Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yes, I was thinking the other day about Chloe walking for Kona and all our strong tripawd warriors, and I am so honored that she was included. Thank you.
Thank you Karen for the kind words. Yes, you are right; we are at peace that we did everything we could.
Sad and somewhat angry that we feel some medical mistakes were done when they changed her meds and that took away the use of her remaining back leg and we believe, started the downward spiral of weakening her system and allowing problems to develop.
We'll never know and nothing can be changed now, but, yes, after everything, we're just happy that our girl, our devil girl, our independant girl, is once again, happy, running and healthy, no longer bound by it all.
All that said, we are doing better, but you know, just when we think so, the crying re-enters the picture, the loss fresher.
Here's to better times.
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.
Denise... I am sorry I am late with this and am so so sorry for the loss of your kona kai. (I am a late arrival here.. and did not get kona's whole story... does that mean something in Polynesian/Hawaiin?) she reminds me of a blue healer we had back on the farm when I was young. Fearless is a good word for those dogs!! High energy.. yes! We used to call ours the Tazmanian devil when she was young but she turned out to be such a sweetie as an adult!!! And VERY smart!!! she was a ruthless worker with our cattle!!
What a beautiful cattle dog Kona Kai was!! She has her angel wings now!!!
God Bless!
Janet and Patou
Thank you, Janet and Patou.
Kona Kai means "Wild Western Ocean". That indeed, was our Kona.
And, too funny, we used to refer to Kona as a Tazmanian Devil too !
And thank you, she was such a beautiful girl.
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.
After all this time, I still from time to time, find myself looking for this posting.
I don't know why.
It somehow makes me feel good that it's been viewed so many times.
And, I guess, just the connection.
Still miss that wild child.
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.
I know what you mean!
I lost two dogs within five weeks at the end of 2008/beginning of 2009. Not osteosarcoma, but ... well, I still feel comforted that so many online friends mourned with me. I found the thread of a Greyhound board just the other day and re-lived it.
*Hugs*
My people know exactly how you feel Denise. The love that is created among a pack never disappears. Some days of remembering the times we shared are just more emotional than others, even years later.
{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Jay.
And, ugh, I am so sorry...geez, so hard to lose one, but two in such a short time.
And I know what you mean about triggers to our memories...just when you least expect it and also it seems, when you think that yeah, you're 'ok with it' and accept...
Hugs right back at you.
I have to add too, that you're so right about our online friends mourning and healing with us.
To have those that understand our relationships with our 3 and 4 legged friends....well, that helps so much.
I know that I've been so comforted along the way.
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.
Thank you too, Jerry.
Both you and your pawrents have helped me so much.
HUGS
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.
Not sure how I missed your post but glad I found it today:-)
Kona sure had a rough start but the day she came into your life brought her a life of pure bliss and joy!
So glad you came back for a visit to people who understand like no other group of beings could. The grief never goes away....the light of the joyful memories just help push it aside sometimes.
Your Kona has a mug that just makes you grin ear to ear........just like he's doing in the poto:-) 
His energy still surrounds you everyday and I know he stays connected to you in so many ways..
I hope connecting here reaffirms Mona's eternal spirit?
Always know we are all here for you:-) Sally and Hannah Happy
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!
Hi Sally,
Thank you. Yes, she had amazing expressions and could really do the big grin !
Actually, Kona's start was pretty easy...we got her from this cattle ranch.
It was her adopted sister, Bella, (that came 2yrs later) and adopted lil brother, Cotton, (a few years after Bella), that had the tough starts, both being dumped in different mountain passes as puppies, surviving a long time before being rescued.
They're both albinos, born deaf and blind in one eye.....amazing kids......normal kids for us.
Funny, since losing Kona, our 'norm' is with deaf and half blind (sometimes totally blind for Bella) pups.
We don't realize it, until we meet some other dog and we wait til there's eye contact or we tap our foot on the floor to get their attention....too funny!
This forum has always been a refuge and comforting place for me, even during the toughest times.
It's good to be here.
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.
Denise,
Thank you for sharing your story and grief. It's comforting to know that it is OK for me to be sad for a very long time. We said goodbye to our beloved Daisy Duke yesterday evening and I don't know how I'm going to get over it. I feel lost...... 
Alicia
Oh Alicia, I am so very sorry for you loss of Daisy Duke. Big hugs your way.l
Yes, I know exactly what you mean about not knowing how you're going to get over it.
I will say that it took us a while (months) to start really remembering the good memories of Kona, not the diagnosis (which was Memorial Day, 2010) and everything that followed which for Kona, included a lot of damage/issues because of chemo and horrible withdrawl from tramadol.
But, yes, then it got better...the good memories came back and we embrace those.
I have to say too, that it's funny, Cotton pup, who we also refer to as "K2" (because he idolized Kona and he does "Kona things, you know?). When Cotton does his K2 behaviors it brings Kona a little closer to us.
I will tell you that even though it's been more than 2yrs since we lost Kona, most of the time we're "good", but there are certainly times when yeah, it hits us and we get teary/cry. But, I really do believe that we have these strong feelings because we loved her so much and still do.........even though she was a challenging girl....ok, a devil girl. Strong willed, super intelligent and liked yes liked to do naughty things. I used to call her a criminal's delight, because she liked to steal things and was quite good at it. I mean picking pockets! If we didn't notice, she'd parade the item past us...back and forth.......and want us to chase her to get it back.....she would do this with toys with Bella and Cotton too.
Ahhhh, that girl.
See ? Even though yes, you'll always miss your Daisy Duke, she'll be always in your heart and those memories of her will carry you through. It's just tough. I know.
Hang in there, Alicia.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I have to add too, that Kona, early after her passing, let us know that she was fine......her collar shake signal that she always did......we heard it multiple times, clear as a bell....and it was when our other two pups were sound asleep.
Listen and watch. Your Girl will show up and re-assure you when you most need it.
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.
Thank you for your kind, wise and inspirational words. Today is a really hard for some reason - I think because it is sunny out right now and Dais was such a little sun worshipper. This crazy Seattle weather is not helping but I'm glad that she/we got some sun time in on her last day. I will be watching for her sign and waiting to get her ashes back next week so I can have her close once again. xoxo Alicia
You're so welcome, Alicia.
So you're in Seattle ?
I'm up in Lake Stevens, just to the east of Everett.
Yes, I know things will make you think of Daisy....the sunshine (when we get it...today, between the wild rain/wind).
And, this is good, the times that for whatever reason, they pop into our heads/hearts. Sometimes it's bittersweet, but I promise you, it's still a good thing, the remembering.
I really do believe that it hurts so much because we love them so completely and you know that they know it too (and feel, yes I do use the current tense...they know how much we love them and they love us that much too...maybe even more.
Yes, when you get her ashes back, you'll feel a little more complete.
Time will help and I KNOW that when you need it, Daisy Duke will be there and let you know.
Hang in there.
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.
We are actually in Redmond. - I always say that when I'm not sure where people are because it is easily identifiable. Daisy had her surgery and first 'batch' of chemo at SVS in Kirkland. Our second round of oncology care was at VOC in Renton.
I hope you know how comforting your words are to me. Being able to talk about this with people who have gone though this is so, so helpful. Our best friends bought us a daisy bush in memory of our little girl and we planted it today In a beautiful daisy planter we got from Molbaks's. It's sitting in her favourite sunning spot on the deck.
Thank you again for your kindness and guidance.
Alicia xoxo
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