Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This is the forum we never want to post in ...
Peda lost her battle this afternoon.
She did things on her terms and made it easy on me. I didn't have to make a decision or wonder if I was doing the right thing.
On Thursday she had a bit of trouble getting around and by Friday she was having some of the swelling in her joints returned. We assumed the vasculitis was back. We upped the pred. and she had a comfy night. This morning she was comfy and ate brekky. She was struggling to stand up on her own but was fine when moving (this was the same as last time with the vasculitis and so wasn't hugely alarming).
I had to go out to the shops and was gone 15 minutes. When I left she was resting comfortably on her bed. When I got home she was laying next to her bed and deeply distressed.
I can only assume she had tried to get up and had fallen - at which point she would have panicked, and tried to get up ... and probably fallen again (or any combination of things you want to imagine a 3-legged 10.5 year old dog with arthritis does when trying to stand up and has puffy paws!). Or she may not have fallen ... maybe she had gotten up and then collapsed. I'll never know.
She settled down and her respiratory distress settled but her gums were pale and her heart rate was threw the roof. The wonderful local vet called by to the house and said she didn't think it was good but wasn't really sure what was going on. Given it was after-hours and the emergency centre was 30 minutes away, the vet came in the car with us. Peda knew her so well and I was truly grateful someone else was there to help me on the car trip. It was also good that the place we were going was her treating hospital so all her records were there and they pulled them up and had a look so they knew what was going on by the time we got there. (The emergency staff are a separate team to the specialist hospital staff she was usually in).
By the time we got to the emergency centre she was quiet and alert, but tired. They did a quick assessment and said that they would do an ultrasound to see if there was a bleed or if it was just her body not coping with having a shock. (I've not explained that very well).
Very quickly it was obvious she was bleeding as there was fluid around her heart and they could see mets on her spleen and a few other places. So, I didn't have to make a decision really.
We spent a couple of hours together hanging out in the quiet room at the hospital and I sent the message out to a couple of close friends who raced in to say goodbye. She had a bit of cheeseburger and some treats.
She went quietly and was not distressed. I am sure she was very uncomfortable and probably in quite some pain as she was starting to get a some swelling in the belly. But she didn't show it. My stoic beast.
I know I made the right decision and so no regrets. (That seems an odd thing to say when I said above that I didn't have to make a decision). I guess I still had to make 'that decision' - but it didn't feel like I was making one. It was just so obvious that was what needed to happen or she was going to suffer terribly.
My head won't stop spinning as it all happened so fast. I just know my heart is totally broken. I am in shock - even though I knew this day was likely not far away.
Vale my beautiful heart dog Peda.
kirsty
Kirsty,
I am so very sorry to hear this. Peda is a beautiful dog and she fought so bravely to stay here with you. And yes, I said Peda "is" beautiful because we all know that she lives on - just not here in this place with us. I'm sure she is frolicking and smiling at this moment somewhere way more spectacular than we can even imagine. Please know that our heart goes out to you in this sad time and we wish you all the comfort and strength in the world during the difficult days to come.
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
I'm so sorry for your loss. Safe journey to Peda's beautiful soul.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
I'm so sorry to hear about your Peda girl. She fought a very brave battle with dignity and courage. I'm sorry you didn't have more time with her. When it comes to our pets, it seems that all the time in the world isn't enough. Sending healing thoughts to you.
Oh Kirsty, we are heartbroken and so very sorry, this is such sad news. To have something happen so suddenly just turns your world upside down, but you handled everything like the brave soul that Peda taught you to be. I know it had to have been very difficult even though the decision was clear. Please come here when you want to talk or share more about your girl's life, you are always a part of this community.
Peda's courageous fight even with the vasculitis was inspiring, she was one tough cookie who will always live on in your heart, and ours.
I encourage everyone to read Peda's full story from Tripawd Awareness Day, it will melt your heart.
Peda, may you romp and play and pawty with our Tripawd Angels forever. We will miss you dearly.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
All my thoughts are with you and beautiful Peda. Her physical presence will be missed, but she will always be with you in your heart and memories. What a wonderful guardian angel she is now.
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.
Ohhhhhh Kristy, my heart cries for you. This is just so sad.
Your Peda girl is such a sweet, gentle and fiercely sroic girl with a true "never-give-up" attitude! Peda's journey and the eay you both handled it inspires us all.
Soon ou will take more amd more comfort in ow she "chose" to pass. You dsrn right, she did iton her OWN terms! Yes, indeedy! That Peda wasn't going to let ANYTHING rob her of being withyou rightnup to the last. She knwe how much she was loved. Only those of usmon this site understand the "blessing" in all this crap. We are avle to love at a depth tthat is impossible to imagine. Your Peda girl was spoiled and loved and cared for like o other! Your devotion to eachother, our joy in being with eachother can NEVER be diminished!
Peda's life has meaning. She, and you, have touched us all. We are all energy. Yes, her energyhas changed form, but her energy is still here surrounding you with her love and her happy memories.
Those memories are there for you. I kowit hurts so much right nowmyou can't tap into them vut they are there. Peda made sure of that!! I've looked at all the wonderful pictures ou've posted and they are all so full ofmhappiness. You can see that's she's almost got a little smirk on jer face in one where she's just so darn proudof herself! What a cutie pie!!
When you can, pick out a memory that SHE knows would make you smile. One that she was so darn cute doingit you hadmo iffle out loud! Was it chasing a kitty? How did she do that? Did she sneak up on it quiely? Or was she just so excited she brazenly tried to catchit vy running full force?? Maybe itwas that look in her eye whenshe knew she was avout to get another treat---even though she'd had too many alread?
Kirsty, your grace, your eloquence and your heartfelt compassion have touched us all. Just as you are privileged to have sweet Peda in your life, she is privileged to have you in hers.
Holding you oth gently in our hearts,
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
I'm crying right along with you. It's so heartbreaking to lose a best friend. "No regrets"..exactly right. That's what we all want. Run free Peda you are a beautiful soul.
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
Dear Kirsty,
I'm so very sorry to read the sad news about your beloved Peda. She fought a valiant battle against cancer and you did everything in your power to make her months as a Tripawd happy and healthy. She and Daisy were kindred spirits and I hope they are running together - happy and pain free - at the Rainbow Bridge! I know words cannot take away the pain but know you are in our thoughts and hearts at this difficult time.
Alicia xoxo
Kirsty,
I am so sorry for Peda's loss. I know it doesn't seem enough to say this but you will see her again. She lives inside of you everyday. There will be little things that she will do to reming you of her. Peda you are an inspiration to everyone. RIP baby and Run Free at the Rainbow Bridge
Michelle & 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."
Oh, Kirsty, I am so, so, so sorry to hear this. Safe travels over the bridge to your wonderful, beautiful, Peda. <3 Hugs to you.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
I am so sorry to hear about Peda. I'm glad you still got to have those last couple of hours together to say your goodbyes. She was a beautiful and brave girl..
Thinking of you
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/
Kristy, I'm sorry I didn't see this till today. Peda's last journey sounds almost identical to Dakota's, so I know very well that feeling of "hey wait a minute, you didn't warn me" that you had. Both our pups decided to race on ahead, and we just had to help open the door for them.
I know the house is too quiet. It will also be too clean. You will find yourself with too much time on your hands because you aren't needed so intensively now. But all of those negatives are balanced by what Peda gave to you before she raced off. She created an unbreakable bond with you and burrowed into your heart. She's not leaving that spot. Listen and you'll hear her.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Kristy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you tons of warm thoughts and hugs at this difficult time.
xoxo,
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Kristy,
I know how much you will miss your sweet doggie, and how your heart aches. Hold tight, and try to balance the pain with happy memories of Peda. Though not here physically, she will always be in your head and hear. I am sure your life was, and will continue to be, richer for for sharing your life with her.
Hugs,
Beth, Spirit Smilin' Sammy and MB Wiggly Wrigley
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
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