Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just want to say to everyone who has lost their special angel over the last several months, that you are not forgotten. I know how hard it is and I just wanted to remind those who are still hurting that your loss has not been forgotten with time.
I've been here several months now and enjoy reading all the special relationships. I feel your pain with each tragedy and your joy with each milestone. It so heart-warming to be amongst people who care so deeply for their pets.
I only discovered this site when I bought a Ruffwear harness and would read it a lot. So, I want to send a special thanks to Jake's mom - it was her posting that prompted me to actually type and not just read. I was so hurting from Rugby's sudden death, her posting compelled me to write. For the first time, I wanted say how I felt and I didn't care it would be on Google for eternity!
Anyway, I just wanted to let those of you know, your special fur angels haven't gotten lost in my heart.
- 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.
Thank you Comet's Mom...
I really appreciate your kind words. 
This site has helped me so much getting through the whole scary and very sad cancer journey with Jake. I have gotten to know so many of you here... My heart would break and I would cry with all of you when you went though diffucult times with your babies 
... and other times I have smiled and even laughed when reading your happy celebrations and funny posts.
It's been only 12 weeks and 3 days since I lost Jake... and I know that time is supposed to heal all wounds, and I guess I do feel a bit better these days... I'm not crying day and nite anymore... but my heart is still so broken. 
Even though my Jake is gone, I just can't seem to stay away from here. I guess it makes me feel like Jake is somehow still here with me... I remember how scared I was when Jake was first diagnosed, and I just want to help others that are going through the same thing.
I know that I've never met any of you in person before... and probably never will... but I just wanted to tell you that I love you all and thank you so much for helping me get through this!
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!
It's funny how the first time I'm here in a few weeks this is the post I come across! I forgot how crazy it is getting ready for auditors - the days blended together in January and the only thing i could manage in the evenings when I finally made it home was to wash my face and get ready for bed (and spend a little time on the floor with Buddy - my other retriever). The days have slowed down and now I'm faced with the emotions of the loss again. Tomorrow marks 5 months since I've had to learn how to live with my boy...my comfort, my best friend and the only one who could make me smile when I walked through the door bitchey as can be from a difficult day with clients. The way Zeus greeted me at the door spinning around in circles with 3 legs and that tail going like a propeller - and that high pitched bark that was special for my arrival home...priceless. I miss nothing more.
Does it get any easier? Does anyone else feel like a complete nutcase because they miss their dog sooooooooooo much that they would give ANYTHING to have them back? I would do anything to do it all over again with him....yes, even the cancer. When people ask how many dogs I have, I STILL say two...I still talk about Zeus in the present (can you say denial???). I still half expect to see him when I walk through that door at night...There has never been another soul who has touched my heart and become so much a part of who I am than my dog Zeus. My heart is heavy today with missing him.
Thanks for thinking of us Comet's mom.
Love and hugs to all those who have lost their fur babies and high paws to all you courageous fur-kids and pawrents for fighting this crummy cancer.
Tripawd dawgs rule !!!
Love Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Thanks to Comet's Mom....it seems we have had many losses of late, but I guess that is the nature of what we are dealing with. None of us want to need this web site....but here we are, at a heartbreaking time in the life of our beloved dogs it is an answer to prayer. Thank you Jerry.
Jake's Mom....I know how you feel. Immediately after Paris died, I needed some time away. Than I wondered if I still belong here, but I hope that maybe somewhere along the way I might be able to say or share something that would make a difference. I guess it is my way of honoring Paris.
It will be 4 weeks tomorrow that Paris died, my heart still aches for her to be with me.....but I am glad that her battle with cancer is over. It would be selfish of me to think otherwise. Her last 48 hours were hell. Now I picture her running on 4....eating whatever she wants....playing all day and surrouded by others that I love that are with her in heaven. It may sound silly, but it is how I cope.
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Response from hugapitbull, moved from duplicate topic which has been deleted ...
This is so true. I've been here the entire 14 months of Trouble's journey and those who have become our angels never leave my heart. I see their pawrents begin to heal over time, but each post I see reminds me of the pain they faced and that beautiful spirit that touched our lives who now watches over us from the Bridge. I am thankful for their strength and courage, and inspired to keep fighting.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So nice, I posted it twice?
I think I thought it was going to time-out and hit the button twice. 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 can't even tell you all how much it means to us to know that people have found a place of support and comfort here. And even after our heroic Tripawds go to the Bridge, that so many pawrents return to offer their wisdom and a shoulder to lean on. All of you have, and continue to, leave such an impression in this very special community. Thank you all so very much. As far as we are concerned, everyone who has a heart and wants to support those going through amputation for whatever reason will always belong here.
Our pups will always be with us, that's just how it is. We sign their names as Spirit and Angel dogs, and we remember them on the dates that meant so much. Does their loss get any easier? Hmmm… well, even now, I still look at Jerry's picture with a mix of love, and a tinge of bittersweet sadness because he isn't here with us. And boy, do I wish he was here with us to give Wyatt a few lessons about what being a good dog is all about! 
I came across this quote that I thought you all might appreciate right now:
"I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?" – Sir Walter Scott
Many hugs,
Rene
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I also wanted to add, that I find all of you so brave.
I didn't know my Rugby had cancer when he collapsed suddenly and died 3 hours later. In the beginning of his death, I hated myself for not knowing. Why didn't I pick up on it? He had thrown up a few times and was tuckered out after going to the park. But it was Vegas in July and he was 8 and he also ate Comet's poop when I wasn't watching him! My biggest fear was he was going to get sick from eating Comet's poop! So, I watched him like a hawk outside. (he wasn't that gross, he'd just pick the carrots out!!!)
But now, I'm glad I didn't know. I would have not been able to go through it. Coming off of two TPLO surgeries, my brother dying suddenly from water on the brain and my mom nearly dying in April after hip replacement surgery - there is just no way I could have gone through the agony of knowing Rugby was dying.
It's been a little over 6mths now for me. And I long for his easy-going personality, his laughter and his big lug-iness. But I have to be honest, I miss him more for Comet. Her life was a dream come true for her. It was wiped away. All Rugby ever wanted was for Comet to love and adore him as much as he did her. She did but she didn't show it in lovable way. She teased him all the time and he took it. Because he didn't care if it was negative attention, it was Comet's attention. He'd come running to me when she'd grab him too hard with her crooked teeth and he'd yelp. And she'd snicker at him for being a big baby.
So, my first thoughts when I heard he died was how will Comet survive? Her world has to be perfect in order for her to feel comfortable in life. Otherwise, she's freaks out. I've spent all of her life trying to make her a regular dog from all of her emotional trauma as a puppy. Rugby was her dog. And I failed her for not being able to save Rugby.
She won't ever love Rocket the way she did Rugby. Some days she just seems to tolerate him. He doesn't have the same easy-going personality. I think he's jealous of the love I have for Comet. He doesn't see Comet as special and seems annoyed that we see her that way. I just hope in hindsight I don't have regrets about getting Rocket when Comet passes. Oh, he a nuisance most of the time for all of us! Hence, he's become our little mascot for "what not to get" when we lose a special dog! (FYI, I didn't pick him out, daddy did and he had to talk me into getting him!)
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.
Hey you're pretty brave too. I'm so very sorry about all of the loss you have been through. It's awful when life throws the bad stuff at you all at once. You're stronger than you think, and you're proving it by being here and sharing and helping others while you deal with your own pain.
Please don't blame yourself for Rugby's tragic death, you did not fail at anything. I think that oftentimes our dogs just know how to orchestrate certain things in life to make it easier for us. After all, they're far more enlightened than we are and have that 6th sense that we lack. Perhaps he didn't allow you to know anything because he knew that if he let on, it would make life harder for you and Comet? Maybe.
In time Rocket and Comet will develop their own understanding and relationship, it really hasn't been very long. Much like how we are finding our way with Wild Boy Wyatt, you and Comet will find yours with Rocket. While it may not be as powerful as the one you shared with Rugby, all dogs are here to teach us a lesson. For whatever reason you were drawn to Rocket, there are things that ol' MB can teach you when you are ready. Keep your heart open and eventually those lessons will become apparent.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I like to think that the reason dogs live such short lives is so we may have the opportunity to love more of them...:idea:
Thanks Comet - this is so nice of you!
I can imagine that if a dog died right after dx we might think it for the best (it seems to happen a lot with some cancers). Of course having had a few months it just seems as though it would have been horrible not to have had that time. We had a chance really live it up after the diagnosis. I guess we deal with the 'hand we are dealt', sigh.
Hey - great to see Zeusy's mom out and about today! I hope she starts a thread to bring us up to date. I bet many of the newbies don't know much about our superstar Zeus, although I'm sure they've spotted him on the banner!
Thank you Comet for posting. We remember you our angel and spirit friends and pawrents. So many of you---Tazzie, Yoda, Mac, Cherry,
Caira Sue, Emily, and Horacia (and others I'm sure we're momentarily spacing on, forgive us) helped us through those early weeks.
And sweet Jake we lost too soon. It would be lonely without your voices and sweet avatar faces here! It helps too to know there will still be a place for us someday. Thinking of all of you and thanking you for your brave and loving support, Eve and Romeo
Thank you Spirit Jerry for your kind words! I'm really trying to make the best out of it. I miss not having my fur family intact. I really miss not having any siblings, especially a brother that had my back all the time, too. But I've adjusted and am moving forward (begrudgedly!).
I never thought about that Rugby was hiding his illness. You are probably right. He knew how tender-hearted I am with Comet and perhaps he didn't let on for my sake! He knew that Comet and I fed off of each other's emotions. He had just seen her scream in pain from the neck infection a month earlier and he and I both panicked! We freaked out on trying to get her out from under the desk without hurting her. Gosh, we got scared.
And who knows, Rocket may react the same way if Comet was hurt. He's a sensitive little guy, too. BUT he's so annoying! He never gets tired no matter how much you exercise him! He never sits still even in the daytime. (Right now, he's walking on the couches for no reason! - Not anymore, now he's milling about to see what he can tear up in the toy box.) At night, he is horrible! He brings his torn up toys and throws them at you and if you don't play, he'll bark this shrill bark and won't stop. He does that to Comet, too and I think he's busted her ear drum! She can't seem to hear as well now. He makes all of us a nervous wreck since he won't lay down until bedtime. You can't cuddle him, he's too busy!
On the bright side...I have a very agile dog with Rocket who thinks everything is for climbing on! I have had to worry all these years about Comet and that deformed leg getting caught on something and breaking since she has no feeling in it what-so-ever. (the joints didn't form at the elbow, so it's like a stick - the only thing that flexes is the paw)
AND FYI- I've seen Wild Boy Wyatt's videos - if that's wild, then Rugby was a crazed maniac in the outside world! I would just cringe when we went places. For 8 years, I tried to walk him and couldn't. He'd scream if he saw people or dogs! I'd have to step outside of the vet's office because he'd start screaming with excitement! "Look at me! Look at me!". It was so embarrassing. And he could get out of a Halti! I had to put a leash on his collar with the Halti as a safety measure.
There's another bright side...Rocket is easy to walk and he'll never get tired!
Gotta go - Rocket is now outside digging a hole! Oh what, now he has a stick and is chewing it!
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.
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