Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Toby was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in July of 2013. From that point on, Toby continued living it up to the hilt, running, barking, hiking. Unfortunately, it became necessary to send Toby off in style.
About 5 months ago, a tumor developed in the location of his amputation. A couple of months ago more tumors returned and rapidly grew. Later, a biopsy of these tumors, determined that his osteosarcoma had metastasized into his soft tissue and lungs. At this point we decided that more surgery and trauma would only hurt Toby and it was time to plan his end of life and only do palliative care.
For the last couple of months, Toby was pampered with open window car rides, easy walks, and most importantly, as much love as we could possibly give.
This last week, Toby was treated to a couple of steak or pork chop dinners, a stop or two for a large Arby's roast beef max sandwich, and a special picnic, up in the mountains with another family and their K-9 companion who has been camping with Toby many times. Drinking out of the stream while dipping their paws in the cool water made it just like old times.
Last night was difficult. Toby could not get comfortable and one of the tumors started to bleed quite a bit. A 2am trip to the emergency clinic procured some pain killers for Toby and he finally drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
Early today the decision was made to spare Toby from suffering so we called a vet to come into our home to euthanize Toby. Toby passed peacefully with his head resting in my lap and his family gathered around him.
We will miss our big old hound for the rest of our lives.
Jeff and Lori.
Dear Jeff and Lori
Very sorry to hear of your loss. It sure sounds like you sure gave Toby one hell of some quality time and amazing memories.
Hang in there!
Stirling and Tahoe
"Tahoe" - Our Amazing Superman and Best Friend.
Dec. 01-03 to Aug. 19-14
Diagnosed with Periarticular Hystiocystic Sarcoma Feb 14-13; Amputation March 18-13, and diagnosed with STS April-14. Tahoe touched so many people while visiting us, leaving a massive void in our lives. Always Missed, Never Forgotten!!
Dear Jeff and Lori
I am so very, very sorry to be reading this.....I know the heart ache and I, like everyone here, cry with you. We are all family and we understand.
That handsome Toby did things on his terms and didn't let that piece of crap disease touch his spirit...his huge heart...his zest for life!! And to be able to make his transition to the other side of this life with such style and the comfort of being home surrounded by love...yeah...Toby's way.....in "Toby Style"!
The "routine" of caring for a tripawd will create a huge void andnyour heart will be broken for quite awhile. You will, with time, take so mich comfort in the way you helped Toby go through the open door to the clouds. To have made it almost a year and to live everyday with so much joy, so mich love, so much spoiling...yeah, that's a life well lived and well loved!! And remember.....that ne year......in dog years (Toby years)...yeah, that was almost SEVEN years of non-stop lovng, jumping up on the Jacuzzi and happily howling amd singng!
Being a "survivor" yourself, you were able to instill courage and confidence into Toby that I know helped give him the edge! You are quite a team!!
I ALWAYS love seeng Toby's pictures and I hope, when you feel like it, yo will post more and tell us more about yor beloved Toby. His photos always showed such a happy, happy boy...a very content boy. Even through my tears I'm smiling at the ones you shared today.
I know this was very hard to write and I kow the void and the heartaches will only get worse before it gets better. It's been several weeks snce I had the privilege of helping my Happy Hannah make her transition (yeah, with "style" too...lots of steaks, ice cream and M&Ms!), and I can tell you, I'm still waiting for the "better" part.
I know you have each other and you have some more dogs to help during this rough time. Please know that you have us too, okay? We love Toby too! He's just one of those guys who jumps straight into our hearts and makes you smile!!
I realy, really hope you'll stay conmected and share more when you can. Toby will continue to touch lives and inspire others! He showed such courage and reminded us all to stay in the moment, howl with joy for no apparent reason other than the joy of life and to get good back scratches by rolling in the grass everyday!!! Yeah, he lived a life of meaning alright!!
One more thing I hope you'll still consider.....please think about putting Toby's picture in the calendar. I know we posted about it when we saw his great photos.....all were so good! His legacy will contiue on here and we will NEVER forget Toby!
Sending you so much love and holding you gently in my heart.
Sally and Happy Hannah
PS...Can anyone (aka Jerry) find that picture of a "Dog Cloud" with the tag line, "proof that all dogs go to heaven"........ I would love to post it for Toby.
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!
Run free, Toby. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy but I know that he was deeply loved and he knew that.
Amy & Spirit 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
What a handsome boy!!! And how blessed you were to have that time with Toby... and Toby with you!! He could not ask for anything better!! Those steak dinners were the best steak dinners he has ever had.. and that Arby roast beef sandwich was even better than the last one he had... He was living the life.. loved to bits.. and loving you back. And the picnic.. how much more happier could he have been on that day? It was the best picnic he ever had!! I would not have changed a thing if I were you!!
It is always hard to let that leash go for the last time.. and you did it with style.. and it hurts.... it hurts like.. well.. you know. And we all know how you feel.. how much your heart aches.. and your eyes hurt. And that is ok... I always believe the more you love your animals.. the more your heart hurts. And how lucky we are to have our heart hurt that much! How lucky we are to have loved an animal that much and received so much back! I feel sorry for those owners whose hearts do not break like ours. Know what I mean?
I know what you mean about Toby not being comfortable.. my Franklin was like that too.. it got to the point where he could not lie on his side and that was his second favorite position! First fav was on his back getting his belly rubbed.. and that had not happened for a while...
Our hearts break with you... and you know we are all here for support, or to listen to you scream and vent.. or even shed a tear.
Christine... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Oh my such sad and heart breaking news....if we could choose how our final days and weeks were spent, it would be with the grace and fun, and living life to the fullest the way Toby had it. Our eyes are filled with tears as we read your post, and our hearts are full, knowing one of our own has crossed the bridge. The wonderful news is that our Toby will be awaiting each and every one of us as we join him, whenever that will be. He is pain free, as full of love and joy for his humans, as the day he came into their lives. As a community of Tripawds we are here for Toby's humans, and to send our love and compassion to Toby on the other side. Rest in peace our beloved friend. With love, John Wayne and family
I am so sorry for your loss .... Toby was so handsome.
Sending you love and healing energy!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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'm so sorry to hear about your Toby boy. He fought bravely. Such a brave boy!
So sorry for your loss. Run free Toby!
Katie, human momma to Sam, a 9 year old yellow lab who stole my heart. Diagnosed with OSA 4/17/14. Entered CycloSam study at University of Missouri which did not hinder tumor growth. Sam fractured his leg at tumor site on 7/2/14 and was exited from the study. Amputation surgery 7/8/14. Lost his battle 9/25/14. Forever in my ❤️
Also in the menagerie:
Fur-kids:
Maizie a 1 year old schnauzer
Luna, 15 year old siamese-mix kitty
Human-Kids:
DD- 6 years old and full of questions
DS 4 years and full of energy
Blogging about this here: http://samthela.....ipawds.com
I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like Toby had a great life. RIP Toby & run free.
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."
So sorry for your loss of Toby. Sounds like you gave him a wonderful life. They leave a huge hole in our hearts and lives when they leave us. It sure is not easy. Love from, Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Jeff and Lori, please accept my condolences, I'm so sorry to hear about Toby. What a handsome, rock star of a survivor, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. I know it's a difficult road to follow but you guys pulled it off like rock stars, giving him the best life any dog could ever ask for. What good memories you will have for a lifetime.
Our hearts go out to you. There's one more bright angel in doggie heaven, I can hear a party with his doggie friends now. May his spirit shine down on all of us.
Lotsa love coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry. What wonderful parents you are to have given Toby such a wonderful life, and an amazing last couple of months. Run free Toby!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Thank you all for your very kind words. Yes, Toby will be missed; however, the rather large emptiness we feel will be slowly, mostly, filled with great memories of our big, wonderful, pup.
All the best to you and all of your cherished pet companions.
Jeff and Lori
So sorry for your loss. You had some wonderful extra time with Toby and it's obvious how much love there was between all of you.
Blessings-
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.
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