Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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On 12/21 or 12/22 I posted that after 9 months post amputation, Rocket's x-rays showed a small lung met. I was completely bummed out becausee I truly believed he was going to be on the positive end of the percentages --- yes, I even believed he was going to beat it. Rocket didn't make a year. On 01/03/2013', Rocket crossed the Rainbow Briidge. The end came so amazingly fast once we got the news. Within the week, he was barely able to walk because he was losing strength in his right rear leg--by New Years Eve we were helping him get up, stand and walk. By 1/3, he couldn't walk at all. Until then, he still had his appetite and was in a good mood-- he just had trouble with the back legs. On the night of 01/01, he refused to use the stairs to bedtime--that was huge-- he loves bedtime. He and I had a slumber party that night where he labored most of the night---panting -- couldn't get comfortable, etc. he rallied a bit on 01/02, and I was able to schedule an appointment with his oncologist for 1/3. Side note, m
The oncologist was leaving the animal hospital we were taking him to the past 9 months and not available to see during the holidays but kept in communication through email. We woke up on 1/3 with no ability to stand up--with or without help. He didn't want to go,out to pee, didn't want to eat, drink--nothing, I could tell he was in pain because of heavy panting, some groaning, and lack of movement. And the stink that was coming from his panting--phewee--something dying inside there. Bottom line is we knew, He was telling us he was tired and wanted to run again without pain. We decided not to subject him to the 2 1/2 hour ride to the oncologist to tell us what Rocket already did. I called Rocket's local vet and we took him to what we consider home. He went peacefully and with an avalanche of love to send him off. My only regret is that we didn't know to have full body X-rays done --not just the lungs. It's clear that the mets spread to his hips or back leg and overtook him quickly. But a maybe it was better this way too. Rocket's greatest pleasure was frisbee. My greatest pleasure was Rocket. Here's to life's greatest pleasures. R.I.P Rock-Rock
I'm so sorry to hear that Rocket's time has ended. Setting their spirit free is always the hardest thing to do. Run free Rocket!
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Wow you guys, I'm so very sorry to hear that he is gone. We had also hoped he would continue beating the odds, we are thinking of you and sending all our love and condolences.
Try not to beat yourself up or second guess your decisions. You did the best you could. Even if you had done a full-body scan, you would have gotten really bad news that could have really clouded your last few weeks with him. Instead, you and Rocket spent the last few weeks in total happiness, loving life and making the most of each day, exactly how he wanted it. That's a real gift.
Rocket might be an angel now but will always be a part of you, and of the Tripawds community too. Thank you for being here to share his story, and his life with us.
Run free Rocket, run free.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So very hard, I know. I wish you peace and comfort and happy memories. Every time you see a Frisbee, you will think of your boy. In time, you will smile hugely and talk about your silly Frisbee dog.
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/
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please don't regret not doing that full body scan-I agree that the results probably would have been upsetting, but that may have taken away from your time together. Rocket had a wonderful life with you, and you were all so fortunate to have each other. Run free, Rocket-chase all the frisbees you can! Please know that we are thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending warm thoughts your way....
I am sorry your time with Rocket was cut short. Jerry is right about second guessing yourself. I played the guilt game for a long time, and it just doesn't get you anything except more pain. You gave Rocket the best care, you made all the hard decisions and you were able to enjoy him for an additional 9 months. Those are the important things you need to remember.
Everyone handles grief in their own way. Please forgive yourself. Sending healing thoughts to you as you learn to face the new norm.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
So sorry to read this. There is never enough time with our beloved pups.
He is running pain free and is your special angel now. Hope you get a sign from him that he goes "there" okay.
thinking of you
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I am so sorry to hear this. We were also not prepared for mets to other bones. We'd focussed on the lungs. Don't beat yourself up. You weren't to know and it may well be best that you didn't know. I agree with Jerry, this way you and Rocket got to enjoy most of your time without the heavy cloud that such bad news would have carried with it.
And what a perfect tribute to Rocket - "Rocket's greatest pleasure was frisbee. My greatest pleasure was Rocket. Here's to life's greatest pleasures. R.I.P Rock-Rock."
Sending you healing thoughts and 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/
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