Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It is with a very full and grateful heart that I let our Tripawds family know that sometime later today, Ms. Lexie will be joining Angels Jake, Happy Hannah, Shelby, Polly, Ty, Sassy, Franklin, the one and only Tripawd Founder Jerry, Maggie, Willow, Charlie, Leland, Snoop, Rusty, Jake 2, Ace, Bailey, Flame, Tahoe, Cookie...and so many other wonderful Tripawds that there isn't enough room to list them all.
Although tumor #2 got bigger since late last week, Lexie had an amazing day on Saturday -- even to the point of a three-legged 2 foot off the ground pre-Tripawd style vertical leap (yikes!!!) when she saw her Ruffwear harness and leash come out. She always enjoys water treadmill physical therapy had the best day she's ever had at PT on that day with her favorite PT vet and vet tech.
Sunday her tumor was even bigger than the day before. When she didn't want to eat much or go for a walk I knew that she might be hinting that it was getting closer to her time. Monday and this morning she gave us a number of other signals (separate thread to come on that later), so we decided that we'll give her an awesome day in preparation for bidding her an awesome farewell. As I type this, she and Milo and I are sitting outside under a huge tree in our front yard enjoying the unusually non-humid late August weather.
Here's the amazing thing...I had no idea that it was National Dog Day (#NationalDogDay) for folks on Twitter, which is helping to raise awareness about dog rescue and adoption. It couldn't be more appropriate.
Especially for those of you on Twitter: I'm going to take a few minutes in the next half-hour to do some Tweets (keep an eye for the #Tripawds hashtag) in honor of Lexie and to help raise awareness about #petadoption and some of the Tripawds awaiting rescue. Please feel free to RT -- I'm @va_deb, btw -- and please feel free to do the same if you wish. I know doing this would make Lexie happy.
Thanks to all of you for helping us get to this point, for helping us have these amazing bonus months, and for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Lots of love and big hugs,
Deb and Lexie (and Monkeybutt Milo and Greg)
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.
Oh, I am so sorry! Such a hard call to make isn't it? Although, Lexie seemed to make it pretty clear. I am glad that you have a chance to make it an awesome day. I think I waited a few days too long for my boy and so his last day basically sucked
Whata wonderful thing for you to do in amongst all of the emotions that go along with this, posting for dog adoption awareness. Lexie would be proud!!!! We are here whenever you need us. Love from, 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.
Oh Deb ... I am so sorry to read this ... my heart is breaking for you! Lexie's life was absolutely amazing ...
It's an awful decision to make and know that we are all here for you. Please lean on us in the coming days ...
Sending much love,
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
Lexie girlie.. your next adventure is about to begin!! Enjoy your beautiful day girlie... and don't worry about your momma.. you will be watching over her and she has all of us goofballs here to keep her occupied and help her get on the road to her next adventure.
And speaking of goofballs.. oh my goodness are you in for a treat! The pawty is about to begin at the Bridge... everyone is waiting for you and you won't be bored at all up there with all those tripawds running about causing a ruckus! You will fit right in... Just be careful of that boy Franklin.. do NOT stand down wind... Don't say I didn't warn you!
Milo and Greg will help your momma, don't worry about that. But don't be afraid to check in once and a while and let her know you are still with her. She will feel you... we always feel the ones we love that leave their body behind.... that is the cool thing because once you have branded our heart with your pawprint.. it never fades.
Hugs Deb
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Deb,
I'll be thinking about you...and crying with you...today. But yes, most importantly, we will all be celebrating Lexie's life today! She will always be remembered by us!
With love,
Carol
Cannot type through.the.tears right now. And I know you were typing through tears and sobs to.
All I'm going to say is right now I am with you with every fiber of my being ...........every beat of my heart.....every breath I am taking....I am right here with you.
We are all right.here.with.you.
And, as Christine said....there will be a wild pawty at the bridge tonight! It's a wonder "some" of those pawty goers haven't been turned away and sent back because they are waaaaaay too crazy! But once Lexie gets there...she will make all the others look boring! Ive seen how Lexie pawtys first hand with younger men.....she's one wild child!!!
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!
Lexie, I'm so sorry to hear your journey is coming to an end. But please know that my handsome boy Max will be at The Bridge to meet you. You'll know him as soon as you see him: he's the good looking mutt with stunning blue eyes! It has been an honor sharing your life Lexie. Godspeed.
Deb, I am in awe of your courage at this time, Lexie has taught you how to be so strong! I'm really, really sorry to know that she is putting on a set of angel wings today, that saying goodbye part is just so difficult no matter how much time we have to prepare. Lots of candles are lit in her honor this evening. If you want to talk, we are here for you.
Please know that you both have had such an impact on all of us....whenever this community hears about another senior dog about to face amputation, Lexie will be the role model of HOPE and INSPAWRATION, always. She is just amazing, the way you both faced this journey, we are so blessed to have known her and been a part of your journey.
Whisper in her ear, tell her that there are a LOT of handsome Tripawd dudes waiting for her, along with some REALLY fun girlfriends too. The pawty is going to be craaaaazy!
Hugs, hugs and more hugs coming your way. We love you two so much!
P.S. thanks for the Tweets, we're helping to spread the word about those rescue pups.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Deb,
Oh yes, we will certainly celebrate beautiful Lexie's life, but first, I need to go cry, sob, and throw things.......some days, I just can't handle heartbreak again, and reading this right now is just so very hard. Sally is right, we are ALL here for you, in this, your time of impending awful loss of sweet Lexie.......
What an amazing life she had, and what a fantastic mom she had in you......this is what I want to hold in my heart tonight, not sorrow, (although that will come anyway)..... I just gave my pup Pearl an extra Frosty Paws in honor of precious Lexie......me, a newly opened bottle of wine.....
My heart is hurting with yours.......and may all your special and happy memories of Lexie ease your pain in time.....
Much Love, thoughts and prayers,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I read this earlier and have been thinking about you guys all afternoon. You are amazing for turning this day into something positive. When Lexie is ready for her first nap at the Bridge Maggie will show her all the good spots.
Sending strong, peaceful thoughts to your whole pack.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Deb,
I am so sorry to hear about Lexie. My heart breaks with you. You gave her the greatest gift we can give our babies. I know its not easy shoot it never is but with our Tripawds and our journeys it makes it even more special and hard. Lexie will always be by your side. Now you might have a hard time at first seeing those signals but she is going to send them. Watch for them whether its pennies, feathers, a scent. They will be there. Heck it took Hannah to send a cloud for Sally to see it 🙂
Lexie will be shown the way. I know that there will be plenty of our babies there to greet her and show her the sweet spots.
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."
Deb, Milo and Gregg,
So sorry to hear about your loss of Lexie. What a wonderful Mom you were to her especially knowing when she wanted to go. That's a huge decision we have to make during a very emotional time. If Lexie likes squirrels (not in a friendly way) have her find my Maggie and she will lead the way. Godspeed your broken heart.
Penny, Blink, Hank and Spirit Maggie
When a liight shines this brightly, the glow is eternal......and Lexie's light has touched us all.....
Wrapping you up in the loving arms of the whole Tirpawd Universe..
Sally and 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!
Good morning Deb
Just reading this post from yesterday now and I hope you had a splendid celebration in honour of the wonderful life of Lexie.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
Quick update... Lexie is still with us. Greg couldn't take off work yesterday and when he got home he just wasn't ready to let her go. I finally was able to get her to eat something and so i doubled up on her 4 different pain meds (staggering them a bit) and that's making her more comfortable for the short term.
That extra time I had with her yesterday really made me feel much more at peace, so I think it will be helpful for Greg to have that with her today before we help her transition later.
Wouldn't have guessed that we'd have a 360 role reversal, but now that I think about Lexie's journey, nothing has really been straightforward...so why would this be any different? I kind of think she's laughing at both of us(!), but as long as she's comfortable I'm okay with hanging on a little longer.
Anyway, thanks again to all of you, and we'll keep you posted.
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.
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