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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I am so sorry for your loss. As much as it hurts, though, know that cancer didn't win. You did, by being there for Polly and learning all she had to teach you. And Polly did, for having a wonderful family who helped her through the tough times and gave her a good life. Cancer didn't win, not at all. <3 <3
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
I just want to say, thank you so much to everyone, from the bottom of my shattered heart, for the loving and uplifting words to help me get through this absolute devastating loss of my Polly. I could not write very much yesterday, because of being completely shattered, and don't know how well I will do today. The support here is like no other, and you will never know how much I appreciate it. I have lost many dogs over my lifetime, but the pain of losing Polly is immeasurable...we had a very special and unique bond like no other dog I have ever had, hence the extreme pain. This may be the first time ever, that I may seek a local pet-loss support group. I know I always have here, with our special group of people that have shared the same thing, but to be honest, every time from here on out, when I see a wonderful success story and/or fantastic milestone, I will somehow feel cheated for Polly, and many others that didn't make it very far. Please don't anyone take that the wrong way, because NO one can be happier than me to see the ecstatic success of so many wonderful people and loving dogs and cats. I know there are positives there for all of us that didn't get to celebrate for very long, it is just too hard to see through the painful muck in my heart, soul, and brain right now.
Claudia, you are right about the similarities between your Jersey Girl, and my Polly. I was thinking that very thing when I first discovered your story and subsequent loss of her. Ironic so much, though, while posting my response to your loss of her through my tears, I knew full well that Polly was on the decline very rapidly with what I suspected was going to be the same thing. They both had different cancers, but ultimately ended the same way. And yes, I believe they are both together over the Bridge with my Maggie, Duchess, and so many others that have gotten there first, but I'd like to believe that her and your girl have become close buds. I told a close friend yesterday, that every time one of our beloved furry babies go over, there is a huge welcome party. They will never be lonely there.
Everyone, please take care, and I will be cheering for all of you from behind the scenes for awhile, but I will always be checking in frequently to stay updated with all of you. May you all have endless success with your fur-babies and celebrate many, many milestones.
Much Love to you all.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
HI Bonnie,
I'm new here--just created a profile this morning. But I still felt compelled to respond. I'm so, so sorry. As soon as I read your post and looked at the picture, I started crying. I know the incredible bond you're referring to. My heart goes out to you. Take good care, and hope to see you here in the future.
Heather
Charlie, our English yellow lab, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2014. He became a tripawd on February 24th, with clear lymph nodes and lungs, but that didn't last long. After three doses of Carbo, in May 2014, x-rays showed lung mets. We briefly tried Palladia, which went well. Unfortunately, Charlie developed unexplained complications in his hind limbs. We said a reluctant farewell on June 11, 2014. Still miss our boy each and every day.
Bonnie, nobody will judge you for your feelings, I think they are absolutely and completely normal and we understand. Your honesty is how many, many people feel after their Tripawd passes away in such a short amount of time. We get it.
It hurts to lose a beloved animal and it's so very hard to see through the grief. Take your time, find the support you need and know that you and Angel Polly will always be a part of the collective spirit of this community.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Heather, thank you for your compassion and love and support during such a difficult time for Bonnie.
We appreciate your joining us and jumping in, and we look forward to hearing all about you and your pup.
Oh, your future posts won't require approval so feel free to start a new topic so we can get to know you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry that you lost your beautiful Polly. Sending lots of hugs your way.
So sorry to hear about your loss of Polly, she looks like a precious addition to your family. They intwine themselves into your heart and it is so sad when their physical body is no longer with us on earth. I'm sure your Polly spirit is right by your side, pain free and there for you even though you can't see her. She will always be in your heart and you have many wonderful memories to remember her by when it is less painful to do so.
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
No one knows the pain that we feel in our hearts when we let that leash go for the last time. No one.. unless of course they have been there. I can honestly say that even if you have lost a pet before, and you have experienced the emptyness and heartache… it is not the same. There is something about a Tripawd running for the bridge that just hits home deeper… And it is because they have been fighters.. they were warriors and princesses and they dug a hole deep, deep in our hearts and buried their love for us there, while they lived life to the fullest on three legs.
And Cancer did not win.. Polly won!!!! She kicked cancer's ass for a long time!!!! longer than some.. and not as long as others.. but she did it!!!! SHE DID IT!!!! If you had not gone through the adventure of becoming a tripawd, she may not have had that many more snuggles, belly rubs, sparkles in her eye.. and tongue loll'in days that were just GREAT DAYS for her!!!
It just does not seem fair at times… I wish that all doggers and kitts that lose their leg to amputation had many months or years to kick cancer's ass as a tripawd!! I wish… I wanted that to happen for my guy too.. but sometimes we just don't get what we wish for.. and that sucks… big time and it hurts…. big time. My Franklin had his leg amputated on December 4, 2012 and mets took him on May 15th, 2013. 5 1/2 months he was a tripawd. And I know exactly how you feel.. I felt cheated as well... I so desperately wanted to share that "one year ampuversary" picture.. with cake and silly hat!!! But we couldn't. Yet, I was excited for all those pups and kitts out there celebrating their ampuversaries.. and smiles hit my face.. sometimes with teats.. and sometimes with just a giggle of joy!! It's been 9 months since I lost my sweet boy.. and I ache still... sometimes I am my own worst enemy by coming here.. if you know what I mean... I relive the pain whenever I type these words in a post because.. I feel it again.. and know how you feel.. exactly!
Perhaps Franklin has found her.... lord help her... he always had a thing for blondes... ;O)
Polly is still with you.. she’s lying right beside you so peacefully and quiet… she’ll follow you where ever you go. She’s leaning against you while you weep. She’ll always be around you. You see… she is waiting for you to open your heart and feel her.. she’s there… always will be.. and nothing can take that away.. not even that nasty “C” word!!!
You Know What Cancer Cannot Do???
Cancer is so limited
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.
and most of all.. it will never, EVER destroy that bond that you had with your sweet girl!!! NEVER!!! Nothing can take away the bond, the love, the pride and joy that you had with Polly. Nothing. Ever.
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!
My heart just sank. I don't check in here often, but this news hit hard. There was something so special, so sweet, so magnetic about her photo (as your avatar) that I so enjoyed. She radiated. The Rainbow Bridge is brighter with her there. I know it's so hard now and it will be. Take all the time you need. I'm so so sorry. This cancer can move so quickly. I hate it. Damn. I'm sending you LOADS of HUGS.
HUUUUUUUG
~ Katy & Jackson
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!
Dear Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss!!! WOrds cannot describe your loss and pain you are going thru right now, as our tripawds have been our life before and after. We all 'get it' and we wish you all the best; never to forget and always remembering those special times!
I wish we could do more!!!!
Stirling and Tahoe
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
It's impossible to offer words to help ease your unbearable pain. We all feel completely helpless, totally and utterly helpless. We all understand the enormity of the void like no others can. We cry with you
Yu feel cheated and you were and it hurts! Hurts badly! But I wonder what Polly would say? Would Polly say she was cheated? Would Polly feel like she missed out and yearn for what could have been? Would Polly spend time doubting and second guessing everything you did for her?
And that beautiful soul would be woofing "NO!" She ONLY wants yo to spend energy in a way that empowers you to remember all those splendid memories she has filled your heart with every second of every day. Polly didn't think in terms of "time" ........her thoughts were always centered around being with you and giving you kisses and seeing how hapy she made yu wheshe wagged her tail.
Christine has posted that lovely "What the #&%%$&$ disease cannot do" often. Each time I read it, it resonates with me on different levels everytime. But the one line that always brings me peace and comfort....."It cannot invade the soul". Please know that to be true.
You and Polly are soulmates...twin flames...and NOTHING can penetrate that unity...that oneness.
Polly will let you know she's with you. Right now thepainis too immense, but she will get through to you. If yo feel likeit, I hoe you'll post when that hapens. I would love to hear how thst sweet girl connected with you!
Bonnie, for you to continue to offer suport t others is an incredibly selfless act of copassion and courage...a tribute to Polly because I truly believe she would want you to stay connected. You and Polly are family! We fell in love with sweet Polly as soon as her picture showed up.....that SWEET and GENTLE mug...so beautiful...so happy! Her life matters to us! It's important to us to keep her legacy alive and inspiring others! In Polly's world...everyday withyp you was a lifetime full of love and joy! She will take that with her and it will never leave her! Polky's life with you was magical!
Do you remember the first day Poly "picked you" and how hapy you both were? She picked you for a reason! Not only to know what love felt like...she fet that the first second.....but to know what fun felt like...fun and joy! And boy oh boy, Polly had the best time with you!!
I hold you gently in my heart and surround you and your family with love and Polly's eternal grace.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
1 Guest(s)
