Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
You are so right. I can just see the two of them tearing it up at the Bridge. You are also in my thoughts.
Kathi
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Online
The routines that are no longer there and taken away in an instant...hard, so very, very hard. For weeks and weeks I would still talk to Happy Hannah..."Okay, time for beddy-by" or coming into the house with "Momma's home". I don't think I ate much at all those first few weeks, but I still put my plate down on the floor for her so she could "lick the plate clean"! I dreaded, DREADED, going to bed without her by my side. And mornings, the sadness, the kick in the gut feeling is there even before you can open your eyes. And how we all wish you didn't have to go through this.
To add to your immense lain is the brutality of the unexpected quickness. On a soul level, it's no biggie to our souls. We come here with certain missions, teaching and learning lessons, and when we feel ourmpurpose has been fulfilled we shed our earth clothes and go become pure energy again so we can get ready formour next "assignment".
Surely lart of Murphy's purpose was to show what's possible when the odds seemingly say the opplsite. Murphy has inspired sooo many here...a d everywhere. You can tell by the outpouring of love we were all touched at a soul deep level by this delightfully happy boy. Murphy lived a life with purpose, that's for sure!!
I do have to chuckle a bit about you getting a dog, etc....as though yoj two will decide which dog and when. Ohhhh no Kathi, MURPHY and GUS will decide who and when!! They are planning it now! Get ready because when it happens, I have a feeling you two will really have your hands full! Just sayin'.....
The miracle of Murphy's Elightened Spirit will stay with us forever. And Murphy is ineed a Miracle Pup!!
Surrounding you with the fun treasure chest of memories you and Murphy shared...
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
Oh Kathi... I am glad you checked in... I hear you on that paralyzing silence ... it was BRUTAL. My only saving grace was being thrown back into work that I was out late almost each night and no reason to come home. And like Sally, I would walk in and look to her bed (or where it was). Those routines thrown out of whack were brutal.
I also had/ made plans to 'travel' and do stuff w/out the "kid" ... but as you know, Shelby sent me little Jasper early summer. I was planning late nights out during the summer, happy hours, things that didn't require me to go home. But Shelby knew that wasn't me and she found me a little buddy. So I know your kids are looking out for you!
Know that we are all here for you and sending love and hugs and healing energy... it is a painful, silent, tragic time but as you said to Marshall's mom ... we all get through this and come out stronger. I didn't think it was possible after the loss of Shelby... but I survived and I am a survivor ... and you and Garry will be as well!!!
Hugs and love ...
alison with spirit shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)
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
I have one more thing to share. We always say that our pups will tell us when it is time. That was brought home to us so very clearly with Murphy. My son says, "Oh, you guys and your signs", but this one was unmistakeable.
As some of you will probably remember, when Gus crossed the Bridge, Murphy sniffed him, kissed him right on the mouth, and walked away. He immediately took over the alpha dog spot. When we would ask him if he wanted to go visit Ruger (our daughter's dog), he would lift those ears and tilt his head as if to say he was ready RIGHT NOW! If we asked him about Gus, he acted as if we were using a word that was totally foreign to him. No indication that he even acknowledged Gus' existence. It was almost as if he was saying that he knew Gus wasn't there any more, so why were we asking. On Thursday morning, when he was hurting so badly, Garry asked him if he wanted to go see Gus. His reaction was immediate...those same attentive ears and tilted head.
It still hurts so bad to remember that, but Murphy really did tell us that it was time, whether we were ready or not.
Kathi
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Oh wow Kathi. I believe it, totally. Animals just know. We see it here a lot. They wait for their beloved family to be there, they do things like go one last romp, all kinds of behavior that indicates a knowing.
Humans do it too. We had an old retired friend who was in so-so health. Out of the blue, went to fix a couple of spots in his roof one day. The next, he passed away. His wife swore he had an instinct he was going to go, and wanted to make sure she didn't have to worry about that.
If you're interested, our favorite animal communicator Stacy K has talked about things like this when we interviewed her for Tripawd Talk Radio.
P.S. I'm not sure how old/young your son is, but when I was younger and before Jerry I never would have believed in these signs either.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you sooooo much for sharing that enlightened moment with us! ABSOLUTELY Murphy knew exactlynwhat he was doing ...a d the fact that he realized you got it too....just goose bumbs all over here..huge chills head to toe!
Although I jave tears streaming, I am forever touched by this beautiful gift Murphy AND Gus gave you!! I believe with every fiber of my being that your interpretations of Murphy's "messages" were spot on true!!
Yes, a Jerry said, they convey their way of "knowing"and we just have to be open to that. Our dogs are such an example of the Universal Intelligence that flows through all ofnus. Difference is, they loswten a lot better than we do and trust it without ever second guessing...just accepting!
Thank you sgain for sharing this Kathi. Please continue to share any and everything...it helps us all! We love Murphy so much and sweet Gus too!
Always here for you,
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Ooooooh.... goosebumps here!!! My mom thinks I am a bit loony-tunes with all the signs I say are from Shelby but I believe it to be true and it comforts me!
I even think Jasper understands on some level the role her angel big sister played in my life and in sending little Jasper Lily to me! I tell her all the time ... and she looks at the "shrine" I have for Shelby with curious eyes ... as if she knows something.
Shelby and I were so in-sync and I know that is how I feel her presence strongly and how I feel her 'leaning' on me from time to time.
Sending love and hugs ...
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
Oh my god! Kathi!!!! I didn't know this until you referenced this in another post...
My heart is broken with my own loss and compounding that with you valiant, strong, regal Murphy?! I'm stunned. I'm incredibly sad for you. What a knock in the gut. I know EXACTLY how you're feeling. "where did this come from?" "WHY?!" "he was doing GREAT!!!! And now this...?" Oh, Kathi, oh. Sending you loads of hugs. We're in mourning together....
~ Katy, with my Jackson on my heart
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
I forgot to add: I'm SO happy Jackson has someone over the Bridge to share green beans with and introduce them to other pups. Veggies for all!!!!! If possible: I'll pile on the green beans for my dinner tonight, in honor of our two wonderful, happy, handsome, most excellent, awesome, perfect gentlemen.
~ Katy, with my Jackson on my heart
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Thank you, Katy. I know those two will be decimating all the green bean patches up there. I just saw Jackson's banner for the very first time. What a character he was! He and the Murphinator will be hard to stop once they get together.
Kathi
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
1 Guest(s)
