Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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After a valiant fight, Smilin' Sammy crossed the Rainbow Bridge Monday afternoon. Right up to the end, even when he could no longer put any weight on his remaining front leg, he grinned at life and loved his people. Our wonderful vet, Dr. Lisa, and her vet tech, Chris, came to the house and gently helped sweet Sammy along the way. Our daughter and her dog, Sosa — who was Sammy's brother, were with us.
People say that dogs cross the Rainbow Bridge or earn their angel's wings — and I believe, too, that such perfect creatures as our dogs do, indeed, go to a happy place where they feel no earthly pain and missing limbs return to strong, healthy bodies. I hope Sammy is running joyously on a sandy beach, splashing into impossibly blue water after the ever-present ball and frolicking with other dogs who have gone before him.
But let there also be someone to love him, someone to snuggle with him while he sleeps and someone to tickle him until he wiggles. Let there be someone to stare into his golden eyes until they understand what he wants and someone to smile when he is mad because they squirted stuff into his ears. Let there be someone to bury their face in his warm golden fur and comfort him when some tiny dog growls at him.
I wish it could be me ...
Sosa is suffering — moping and not sleeping. Any advice?
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like his earthly journey ended peacefully, surrounded by those he loved, and those that love him. I also believe that he now runs free with the brave ones that went before him (including my sweet Sadie.) Give Sosa lots of extra affection, I know it can be hard on the brothers and sisters left behind. Athena seemed lost and lonely after Sadie died. We were lucky because we found Ranger, who was a perfect match for Athena, only a few weeks later. We didn't want to rush into anything, but we knew Athena needed a canine companion. I think dogs grieve too, and they need time to get comfortable in a new routine. I hope that the happy memories of your sweet Sammy help ease the pain of your loss.
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/
I am sorry to see Sammy has joined so many other beautiful warriors before him. They will no doubt watch over him and keep him safe. Be kind to yourself. The loss of a tripawd is a tremendous loss that no one is ever quite prepared for. I hope the beautiful memories will soon bring you smiles.
Duke mourned for a long while after we lost Trouble. They miss their companions, just as we do. Give him extra snuggles as he learns to adjust to the new norm.
RIP sweet Sammy. 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.
So sorry to read about Sammy. When we had to put our St. Bernard down, Gus had a tough time for several days. I am going to say i think dogs will react like humans when we lose someone, and each one is different, so my guess is Sosa will heal in her own way, she might look closer to you guys for extra companionship, I'm sure they grive just like we do, especially if they were litter mates, it would be like a twin losing their equal. Our thoughts are with you, 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
I am so sorry to hear about Sammy. I know it was a difficult decision for you but you did the right thing for him. I am sure he is running around with all of his new friends, including Fergus, and getting lots of snuggles and treats. Fergus has been gone for a week and a half now and I can think back with smiles now and fewer tears each day.
Shamus has had a very difficult time. For the first week he was very lethargic and didn't want to eat. Whenever a car pulled up, he went looking to see if Fergus was coming home. Starting yesterday, his tail started wagging more and he is becoming more of his old self. I am sure he is grieving every bit as much as we are.
Hugs to you and your family. I am sure Sammy is in a wonderful place,
Tara
We are sorry to hear of your loss and my family says that they are sure dogs go to heaven and there are rescuers there to take care of them until they find their owners.
Mom said that dogs definitely do mourn the loss of a litter mate. In time, maybe you will be able to open your heart and home to another dog to keep Sosa company. Goldens are such loving dogs--we have a houseful of them and labs.
With love,
Mack and Golden Spirit Hope (who is romping with Sammy right now--goldens stick together, ya know)
we are so sorry to hear of sammy's passing. his body just wore out, even though his spirit was strong. hopefully, with time, the happy memories will take the place of the tears that now fall. give sosa a hug from the ET cubs fans. love neve ends.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
We are sorry for your loss. There is never enough time but I am happy that you had a good year with Sammy. I'm sure Daisy was there to greet him at the bridge with a Dalmatian smile and a sloppy kiss hello! Sosa will grieve Sammy's loss just as you do. It was nice that Sammy was surrounded by his Loving family in the end. Sending you love and comfort.
Bob,Julie, Samson and Lady
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
I'm sorry Sammy reached the end of his journey. I hope in the coming days and weeks the memories of the good times will provide some peace and comfort to you and your family.
After Maggie crossed I still had her little sis Tani at home. Tani had never in her life been an only dog and was very mopey and unhappy for several weeks. I found trying to keep her routine the same, but adding extra together time seemed to help. I ended up adopting another pug which helped her mood and energy level. You might give Sosa a little time to see how he adjusts- dogs need their grieving time too.
Karen
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The wonderful memories you have a Sammy will soon replace the grief you feel right now.
When we lost Skyler, her sister Chloe was really missing her too. She would wander from room to room looking for Skyler, and she would cry. I spent alot of time with her, and took her on many walks. During those first few weeks, if I felt like I was "losing it" I would leave the room to cry. I knew Chloe was very sensitive to my emotions, so I didn't want to stress her out any more than she already was.
After a month, she was back to her old self. She realized that she now had all the toys, and all the attention.
Sending you many golden hugs!
Cathy
I'm so sorry to hear Sammy has gone on. No matter how much time we have with our babies, it's never enough. Sending healing thoughts to you and Sosa.
Oh Sammy, we will miss you here. All of us hurt knowing how your family's hearts are aching right now, we are very, very sorry.
We are so sad that you had to leave us today, but someday we'll meet you and run and play and splash in the ocean alongside you! Please look after all of our Tripawd friends of the present and past, and remember that someday we will all be reuinited.
I think the best way to help Sosa is to keep your pack tight and do lots of fun things together. Go for walks, play ball, stick to some kind of routine that can get everypawdy's mind off of the hurt, and eventually your family's grief will turn to smiles when they remember the good times you had together.
Many, many hugs coming your way Sammy's family, we send our deepest condolences.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to read of Sammy's passing. He must be such a beautiful angel, with his wings.
I hope that your family and Sosa can help each other through this hard time.
Hugs,
Jackie, Abby's mom
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!
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss in Sammy! Doggie Heaven got another beautiful and sweet Golden.
I, too want to believe that our fur babies are made whole and healthy again and of course, forever young after their earthly journey with us. I want to believe that the kindest dog lover I know, my brother is taking care of all the fur babies; talking to them in his soft sweet voice as he strokes their fur. It's what helps ease the pain of losing them.
I hope you find comfort in knowing how much love ran between you and Sammy. Your Sosa is grieving too. May you all find peace in your heart during this terrible time.
HUGS
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.
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