Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to share the news that we let K go yesterday evening. Her downward spiral was incredibly fast. Just 8 days before her death, she was still doing hour-long hikes with me in the mountains. Then, overnight, she became lame on a hind leg and couldn't walk more than a half mile or so. The vet felt certain it was a met in her spine that was causing her hind leg pain and dysfunction. Then, the cascade started. She had obvious neurological problems on her left side, breathing suddenly became very hard, her poor little heart was beating almost 150 bpm when she was lying still, and a new lump appeared on the limb that had her original tumor. By Wednesday, she needed help to walk.
Although we fought it, it was obvious where things were going. We got her acupuncture 3 times last week, upped her pain meds, and a bunch of other things... but she just got worse. We spent the weekend showering her in love (and feeding her ice cream) before we finally decided that we had to let her go last night.
For some reason, despite a 6 month battle with osteosarcoma, her loss is an incredible shock. I keep gasping in disbelief when I realize that she's not here. I have cried almost all day, and I feel as if all the oxygen has been sucked out of the air. My heart literally hurts.
I guess that I believed that my special little girl would beat all the odds. We did everything within our power to extend her life but it didn't work. Cancer sucks.
Just a side note that made me mad. CSU had asked that we let them have her radiated leg after her death so that they could study how well the radiation had worked to kill the tumors. We found out after her death at a vet clinic near our home that we would've had to drive her body to CSU to fulfill their wish to study her leg. We really wanted to help with the research but we were too wrung out to even think about 3 hours of driving (to and fro CSU) after her death. I wish that CSU had made us aware that we'd have to do the transporting a long time ago so that we could've planned differently.
Thanks for all of your support in these past 6 months.
My heart is broken. But, K will live on in my heart forever.
KB
K, an 8 year old chocolate lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the radius and ulna on 12/23/11. She had stereotactic radiation to kill the bone tumors, and 3 rounds of carboplatin. On 3/16/12, lung mets were found. We tried several different kinds of chemotherapy to slow the lung mets but none worked. Finally, mets appeared at other sites, including her spine. She earned her angel wings on July 15, 2012. K changed my life, and I'll never forget her. Our/my journey is chronicled at romp-roll-rockies.blogspot.com.
So sad to read this. It hurts so much to loose a dog, a best friend. Send you our condolences.
I'm so sorry to hear about having to let your beautiful girl go. Its not an easy decision but it seems like you understood that it was the right decision. The feeling of having your breath leave you when you think of her will fade. It still happens to me a month out but I've also been able to smile when thinking of my girl.
She was so lucky to have you and live in such a beautiful place to explore. Take your time in processing and grieving and remember she is watching over you and will forever be in your heart.
-Kori & Angel Lupe
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
I am so sorry you lost your dear K. I remember just a week or so ago looking at all the beautiful pictures on your blog and thought what a place to live! It is hard to accept their passing even when we know it is inevitable, but the hope you felt each day allowed you to carry on. I hope with time your memories will help to ease the pain you now feel.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
I'm so sorry K's battle has ended. She was beautiful. Please know you have our warmest thoughts to help you through the tough days. Xo Sue
Oh Kbear, I'm so very sorry to hear this. You all fought so hard and courageously throughout this journey. We had all hoped that she would have so much more time. Cancer is so unfair.
When it comes to this sucky disease, it doesn't matter how many times you hear the prognosis, or how many times you tell yourself you'll be ready, because as you know now, there is no getting around the heartwrenching grief of losing a beloved family member. The only way to get through the grief, is to get through it by taking your time, and remembering that other people, like those in this community, are here to listen when you need to talk. It's OK to be mad, and upset, and feel like crying, never forget that. And I can't blame you for getting mad about the lack of communication when it came to helping with the research, that would have made me crazy. Don't worry about it though; think of your pack, and how you can heal while honoring K's memory, above all else.
May the good times that you shared help heal your broken heart. We are so very sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
No words can describe how sorry I am for you and your family. Kbear was such a beautiful dog. My heart aches for you right now and we will be thinking of you in the difficult days ahead. May you find peace in knowing she is at rest and not in pain any more. She couldn't of had any better pawrents.
Prayers and hugs,
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
I'm so sorry to hear your girl has gone on. She fought a very courageous battle. And you're right: cancer does suck, very badly. Sending healing thoughts to you tonight.
So very sorry to hear your heart breaking news!
Sending heart healing wishes to you!
I'm so sorry that K earned her wings. It is so very hard, even knowing that the day is coming. It's because we share such a great love with our pups that we feel such a great heartache.
We're here for you if you need us. I found when we lost Abby in January that nobody understood what I was going through like the people on Tripawds.
Sending condolences.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh, I'm so sorry to read that. At least she did well up until the last week. It sounds like you made a very unselfish decision and did what was best for your beloved dog. I just clicked on your blog and you have some amazing pictures of her. She was a beautiful girl. Hang in there. Comforting thoughts heading your way...
I am so sorry that it came time to let K go. She was a beautiful dog and lived life to the full right to the end. Cancer just really sucks. My heart goes out to you. It is the worst possible feeling. Thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs. We are here for you.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
I am so, so sorry about the loss of your beautiful K-such a heartache. Please know that we are thinking of you as you go through this difficult time. Such a beautiful best friend and companion, I know how hard that emptiness is. She was so lucky to have you.
Many hugs to you,
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Our heart aches with yours. K was a special dog full of strength and courage who inspired many. Thank you for sharing her with us. I was a hot mess for days after Boo's passing! Don't be ashamed to cry or be angry - but do remember to be kind to yourself. Eat, even if you don't feel like it. Sleep, is good for the soul. Most of all, remember to breath!
You'll continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days, weeks... Cancer Sucks!
Amanda & Angel Boo
Boo became a Tripawd Warrior Princess on Sept 8, 2009. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge 2.7 years later on April 29, 2012. Run free Angel Boo!
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