Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Today we had to let Shilo go... It was the hardest thing that we could do, but she just had no more fight left in her. I woke up to her in pain at 5 am, as she quietly moaned while she was breathing. Most of us knew yesterday we were going to be saying goodbye, but no one wanted to say it. Instead I spent most of my day snapping at people and making up excuses for my behavior.
I came home early by noon from work to check on her. Her dad said she had been vomiting for about an hour. It was just bile, she quit eating yesterday too. The light was gone and she was ready to go home. We attempted to take her for her last ride to the lake or park, but her dad and I knew she wouldn't make it. She stated vomiting in the back of the car not 10 min after we left, so I headed to the vet. It was time to say goodbye.
I wasn't as strong as I wanted to be, I got into the vet and immediately started crying. The techs came and gave hugs saying how sorry they were but that they were proud of us making the right decision. Shilo walked in... slowly. They led us to a room, to where we would say our final goodbyes and I held her head in my arms, I felt her leave. Her dad and I just cried as well as Shilo's wonderful vet(the only person Shilo would take treats from).
Shilo's story doesn't end there though... If anyone was following our story I was led to get a plaster kit to get a paw print of Shilo (thanks Em & Debra) and I attempted to get the print yesterday. I apparently didn't get a doggie friendly one as the plaster hooked to her fur instead of making a print. Needless to say it was ruined, and I cried.
Well as we were crying and in shock the vet asked if we would like a paw print, that they could do it there for us. I couldn't believe it, what is the odds, and so I started bawling harder. She asked if we wanted to go out the back, Brian(my husband) picked me up off the floor and held me tight as we made our way out the back door.
I want to say that there are no regrets in any of our choices, we had 10 weeks and 5 days of precious time. Time we wouldn't have had any other way, except by the choices we made. She taught me what strength really is, she taught me how to truely love, she taught me what a friend is about, and she taught me how to live. What she couldn't teach me is how to go on without her.
Thank you all for your love a support during this roller coaster of emotions!!
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
I am so sorry to hear of Shilo's passing. I know how hard it was to let her go but it does sound like the time was right. I will be thinking of you.
Pam
Oh Shilo's family - I just logged in specifically to write you about something pertaining to our shared vet experiences and saw this. "Noooo!" I said and am now in tears. I am sorry you had such a short time with Shilo following the whole OSA diagnosis and surgery. It just isn't fair as many others have recently learned hard way. Obviously it was time today, but I so wish things did not have to end this way. I am glad to have met you and Shilo through this site. I hope it is not too long before you start to find comfort in your wonderful memories.
Susan & Shilo's big bro Tazzie
I am so sorry to hear about Shilo. That is never an easy thing to do. It is brutal, in fact. Hang on to Shilo's memory and know you will see her again. She has no pain now. Take care- Opie's Mom
Thank you for sharing Shilo's story and uplifting spirit here. It is certain to help others face the same hard times with their own pups, for years to come. And bless you for taking such good care of Shilo. It is clear you helped her smile and enjoy every day, until the very end.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know Shilo was having a hard time lately, but that doesn't make it any easier when it's time to say goodbye.
How nice of the vet to give you her paw print. That is so very special, and something you can hold on to. I wish you well during this difficult time, and hope that soon you will be able to smile when you think of Shilo during her happier times.
Michelle
Alisa, I'm so sorry to hear about Shilo. I know it was the hardest thing to let her go; think of the recent days where she was happy and playing in the park. Those wonderful happy days were because of you and Brian.
Di
I, too, am saddened by Shilo's passing. It is never easy, but you did what was best. I love that the vet offered you a paw print, how special is that. May the happy memories of sweet Shilo soon replace the pain. You did an awesome job of caring for him.
RIP sweet Shilo. 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.
Tears are streaming down my face as I am typing this. Sorry to read about Shiloh. You were the best mom & dad she could have and that is what matters. You will always have the memories of her and always a piece of her in your heart.
God Bless you.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Alisa, I too am filled and overflowing with tears for you. There is nothing more difficult than this day. You guys were such wonderful pawrents, and surely she appreciates that, but the dark hole is still there. I'm so sorry.
Sending you comfort prayers and hugs
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
I am so sorry to hear about Shilo, your words are filled with love and she was blessed to have wonderful pawrents that did everything they could for her. The love is always there, hang on to that....
I will be thinking of you and yours at this tough time.
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
I'm so sorry Alisa... My tears are flowing like crazy... 
Your description of your last hours/moments with Shilo, so reminded me of mine with Jake... I'm so sorry for your loss... My heart goes out to you... Jake was also in pain in his last hours... and I so hate that! I hate this freaken cancer... that's taken our sweet babies from us. But I know that Shilo was so loved... and now she is no longer in pain... she's at peace now... Maybe she will meet up with Jake and Emily and all the other sweet angels that have left us...
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonite...
Angel Jake'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!
Alisa and Brian,
There are not words that can tell you how sorry I am about Shilo. It is such a hard thing to do, letting them go. Yet it is the last, most unselfish thing we can do. I know too well how painful it is. My advice to you is to grieve in anyway you need to. How I wish I could remember who said we grieve deeply because we loved deeply. It is so true. It is a tribute to Shilo that you will miss her so much. She was beautiful and well loved.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
We are very sad to hear about Shilo. Just as we learned our amputations were just one day apart and now Shilo is gone. It was very obvious how much she was loved. You made the right decision to give her a couple extra months of happiness and again made the right decision to let her go. It is the hardest thing to see our wonderful dogs in pain. Keep your chin up and remember the wonderful times you were able to spend together. Our thoughts, tears and prayers go out to you!
Kris, Cami, Peyton and Dillon
Oh my, I am so sorry to hear that Shilo had to leave you today. Making that one last decision is such a hard thing to do but it was done with such love for your girl. All the best for you and your family during this terrible time of sadness and loss.
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
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