Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My mighty baby Caya lost her battle this week. Right before we lost Tika in Nov 2009, Caya was diagnosed with Leptospirosis, she survived the initial acute renal failure (our bank account didn't) and made close to a full recovery.
However, earlier this year, she fell ill and we found out that the damage from the Leptospirosis had caused significant scarring of her kidneys and she was now in chronic renal failure. We soon found out after that that she had some lesions on the bone, we never had a definitive answer on the cause.
As much as I miss my girl, she went with her boots on, even up until the very end she was giving it all she got. However, Monday she suffered a serious crash, and when I checked on her in the middle of the night, she let me know that she couldn't carry on anymore. She had stopped eating the day before and her body was rapidly failing. Tim and I released her from her pain later in the day. She had a sedative and the sedative had her unconscious before the final injection. I sat there with my hand on that mighty heart of her's until it stopped.
You never want to see them go, but I don't think it could have been scripted better for Caya. So now, I see her up there bossing Tika around and making the whole gang shape up. (Caya never could take it when Tika killed a rabbit, it upset her a lot).
So now, I have my little monsters. Sitka and Luna, or as my friend calls them German Shepherd and Malamute 2.0. They've been taking good care of me.
I am so sorry for the loss of Trouble, Calpurnia and all the other tripawds. We've been so wrapped up with our own end of life care the last several months, I just lost track of the fact that others are hurting also.
Caya would have been 7 next month. We lost Tika at 5 years old. It just seems really damn unfair at times.
I made a video honoring Caya's life featuring a song my husband always sang to her. I'm sure YouTube will yank it soon for copyright infringement.
Everybody hug their babies for me. Remember each day that you get a smile, a toy, a tail wag, it's a gift. Cherish it.
All my love.
Kim, Tim, Spirit Tika and Spirit Caya, Sitka and Luna
Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com
I'm so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful girl. I love the picture with the snow all over her face. I just gave Tate and Sam hugs and pets from you, and I'm cherishing their tail wags. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful memories, I'm sure they will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Jan
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Hey Kim!
I haven't been around this site much myself these days but stumbled across your post tonight. As usual, you can make me smile even when you are grieving (we still need to meet in Omaha or Sioux City one of these days or years to share some stories and Jack Dan, but hopefully not en route to CSU!). I forgot how young Tika was and didn't realize Caya was also so young. That sucks - sorry but I just hate it when the younguns get these serious illnesses.
I hope the upgrades, GS and Malamute 2.0 are healthier, although I doubt any of them will match Tika for her personality.
My new pal, Paddy (name still in flux, it was Fuzzy yesterday and Wuzzy today), a GS x collie cross looks an awful lot like Caya. Given the resemblance, I'm sure I'll think of her and I sure hope he learns to swim like her.
Whenever my neighbour sees Paddy, who is a sweet dog and kind of ridiculously well-behaved, she can't resist saying - at poor Paddy's expense - that you just can't get another dog like Tazzie - he was a one in a million. But I remember when I first adopted Tazzie and everyone said that about his predeccessor. So, I'm sure our new models will bring lots of joy into our lives and I can tell yours are.
Susan
I didn't realize Caya was having such a hard time. It is easy to get caught in your own story, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. We all fight the battle the only way we know how.
I'm sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
RIP sweet Caya. 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'm so sorry for your loss of Caya. She sounds like an incredible fighter and your video is the perfect tribute. It looks like the 2.0's will take good care of you during this rough time. It's so hard to let them go, but also good to know they are no longer suffering.
Peace,
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/
Kim, I'm so sorry to hear of Caya's loss. I remember you writing of her struggles back in 2009, but I guess I didn't realize it would cause such problems for her as time went on. We take animals into our lives knowing that they won't be with us as long as we'd like, but it doesn't make it any easier when that time comes (whether it's early or late in life). Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only say that she's in very good company with the other members of The November Five. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
I think I came here after you got caught up in your own survival stuff. I just want to tell you that was a beautiful video and I loved the song. They both looked like wonderful dogs, as do your new 2.0's. It is terrible that you lost them at all, but I am so sorry that both girls were so young. I do hope it is a comfort knowing you did all you could.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Tikaani said:
Caya would have been 7 next month. We lost Tika at 5 years old. It just seems really damn unfair at times.
Kim, Tim, Spirit Tika and Spirit Caya, Sitka and Luna
First, words cannot express just how sorry we are for your loss, but hope that you can accept our deepest sympathy at this time. We vividly remember your struggles and just how you survived what can only be described as a world crumbling time is a tribute to the love that you all have shared. Also, your description of just how unfair is so very true. While it is often said that life never gives us more than we can handle, but does it have to come so very close to the edge of our capabilities?
Clearly, you have done everything possible for Tika and Caya and their struggle to remain with you is a testiment to the wonderful life that you shared. It may not be much consolation now, but please take come solice in the fact that you were able to pack so very much into those very short lives. The memories that you created will help to sustain you during your grieving process. Sitka and Luna will help you remember Tika and Caya with a smile as they perform some antic that will trigger those fond memories.
As one who has walked this path too many times, give yourself the credit and time you are due now. Tears may fill my time quite often even after almost nineteen months, there will always be a quiet fulfilling feeling each and every time I "FEEL" my Cherry near. Last Sunday, we spent the day with Cherry's breeder at a NorCal Poodle Rescue picnic/funraiser. It was wonderful to remember just how much Cherry meant to me – even with the feelings of lonliness that often fills my soul. I am sure that this will also be true for you as you travel down this path once more. Hold onto the knowledge that Tika and Caya have not totally left you for the gifts that they gave you will live with you forever.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
What a beautiful dog Caya was, we are so sorry that she left so early.
I'm sitting here with Shelby, the P.P., Charlie and Penny are running amuk in the back yard. We'll "hug 'em all up" and thank God we have been given the pleasure of these dogs sharing theirs lives with us.
Like Caya, the brightest, most intense star's burn out way to quickly, your video made us smile. Don't they grow up fast?
We hope the time will come quickly when you remember her with more smiles and less tears.
Feel good that you gave her every chance in the world and don't forget how much she loved you.
We wish you peace. the chauffeur.
I'm so sorry about Caya. Simply beautiful.
You've been through so much. I'm sorry. It doesn't seem fair that some of us lose them at younger ages and take really good care of them. But I have to believe some of can handle the hurt better.
Sending lots of virtual hugs,
Angel Comet's mom
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.
Kim, we are stunned, and so sorry about Caya. Thank you for letting us know this sad news.
She was such a supergirl and so strong to have survived so much in such a short period of time. Caya was incredible. It's just so unfair when they get taken from us so soon, especially after winning so many rough battles. Our hearts go out to you.
I remember when you told us all about her struggles EPI, when we weren't sure if our Wyatt Ray has it or not (he doesn't). Thank you for taking the time to let us know about this disease as well as Lepto. It stinks that Caya had both, but at least now we are aware of these awful diseases and the harm they can do. This is just one reason why Caya's struggles were not in vain. Thank you for making us aware, we will share this knowledge with as many folks as we can.
We are sending many hugs out to you guys tonight and always. Whenever we look east from Jerry's Acres over to the thunderclouds that roll toward Kansas, we think of you and hope that some day we will get out there to meet you up in your town. Look out, we just might some day.
Many, many hugs and deepest condolences,
Rene, Jim, Wyatt Ray & Spirit Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear Kim,
We are so sorry to hear that Caya has left the house. What a beautiful grrrrl and what a warrior queen. She fought so many battles and won--it is so sad to hear that she lost this last one. We are glad to know that you have v.2 to keep you busy and occupied.
Run free beautiful Caya, always in our hearts,
xoxox,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
p.s. Mom is extra special grateful to be on vacation right now and that she has the chance to just be with us and love on us all day long. Doesn't get any better than that!!!
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
Kim,
I am so sorry for your loss. I love the video you made of your pups. They are both so beautiful.
Sending you lots of gilden hugs!
Cathy
I am so very sorry for your loss....it does seem so very unfair that we lose them at all , much less so very young...I will keep you in my prayers...
Here is to Caya and a life well lived!
Kim and Tim- I am sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the loss of Trouble, Calpurnia and all the other tripawds. We've been so wrapped up with our own end of life care the last several months, I just lost track of the fact that others are hurting also.
This happened to me too when I got to the last 4 months with Maggie. But you know what? It is OK. Sometimes we have to hunker down and take care of our own. I knew I didn't have much time with Mag- and I was spending all the time I could with her- and like Caya she had several issues that required daily attention. So you do what you have to do, what you need to do, and when the time is right you come back here.
The quad pugs and I will be piled on the couch tonight. I will take a moment to think of you guys and remember how fortunate I am to have them in my life.
Karen
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