Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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It was a sad day today. Finnegan, our 9 year old St. Bernard / Mastiff / Rottie mix has lost his battle with Osteosarcoma.
After only 5 months from his Osteosarcoma discovery, amputation a week later, 4 rounds of chemo.... the cancer returned. He started limping slightly on his back legs and then within a day or two he couldn't walk without us helping him or get up on his own. We tried a cortizone shot on Saturday, and then a round of steroids and tramadol to see if it was just back pain from being an older large breed tripawd. Unfortunately none of that worked.
This morning we went in to get xrays to see what the real issue could be. Chest x-ray first, which was clear. Then they took xrays of his spine. That's where we found it. The cancer had returned and had metastasized in various sizes along his lower spine. Our vet was shocked and amazed that he didn't show signs of this earlier and could even walk with us giving him support.
The Noble breed strikes again.
Due to the aggressiveness of the cancer, we only had days. So we did the best thing we could do. He was in pain, embarrassed because he couldn't pee without our help, couldn't poop standing up, and being a sensitive guy anyway (total st. bernard trait) we knew it was taking a toll on him.
We said goodbye to our baby this morning. We had 9 amazing years with him.
Some say he was lucky to have us, but really, we were the lucky ones.
Sweet, sweet Finnegan. I am so heartbroken over this news. You put up such a good fight through your journey. Cancer does not play fair, and it took you way to soon. Cherish the 9 years of memories you had with Finnegan. Hold those close to your heart. You did everything you could do, and it sucks that cancer makes its own rules. I feel your pain. We only had 4 months with Cadence when her journey came to an end. But those 4 months were filled with such joy and happiness and I am sure you feel the same way about Finnegan. I learned so much about myself and Cadence during this journey. Just like me, I know you learned to cherish each and every day you had with your sweet boy, and you looked on in amazement on what a strong warrior he was.
Finnegan is running free, in an open field with lots of sunshine and on the other end, there is snow for him to romp around in. He is no longer in pain and is watching down on you and thanking you for such a wonderful life. He knew love and so did you.
You are in my thoughts and I hope you can feel my arms around you giving you a hug.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
I am so sorry that Finnegan has lost his battle. Such a beautiful boy. Our Magnum had reached a similar stage where she needed us to be her back legs as the cancer took over the hip of her one remaining back leg. It is the hardest decision to say goodbye but when you know that pain is all they have left to look forward to you find the strength to do what is right for them.
Finnegan knew he was loved and yes, I can understand why you say you were the lucky ones to have him in your lives. Our lives are so much richer for having our beautiful dogs in them.
My heart goes out to you. Many hugs.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Sorry to hear that you had to say good bye to your big boy. Sending warm, comforting thoughts your way.
What a beautiful brave boy he was, you are also so brave for fighting along side him against this heartbreaking disease.
What strength of body and character he showed by still being able to walk even with cancer in his spine.
Noble in deed.
Finnegan and angel Porthos will be running around playing together at the bridge, Im sure of it.
I am thinking of you,
Amanda and Angel Porthos xx
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
I'm new here. Just joined today. And I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to get to know your Finnegan. It's clear from your words that he was a special boy. Ours is a multidog home. Dogs have come to us as pups, prime-of-lifers, and seniors. We've dealt with end-of-life issues and decisions more than most folks. And I'd just like to tell you that again and again, time after time, the wonderful dogs we've known and loved have let me know that they don't go far when they "leave" us. Sometime, perhaps when you least expect it, your Finn will let you know that he still stands nearby. God bless.
Finnegan, I'm terribly saddened by this news, it's not what anyone expected. Cancer was unfair but you fought hard and courageously as only you knew how to do. I can see it in your eyes, you were a very strong, deep-thinking boy. Cancer can never take that away.
As much as it hurt your pawrents to set your spirit free, I know you will be in their hearts and souls for eternity. A love like yours never goes away, it only gets stronger as time goes by. What a life you had together, the life every dog deserves and dreams of.
We send our deepest condolences, please know we are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry you've lost your boy. I wish Finnegan could have had more time with you. Sending healing thoughts to you.
I had left my condolences on your initial post, but I wanted to come over here and mention them again. You have been in my thoughts all day. I'm terribly sad about this news. What a boy! He will be missed so so so much.
~ Katy
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
My Brendol and Adelaide and I are fairly new here (2 months) so I was not familiar with your Finnegan. I am so sorry that you weren't given more time with him. And to have such a sudden and unexpected onset is very disturbing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
So sorry for the loss of Finnegan. There are 2 very noble breeds in that mix. He fought a good fight and you gave him the best gift of all. You will see him again until that time Finnegan Run free and play with all the other angel Tripawds there to meet & greet you.
Michelle & 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."
Beautiful Finnegan. I'm sorry for your loss.
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
I'm so sorry for your loss. God speed Finnegan.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
I'm so sorry. I wish you had more time. The problem is there is never enough. We just have to make the most of what we have, which you and Finnegan certainly did. You did the only thing you could do for him, and he counted on you to help him when he needed you most. Thank you for loving him enough to keep him from living in pain.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Finnegan was indeed a brave warrior with so much heart. So sorry for your loss.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
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