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.
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The one week mark hit me really hard. This is such a hard time to get through, so know we are thinking of you.
I read an article after Abby passed about how losing a pet is harder than losing a family member (at least one that didn't live with you). That's certainly how it was for me. It might sound weird, but I was much sadder when Abby died than when I lost my dad. (Of course, my did lived a long full great life, and he was old and ill and it was his time.) But I was with Abby almost constantly (since I work from home) and I would talk to her and she followed me all around the house. Whereas, my dad lived in another state and even though we'd talk on the phone once a week, he wasn't a constant presence like Abby was.
Anyway - I'm just telling you all this because I know some people (certainly not anyone on this site, but maybe some of your friends and family) might seem like they expect you to be over it already. They stop asking how you are doing after a few days and expect everything to just go right back to how it was. But around here, we get that it's not that easy and it takes a lot of time. Today I was able to talk to some people at the beach about Abby and tell them about how beautiful and wonderful she was, and how she died way too young - and I was able to do it without getting teary eyed. We are 5 1/2 months out from losing her. So, it does get better - but it takes a long time!
Hang in there. We're here whenever you do feel like writing about her.
Jackie, angel 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!
I am so sorry for your loss and I believe that she is now chasing butterflies in beautiful places.
I found the first week to be the absolute worst. I even had my first ever panic attacks. Most people don't "get it" at all and I learned to accept that they weren't going to get it. But the people at Tripawds do (and my blessed husband does)! It's been over 6 weeks since I said goodbye to Magnum and the pain is less than it was but it still hurts and I still cry every day. I've found putting together photos and writing about her helpful (although sometimes very painful). I think we have to acknowledge that it is going to hurt for a long time but that it will get easier (even if you can't imagine how, it will). And it's OK for it to take a long time. It is perfectly normal.
Thinking of you. We will be here whenever you feel like writing.
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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