Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have posted a few things about my dear Sambuca. Last post was a few weeks ago when he was diagnosed with having hypertrophy osteopathy - abnormal bone growth on his toes from the mets in his lungs. We were prescribed Prednisone and it immediately helped the swelling in Sam's feet and he felt better within a day or so. Unfortunately, we knew this was just a band-aid and yesterday we decided to say goodbye and set Sambuca free from his pain. The swelling had returned and he was having a hard time doing pretty much anything.
We couldn't watch Sambuca suffer any longer, knowing it wasn't getting better. This is one of the hardest things we've had to do. He was the most gentle, loving devoted dog I have ever met. All the way until the end, his spirit was higher than one could imagine. The hole that has been left in my heart is so big - right now it feels it will never close.
Sambuca was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in February of this year. He had his right front leg amputated on March 6 and shortly thereafter we started chemotherapy. Prior to the third treatment, we found mets in his lungs, stopped his treatment and was given 2-6 months - back to the original sentence. But as some wise people on this site have told me, dogs don't know time and we are able to spend 8 blessed months with him after his amputation. For anyone who questions what they should do - let me just say besides him being diagnosed in the first place, and the chemo not working, I wouldn't change a thing. I would do it all again. Buca was up and at it two days after surgery, climbing steps a week after. He was happy and pain free for a very long time. We knew it wouldn't last but we cherished every day we had with him.
I miss him already. I want to thank Tripawds and all of its members for the advise, the prayers and kind words. I will still be on here - hopefully to help someone and to share Sambuca's story as much as possible. I know that Sam is waiting for me on the other side, so until we meet again my Big Man Boo - I will love and miss you!
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I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending you love and strength during this very difficult time.
Carol
Hi Amy
I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved friend, Sambuca.
You, however, may this final decision for him with the same respect for his quality of life that you made all of the other treatment decisions.
I hope your many happy memories of him help with the healing process.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
I always think of Sambuca fondly, and I remember that our Sams started on this journey at the same time. I am so sorry for your loss.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Amy and family,
I'm sorry Sam's journey ended so soon- that HO is tough to deal with. I'm glad you have no regrets, it does not help with the immediate pain, but will give you peace as you move forward.
Sambuca lives on in your heart, and so he will always be by your side.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Amy, I'm so very, very sorry. Sometimes this site can be the saddest place n earth. And today, that's howit feels.
That Sambuca sure did beat the odds though! E sure did smash those statistics to smithereens!! Nothing touched that oy's spirit! OTHING!!
Yourpost is a beautiful tribute to a special soul who lived life to the fullest rightup to the end.
You made a selfless decision that came from such a pure place of love. You did "right" by Sambuca every step'of the way! You gave him the best possiblr chance against a horrid piece of crap disease and you...and he...made the very, very best out of it!! Jolly good job Sambuca!!
Yoy and Sambuca inspired us all...and especially today. His legacy will live on pas others read about his journe and see how he made up his own rules!! He lived a vibrant life surrounded by love every step of the way! Ohhhhh how he knew he was loved AND spoiled!!
It is a privilege to be on this journey withyou. We are all touched by you and Sambuca. His life has purpose and that urpose will cntinue on. This is a dog whose life mattered.
We will never forget you Sambuca! Amy, I hope you will come back and share more memories of Sambuca. He left you with thousands of treasured memories, that's for sure. Maybe a memory avout the funny way he slept ...or how he got you to give him treats even though he'd already had too many.....or thr funny bark he had if he saw a squirrel......
Holdingyou near and dear in our hearts tonight. Sambucca is still nestled in a safe corner in your heart and he will never leave.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
So sorry to hear this news, but what a wonderful gift of time you gave him and you. He will always be watching over you.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Amy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am glad that you have no regrets. This is a hard journey that we have taken, and there is much comfort that comes from the peace of mind that you get knowing that you did right by your sweet baby. Please know that Sam will never be forgotten and that his story will inspire others who come to this site just like we did - terrified, confused, angry and heartbroken. He will show them that there is much happiness beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
Lisa and Angel Zeus
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss. This time is never easy. RIP Sam. Run free with all the other warriors & princess warriors
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP buca.
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Amy, I'm so heartbroken to read this sad news. My heart goes out to you and your family, it's never easy to say goodbye to a sweet soul like Buca, I'm so very sorry.
Although his time as a Tripawd was short, how wonderful that you were all able to spend such quality time together. You and your pack have certainly learned the Way of Dog, and how to live life to the fullest. May these lessons help keep your heart strong as you adjust to life without Sambuca. Always remember he is never far from your heart, or ours.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear about Sambuca. Sending healing thoughts and hugs to you.
Amy,
Our thoughts go to you and your family at this difficult time.
Esther and her Snoop
Amy,
I'm very sorry to hear about Sambuca. He looked like a real sweetheart. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Penny
Thank you all for the kind thoughts. I know its not good news or great information for those who are in the early stages of this awful disease. But I just want people to know a couple of things. When I first posted a question about chemo for Sam I received great information and advice from the awesome people on this site. But the most important piece of advice I received is whatever you decide for you and your dog it is a personal decision and what you decide is what is best for your family. I know everything we did was right for us and for Sambuca. Also this place is a very valuable place for support and information and I hope our story can help someone in the future.
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