Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I've tried several times to write this, but man it's hard to type through the tears. I'm still crying, but I want so badly to talk about him.
Bailey had his back right leg amputated after a nasty break in February. We had his 5 month ampuversary on July 3rd. He'd done SO well without the leg. If anything he was faster, happier, bouncier than he'd ever been. He could hurdle over his favorite stick (a trick he'd been doing since he was a puppy). He was using his good leg to scratch behind his ear on the other side. He'd still climb all over anything (we always swore he was half mountain goat). I could hardly keep up with him. If anything it seemed the fourth leg had just been holding him back. And, gosh, he was happy. He seemed to smile ALL the time.
We'd spent the early evening on July 4th listening to the fireworks and everything was normal. He'd eaten well, went potty, nothing seems out of the ordinary. Then late that night he started holding himself rigid, wouldn't lay down, even though he was jittery, unstable and stumbling around on his feet. He was kind of swaying his head back and forth and seemed disoriented. He'd still take a treat and water and seemed interested in food. We finally got him settled down and caught a couple of hours sleep. July 5th morning he seemed better, somewhat. Still rigid and shaky, but much more "there" if that makes any sense. I'd put him in his carrier, intending to find a vet open on the holiday weekend to take him to, but before I got the chance, he passed away.
I honestly have no idea what went wrong. The not knowing is KILLING me. What could take a perfectly happy, healthy dog and sap the life out of him so fast? If I just knew that, maybe it wouldn't hurt so badly. Did I miss some big sign? Was I too stupid to see that something was wrong? I just don't know. I'm emotionally wiped out. I think the only thing keep me from losing it completely is taking care of his sister, Doodle. I'm trying very hard not to cry around her, but when she's not in the room, I'm a total mess. I try to distract myself. Do things I enjoy. But I feel horribly guilty the whole time -- like how can i enjoy anything knowing my baby's in the dark? He was SO SCARED of the dark. i try to think about the happy things. About how I had 5 more, beautiful, wonderful months with him, but I just feel like someone's punching me in the stomach.
I know my fiance and all my wonderful pups were waiting to welcome him to Heaven when he got there. If I hold on to that, maybe I'll get through this.
~Mandy
Oh Mandy, how I wish I could give you a big giant hug in the real world. My heart just aches for you and all that you're going through, I cannot even imagine how difficult this is. I am SO sorry.
First, please please please don't blame yourself. You are not at fault. You are a great doggie pawrent, you did everything you could to take great care of him and make sure he had a happy life, and he DID! Oh my gosh the joy you describe of seeing how well he got around, it's just beautiful to imagine. Do you have any photos that you want to share? We would love to feature him on Tripawd Tuesday, if you'd like to write something please send it to us.
Meanwhile, all I can think of is that maybe a brain tumor or even an aneurism might have done it. I'm not a vet, that's just a guess, but if it's something like that, just know that there was no stopping it, that you could never have recognized it was there, no pawrent could have.
Try to take comfort in knowing he did not suffer. That he spent those last few months with you loving life to the fullest freer and happier than he'd been in a long long time. In so many ways, that time was his long goodbye, it was a chance to remember him as a glorious, beautiful creature, happy and free. Hold onto that in your heart, you CAN get through this with those memories close by. It takes time, nobody knows how long, you have to just take things day by day as best you can.
Please know we are here for you, we are always here to listen.
Lots and lots of hugs coming your way. I'm so sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so very sorry and sad for what you are going through, and Jerry is right, you did nothing wrong.......You gave your sweet Bailey a great life and did all you could do, and he knew that. I just hope time can ease some of your pain with all your losses, this is really a terrible and tough time you are going through, and my heart is with you.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Mandy,
In no way are you responsible for Bailey's passing. For whatever reason Bailey's body couldn't keep up with his spirit. I know it's easier said than done but you need to let go of the guilt you're carrying...Doodle needs you because I'm sure she's lost and doesn't understand where her brother is.
It will take time and take all the time you need to grieve. I lost my dear boy Leland on June 30 and it's so hard because he was a huge part of my life. My husband and I both will just start crying because something reminds us of Leland or just because we miss him...and that's ok. We totally understand what you are going through and know the pain of losing a beloved fur baby. Stay connected and lean on us when needed and you'll get through this.
Sending many hugs your way.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Dark? are you kidding me? It is definitley NOT dark at Rainbow Bridge. Have you seen all our babies up there running around, shining bright, smiling with the tongues lolling while they are playing tag through that beautiful green pasture? I think Bailey was standing on the edge of the meadow when Franlkin came and head butted him and said "You're it!"
Oops.. there he goes.. off running, four legs flying... pain free and in the best company around up there.. all of our tripawd babies! haha.. there he goes again!!
My heart breaks with you on losing your sweet boy. But... I think of it this way... Bailey went when his body told him it was time to go... no one had to make that decision for him... he did it. He made that final call!!! You didn't do anything wrong.. how could you do something wrong when you loved him that much? We all do the best we can, we wish we were miracle workers and that we had a magic wand we could wave.. but since we don't.. we do the best we can!
Doodle needs your support and love as much as you need hers. And she will give it to you, no questions asked! Bailey will always be with you in your heart.. he has that part all locked up with his pawprints on it! Nothing can take that away.. neverl will.. And when you feel the need.. just close your eyes... open your heart and you will feel him there.
Don't be afraid to cry.. or scream.. or come here and share stories and pictures. It is what keeps us strong.. helps us heal... and never lets us forget!
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!
Thank you all so much for the kind words & support It's so helpful to have some place to come where people understand what you're going through. Frankly a few people in my real world kinda look at me funny thinking I shouldn't still be this upset. I'll try to reply more personally to each of you, but wanted to get some pictures up while I felt strong enough to look at them. This is my Bailey. Depending on the day he was Bailey Boo, Booger Snot and B. He was precious. He liked to watch TV (game shows were his favorite). He loved toys. He'd only give you kisses every now and then (he gave me one the day he died). He was super smart -- you had to spell around him if it was something you didn't want him to know. He loved to climb (mostly on people). He loved learning new tricks -- hurdling and picking colors were his faves. He was afraid of the dark and couldn't stand to have wind blow on him. He (and Doodle) saved my life in 2010 when the doctors were sure I would die -- taking care of him and his sister was what kept me going. He came into my life when he was 10 weeks old on the rainiest night I've ever seen. I don't know what to do without him.
I am so sorry for your loss ... (and the loss of your fiance too if I am reading correctly).
You did everything! You were an amazing pawrent and Bailey knew that!!! All I can offer is agreeing w/Jerry. Perhaps it was a brain thing. My Shelby was challenged with walking before her passing and we thought it was tight muscles but in fact, she ended up having several seizures and ultimately the awful cancer had entered her brain. While I had her at the ER before her passing, it is very likely that the same would have happened to her. It was only a matter of time and nothing could be done at the point. I hope you take solace in knowing Bailey was near you and with you when he left this earth and he is forever guarding you now.
I do know how much your heart aches and I send you so much love!!!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Cried when you first posted your loss, and now this post...and these lpveky responses that are just so spot on...have me sobbing! All I can say is "ditto" to every skngle respknse and read themmover andmover and over. Your "answers" are in those guided and heartfelt responses. Really, your answers as to what happened and why are all in the responses.
Dogs dkn't fear their "transition". They jist kmow they are headed to another open door...a door that ci ti ues to let their spirit and soul evolve in yet another dimension more enlightened than their earth journey could ever be....an energy field that is pure light and love! And you bet your fiance and all BAILEY BOO..BOOGER..SNOT..and B friends were their at the bridge greeting him with so much love and joy! And they wkll ALL be waiting fornyou when the time comes! But right mow you need to be with Doodle. You both have so much moremofnyour earth journey to experience.
You just have to trust that Bailey Boo and all his Guardian Anges knew exactly what they were doing when he returned to the light....and knew exactly the way to make it happen that kept you two together until his actual transition
I keep scrolling up to lolk at his adorable pictures and to read about his gloriously hqppy, fun filled, loved filled life!, That's when the tears stop and the smiles take over!
You painted such wonderful visuals that are forever etched on your soul! These memories are sacred and will continue to sustain you more and more.
Please continue to stay here with us. Bailey is a treasure to us too and we love him!, I absolutely LOVE reading about him! Spelling in frontmof him? OMD! What a brilliant boy!! The ability to scratch the both ears...OMD! Quite the over-achiever!!
Sending you and Doodles love and surroundng you with Bailey Boo's eternal grace!
Sally and Happy Hannan
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!
Mandy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Bailley. It is such a hard thing to lose a fur baby. It is something that, unfortunately, the whole world does not understand. You will find that here. Understanding, support, friendship. When people were asking me "aren't you done crying yet? It was just a dog". I could come here and vent, cry and remember, yes remember. Eventually, the pictures will bring you comfort. Look for pennies. Ty has sent me pennies and also dimes. I find them in totally random places or in a little pile, like maybe 3 pennies and a dime. Keep looking, you will feel him with you. Everyone had such good advice for you. The biggest one is the guilt. You did NOTHING wrong. You are a great dog Mom! Lori and TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Mandy,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You gave Bailey a wonderful life filled with fun and love. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful mom.
It's human nature to want answers...we have a need to know "why". We think it will bring us closure and help us heal, but only time can help. Your grief and sadness are normal, and knowing why won't change how sad you are. We all know that you were an amazing mom to Bailey, and that you took such good care of him and that you loved him so much and nothing will change that! Many of us have been right where you are right now, grieving and feeling like we will never be able to stop crying. We're all here for you. We understand the sorrow and the feeling of loss. It will get better. I know it's hard to believe that right now, but it will.
With love,
Carol
What a little sweetie, thank you for sharing those pics and more about his pawsonality. I can see a twinkle in his eyes and a little mischief too! And I can see why you two developed such a bond, after all you've been through.
We totally get it. Yes, many people will think you're crazy for feeling such grief, but not this community. It's not easy at all to go through great loss of an animal, much less sudden and unexpected loss. Give yourself plenty of time to grieve, it's completely normal.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My thoughts are with you as you go through this very difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that you gave one of God's creatures a lot of love. I believe the rainbow bridge is a happy place, with sunshine filled with flower meadows and an endless supply of pet treats and toys.
All the best,
Betty & Checkers
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