Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Thank you all so much for the condolences. It's strange how the emotions just appear out of nowhere. I'll be at work and I'll fill a prescription for a dog and start to tear up. Mostly though, I look at pictures of her and feel relief that we (I know it sounds a little selfish) won't have to go through anymore pain (her physical pain and my emotional pain of watching her suffer.) Our other dog Athena seems pretty lonley and we're actually talking about adding another to our pack soon. I know that might seem strange or even irresponsible to some, but I truly feel that Sadie would want us to help another dog like we helped her (she spent nearly 2 years in a shelter.) We've always had at least 2 dogs in our pack, so it seems like a natural thing to do. I feel like Sadie taught me so much about love and acceptance, and that I must move forward in my journey as sweet Sadie is moving forward in hers. Thank you again for all your support. I will certainly be around to put in my 2 cents worth, and to keep up with how everyone is doing (and to see the latest Smartypants and Prettypants creations)
Hugs and invisible, yet still sloppy Spirit Sadie kisses,
Lisa & Sadie
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/
Lisa,
I wished I could just hug you! My heart is just aching and I've thought about you all day today.
I don't think you are selfish in the least. Not wanting Sadie in pain is not selfish at all. And I think many of us can agree that our own emotional pain of watching them go through so much is overwhelming at times. It's the 'not knowing' that is especially hard. We don't want to lose them and we'll do everything to keep them happy and out of pain but the emotional toll is so hard. It's natural to feel a sense of relief. I promise. I have secretely joke that Comet is like having a monkey on my back and have for almost 12 years. I can't imagine life without her but I love her so much that it zaps my emotions worrying about her well-being. And she is just deformed with ailments, not cancer.
I personally think that getting a new dog that needs your love is a wonderful way to honor Sadie. I'm the type that would not wait. I didn't with Rocket. Everyday without Rugby and watching how sad Comet was, was utter torture. I had to find the right match for her so it wasn't that easy but I looked at the shelters every day. I got Rocket for her, not me. My husband and I wanted a shep mix but we needed a smaller dog that was non-threatening for her. Rocket was submissive to her and small.
It's funny - we got Rugby because he was her size and he was suppose to be 1 year old! Well, he grew to 70lbs! A far cry from the 30lbs when we got him! He loved her so much. And I loved him for loving her. I sure miss that goofy guy.
You probably already know this, but there in Parhump they have a German Shep rescue group. They take in shep mixes.
Take care of yourself and give Athena an extra hug and kiss from me.
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.
Lisa, you have been so inspirational for me these last few days. I can only hope when Trouble's last day comes, I will have the grace, strength, and courage you have displayed.
Getting another dog is a very personal choice. There are no timelines to follow, only your heart. We added Duke thinking Trouble would never make it this long, and knowing how heartbroken we would be without her. Up until then, we had always been a one dog family. Now, watching the two of them interact, I can see how much company it is for them to have each other. Duke has definitely contributed to the little old lady moving about more.
I, too, think Sadie would be honored that you chose another dog to help. We are all here because we have a special bond with the dogs in our lives. When you are ready to share that bond with another, the perfect dog will prance right into your life.
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.
Hi Lisa,
I agree with everyone else. I am a huge fan of rescue's. That is where almost all of mine came from. I know everyday they lose their lives at the pound because there just isn't enough people for them. So I don't think about time frames, it is right when it is right, whether it is the day there is an "opening" or a year from the day. A new dog can be so amazing to bring your focus away from the pain of the "empty bed syndrome". To me it doesn't mean you loved your baby any less, you are just brave enough to love again.
We all know that the puppies we love are probably going first. So many people I have talked with tell me that they don't want to go through the pain of losing another dog so they just don't adopt one. I think that is sad because there is so much joy in the life of dogs that I think they miss out.
As far as the relief of not seeing Sadie suffer, that is normal and natural. We experience it with everyone we love. My grandfather passed away after only weeks of pain from cancer in his stomach. At the end, when he was clenching his bed and sweating, and struggling, it was a relief when the fight was over. It is a relief because you love.
Bless you and your family for whatever you decide,
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
The love and bravery these guys show us makes them so very special....Sadie Bear will live forever in your heart.
Pat, Angel Ruthie & Tess
After we had lost our first dog Poggie to paralysis (she was a daschund and slipped a disk in her back), we got a new puppy to keep our other dog Bonnie company. About a year later when Bonnie passed away from lymphoma (lost 2 dogs within a 1.5 year time span), we adopted yet another puppy, Chloe. We too had always been a 2 dog family (diff now that Chloe is living with me at school), so I completely understand your decision.
Little did I know when we picked Chloe out, she would be our first tripawd 9 years later... We hope you find someone to keep Athena company and yourselves company too!
-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
Lisa,
First I want to say how sorry I am that Sadie came to the end of her journey so soon. You know you did the right thing by her, but it still hurts.
When Mag was diagnosed with her second cancer in March I started thinking about another pug. I didn't let it interfere with our last three months- I passed on a couple of rescue pugs while Mag was still with me because it was her time. But I knew that my other pug Tani would not do well on her own. About 5 weeks after Mag passed I brought Obie home. I knew that I would always have dogs, and I knew that Tani needed a companion. Mag has a special place in my heart, no pup will ever replace that, but I need to worry now about Tani and her quality of life.
And I know what you mean about feeling relieved- I don't think it is selfish- just realistic. So much worry toward the end about how much pain is there? Is she still enjoying her life? Will I know when it is time? Its just one more thing we have to deal with on the cancer road.
I hope the coming days bring peace, and just the right pup needing a forever home.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Lisa, so sorry to hear about your Sadie, this crap is so ruthless. When Gus died I felt the same, glad he wasn't in any more pain but missing him so much. We also always had more than one dog so I know that feeling. When we put our Jessie down she and Gus were always doing something together and it took Gus a few days to adjust, but he was his own man and soon knew he was in charge. I hope you feel comfort in Sadies memories, at least we know we give them a life they wouldn't have had otherwise, Paws up, spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
fightingforsammy said:
... it was a relief when the fight was over. It is a relief because you love.
Elizabeth - how absolutley true this is. I've often told people after my dad's five year battle with lung cancer, it was a relief the day he died, and I struggled at times feeling guilty because I felt that way. I never equated it until now to your last sentence. Thank you for sharing this with us. It turly is a relief because you LOVE.
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.
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