Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The cancer did not get her. However, she is gone.
My beloved JD was getting her spirit and spunkiness back, as I had been sharing here. In fact, Saturday night I was telling my brother that she was doing so great that I was having a hard time thinking about the cancer. I figured out yesterday that my silly digital camera does take video so I was out in the yard taking pictures of JD and marveling at her energy. I wanted her to have a video here on Tripawds. She was running and rolling on her back in the dry grass, one of her favorite things was to point that spotted belly into the sun and flip back and forth. My project yesterday was to see if I could get the video out of the camera so I could share it with you and all of my family.
Well at about noon Sunday she showed signs of distress. A few whimpers, lots of drooling and the drool was a bit foamy. She couldn’t get comfortable and it seemed to me that her beautiful spotted belly was puffy. Thank goodness, the Vet clinic is open 7 days a week and they took us right away. Xrays showed Bloat. This is where the stomach and spleen flip on themselves, inside the chest area. This is a very serious condition and immediate surgery gives only a 20-30 percent survival rate. The Vets advice and my gut knew that was not something to put her through. JD’s body had been compromised with the amputation and chemo and her blood count was not good. This was it. Nothing could be done. Nothing except for me to make the decision to end the physical life of my devoted friend of almost 11 years.
When the diagnosis Osteosarcoma was given to me I focused on helping JD fight. I had looked into the future and knew that if the cancer didn’t get her something else would eventually. I would need to make plans, decisions and decide what will be the quality of life for her, beyond which we would not go. But as the days surrounding surgery and healing passed and I became more confident that she could beat this thing, I allowed myself to push the thoughts of the ‘end point’ farther and farther away. I was scared of knowing when the time would be to let her go, hoping she would make the decision with me.
But Sunday afternoon in a matter of an hour, I alone had to sign the papers to let her go. To free her from the Bloat pain and eminent death before her. But this is not fair- it was not the enemy we were fighting- we were fighting cancer. It’s not fair that an activity she loved so much, rolling on her back, would prove such dangerous play.
I am weeping not for JD, she had the greatest dog life possible-loved and spoiled to the max. She only suffered a short time with this bloat thing, and then she was free. I am not sure where her spirit is right now, I asked her to stay close to help me cope. I am weeping for me. I am a mess. She was my life and I miss her so much. She was one tough girl!
I want to thank each of you who have shared your stories and pieces of your lives here in this forum, it has meant so much to me and it was great for JD as well. She benefited from all the things I learned here, and the strength I found.
Love you fur-children, give them extra pets and kisses from me because we really, truly do not know what the future holds.
Angel JD’s mom
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
jdsmom said:
But this is not fair- it was not the enemy we were fighting- we were fighting cancer. It’s not fair that an activity she loved so much, rolling on her back, would prove such dangerous play.
I am so sorry that this has happened so suddenly. You are absolutely right, none of this is fair. When I graduated college a couple months ago, I was looking forward to living with my dog again, but I noticed the "bump" just 2 weeks after I got home. I took Chloe in for that "bump" on her leg and it turned out to be cancer. Two weeks after her amputation I had to leave in order to start grad school. The house I moved into at first gave the impression they did not want a dog, but I fought for her. I fought to convinve my roommates and landlord that a 9yr old 3 legged dog would be manageable for me and would be little inconvenience to anyone else. None of that was fair to Chloe nor to me, but I fought to kill her cancer and to live with me. And we won.
Nothing in life is fair, but it is what you do with those circumstances that make the difference. I will be walking in the K9 walk (you already know this) because I want to raise awareness of K9 Cancer. I will be wearing a shirt that I made with our Tripawd pack's names on the back because I want to help make a difference for everyone who has been so wonderful on this site. I too will be grieving your loss, but I encourage you to do something to make a difference, to not only help you feel better but to help honor JD.
I will be sure to add a + next to JD's name on my shirt to represent her crossing over Rainbow Bridge.
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
I am heartbroken to read this. As you say - it is not fair. Once we get the cancer diagnosis, we prepare ourselves for that battle, knowing the time is limited, but not knowing if it will be hours, days, week, months, or years. We never think something else could take them from us so quickly.
Sending good thougths to you as you fight to heal from this shock. Your post shows amazing strength, courage, and love.
RIP sweet JD. 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.
This is a terrible shock and my heart breaks for you. I have no words.
She knew she was loved--I hope she gives you a sign that she's close.
Sending prayers and hugs
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
I am totally shocked. I can hardly believe it. I am so sorry to hear this news. You and JD have been an inspiration to me and James as we have started this journey together. I was looking forward to meeting JD.
I don't know what to say. This is not fair. None of it. You certainly were brave in all of your decision-making. Both you and JD were tough.
I am thinking and worrying about you. My deepest sympathies.
Nancy and James the poodle
James the poodle had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma on Aug. 4, 2010. He is currently doing chemo.
I am so sorry to read about JD. No none of this is fair. When we get that horrible diagnoses of cancer we then pray that we will be one of the lucky ones but knowing that the odds are against us, so we make each day special, extra hugs, pets, love because you never no how much time you will have together but then to have something else take her so suddenly is so heartbreaking. You gave JD such a great life and her last day was spent doing the things she loved to do. I hope you can find some peace in knowing that.
Rest in Peace JD
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
Deborah, this is so unbelievable. When Admin Jim told me just now, I gasped so loud that Wyatt started barking, he is worried. We are so deeply sorry that this happened, our hearts ache for you and our tears are flowing. Why life throws horrible things like this at us is beyond comprehension.
May your sweet girl's spirit soar through the universe and further strengthen the love in this community. We will miss seeing her her pretty belly.
If you want to talk, we are here OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am in shock as I read your post and am so sorry to hear that you lost JD. It is so unfair and life can be so ironic and unpredictable. I'm sure her spirit is right beside you....and I'm sure she's watching over you and letting you know that she's ok. My heart goes out to you....I am weeping with you. She sure was one tough girl. So so sorry....
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
OH! This is so terrible. I'm speechless, too!
Your wonderful beautiful girl was so strong and so very brave. I'm just so taken aback by this.
I'm so very, very sorry.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I am so sorry for your shock and am inspired by your encouraging words. It is dreadfully unfair and so hard to understand.
You and JD will continue to be in our thoughts and I hope you find some comfort in your happy memories.
I am so sorry to read about JD. We're keeping you in our hearts, and hoping you will see some signs that she is keeping watch over you. Sending lots of hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
I don't know what to say. I just posted earlier today to a very kind comment you made on Fortis' blog. It's just not fair. My heart aches for you Angel. The memories and the love never fade. Please except my deepest sympathies. I'm going to do as you asked and give my boy lots of extra kisses and pets from you.
RIP JD
My thoughts and prayers,
Brett and Fortis
I'm so sorry. Hang in there. Give yourself the time and space to grieve how you need to, as best as you can. It's too easy to let "real life" push you on after the loss of a dog, before your ready, if those around you don't get what it means that she was your dear fur kid.
More thoughts and prayers coming your way.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
I am so very very sorry. I had a wonderful german shepherd x that went thru bloat twice, we didn't have to have the surgery, they were able to get a tube down his throat and correct the problem without doing the surgery.
I just cannot believe how cruel fate can be sometimes....when you are fighting one enemy, another sneaks up behind you. Know you are being held in many thoughts and prayers tonight....sending huge hugs your way. Take time to process this and take care of yourself. Please stay in touch with all of us here ... we will be thinking of you.
I am having trouble thinking of something to say- I am so sorry JD's battle ended this way.
You made all the tough decisions for her, you did your best for her. When faced with Sunday you made the unselfish decision with only love for JD, you know you did the right thing for her.
I hope the good memories give you some peace. She will be forever by your side.
Karen
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