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
Four years ago today, Trouble crossed the bridge. I struggled with what to say, how to memorialize and honor her.
It seems so shallow to say she was the best dog ever, we all know each and every tripawd is special in their own right. But I can say she was placed in my life to teach me many lessons.
We were given the pleasure of living with this awesome animal for 12 ½ years. She was our introduction to the world of pit bulls – the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier, and the mixes represented by ‘pit bull’. She taught me to be an ambassador, to vigilantly monitor and intervene so she would never be in a situation where it could be ‘the pit bull’s fault’.
She taught us stubbornness could be an attribute. We learned to laugh instead of being angry when she just would not relent and insisted it was time to cook dinner, to go out, to do it ‘her’ way.
She taught us to never meet a stranger, to make friends wherever you go, whatever the situation. She brought wonderful longtime friends into our lives who we would never have met without her.
She taught us to fight hardest when the odds are against you – that cancer isn’t a death sentence, it is a new way of life. She taught us how easy it is to overcome life without a limb. To make do with what we have, to not only survive, but to thrive.
She taught us the pain of losing something that is imbedded in your soul. To take your time with the grieving process. To allow yourself never to get over that pain, but to move on with as much dignity as you can muster.
She taught us the tears may randomly fall, triggered by the most obscure thought.
She taught us to lay the pain aside and adopt another one in need even if we thought we weren’t quite ready. She taught us to give freely to help the many dogs who are homeless – to volunteer, to donate, to share.
And so today we honor this beautiful Angel, and the tears gently fall as we continue to miss you. Each day of our lives, you are Forever in our Hearts.
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.
What a beautiful tribute to Trouble. I am sitting here fighting back tears ... she definitely taught you many lessons, as do all our heart dogs.
I would agree - a heart dog is a special bond that is never broken. They come into our lives to teach us things, give us gifts and love conditionally and then forever protect us.
She was a beautiful dog - I love that BIG smile and tongue!!! You can tell that she was incredibly loved and happy.
Thank you for sharing her with us again today. I didn't know you during your journey but am forever grateful that you continue to come here and share with us, cheer with us and grieve with us.
She is definitely forever in your hearts and soul .... (as I always sign mine about Shelby).
Much love and hugs,
alison with the spirit of 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
Even though I wasn't "here" during Trouble's earth jouirney, I have had the privilege of getting to know this fiesty and courageous Sage through revisting her posts and her pictures. Everytime a banner comes up of one of our heroes who has gone to the Bridge, I always try and learn about them. It's just one small way I make sure they are never forgotten. When I first saw Trouble's banner...along with her name, TROUBLE, you bet I couldn't wait to learn more about her!!
Okay...having a hard time keeping a connection right now...will trynlater.
But wanted to do one thing before it crashes. I didn't get a chance to light a candle for Trouble when she transitioned, so I did so just now. And when I snapped the picture, rescue tripawd Frankie came up to look at the candle. He was paying homage 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!
Thank you ladies for the kind words. I thought I was good today until I started writing this and then I lost it. But all is good.
Duke and Emmi had been at the kennel over the weekend and I picked them up on the way home. It reminds me I still have work to do. Emmi promptly went outside and rolled in the cut grass. It looks like she was dressing for St Pat's day tomorrow. She is green streaked all over.
I love the candle. It really is special to me, and I am happy to know Trouble's spirit continues to guide this group. That new folks continue to learn from our experiences. And Frankie, thanks for being in on the action. You are a special boy!
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 had the honor of meeting Shanna & her husband Bob. I we talked a little about Trouble. I know I wish I had the honor of meeting her. I know she is such a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart.
Love all the sweet memories. <3
xxoxoxo
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."
Trouble is a beautiful pup. What a beautiful tribute to her. I met a friend's pup today. I could see he was some sort of bull dog. I asked and you could tell She was a bit hesitant to say. She thinks a mix, but is unsure because of him being a rescue. I went over and hugged his adorable mug. Friendliest guy ever. so today, I hugged a pit bull, or something pretty close. My neighbors used to raise Stafforshires and they were the biggest babies ever. Trouble, you will never be forgotten here. Sally, love the candle and Frankie. Lori, TY and the gang
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.
Shanna, you've been in our hearts and mind all day today, more than usual knowing what day it is. I'm so glad you posted here. It's hard to believe that four years have gone by. Trouble's spirit is as strong as ever, just like when she was among us physically here on earth.
We will never forget the first time we met you three in the Big Thicket, a place of amazing beauty that paled in comparison to Trouble, a royal Tripawd pittie princess. Her courage and spunk that she had before and after losing a limb is a lesson for all of us to live our lives by. She will always be remembered.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
4myty said I met a friend's pup today. I could see he was some sort of bull dog. I asked and you could tell She was a bit hesitant to say. She thinks a mix, but is unsure because of him being a rescue. I went over and hugged his adorable mug. Friendliest guy ever. so today, I hugged a pit bull, or something pretty close. My neighbors used to raise Stafforshires and they were the biggest babies ever.
I understand the hesitancy. With the media frenzy, you never know how someone will respond to you if you say you own a pit bull. Trouble was American Pit Bull Terrier, and had the more petite features of a true pittie. Duke is definitely the stockier build, bigger head, American Staffordshire Terrier. Emmi is suppose to be the AST/Lab mix. She is very small 40 lb and very petite, I sometimes look at her and wonder if she is either - even a small amount.
Thank you for the support today. It means so much. And to Michele and Rene - we've been down many paths together. Love that you're still here for me. Tripawd support lives on for as long as it is needed.
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 proud that our boy Max had the honor of joining Trouble, Queen Nova, Cherry and Tika as part of The November Five. None of us ever want to go on this journey, but it is made a lot easier by the people and brave Tripawds we meet here. Shanna, thank you for sharing Trouble with us. It was a priviledge to have known and learned about her through your stories and her photos. Her memory will always be here, and she will always be missed.
Diane and John, Linda & Bernie, and Spirit Max
Diane and John, I know I don't have to tell you how much I love the November 5. Each so special in their own way. I will never forget those beautiful blue eyes Max had. We fought a good fight, the five of us. Each one lost was like losing my own.
I so love that we stay in touch, it is a very special bond.
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.
Shanna.....do you see how important you and Trouble are to the community? Do you see how your rock, your light, is still touching lives?
Do yoh mind posting what one of your threads said was your "favorite" photo of Trouble? The link said "New Orleans but when I clicked in, it wasn't there. It could be a facebook thing...and I'm not a "booker"
AND...how bout a pic of Duke and Emmi? I think Trouble would like seeing there mugs here.
Thanks sgain for all you and Trouble do fornus...and for Pitties!
((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))
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!
Sally, I think the picture of New Orleans is the one I posted in this topic, but I will check. She loved going to New Orleans with us, and this was taken the last time she made the trip. The only time I believe as a tripawd. I will be happy to load a pic or two this evening when I have time. Have to move them to photobucket so it will take a minute or two I don't have right now (I'm suppose to be getting dressed for work- not playing online!) but check back tonight.
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.
Green beans will always be 'Trouble Beans' to me.
I haven't been on the computer much the past few days, but I did see this post and have been thinking about you and the pack.
It's been really nice to see you here again Shanna, I hope it has been good for you.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I saw this post yesterday but wasn't able to read it or much of anything else. So I'm late, as usual, to the conversation, but I loved the video (and song) of Trouble.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Pitties of all kind. My brother always had a Pittie. When he passed, his all white Pittie, Jazz, passed not too long after him. My mother had one as well that would put bruises on your legs from his wagging tail. Our Meesha is part Pittie and reminds me every day how special this breed is.
When I get home today, I'll give Meesha a big ole hug for Trouble.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Karen, green beans will always be Trouble beans to me also! What a sweet girl. I still have the socks Charon knitted and sent to me because the green flecks in them reminded her of Trouble and green beans. I smile every time I put them on.
It's been good to be back. I'm intentionally picking and choosing which conversations I take on. I have to keep the sadness at bay - as long as I can accomplish that, I'll hang here for a while.
Hope you, Obie, and dad are doing well.
Harmony, you're never too late to a conversation. Each contribution brightens the topic. Bless your family for loving the pitties. They really are misunderstood. Trouble had that lethal tail as well. She could hurt you swinging that thing around!
And now I must go get some pictures together as promised. Will have them loaded in a bit.
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.
1 Guest(s)
