Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Zack celebrated his 3-month ampuversary earlier this month, his 14th birthday and last chemo treatment last week, and nothing was really out of the ordinary. In fact, he was getting up the stairs much more independently this weekend and we were so proud of him.
Zack slept in this morning past his usual 6a 'I'm hungry/feed me' time, but we attributed it to the large serving of green beans he got before bed, and the treat at his 4:45a pee break. Everything else about the day was normal - we went to work, came home, he was thrilled to see us and wolfed down dinner. Then, around 7:45p, he started to breathe funny, like something was caught in his throat. And, he was acting like he was trying to cough something up. After about a minute of that, I opened his mouth to see if I could see anything, and saw his tongue starting to turn blue. We thought maybe he aspirated some of his dinner or something.
We jumped into the car & got him to the vet within 15 mins. They took him in right away and gave him oxygen and intubated him. After only about 2-3 mins of waiting, the doctor came in to tell us his breathing was a sign of some sort of cardiopulmonary issue and that it was the end. We got to say goodbye and comfort him while he was put to sleep. It all happened so fast, we were back in the car by 8:30p (I even joked to my husband that it was the quickest in & out at the vet we'd ever had!)
While I never would have believed it even an hour before it actually happened, I am so thankful that it happened while we were home, and that we got to be with Zack at the end. And, most importantly, he was himself all the way up to that end, and there was very little pain or suffering. We had a really great life together for 14 years - he got spoiled rotten and in return gave us so much love and so many smiles. We know the next few days, weeks, months will be hard as we adjust to life without his cute little face around, but we are at peace knowing that we did everything we could for him - from the amputation to the chemo to the decision to let him go. We will never know what it actually was (they offered to perform an autopsy but we declined), but with how quickly it came on and no prior signs of distress at all, we really think it was just old age and would have happened cancer or no cancer, chemo or no chemo.
Thanks to everyone in the tripawds community for your support and encouragement over the last 3 months.
Zack, King of Dogs, 1996 to 2010
Zack lived a full 14 years, even to the end.
The joy and memories he provided us will last a lifetime.
Surviving him is his sister, Izzy, a 12-year-old boxer mix quadpawd.
And the latest addition, Zula, an 11-month-old pit bull mix tripawd.
You were truly blessed to enjoy so much time with Zack, and he was was incredibly lucky to have you. May he run free of pain and rest in peace at the Rainbow Bridge.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry to hear about Zack's passing. I'm glad though that you were there for him at the end and that he didn't suffer. I know it's comforting to know that you did everything you could. When we start this journey, we never know how long it will be. I believe that by going down this path (cancer and amputation) we appreciate each day with our "kids" a little more. May happy memories of your life with Zack comfort you as you adjust to life without him.
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
OH! I'm so, so sorry! I've been so busy with my mom coming, I wanted to come over and wish you a happy birthday and never got to it. Now this. I'm sorry I didn't take the time to help celebrate his life.
I'm so heartbroken for you. The suddenness can be so shocking. The extreme emotions will come once the shock has passed and I'm just so sad for you. However, it is nice that you were with him at the end.
I know there is nothing I or anyone can say to help ease your pain. You were together for such a long time and the loss is great. All we as a group can offer is our support to help somewhat ease your pain. But please know that we are here to listen, to comfort and whatever you need in the upcoming hard times without Zack.
You were great dog pawrents and you all shared so much happiness together. The time will come when you will look back at all the happy times without tears. But today, we all cry for the loss of Zack.
My deepest condolences,
Comet's mom
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss! How our world's can change in the shortest of times. I too am glad he didn't suffer and can well imagine how grateful you are to have been there for him at the end.
My deepest condolences.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
How things can change so quickly, it's scarey! But I am glad he didn't suffer and you were there in the end...find peace in that.
RIP Zack..
Hugs to you as you heal from your loss...
XOXO
Tracy & Maggie
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Oh my, I am just so very sorry to read the very sad news of Zack's passing. I hope you will find great comfort knowing you did the best for your boy, shared a wonderful life and in the final moments you were together and he didn't suffer.
Rest in Peace Zack
My deepest condolences,
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
We are also very saddened to hear of Zack's passing. You did all that you could, and you were with him in the end. May all your saddness soon be replaced with warm, fun memories of his life with you. Sending you lots of golden hugs!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
Cathy and Spirit Zack,
Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel now that Jack battle has come to completion, but hope that you can accept our deepest sympathy at this time. We are just over a week short of a year since Miss Cherry's journey came to completion, so I know of the loss and emptiness that fills you at this time. Zack was a very handsome and brave warrior. While fourteen years may be a very respectable, we never really get to spend enough time with our precious companions. In time, you will find some peace in the knowledge that Zack had a full life, filled with enormous love and that you did everything possible to continue that life. I always attempt to remind one at such a time like this, that you will never totally be without Zack for the gifts that Zack gave you will live with you forever.
May you find peace in the love of his memories,
Spirit Cherry's Dad
We are so sorry for your loss. I cannot remember where I heard this quote but think it was credited to a child -
"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply...
Love generously...
Care deeply...
Speak kindly...
Leave the rest to God.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Zack had a long and happy life with you and was able to be with you in the end. That is a blessing. You will be in my thoughts as you being to adjust to your new life with Angel Zack. May the wonderful memories over the past 14 years soon fill your heart wih a smile.
RIP sweet Zack. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
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.
I'm so sorry to hear about Zack. Please except my most sincere condolences.
Rest in Peace Zack
Fortis'Dad
I'm so sorry to read about Zack. What a blessing that you were with him at the end and that he didn't suffer too much. We're all here for you, whenever you need us.
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Oh Zack, we are heartbroken. How unbelievably sudden! We are so so sorry. But yes, how blessed you and your pawrents were to be able to keep the pack together when it happened.
You really taught your pawrents so well. The way they are coping shows that they truly understand how to find the good during even the saddest times. What a great teacher you were to them, and all of us. Thank you.
Run free forever with our Spirit Tripawd heroes, dear friend. You will be missed, but your spirit lives on with all of us.
Many, many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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