Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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My darling 11 year old Patterdale terrier had to be put down on Friday, even though we knew about the bone cancer 5.5 months ago it was still a shock but I think it turned out to be the best way for him. I sit here 2 days later so thankful that we went through with the amputation in March because it gave him 5 months of a better quality of life and for us to spend that time together before his passing. it was been an up and down hill journey but the times I remember was when I reminded myself to be present in the moment (mindful) when I did this I was truly with him. I gave him hands on healing when he appeared to be struggling and he responded so well to that. He had a few strains and we gave him medicine and a whole lot of love and healing. He was such a brave dog, we were lucky because he responded well to the surgery, I know some dogs don't. Not long after the surgery he was running about and even got to doing hand stands (paw stands) whilst peeing. We said he would always be a puppy and he really was right to the end. Even though he was a senior he was so playful and joyful, a lesson for all who were around him that no matter age we are we can choose to see the joy in life and be joyful. He touched many hearts with his joy. Only a week ago he stopped walking and it was so painful to witness him struggle. We took him to the vets and the vet said it was a strain, what a relief (up/down/up/down). I had already started to give him the anti-inflammatory medicine so he picked up quickly and we had the best week. The night before he passed away he was so lively, running about my parents house and throwing his toy in the air, it was incredible. On Friday he broke a front leg (back leg same side amputated in march) and due to where it was and that we knew he would not handle the recovery (restriction) we chose to let him go. He was my first dog and the joy in my life. I have felt him around me and I know that we will meet again on the bridge. Go well my friend until we meet again. I loved my tripod dog.
I am so very sorry for your loss of your sweet Obi......many of us know your pain well. He was a very brave soul indeed, and he did have many quality days with you...you gave him all the love and care you could possibly give which made his life so much easier and very happy. Our Tripawds are definitely one-of-kind pups and kitties, for sure. The truly important thing is, you were courageous enough to make this heartfelt, compassionate decision for him in the end......that is a decision that is still so very hard to come to terms with for some of us.
You have put Obi's life and journey with his battle into wonderful perspective, and I do hope your love and joy for him, will stay within your heart always, and that time will ease your immense heartbreak of his loss.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I am so sorry for your loss. You are right you had 5 1/2 more months of memories with him. It seems hard very hard right now and the pain will lessen with time not right away. There will be good days & bad days. A lot more bad days at first. Then those will lessen and you will begin to smile at memories and not cry as much.
Bonnie is so right you have put his life & battle into perspective. We are here for you.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept my condolences.
Losing our beloved companions is never ever easy but it's beautiful to know that you found the amputation did give more quality time together. That outlook and your experience is so precious, it will lift your heart through the grief to celebrate sweet Obi's life for all time.
If you want to share any photos or videos please feel free and if you need help doing so let me know, we are celebrating his life right along with you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry for your loss. sending you hugs and healing energy.
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a very hard thing to go through. With time, the pain does lessen and the good memories will bring a smile to your face. Come back here if you need to write, vent, cry....whatever. We are here to help. Sending hugs, Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
So sorry for your loss. Parting with our best fur friends is always hard, but as you said, you had 5+ wonderful months after surgery. He will always be present in your heart and your memories.
hugs,
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
So very sorry for your loss, but admiring your fantastic attitude, already celebrating his life alongside the mourning.
Its amazing how going through OSA with my own dog has totally changed my perspective. Previously I would have seen 5+ months as such a short time period, but now I am two+ months on from my dog's amputation I am learning to appreciate this extra time as a gift. Dogs of course already know this, and I smiled hearing about the joy in Obi's last week.
I'm so sorry about your loss of Obi. There is a special bond with our first dogs that is undeniable. I'm sure he felt all your love, and that's why he was so happy and acting like a puppy his last couple of weeks.
Hang in there and come lean on us if you need to cry, talk, or vent. Many here have been where you are, and you won't find a more supportive community.
Five months is a ton of time in dog years and it sounds like you and Obi made the most of it.
Hugs,
Deb and Lexie
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Praise the Lord that Obi had such a great final week! He lived life to the very end and that is how we want to remember our fur babies! You are right that each extra day/month is a gift that some of us only see after the diagnoses of this terrible disease! I know your pain too well as the passing of my Chance is still fresh in my heart. The pain will slowly fade and you will remember the good times. He was lucky to have had you and you to have had him. Run free Obi!
With Love,
Taylor remembering Chance
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
So sorry for your loss. RIP Obi Joyful.
Marla and tri-dogs Daisy & Biscuit
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Such a splendid tribute to an absolutley splendid dog!!! Bravo to you for staying true to always doing what was best for Obi!!! It's mighty hard to staynthe course on this journey sometimes. But you and Obi showed us how to handle whatever time we may have with our furbabies with grace and poise....and sooooooo much love and fun!!!
Obi certainly did things on his own terms didn't he? It almost makes me think with the leg "sprain" and then seemingly so easily breaking, that maybe there was something more harmful goingmon that hadn't shown up yet...that perhaps could have caused him some lingering pain and suffering. NOPE! Not gonna happen to Obii!!! He did things his way and flourished right up until the end!!!
You knew your Obi so well. And if Obi could n o longer be Obi...nah....he wouldn't want that at all!!! He's soooo proud of you for having the courage to release him"home" :so he can continue tomplay andnjump and toss his toys in the air...and watch over you forever!!
Please stay connected and share more about your life with Obi when you canz!!! Just as he wasnyournhero...you were his!!!
Sending love andnhugs...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
I'm sorry for your loss. Every extra moment is so precious and special. Thinking of you.
Amy & Spirit Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Truly sorry you lost your Obi, it's especially hard when it's your first pup. Sounded like he had a good quality of life after his amp and you were always there for him. When you are ready please share some stories and pictures of your life together.
Penny, Blink, Hank and Maggie
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