Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I've been a lurker here since my boy Max was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (rear leg) and lymphoma in February of this year. I tend to be on the shy side and have never posted anything here, but I wish now that I had started to tell you the story of Max before the final chapter.
Max's amputation in March went so well, and he adapted easily to life on three legs, as I suspected he would after reading the information on the Tripawds site. The lymphoma went into remission right away when we started chemo and never did come back. But his osteosarcoma was stubborn and returned much too soon. He left us on July 29th.
I have to say, my husband and I are not handling his loss well. We don't have any regrets about how we handled his treatment or our decision to end his suffering, but the void left in our lives is devastating us. Coming home to an empty house, not having Max to escort us when taking out the trash, coming across a toy that we haven't picked up yet in some quiet corner of the house or yard … all the little things that he was so much a part of are painful now. I can't seem to stop crying.
We were inspired by Jerry's story and although we couldn't take too much time away from work, we did arrange to take Max on a three-week trip to the West Yellowstone area of Montana, which has always been one of his (and our) favorite places. I'm so grateful that we had that wonderful time to focus completely on our boy. We've built a lot of happy memories over the eleven years we had with Max, and I know that eventually those memories will be what we think of most of the time and not the loss we feel now. But for now … wow, it really hurts!
It has helped me a lot to read the posts here and to know that I'm not alone in grieving for my boy, and to see that there's hope and joy that will return to us in time. It helps me to write it all out, and in turn I can eventually post again to report that we are indeed healing, and there is indeed hope, and that although we will always miss him. the happy memories of our boy have overtaken the tears. We're not there yet, but we will be.
Jeanette (Max's mom)
Proud mother of Max, an 11-year-old Border Collie mix who was sure he was a Real Boy.
Diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the left rear leg and lymphoma in February 2010.
That annoying leg was removed April 7, 2010 and was never missed.
Max left for the Rainbow Bridge on July 29, 2010 and is now running free. We love you!
Hello and welcome officially to Tripawds.
I am so sorry that the first time we get to see Max is in this forum. I am glad that even though you were a 'lurker' you gained some valuable information and inspiration from this site. You did your best for Max, and gave him a great life.
I said goodbye to my little black tri-pug Maggie two months ago today. She was also a left rear amp, and turned 11 this past March. My first night home without her I put all of the 'bad' stuff away- the meds and fluids, the special food. But I have taken my time putting away the rest. Her harness and leash are still hanging in the closet, her blanket is still on my bed. I had the advantage of another pug at home when I lost Mag, but the house still seemed so quiet...
It is wonderful that you got to spend three weeks in and around West- it is beautiful there. Hang on to those memories, when you feel that pain of loss they will help. It does get better with time and distance- but I know we will miss our tripawds forever.
Please do come back and post as time goes on. There is much support to be found here- and your story of coping will help others going down the same path. That is a way you can honor Max's memory.
Sending strong, positive thoughts your way.
Karen
I am so sorry to hear of Max's passing.
What a beautiful boy !
Yes, how extra wonderful that you all got to take the trip and all have a great time and even better memories that you and your husband get to hold on to. It doesn't make his loss any easier. It's never easy. But hold onto the love of your boy and his love of you both.
I am just so sorry.
As I'm writing this, the tears are flowing.
hugs,
Denise
Kona turned 9yrs on April 16, 2010.
Kona was diagnosed Memorial Weekend 2010 with osteosarcoma.
Right rear leg amputated on June 4th. First chemo June 18th 2010
Second chemo July 9th, 2010 Third and final (yea !!!) chemo July 30th, 2010
ONE TOUGH GIRL this Australian Cattledog !
***Kona's journey/fight ended late in the evening of December 22, 2010***
We Love you so much Kona….always
Bella 9yrs, albino lab/aussie shep/pit?(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind (from birth) in one eye limited vision in other.(laid back, ok lazy 73 lbs)
Cotton, 5yrs, albino hound/terrier of somesort/???(abandoned in mts as a puppy) deaf & blind in one eye(from birth), excellent vision in seeing eye. (ball addict…destroyer of Kong balls…yes,etc), high energy 55lbs knots of muscle)
Kona Kai's pup brother and sister as well as her buddy and playmate cat, Shaymous 12yrs (like Seamus), miss her terribly.
Oh you poor thing! There is no need to be shy around us! I'm so sorry you and your husband are going through this. It's horrible and gut wrenching.
I have to tell you, your Max is absolutely adorable! I saw his face and couldn't get past the utter cuteness of his smile! Was he talking to you with that look? He looks like he was a silly guy that was a blast! What kind of dog is he?
It does get better but gosh, it takes awhile. It never completely goes away. I know this must be so hard.
I just wished we had met him, too. I think he would have been so much fun.
I hope you'll hang around and tell us more. Talking about it will help and you can probably help others from your experience. We'd love to get to know you and your Max better!
My deepest condolences to you and your husband.
Comet's mom
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 happy you finally found the courage to join us. This is a wonderful group of folks who spout forth so much love and understanding for one another. I wish you had been able to share earlier (it really does help the soul along) but am happy you were able to gain knowledge as you lurked. Well, I'm glad you are here now and hope you continue to participate. No doubt you have learned lessons along the way that others would benefit from.
I am so sorry your beautiful Max has come to the end of the journey. It is never easy to lose one of our heros, and this one is really bittersweet - we meet him as he leaves us. He is a beautiful boy and I know you will miss him terribly. May the many wonderful memories soon replace the pain you feel now.
RIP sweet Max. 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.
Hi Jeanette,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Max... 
I know how devastated you and your husband are feeling...
I lost my Jake (10yr old golden retriever) to osteosarcoma almost 9 months ago (Nov 9) and my heart is still so broken. It does get a little easier with time... but the hole in my heart is still there... 
Jake was a front leg amputee... and he barely made it to 8 weeks post op. But they were mostly good weeks. He got to play and cuddle with us and swim in our pool. (all his favorite things to do) My other dog, Wolfie (5yr old german shepherd)... was so depressed after Jake was gone... It was heartbreaking to see... Then my husband came home with a little rescue kitten (Nala) on Dec 20 (against my wishes)... but it was the best thing for Wolfie. He was immediately in love with her... and it snapped him out of his depression. They are best friends now... but it's definitely not the same without Jake here.
There's nothing I can really say to make you feel less sad right now... just know that you're not alone in your sorrow... Many of us have gone through it, or are currently going through it. But we are here for you and understand what you're going through. You and your hubby are in my thoughts and prayers...
Sending you both a big loving hug! Rest in peace sweet angel Max...
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
So sorry for your loss. I hope the time between pain and joyful reflection is short for you and your husband. Your boy is a handsome one. Try to keep your head up. I'm sure Max wouldn't want you to hurt.
Leslie
Kali, Dakota and Roxy's Mom
I'm sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy... Thank you for posting about him and putting up a picture.
Hugs to you,
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
we too are so sorry to hear of max's passing. he sure had a wonderful smile, and the picture suggest a bit of 'wimzie' behind those eyes. the memories of all the special moments you shared will always be yours, and hopefully the pain of loss will subside as the memories take their place in your heart. love never ends.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I am so sorry. That picture of Max looks so familiar - I must have a million pictures of my pup in that position. I wish you speedy heeling (look at my Freudian slip - I of course meant speedy healing - I don't mean to take your news lightly at all, but since I made that mistake unconciously I am leaving it in the hope that you will get a brief moment of humor)
Jeanette,
Once more words are failing to describe just how sorry we are to hear of your loss of Max, but hope that you will accept our deepest sympathy at this time. We hope that this community has helped you during Max's journey and can assure you that we all will be here for support as you move forward. Clearly you time with Max has been cut far too short by this horrible disease and having lost Miss Cherry just after Christmas, I can relate too the feelings that you are going through just now. The hugs, the constant exuberant greeting, the constant companionship, and the deep devoted love are all things that we miss so very much. This community will tell you that I forever attempt to remind one during this time that you will not be totally without Max for the gifts that Max gave you will live with you forever.
Last summer, we took our usual Month of June in Yellowstone trip with Miss Cherry even though she was by then a TriPawd. She loved to travel so very much and this was not exception. She was able to celebrate her seven month ampuversary while at Yellowstone and I actually took her into the park on one day. One of my fondest memeories will be sitting with Cherry in a sing on the porch of the Lower Hamilton Store in the Upper Geyser Basin. This year's Yellowstone trip just was not the same without our great travelers. You can read my postings of both Cherry's Seven Month Ampuversary and this year's Yellowstone trip where we Toasted Our TriPawd Warriors With a Glass of Three Legged Red at the Old Faithful Inn.
I hope that you realize that many of us can totally relate to the feelings that you are going through now. Just last night, I was discussing with my wife that our battle with this cancer only made our bond stronger with Cherry but also made the loss even more devistating. However, I am sure that time will allow me to smile when I remeber her. I know that I do not cry as often but it is still dominates my days.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Jeannette, thank you for sharing. We are so sorry his battle ended too soon, but please, you don't need to apologize or feel regret for anything. That is not The Way of Dog, which is how Max wants you to live . . . life free of guilt, regret, and sadness. We are just hoppy you shared his beautiful story with us.
What fun that you got to take a road trip together! Seems like a lot of us Tripawds are drawn to Yellowstone. That's where I spent my last days with my folks too. What a magical place.
Life does get easier, it just takes time. When I earned my wings my pawrents life together felt so empty. If it wasn't for the good people here I'm not sure what they would have done. But by talking to others who understood what it was like, and writing about their feelings, they slowly started to feel grounded again. It just took time.
Meanwhile, we are here to listen and lean on. Thank you again for writing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all so much for the kind words of support. I knew I came to the right place!
Max is (I won't say "was" because I know his spirit continues on) a border collie cross and his quick wit and sense of humor have ever been a joy and a challenge for us. In that picture he was taking a momentary break from chasing chipmunks and birds along the Madison River in Yellowstone. (I'm happy to say that he never did actually catch any of the small critters that he enjoyed chasing.) Since Max left us we haven't seen a single squirrel in our yard. I'm not sure if they are off quietly mourning the loss of their playmate or if they are just taking a well-earned rest from being chased around the yard!
I have to agree completely with Cherry's dad – the battle with cancer made us so much closer to Max, which in turn made the hole he left in our lives so much bigger. (And it would have been huge anyway.) I can certainly see that you all do know and understand what we're going through. It helps so much. Thank you!
As part of my grieving process I made a photo montage of Max's journey with us the day he left us – it helped me so much to focus on our eleven years of wonderful memories. If any of you want to get a better idea of who our boy is, I posted it on YouTube for Max's extended pack to see:
Proud mother of Max, an 11-year-old Border Collie mix who was sure he was a Real Boy.
Diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the left rear leg and lymphoma in February 2010.
That annoying leg was removed April 7, 2010 and was never missed.
Max left for the Rainbow Bridge on July 29, 2010 and is now running free. We love you!
This challenge does make us closer with our pups. Their courage through it all is amazing.
Max will always live in your hearts. I don't know if you will ever stop grieving, some us never will.
Take care,
Spirit Ruthie's Mom
jmartin said:
As part of my grieving process I made a photo montage of Max's journey...
Beautiful slideshow. Max was a beauty, and obviously very lucky to have you. Thanks for sharing.
We just want to remind everyone about Cometdog's generous offer to create a custom tribute video (of dogs living or passed) for anyone who contributes $50 or more to the 2010 Tripawds Community Campaign.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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