Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Truthfully, I do not feel a Merry Christmas. We have lost so many this year. I am trying to celebrate Emily's life but I just am not feeling it. In "real life" I am putting on a happy face and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. We have a tree and presents but if the Grinch came and took our last can of who hash I wouldn't care. (Can you tell I'm a preschool teacher?) I don't need advice or anything I just know this is the only place I can be honest and say 'Bah, Humbug!".
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
To the newbies contemplating amputation: I regret Emily didn't beat the cancer. I do not regret the amputation. Not one little bit.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Debra,
Above all, this is a community that you can wear your feelings on your sleeve. Not only will you find extreme support for those feelings, but you will probably find those exact feelings are felt by more than just a few. You are so very accurate to say that so many of this community have been crushed this year. I sometimes wonder why I log on when so very often these sessions end in tears but I also realize that is in this community that I have saved my sanity. So let me close by saying that YOU have been a rock and inpawration to so many of us and we have to say THANK YOU!
Bob
Debra, Congratulations! You are a normal human being surviving the loss of a loved pet. It isn't easy, it isn't fun, and it sucks! You have every right to feel the way you do.
We have so many survivor pawents this year, and they are all in my thoughts as the holidays quickly approach. But you and the others who have remained so active ith the forum after your loss is such an inspiration to me. How you guys find the strength to keep facing that pain so openly for the new members is just awesome. What a gift you give us all each time you contriubute.
I've never been involved before in a group that has such raw emotion we deal with each and every time we come her, yet we come and contribute what we can in hopes it helps another along the way.
I hope you find a few happy moments to soften the pain of your recent loss. My heart and thoughts are with you.
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.
Amen, Debra. Bah Humbug.
Yoda's gone. Gerry's been having a rough time and I'm really uncomfortable with the people who are making his medical decisions, but I can't take my foster pup elsewhere. And my mom is laying on the guilt trips when I explain I'm not sure I can come over for Christmas for a full day or more. (They're fine with Gerry coming over with me through the weekend, but I don't want to put him through any additional stress (car rides are quite stressful for him) and there's no full-proof way to make sure he won't get on their furniture at night). I thought the bad weather and road conditions were going to get me off the hook, but it has been quite bad enough in Madison (they also live in town).
But I do have Gerry at least, and he will get better. And I get to be home with him four days straight because of Christmas. And he is sleeping now, thank dog. And my parents are on their way to my brother's until tomorrow morning, so for now he can be the guilt-trip target. Thank you, Christmas.
And thank you Debra, for letting me add my venting to your thread (not that I gave you a choice).
It is still early yet, I hope little things like good food, and opening presents, and whatever traditions your family has will provide moments of feeling the Christmas spirit for you, even if the holiday overall can't be a merry one this year. I hope you can at least get some bittersweetness this Christmas.
I'll be thinking of you. Thanks for thinking of me and Gerry and checking in on us through PMing.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Debra and Angel Emily,
I know what you're feeling... This Christmas has so much mixed emotions for me...
I think that having our new kittie (still doesn't have a real official name yet) has helped us get into the spirit... But I know that I'll be crying when Wolfie opens up his toys... and Jake isn't there... We moved our tree into the family room this year... Jake's ashes are there... and we hope and pray that he will be here with us in spirit... All the rum in the world will not stop me from crying and missing my sweet golden angel!
I wish you and your family some peace and happiness duing these holidays... I know it will be hard...
Luv,
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I think we have a new addition for the Tripawd Dictionary ... Paw Humbug! 
Please drop by the chat room Christmas day to help us spread some holiday cheer with fellow members, or express your grief. Cheers.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am glad to see compadres here. You are not alone. My husband died during the holidays in 1990. Last year my 14 year old mountain lion (http://www.wild.....utcats.org) Apache died, the year before my 24 year old kitty died, and this year Raven is fighting for his life. I saw an article about the fact that it's not our imagination, more deaths do occur during the holidays. 🙁
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
I agree that I am feeling like a Scrooge this year. For whatever reason most veterinary clinics experience a surge of euthanasias around the holidays and this year has been extra hard for me. I did not send out holiday cards because I didn't feel like taking a picture of just the two dogs and no Tazzie. I know that things should be better next year but for now I am also boycotting Christmas.
Pam
Paw Humbug to you, too. 🙂 I feel ya'.
I generally love Christmas, and have been in the spirit of things visiting my family (thank goodness we're all within minutes of each other).
But with Peanut feeling so bad, my mind has been preoccupied.
We opened all her and Bubba's presents today. Bubba, of course, flipped for each one, like a little kid. Peanut, however, didn't care about any of it. Not even the stuffie that looks and sounds like a real quail. That's usually her favorite kind of toy.
So... yeah... bah humbug. Might as well feel how we feel, and not try to pretend otherwise. We can do that here.
-Melanie
~*~*~ Peanut is strength, love, and happiness. ~*~*~ 11/30/03 – 12/26/09
It's very hard. Christmas brings out so many emotions.
I still remember the heartache of going through Christmas 25 years ago after losing my dad. I was young and no one I knew had experienced such a loss, not even extended family. And then I lost my only brother (and only sibling) suddenly in '07. I thought the hurt would be easier this Christmas. But then I lost Rugby suddenly.
And with each death, it all comes back...dreaded Christmas time.
I still have my mom and luckily she was able to come visit and that helped. It does get a bit easier but it just takes time.
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.
Debra, I just want to say thanks for your honesty and bravery in bringing this up. I too have slipped into a funk and I can't wait for all of this to be over. I think after reading everyone's posts here, I finally figured out why I've been feeling this way.
As much as we love and adore Wyatt Ray , it's SO not the same as it was when Jerry was with us during the holidays. Jerry always had such an easygoing personality around my crazy, loud, numerous family members, I never had to worry about him, even during our loud Christmas parties. Last year was our first year without Jerry, but it was actually easier for me to cope with than this year.
I don't want to sound like an ingrate or a terrible pawrent, but…Wyatt is so different, and so much work to manage around all of this holiday mayhem. His neurotic personality that needs 24/7 tending to right now, has stressed me out, and made me so sad that the easygoing days we had with Jerry are gone. We had a pretty rough night with Wyatt last night at a big party (although better than we expected), and it just brought a heavy sadness into my heart, thinking of our sweet Jerry. I'm trying, I really am, not to be this way, because I love Wyatt dearly, but I miss Jerry so dang much right now.
Next year will be better, I keep telling myself, and Wyatt will be all growed up. But until then, yeah, paw humbug.
Jerry's Mom, Rene
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I carry Christmas demons of my own and find I'm not festive this time of year and wish it would jus tbe OVER, but I so admire you guys for being able to share your feelings here. I know my Christmas is coming, the one where Troubs won't be with us, and I know I will be lost and sad because she is so much a part of my life. And I know I will be able to come back here and see there are other folks out there who validate my feelings.
Hugs to each of you, the torches leading the way for those left to follow.
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.
Rene,
Dogs are people, too! Just because you miss Jerry and know he was easier than Wyatt Ray doesn't mean you love WR less. I have three adult children and one of them is harder to be with sometimes than the other two but I love him the same as the others. I also have two other dogs but instead of celebrating them totally I mourn Emily but it is the way it is. Jerry was so special to you and he is gone and can't be replaced. Wyatt Ray is loved in his own right. It is healthy to mourn those we love and lose.
We all made it through this one!
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Amen to all of that Debra! 🙂
Dawn and Raven
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
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