas, more veggies, more car rides, more camping trips, more spring breezes, more summer grass... It ruined his future. It ruined our future.
He's now been gone for 24 hours. My eyelids are about 5x thicker than they should be. I am crying from deeper within my soul and body than I knew possible. It hurts. It hurts bad. I frankly am having a hard time comprehending he's not coming back. That it's over. That he died in my arms. It just doesn't seem real. After 10+ years and the Tripawd fight, to all of a sudden have that removed, well, you know: it's empty. It's lonely. It's deafening. There's a huge hole in my heart and my soul. I swear part of my identity, my personality is gone. We bond and with the Tripawd fight, there's a sense of battling every day. I no longer have that war to wage. I'm feeling aimless. What I was fighting for is gone. What now?
I WANT MY DOG BACK! My life was great with Jackson. COME BACK!
I know to look for pennies. I need them badly. I need to know he's OK. I've been watching over him for 10+ years, and most intensely the last 2+ years. I need to know you're OK, Jackson. Please. COME BACK TO ME!
~ Katy, begging for Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
elizabeth said
I was just thinking about you guys earlier. My heart is aching and I am a sobbing mess. Cancer didn't ruin him....it may have taken his body but his spirit, his love it will never ever touch. He had a great life, with people who LOVED him to pieces. I can see his happiness beaming through his eyes and smile in that picture. You guys gave him more than any dog could ever ask for, and you gave him the last selfless act of love you could possibly give him, peace. Sorry for my language but F you hemangiosarcoma!! HSA took my Jake and it's taken some of good friends on heres pups, and it may have taken their bodies but their souls are free. I just know the gang welcomed him home, tails wagging.....Jake had the tugawar toys and party favors laid out, Hannah had cake and ice cream, Shelby had the party hats ready, Ty and Polly had the music blasting and Jerry was making sure everything was perfect. The whole tripawd gang was gathered around waiting for him and oh what a party they must be having!
Run Free Jackson and many many hugs to you today Katy
Elizabeth, this was a fantastic post in tribute to Katy's Jackson, your blue-eyed angel Jake and all the other Tripawd angels you mentioned.....yeah, they were all busy preparing for Jackson's arrival at the Bridge! And I am one that truly agrees with your post on hemangiosarcoma, F-YOU HSA !!!!!!
Katy, we do understand the extreme anguish of loss of our most beloved Tripawds, it hurts deeper than we ever thought possible, and beyond what our souls even reach....Take your time to grieve, it will seem to last forever, but eventually some of the worst pain will subside......we are all always here for you.
{{{Hugs}}}
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew
Katy I am just dying inside for you, god do we know what this moment feels like for you. To beat one cancer only to have that awful piece of shit HSA blind side you and take it all. It sucks, it hurts like hell. It throws you right into a hole you feel you will never ever get out of. You have to lean on Jackson, HE will pull you out of it. He will let you know he's ok, I am SURE of it. It took months for Jake to send me a penny, but when he did I felt a HUGE sense of relief. Jackson will let you know. Don't just look for pennies, he may be sending other signs too, so keep your eyes open.
HUGS
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Katy, so many of us know EXACTLY how you're feeling. I've had those swollen eyelids and I felt as you do, what do I do now?....preparing her food and meds and comparing notes with people here, all just abruptly stops. I know it hurts, it's hard, it's everything bad. It doesn't fully sink in and you think in your mind, if only for a quick second, that they'll be right back....this can't be for real.
Please feel my hugs. My heart feels everything you are feeling. Hang in there, my friend.
Love and hugs,
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Katy,
we are all heartbroken, and fully understand what you are going through.
The fact that our furbabies, with or without OSA and HSA, will stay with us less than we would want is once of the downsides of letting a dog or cat into our lives and into our hearts. The trade-off, though, is well worth it. You had more than 10 wonderful years with Jackson. You had 2+ years post-amp, which was a true blessing you and Jackson received.
Cry, cry, have some wine, cry some more, go to the movies, work,work,work, have some more wine.
We have seen some tripawd parents write wonderful letters to their dogs and cats when they departed for the bridge. It could be a good exercise to help you put it all out.
tight hugs from Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Katy,
No simple words can give you true comfort during this terrible time, but please know that you do not grieve alone. Those of us that have been here for awhile understand that when you join this community you gain a family and we all grieve the loss of one of our babies. Yes, it is different for us but Lord knows we understand your pain and we hurt for you. We all handle this loss differently. Some put away the bowls and beds immediately and some leave them out - some get a new dog right away and some can't imagine doing that - some want to talk about it and some can't bring themselves to. There is no right or wrong, just what gives you comfort and please know that we are here to help however we can. We understand, I promise. So, please just know that you have a whole community of folks who are praying for you in these difficult days.
Jackson is not gone. He's just away for right now. Waiting for you in a place that is so beautiful, so happy and so peaceful that our minds cannot even imagine. Hold him close to your heart, and know that you will see him again soon.
Lisa
Oh! And P.S. - don't just look for pennies! Jackson will send you a sign that you will KNOW is from him. Although I have found a couple of pennies at very odd places and times that I truly believe were a sign from my boys, Zeus sent us an undeniable one. The day he left us we left the vet and could not bear to go home, so we stopped at the grocery. Got out of the car and in the sky was the strangest broken "rainbow" despite the fact that it had not rained for days. The sense of peace that I felt the moment I saw it was incredible. I snapped a pic and posted it here only to learn that the odd sight was actually known as a "Sun Dog". 
He will send you a sign.
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Katy I'm so glad you were in the chat earlier, I was worried about you and just feel terrible that you are going though this. I hope that our convo helped if just a little. Please know that you are in all of our thoughts and hearts and you are not alone in this grief. There are so many of us here who understand the kind of deep loss you are feeling right now, and we will listen to you vent and scream and cry and do whatever it takes to process Jackson's passing. There is no one right way to go through this, it just has to happen on its own terms.
Never forget that Jackson is still with you. I'm guessing that a scientific-minded person like yourself might have a harder time with a concept like this, but that's just a guess, I really don't know. But what I do know is this..that although every living thing eventually dies, only the physical form of it does. The spirit, the soul, the energy, that just shifts into something new and more beautiful, because it's eternal and never, ever dies. Jackson surrounds you, now and always. He will leave signs in so many ways, but only when you're ready to see them. Don't look too hard, they are there.
Try not to look at this last battle of Jackson's as a failure. It was just such a small part of his existence, it didn't define him or steal what you had together. He was so much more than that, your bond is stronger than cancer will ever be.
xoxoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry for your loss! He no longer hurts. It is our responsibility as humans, if we decide to go and domesticate, which I basically translate to (make dependent) another living being, that we let them go easy, with dignity and respect.
Again I'm so sorry for what you're going through right now. We will be here for you.
Katy, I have tears streaming down my face right now. We understand here. I think this community is what got me through losing TY. It will be a year in 2 weeks. I so well remember being away and it hitting as I was coming down my road, that he wasn't going to be there when I got back. I couldn't throw anything away.mjust last night, I found an old vet bill. Why in the world would I need a vet bill? It was his. No, it won't bring him back, but it is still his. I find I am reading them with more clarity than when I was in the midst of the battle. Maybe I need to read them. I made a memory garden for him last year and found that helped a bit. He liked it, I think, he even left a sign there for me. Not a penny, but 3 leaves in a row with A 4th over to the right side. Perfectly lined up. He was a right , front amp. Be open, he will let you know he is ok. His body may be sleeping, but his soul is very, very much alive. It is just so hard to not have the physical being of our precious pup there to hold and hug. Where they are though, I think is beyond anything we can imagine. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. We have heard I all. We are a judgement free zone here. Sort of like Planet Fitness, but without the exercise. Seriously, I felt so much love and understAnding here. My friends and family did not get it. You all here did. Thinking of you today , Lori, Ty & the gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Katy and Hubby,
I'm so very sorry to read about Jackson's passing. I haven't been on here for a week and was wondering how he was doing. It sounds like he went peacefully which is a blessing in itself. I know people will try and cheer you up, that's human nature. I was so angry when my Maggie passed nothing anyone could say or write could help until I got to that place emotionally where I could accept the condolences gracefully. Jackson was an amazing pup and all future tripawds will be inspired by his story.
Sincerely Penny and her Gang
Oh Katy, I'm speechless. Reading your posts tears at my heart. Praying God wraps you with His blanket of love that smells like Jackson.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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