Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello friends,
I had to let Suki go yesterday. I have to say, even though I've been reading these forums for several months now and people often comment on how fast cancer can move once it recurs, I was stunned at how fast this deteriorated.
Less than a week ago, she was eating great, playing with sticks on walks, chasing squirrels and in great spirits. On Wednesday, after our diagnosis I asked the Onc how much time she thought we had. She said "Less than a month".
Yet I knew yesterday morning, just one day later, that it was "the day". She had that look in her eyes that I'm sure we all have seen before. The look that says "I'm done". She was having trouble breathing and it continued to get worse by the hour. The small amount of breakfast I was able to get her to swallow (so she could take her pills), she vomited up and then continued to vomit over and over again. What was especially hard was that as her breathing worsened, she started to panic, as we all would if we were slowly suffocating. There was no question that by 9am I had to stop her suffering.
And yet, that morning, before it all hit in earnest, we were out for our walk (6am-ish), the sun was just coming up and it was actually fairly warm out (for Chicago in March) and suddenly there was this moment when she saw a squirrel run past her and, just for a second, her ears pricked up and she had that "get him!" look on her face that she always used to have. Not that she ever did "get him", but she sure liked to try to herd those squirrels up a tree where they clearly belonged. We both watched the squirrel for a while and I thought "this is my last moment with her as her old self". And then it was over, she went back to her hunched-over posture, labored breathing.... and the rest of the morning began.
Gentle and intelligent, she was well nicknamed "smoochie" since everyone was her best friend and she was as excited to see you after 10 minutes as 10 days. She liked nothing better than to follow people around the house, listening to conversations and making sure you knew she was always available for a pet, scratch or a quick smooch. She was an incredible friend. Good bye, my girl. I love you.
Oh Suki Smoochie, my heart is broken into a million pieces, I can't believe this awful news. Cancer is so cruel! I wish I could have given you more time to chase those squirrels, to be with your family and to add more of your wisdom to this community.This is so sad, we send deepest condolences to your family.
We are deeply sorry, and hope that wherever you are, you are running free on all fours and chasing those little rodents to your heart's content. May your spirit always shine brightly and watch over our Tripawds on earth. Someday we will all get to play together.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear that Suki has earned wings. I'm glad that you got your "Suki" back one last time even if it was for a fleeting moment. That is a moment to cherish forever.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
My heart is broken for you. I read your post and it sounded exactly like the last day we had with Cadence. I remember the pain all to well. Saying goodbye is never easy but I am so happy that you had a wonderful moment with Suki. Our Cadence did the same thing with the vet came over to help us say goodbye. She jumped up and ran over to him, and for a moment, it was like the old Cadence. I keep that memory close to my heart. Remember that the cancer may have taken them in the end, but it did not win, and it will never take away all the happy moments that we cherished with our babies. Sending you healing thoughts and a big hug.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
So sorry for you. Nothing is harder than losing are furry kids and even harder when their time is even shorter than expected. Thinking of you and Suki at this time. The squirrels in Heaven are running now.
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.
I am so sorry for your loss of Suki. God Speed. Run free at the Bridge Suki. I hate this sucky disease. It is never easy.
Michelle & 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 to hear Suki has gone on. She was an absolutely beautiful girl, and it sounds like she loved everyone. I wish she could have had more time. Sending healing thoughts to you.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We're thinking of you and sending you hugs.
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Trying to type through the tears---we all are indeed crying with you.
You painted a beautiful image of that sunny morning of Smoochie and the squirrel. And one thing you can count on every time you see a squirrel, know that they see Suki asshe will be there herding them!
She knew how much you loved her and she knew you would help her when she communicated tthat he was ready for "the other side of life". I love that she clearly loved nature. In nature, nothing ever "dies", it just changes form....into a life affirming form.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey with Suki. A piece of her heart stayed here with you and she took a piece of your heart with her. Pay attention to the squirrels----I think she'll have a good time letting you know she's still here through them!
We all love you and wish we could take your pain away.
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!
Another gentle warrior passes. One more time our hearts break. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
RIP sweet Suki. 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 am so sorry that Suki's battle is over and you couldn't get more time together. Even when you know it is going to happy the end often has a way of sneaking up on you and catching you unawares.
That image with the squirrel is beautiful. You have captured it so well that I could see a picture of Suki and the squirrel in my mind. Capturing those images in print is a wonderful way of remembering the joy and love that you shared together.
My heart aches for you.
Many hugs
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
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