Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This post written by a Hank's Mom, a Tripawds member who happens to be a vet, is must-reading for anyone struggling with knowing "when it's time."
"Knowing When It's Time"
So, then, how do we know? How do we know when it’s the right time? The right time to minimize suffering and maximize quality of life? The right time to be able to be strong and say good-bye? How do we know if its too early? Or too late? I have realized that this type of thinking will send most down a rabbit hole they don’t want anything to do with. But, really, it is very, very simple…..
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have been feeling like our time is fast approaching for a few weeks now. I want to do what is best for Spike, but I also have this hope for him to be happy again.
He had his surgery last week and I feared his pre amputation blood tests would come back and not allow surgery or he wouldn't respond well to the anesthesia, but all went well.
He came home and our first few days were terrible. He wasn't eating, he didn't want to go outside, he was leaking urine and not pooping. He wandered and he shook. I couldn't be the person taking care of him because I also have a new baby and this broke my heart.
Yesterday I picked up appetite stimulants and then his incision started bleeding and we went for an urgent vet visit. The leaking of fluids....
....as I typed this, I got the phone call. IT IS TIME. They believe the cancer has spread to his spinal cord after being agitated by the surgery.
Going to say goodbye to him. I am not ready for this.
timewillt3ll said
I have been feeling like our time is fast approaching for a few weeks now. I want to do what is best for Spike, but I also have this hope for him to be happy again.He had his surgery last week and I feared his pre amputation blood tests would come back and not allow surgery or he wouldn't respond well to the anesthesia, but all went well.
He came home and our first few days were terrible. He wasn't eating, he didn't want to go outside, he was leaking urine and not pooping. He wandered and he shook. I couldn't be the person taking care of him because I also have a new baby and this broke my heart.
Yesterday I picked up appetite stimulants and then his incision started bleeding and we went for an urgent vet visit. The leaking of fluids....
....as I typed this, I got the phone call. IT IS TIME. They believe the cancer has spread to his spinal cord after being agitated by the surgery.
Going to say goodbye to him. I am not ready for this.
I am so grieved for you to read this. I wish it were otherwise. My boy's cancer did seem to incur on his spinal column more swiftly than anyone expected. Are they seeing pronounce neuro sysmptoms? Were the margins so poor? My heart really goes out to you.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Ohhhhhh my gosh! It broke my heart to read your first post, I'm so sorry. There just isn't any easy way to prepare for this. When things happen this fast it leaves you feeling like the ground got pulled out from underneath your feet. I am so, so sorry.
I know it's probably too late at this point, but I want to throw it out there: are the vets certain the cancer has spread? What diagnostics were done to reach this conclusion? I'm just curious, and in no way do I want to confuse you even more. I just always hope that every animal gets a long, happy life after surgery. We've seen comebacks happen here many, many times and I'll hold out hope for Spike too. Please let us know how we can help you during this very difficult time OK? Don't forget, our Tripawds Helpline is also available if you want to talk live to one of us.
With many hugs from us to you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending love and hugs. I do hope they can give you some answers to the questions Jerry asked with some certainty and backed up by the tests they did.
Our thoughts are 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!
If there was an avatar image that truly showed the connection we have with our fur-babies it would be yours. My heart is broken for you. I can totally relate as our Harmony didn't recover from her surgery either.
But you have to remember you only had a partial glimpse into Spike's condition. I'm afraid we would be paralyzed with fear if we knew everything. And that paralization would keep us from relieving the pain our fur-babies can't relay to us. Truly that is our charge:
Proverbs 12:10 - "A righteous person cares for the needs of his animal . . . "
Spike is snuggling in the bosom of Saint Francis as a substitute until you're both reunited at the Bridge.
The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different. - Hippocrates
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
I saw your goodbye blog post before I saw this thread. I am so sorry. Cancer is just horrible, and so unfair.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
I needed to read this. My dog Vega, not Novak my tripawds is dying...she has blood in her belly and was in shock last night, the most common cause is a tumor of the spleen(hemangiosarcoma) she's almost 11. I never thought that I would have difficulty making a decision on what to do. I work at a vet clinic and Im use to seeing this, all the pain, trauma, decision, etc... I knew in my mind that when the time would come, it would be easy for me, I knew what I wanted, etc...and then this happened...and no, I dont know what to do. I never been so mixed up! I know logicaly what to do, but cant wrap my head around it. I look at her and I see thats she's better, she ate, she's more alert, she's walking...its like I stopped seeing her belly full of blood... I took the day off to be with her...and then, will go at the clinic around 8pm t let her go... I see the time go by...its now 5h20pm...the time is coming...my heart omg... Novak is beside her and me...he wont leave us...even my cat Voodoo came. I put a matress on the floor, so we can cuddle, she need to be calm and not jump for the bleeding to get worse. And then I think about tomorrow, without her, going to work, at the same place she will die...I let go of Sniper my cat over a year ago and I did manage ok to not think about it looking at the room we did it in...but with Vega, its harder. I hope I will be able to work and be ok. I wont be alone...but I feel alone...
voodoo said
I needed to read this. My dog Vega, not Novak my tripawds is dying...she has blood in her belly and was in shock last night, the most common cause is a tumor of the spleen(hemangiosarcoma) she's almost 11.
Oh, no, I am so deeply sorry to hear this. Hemangio stinks (it all does, of course). Sending love and light and strength to you. This is the hardest thing. I am sure Novak and Voodo both know Vega is leaving. I look back at pictures of Pofi in his final days and in everyone, Lucia cat is right there watching over him.
Hoping for you and for Vega, that her journey is a gentle one. I know she will travel her path wrapped in the love you have always given her.
Lisa
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
All I can say at this very moment is I hope somehow you can feel our love surrounding you, our stre gth surrounding, and a "knowing" surrounding you that Vega is readyntomleave her earthly body thst no longer serves her.
I'm so glad you got to spend time with her today and she was able to give you a couple more happy memories of eating and being more alert. She KNOWS you love her enough to give her this gift and she's brateful for that.
As Lisa so beautifully said, she will travel her path wrapped up in the love you have given her every single moment of every sIngle day.
We are all soooo sorry. We got to know Bega through some of Novaks's posts and pictures. She's a part of our family. Our hearts cry with you tonight.
Surrounding you with love and peace
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being 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!
So much love, hugs and prayers for you. Cancer just stinks and saying good bye is the hardest.
Damn that cancer, I'm so sorry! You are not alone my friend, we are here for you and understand how hard it is to accept when it's time. I have no doubt that your decision was or will be exactly what Vega wants, and she will leave this earth with dignity and so much love from you and your pack.
Let us know how you're doing OK? All our love is coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
THank you for your kind words. She died peacefully last night around 8h30pm, it went very well. We were all around her, holding her. Watching the last injection was very painful for me, but once she was gone, I felt ok. I was surrounded by friends and we all cried together. The vet did the necropsy and she had a big maa 2x2x2 on her spleen, nodules on her liver. The mass ruptured and they were gallons of fresh blood in her belly. The vet can't explain how she was alert, walking, eating...I think she hold on for me, so I could pass the last day with her. At the end, it was difficult, because she was very alert and happy, wagging her tail, walking, jumping in the car...my boyfriend was douting at that moment...but the vet examine her before and the situation was the same. But the necropsy dont lie, it was the thing to do...she would have died, the bleeding could start again at anytime. She was touching it and it bleed again...she would have been 11 april 28... THanks again everyone. Today, I feel somehow ok. Releived that we did the right thing. But her bowl is empty, her bed is empty, I slept only with Novak, she was not there beside me... I also feel sorry for Novak, he lost her pal. Hes not leaving my side and hes still the happy boy as usual...
I am sorry for your loss of Vega. I hate hate cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very rough time
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Sandra know we're all holding you close at this hardest of times! I truly do believe Vega held on for that one last day with you. Her last gift to you just as letting her go when you knew you must even as your heart broke to do so was your last gift to her. May you find healing and peace in all your precious memories of your love filled life with her. Fly free new Angel!
Linda & Spirit Mighty Max
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