Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I truly thought that it would be months or years before I had to post here. Unfortunately, that was not to be. We had to let our sweet, wonderful Holly go this morning. She started having labored breathing in the middle of the night and by early this morning was also having spasms in her neck that she couldn't control. None of the drugs that we had calmed her at all, and we took her in to the vet hoping against hope that there was something more they could do, but there wasn't. Somehow, whatever was happening in her neck was causing neurological problems. Still likely a disc problem that did something horrific to her nerves. I am just destroyed by the fact that she really did seem to be kicking the evil cancer's ass and we lost her to a stupid back problem (I know it's probably at least partially b/c of the gait change/hopping, but it still feels so distantly related and it just doesn't make any sense in my head that this happened and happened so quickly). She came back from her amp so well and then handled chemo so well - I really thought that she would be one of the dogs celebrating her ampuversaries in years.
She laid with her head in my lap and her daddy snuggling her in her final moments. Even though deep down I think I know that we did everything that we could, I am overcome by guilt and can't stop questioning every decision we made. But most of all, there is just unbearable pain. When she left, part of my heart went with her (a big part, in fact).
Aannnnddd in the middle of writing this the doorbell rang and flowers arrived from my vet, which just sent me into another round of uncontrollable sobs that feel like they will never stop.
I am so, so sorry to hear this! Your post about Holly's upcoming amputation was one of the first I read here--I believe Stella's was just a couple weeks later. She is at peace now. Bless you, your family, and sweet Holly.
I am so very sorry. I have been hoping and praying for Holly that she could get past this problem. I know how it hurts when you think you will have longer and then everything changes. It is natural to feel the guilt. You will probaby torture yourself with it (I know I did) but with time you will see that you did everything you could. Your decisions were made with love in your heart and there is no doubt that Holly knew she was loved. My tears are falling for you too. Sending you warm hugs. Thinking of 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/
We are so sorry to hear about Holly. Hopefully the time will be short when you can look back and smile instead of cry.
We wish you peace and Golden Hugs.
Shelby the P.P.
I am so very sorry. It seems so unfair to be blindsided like this. I truly hope that you can get past any feelings of guilt because it was so obvious that you did every single thing in your power to help her. So many people in today's world would not have even tried to treat. The simple fact that you are here on this site speaks volumes about how much you cared and wanted to learn and do everything right by Holly. Despite what you did or did not do, Holly knew that you loved her and in the end that is all that really mattered at all to her. I wish you strength and peace in these difficult days.
Hugs,
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
I was so sad to read that Hollys time had come. Wishing you fond memories of your girl.
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Holly. It's so, so hard to lose such a loving part of our families. May you remember her with deep love, knowing that you did all that was humanly possible for her. The guilt is so hard on you-I have a hard time with it also-but you've done nothing wrong. You've done everything possible to help Holly-she was so fortunate to be loved so well, and to have you.
Wishing you peace,
Joan, Lily's mom
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.
Oh no Holly! May you find peace in knowing she is running and playing without pain and she will always be in your heart. She was a true warrior princess.
Thinking of You
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
The Oaktown Pack wishes you peace in the knowledge that you did all you could for your girl. We are so sorry that you had to let her go but please don't feel guilty. It is such a hard decision but it is an incredible gift to be able to release our pups from their bodies when they can't go on. Holly left this world surrounded by love and is now free from pain. She loved you and you loved her enough to set her free. Holly will be in your heart forever, and although it doesn't feel like it now, one day you will think of her and smile as you remember all the good times you had together.
Until then, you have a thousand shoulders to cry on here.
xoxox,
Travis Ray and the OP +1
Oh no! I'm stunned. Oh, this is so sad. I'm just very sorry. My heart breaks for you so badly. Holly was just a special girl and so very loved. Please know we cry with you tonight. She was a true and brave Tripawd Warrior Princess and her spirit will always be here with us.
I'm so, so 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.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending you a lots of hugs!
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear this. I just love that avatar of sweet Holly and was SO pulling for her to make it through this. It is completely and utterly unfair to get hit with this when she was doing so well with the amp. My heart goes out to you.
Please please please try to not have any regrets. Everything you did for her was out of love and I'm sure she felt/knew that. She would hate knowing you were feeling guilty. The pain of the loss is bad enough without beating yourself up with guilt too. It's totally normal to think about the steps you took and wonder if things could have been different - but beating yourself up about it won't help at all. There's nothing to feel guilty about - you guys got a raw deal.
I hope knowing that we share your pain at your loss of your beautiful girl helps to lighten the load, even if just ever so slightly. Hang in there. I know this will be a very hard time, but slowly - very slowly - it starts to get better and the smiles start to outweigh the tears.
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!
I am so very sorry that you had to say goodbye to Holly. Please know that we are thinking of you and wishing you peace.
A big hug from me and Great Dane kisses and snuggles to you from Queen Nova....
Sue and Queen Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
I'm so sorry to hear of Holly's passing. I was really pulling for her to get through this. I'm so sorry she couldn't be here with you for longer. It seems that no amount of time is ever enough when it comes to our fur babies. Sending consoling thoughts to you and your family.
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