Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hugs, Martie...big hugs
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Oh Martie,
I am so sorry. It is hard and the ashes are a poor substitute for Killer. Even if you were not disabled and could physically take care of her it would still not have been fair to make such a proud, independent and loving dog suffer from hip dysplasia or cancer of the spine. No matter what the reason was for her immobility it was not going to get better. Remember your decision was based on your love for Killer.
My prayers are with you. I hope that you can find comfort in your memories of you and your girl.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Martie, we send our love and many hugs. That last act of picking up ashes is difficult, and so final. My Mom kept mine on my bed for weeks, she felt like it was a way she could come to terms with my being gone. It takes time. Allow yourself to feel the way you do, those feelings will help you heal.
And try not to burden yourself with the "what ifs" because you could make yourself nuts. All that you did you did because you loved her so so much. There is no better gift you can give to an animal than returning the unconditional love they gave to you as well. And that you certainly did.
Take your time healing, and know that we are thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yesterday was two weeks since we lost our girl Killer. Pain goes into hibernation while I am at work, but comes crashing back when I am at home. I remember so much, the excitement as soon as she saw (or heard) the leash, going for a walk! An open car door...going for a ride! The icemaker spewing out ice...time for a cube! Her tags clinking and making music as she walked around the house...the sound of the doggy door flapping. Don't mean to get maudlin, but it really does hurt. I know it has been only two weeks, but it seems like only yesterday that she was here on my feet as I type...yet it also seems a million years ago that we had that life together. I would love nothing more than to give her a belly rub or stroke down her nose like she liked, or play tug of war wtih her. But never again. Instead, I see her dishes, her leash, her beds, her halters, her toys in the garage, can't bear to give them away. How fast the years past. Her life was short, only 7 years old, but what a great dog she was. I will miss her forever.
I know you will. It is the price we pay for the love they give us. What a horrible price to pay but I know I would go through it again to have known Emily even with how it feels now. Easier said than done but please try to concentrate on the memories and not the pain.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Too short indeed.
It's those little everyday things that end up meaning so much when we lose a loved one, and hurting so much too when we realize they aren't going to happen again. It's OK to be sad, and to grieve. If you aren't ready to put her things away, don't. Leave them out as long as you need to. My Mom left mine out for many weeks after I left (and still has some of my stuff out even), and it took her forever before she would vaccuum my hair off the floor. When she thought she had waited long enough, she went ahead and did it, and cried some more. It took many many months before she could think of me without a tear rolling down her cheek. Today, she smiles and is comforted knowing that at least we shared so many good times together.
We hope as the days go by, they get easier for you too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am sitting here tonight looking at a very pretty and very sweet Golden Retriever mix named Pebbles. My husband, knowing how sad I still am over losing Killer, decided that I needed another dog. He spent much time at various Animal Shelters in San Antonio, meeting and assessing many dogs, talking with the staff about my "particulars," age, disabilities, working hours--and everyone decided that Pebbles was the answer to my problem. She is an extremely sweet dog who can "give you five" and who has survived heartworms. The only thing she isn't is Killer.
I will love and take care of this dog, who wouldn't, but it is amazing to me that even those who are closest to us sometimes can't understand the depth of our love for a dog, and the lingering grief when we lose one.
We understand. Wyatt is not Jerry, and never will be. Sometimes it is hard not to compare, but loving "the replacement dog" gets easier once you realize there is no replacing the ones you truly love. Congratulations on your new addition.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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