Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm so sorry. This part is so so hard. I lost my girl on March 2nd and I can relate 100%. Coming home to an empty house was heart breaking. Stay connected here. We are all here for you and have been through exactly what you are going through. My heart aches for you. You and your family will be in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jackson will continue to watch over and guide you. RIP sweet Jackson. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
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.
Oh Katie....I am sorry for your loss of your sweet Jackson. The world just gained an other angel. Jackson will always be our hero and my heart ah wake what you are going through right now. We've been eerie and the tears feel like they I'll never stop and the pain is unreal. Stay close to us and know we are all crying wit you.
Sorry for for typos and to be brief but I cannot type ontos iPad and. I'm out of town but wanted to reach out. HSA is awful. It just is a cruel cancer.
I am so sorry and sending love and hugs.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I have found that printing out lots of Jackson's photos around the house helps tremendously. I'm sure that could make others cry, but I have found that I've frankly been desperate to see his face. I need to see my dog! I'm able to work well with his beaming, smiling face cheering me on. He's reminding me how awesome his life was and how much he loved his life.
This weekend Mike and I took off for Boston. It's nearby and we've been many times, so it was an easy weekend trip that required no plans or planning. We had to get away. Change the scenery. Leave an empty home. Get out! It was fantastic. We spent time at bars going through photos and videos and telling stories. We didn't cry. We smiled. We laughed. We shook our heads. We reminded each other that he was awesome, he made us awesome, and that we're awesom-er because of him. It was warm and special and just what we needed.
Coming home to an empty house was bad. We're slowly, sooooo slowly getting used to it. We hate it. We miss him SO much. So much! We'd give anything to get our buddy back! But at least now we're getting used to seeing his toys out and not collapse in teary fits. I'm still having a hard time realizing that he's gone - that he died. He died in my lap. It's just so hard to comprehend.
His cheery face all over our home, though, has made it so much better. Oh, how I want to stroke his muzzle and kiss his forehead and whisper "goodnights" to him like always...
We saw a front-amp Tripawd in Boston and we cheered out "we're huge fans of Tripawds!" and that brought the owner joy! I wish I had run over to give some pats and well-wishes, though. I don't think that's a sign from Jackson. I'm still waiting... waiting for a sign my buddy is OK...
~ Katy, with Jackson on heart
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!
KATY!! HAVE YOU SEEN HIS BANNER YET???? HAVE YOU SEEN IT? It just popped up a minute ago!! Itsw glorious Katy, just glorious!!!
#$#*$#*....every single time I try and write, I just get blankety blank upset and become wordlless! But you ha v e described the pain from a heart thst is broken and from a place that we all go back to way too quicly and too "real"
Others have said their sentiments so beautifully and with such heartfelt feelings. I keep saying "ditto" over and over in my head..
Thank you soooooo much for sharing your feelings. And I'm so glad you and Mike were able to celebrate Jackson this week end. And the reality of coming home and he's "not there". I'm not sure we tripawd people ever get over thst little tug at the heart when we come home...when we get up..when we go to bed......
These lictures...yes!! :This is JACKSON!! And Jackson remained Jackson all the way!!!! His love for you and your lpve for him...this is what g ave Jackson the edge!!!
We all love you and Jackson so much...we are always with you!
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Really glad to hear that you got away for a few days, that sounds like a great prescription for the blues. And you know what? I think that your adventure really was a sign from Jackson. He gave you an extra burst of energy to get you up and out of the house and doing something that you probably didn't think you could do a day before. Jackson, tough guy that he was, was like "Mom, stop being sad, darnit, and get outside and PLAY!" And you did. And that's a great way to honor his wishes for you and the hubby.
As for seeing a Tripawd....you know three-leggers are kinda rare. Something tells me your curmudgeon arranged that too!
I really enjoyed seeing Jerry's photos and movies after he passed. I know that for some that's completely the opposite thing they want to do but it worked for me, and I'm glad it's helping your heart too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so happy you and Mike were able to get away for a bit. And to see another Tripawd...that was definitely Jackson letting you know that he's still right there with you.
And heck I still have pictures of my Leland all OVER my office...Lucian only has my screen saver on my computer. At home my photo album that I put together for Leland sits right at the top of my chest of drawers so I see his handsome face every morning. People are different...like you I still need images of my Leland all around me but others may not be able to do that because it brings too much pain. You and Mike are finding your way through the grief and we're all here supporting you.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
P.S. Jackson does have an infectious smile!! Look at his pictures has me smiling...
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!
Now that I am back at a normal computer (not an ipad) I am still sooooooo sorry for your loss. the pain is awful (as you have stated) but I'm glad you were able to get away for a few days.
As far as the stuff, well I have a bag of Shelby's toys under my bed sealed away, her bed that she passed on (on my lap as well) in the back of my car still (we did it at the beach by our house) and photos! Oy... people think I have shrines for Shelby all over my tiny apt. I need to consolidate but for the most part, it's like Shelby is still there. She is STILL my Facebook profile photo and background, the background on my ipad and iphone ... I cannot bear to change any of those. And so I don't.
So I'm w/the others ...photos help and they heal.
Hugs and love!
alison
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
It's been a week. How has that happened? How has he been gone for that long? In one way, it feels like he's out visiting a friend and will be back any moment. In another way, this week without him has been long. Painful. Sad. Empty. Aimless. It has been forever. When are you coming home, Jackson? When? We miss you SO much. The mailman came by again today and, like always, left a treat for you with my package. I had to go out and tell him, or rather, let my tears tell him you're gone. He had noticed you weren't barking at him the last few visits. Geez, how I miss you. You're my buddy! You're our dog. Our furbaby. You made us a family, a pack. Every day, every small moment is lacking and empty without you. It's astounding how many areas of our lives you inserted yourself. Now that you're gone, these events are dreadful. I came home late last night, after hubby had gone to bed, and all lights off. I opened the door and I'd usually get a sleepy,but exuberant waggly butt and kissy face greeting. I didn't. Nor will I. I tossed and turned in bed. I had no Jackson to tuck in, to kiss good night, and to tuck me in. Oh, sweetie, I miss you. We miss you. We're just so so sad.
So sad.
~ Katy, with Jackson on her heart
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!
I'm gonna try and "copy" something dear Martha snd her Oaktown Pack wrote me the day after Happy Hannah crossed over. It's jist shy of one year now and I still have these kinds of days outlined in this. How we all wish we could take your pain away, but we know we can't. We can inly say we understand and, even though it doesn't feel like it, you WILL get through this. And the reason you will is because you jave a legacy to carry on for Jackson! He has a story of hope and insiratiin that MUST be told! His life matters!! His life made a difference and will continue to make a difference!!
But right now, just take one breath at a time. I would get up and drive down the driveway because it was just too sad to stay in the void..the grey silent empty void. Then zi woukd turn right around because I couldn't stand to be "away from her"...even though she wasn't there. No reason to rush home...not much of a reason to do anything iis what it felt like.
STAY CONNECTED TO US!!! The support will get you through. We will carry you when you can't stand. Joirnal your thoughts every day here withnus...ten times a day if that will help.
And through the tears I continue to smile with every single photo of Mr. JACKSON! Such a happy boy...soo lpved! And your love is still with him, just as his love ks still with you
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!
Dear Katy and hubby,
I just read the sad news. My heart breaks for you both. There's no way to prepare for losing anyone we love.
I always was so happy to read of your ongoing journey with Jackson. He was truly amazing. A dog with an enormous heart and will. He really became an inspiration for all here. For those that had gone through their terrible loss and for those who were looking for guidance and something to hold on to during their journeys with their babies. Jackson gave them hope,courage and brought smiles.
Since our loss of Snoop I've asked myself did the cancer change him, or us I think it changed us. I'm hoping for the better. Snoop well He was just a happy loving boy all the way to the end. Always smiling wagging that tail, and giving kisses and love.
We still miss him every day. It's still hard to talk without tears, but there are also smiles and laughter.
When I found this wonderful site there just over 5000 members now over 7000. None of us would of ever wanted to come here but so thankful that we found it. It's a rough road for us all. Here we all understand and wish we could make this process easier.
We're all so different in what helps us work through loss. You need to find where that journey takes you.
Katy and hubby may you find peace in your hearts with time. Jackson was so special so loved and you all were fortunate to have had each other.
Our deepest sympathies,
Esther and her Angel Snoop
Well said Esther...
Thinking of you EVERYDAY Katy. I know the waves of grief just overtake you and the empty home is unbearable.
Continue to let us carry you. You and Jackson have been invaluable to this community...and continue to be so. Jackson is the symbol of hope that everyone on this journey needs to have. We are soooooo privileged to get to know Jackson and to love Jackson.
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!
Oh Katy, I'm soooooooo very sorry to read this news. Tears are flowing. You and Jackson have been here and helped Atlas and I so much along the way. My heart just breaks for you. I can only imagine how much you hurt and how much you miss your boy. You two have a very special bond, just wait, he will send you his sign.
Sending healing thoughts and a big hug!
Patricia and my Atlas (in honor and loving memory of how you call Jackson, your Jackson)
Photobucket and I are not gett k ng along..I'll try and repost what Martha se t.
Just checking in on you and letting you know we are all thinking of you everyday. And we know the days and nights are so very excruciatingly hard right now.
To paraphrase Murphy's mom on Marshall's post.....You will get through this...you'll never get over it...ever...but you'll get through it.
Stay connected..and keep these lhotos coming....this boy is the embodiment of happiness!
Love
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
It's been 4 weeks and 1 day. Some things are easier: I can walk into the living room and not be shocked to see empty beds, couches, or his perch on the stairs. Yet, when I think about him (like now), I get that knot and tears form. I've barely been able to tell 1 person about him without all out crying. I still, STILL, am having a hard time realizing he's gone forever. It's going to take a long time, I mean, after 10 years of being your buddy, how do you truly adjust? I've been traveling a lot for work, which is nice in some ways. I get work done when gone and I don't have to be all alone. But coming home hurts. There's no wiggly butt. I see no white nose in the window, excited to greet me. I'm able to work for hours at home b/c I have no one barking at me to play or go for a walk. I've missed a lot of spring because I don't have 3 walks/day anymore. Our kitchen floor is dirty and kinda sticky. Last night my husband dreamed of Jackson. Jackson hasn't come to me yet in any dream; I'm jealous of Mike. I truly ache because he's not here. It's no longer a sharp, stinging, paralyzing pain. But now it's just there. I'm just simply sad. A little empty. A little aimless. And certainly not myself. I have an overwhelming thankfulness we're not getting a new dog right now. I cannot love another. When I think about the 2 puppies we're getting the fall, I'm fearful. I fear my ability to bond. I know it's a long way off and I obviously have more healing to do. I'll never get over Jackson and I'll always miss him. Geez, how is it he's gone?!? His ashes are home as is a lovely paw print in plaster. It's some level of comfort to have him under our roof, yet it's still not enough to convince me his toys in the corner aren't going to be played with... Some of my worst times are at the gym. Oddly, I can get a massage, but on the treadmill or weight room and I just start crying. It's actually pretty awkward and crazy looking. So, I don't go much. It's a spiral I'm in and all that I can do is make it through one day at a one. I miss him. My buddy. My Jackson.
~ Katy, with my Jackson in my heart
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!
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