Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Kristen, Jack knows how much you love him and want to do all you can. Whatever happens, you will absolutely find the strength to care for him in the best way possible. He's taught you well after all these years, you'll be stronger than you ever imagined.
In the meantime, Kim is so right. Be in the moment with him, take the time to really be together, do what you need to do, but don't dwell on "what if's" or "if only..." And whenever you feel sad or want to cry, replace that thought in your head with a pawsitive memory of good times you've shared together. It works.
You are in our thoughts. Hang in there, you are not alone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
In case it is lung mets, I have a link under coping with loss for a beautiful Hospice Guide. I just reread it myself to help me stay focused... here is my email address OKim1@aol.com if there are some private thoughts or concerns you would like to share. It is hard to have to go through this, this time of year.
Praying for peace, for you & Jack,
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Thanks Kim.
Also, when you can, read Overcoming Fear and Guilt When Canine Kids Get Sick. It helped my Mom tremendously.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your support and for checking in on me. It truly helps. I've been crying a lot this morning. Preparing myself for what is to come. I just want to have the strength to do what is right for him. He still seems to be comfortable. Ate a bit this morning. I fear that my appointment tomorrow is going to require some decision making. I don't know how I'm going to get through this. Day at a time, right? Will try so hard to just be in the present with him today....
I know today is going to be hard...there is no way around it. Ask for strength...all day...every minute if you have to - He will provide it.
We're here for you...keep us posted ok? I'll keep tripawds open all day at work.
Love you
heather
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi Kristen & Jack,
As you already know, Zeus's Mom, Heather, & I are available by email for you and we don't want to let you down here, either.
I have read the story that Doug and the B Brothers' "Overcoming Fear and Guilt When Canine Kids Get Sick" that Spirit Dog Jerry has undeline the link to and I can only say that I hope you will read it. Buster's Mom needs to see this same link, because it is so well written and I think it will really help you in your hour of need.
Remember, if things become too stressful and you feel like you need a friend to talk to, you now have my phone number, too.
Love, Vick, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
Thanks Heather. Am asking for strength and getting some from him. He is amazing. Taking each moment as it comes. He actually just pulled a trick he always does on his sister (I also have a lab mix) - she was on the bed he wanted to sleep on, so he got up and asked to go out, she followed, he came right back in and hopped on the bed she was laying on. He's a clever fellow.
Jerry - thanks so much for your kind words. I hope he knows how much I love him and want to do what is best for him. I read a portion of the article you mentioned - started to sob. But so helpful to know other folks go through this painful process and survive - folks who love their dogs and have bonded with them like I've bonded w/ Jack. They learn from them and keep that forever. Jack has been an amazing teacher, continues to teach me even now. He is brave and stoic - a beautiful soul.
Kim - I read the hospice guide - again started to sob...but its beautiful and helpful at this time.
Hi Vick - seems we were posting at the same time. Thanks so much for your support and kindness. I do feel like I'm gaining some strength through my contact with the folks here. It just helps so much to talk to people who understand the deep bond that develops and that have gone through the loss and survive it. I've thought about this day plenty ever since we got his diagnosis - while I tried to be positive, my only dealings w/ cancer have resulted in death....so I guess I knew this day was probably going to come - that this cancer was going to be the thing that took him from me - I just didn't think it would be this soon. The cancer will take him physically but will not take the lessons I learned from him or remove him from my heart. I lost my first dog that was truly my own about 4 years ago - a yellow lab. That was an incredibly tough loss but I did get through it. I loved her dearly, as I love him. But each loss is different as each dog is different. His loss is going to be much deeper for me. I pray for the strength to get through it as he would want me to.
Kristen, It has been hard the last few days learning both Jack and Buster are going through this. As I have said to Kim, don't worry too much about what is going to happen nor trying to plan too much ahead. Just let things unfold naturally. With all the efforts of worrying, you are losing precious quality time (with positive vibes) to be with Jack.
I remember Laurie Kaplan, author of Help Your Dog Fight Cancer, said when she felt Bullet's breathing was shallowy or too fast, she would lay beside Bullet, breathing with her relaxed meditating rhythm. She said Bullet's breathing eventually would synchonize with hers and became relaxed.
Thinking of you and Jack.
Hugs.
Thanks Genie - I will do that breathing exercise with Jack. I'm doing pretty well today living in the present w/ Jack. Giving him lots of love. Trying to stay upbeat around him... he's always been such a trooper and I hope to do the same for him...as best I can anyway.
Thank you for your thoughts and kindness.
As you know, Kristen & Jack,
We're definitely here with you, too. No matter which way you choose to communicate, we are anxiously waiting to hear what your vet has to say tomorrow.
Love, Vicki, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
Day at a time indeed ... acknowledging that you must "have the strength to do what is right for him" is the first step. You will find it within you when the time comes, and you will know when that time is, with Max's help.
My people feared they might not leave my last cancer check-up appointment with me. But we continued to enjoy life – one day at a time – for another few weeks. Later, as my time was getting short, they skipped another appointment to go play with me one last time. Quality of life is the priority when it comes to hospice care for dogs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow, Jerry. Thanks sooooo much for that post. I read the blogs and am feeling a bit more hopeful that perhaps this isn't my last night with Jack. I've been so doom and gloom these last few days that I've been preparing myself for the worst possible outcome. Jack did just scarf down a cheese stick and is loving his vanilla ice cream. No taste for steak or ground beef but I guess he just isn't in the mood for it.
I know we have a tough road - but if he can be put on some meds to make him feel better for a bit, I'd be so pleased. I would love to get him back on that hiking trail at least one more time. I hiked with him Thursday morning not having a clue that it could've been our last hike together. Still prepared for whatever may happen tomorrow but this helps my state of mind for while he is still here with me. As a very wise woman who also happens to be Buster's mom told me in an e-mail today - do not mourn the living....
Thanks so much again.
I have to say that I am amazingly inspired by the strength you and Heather are demonstrating during this very difficult time. Keep up the pawsitive thinking!!! I'm sure it is immensely helping Max and Buster for their loving moms to have such pawsitive energy right now. Our pawsitive thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you as well! 
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
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