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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Amy,
I am so, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Libby-what a sweet, brave furbaby she is. 14 months is amazing, but there's never enough time with our gentle companions-she has such an incredible family and is so, so loved. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending you huge hugs-just wish there were some way to make this all easier...
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I like the vision of her shaking off that imperfect body and running free. We miss her so much already.
Thank you, Joan. You're right, she was so very brave through everything. Never complained, not even once. I feel your hugs. Please give Lily an extra hug from us tonight.
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
Oh Amy,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl, Libby.
But I applaud your courage to "let her run free" when it was so very hard to make that choice.
You and your husband had Libby for an additional 14 months on this earth....but she will remain in your heart forever.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
Amy,
My heart aches for you and your family. I know words won't ease your grief, but as everyone has said, Libby was lucky to have such an amazing family to help her through this awful journey and to be able to set her free when she needed it. She will always be with you.
Many hugs and prayers for you and your family
Cody and Family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Oh Amy, my heart is hurting for you! I am not sure there are any words to make this better. You loved Libby so much. She could feel this to the very end. I want to share something that a friend said to me when I got Ty's diagnosis. She said, he has never been hungry, cold, abandoned or unloved. He has been cuddled, pampered and taken care of his entire life. You and your husband gave Libby an amazing life. And you were able to give her the last gift of running on 4 legs in a completely healthy body again. Do I think dogs go to Heaven? You bet I do! There has to be a special place there for both dogs and dog lovers alike.
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.
I'm so sorry to hear about Libby. She fought so very hard, and was such a brave girl. I know the grief is overwhelming right now; that's totally normal. You should grieve, because Libby was an amazing girl who loved the both of you with all her heart. It hurts so much now that she's not here. But I promise you, eventually the tears will turn to smiles. It may take awhile, but it will happen. All these wonderful photos and memories you have of her will bring a huge smile to your face, and your heart. And that's the greatest legacy Libby could leave for you. Happiness. Thank you so much for sharing your girl with us.
Oh, Amy, I am so very sorry to hear this. Yes, we are always telling each other to breathe, and that is exactly what we need to do while on this journey - while our babies need us to be strong, to care and to advocate for them. But, now what you need is to grieve. Now is the time to cry and that is normal. Many of us are grieving with you because your sweet Libby was part of our family, too. Please know that we are here for you - to listen if you want to talk, to look at pictures if you want to share... whatever you need. We get it.
Hugs,
Lisa and Angel Zeus
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/
So very sorry to hear, Amy. My heart aches for you and your husband. I love your profile pic of Libby in her yellow jacket, btw. A vibrant spirit. Know that everyone is thinking of you and sweet Libby.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Amy,
I am so so sorry about Libby. I was so cheering for you guys. I know this is the toughest part of your journey now. I know Libby is healthy & free and that doesn't make it any easier for you guys at this time. There will come a time when you can look back and smile on the things that she did & learned to do.
I will be keeping you guys in my prayers. Run free Spirit Libby. Give Sassy a big smile for me and run a few laps too
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."
I am sorry to be late to add my thoughts about Libby. Murphy and I have been at his therapy session. I logged on to the iPad while waiting for him. When I saw the title of the thread, I knew that there was no way I could read this post without turning into a blubbering mess right there in the clinic.
Libby was so special to all of us, and we have been blessed to share her journey. She was a gentle, loving soul and a fierce fighter. Amy, you and Brett made the only loving decision that you could when you chose to let Libby earn her wings. She will be there watching over you and you will feel her spirit whenever you need her.
Run free, sweet Libby.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Oh, Amy. I am so sorry. You started your journey hear a couple months before us--and I remember the lot of you "newbies, yet veterans" welcoming us with all of your advice and wisdom <3 It just kills me to read your words.
Please, please, please don't second guess yourself--not about now, not about months ago. But you know that.
I'd tell you, yes,eventually, it does get easier...but you know that too...but knowing that doesn't help right now.
I wish there were something I COULD do. But all I can say is, as you were here for those that arrived after you...those of us who have gone before you are here for you now. <3
"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
Amy-
All my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. What a beautiful angel heaven has gained and she has so many there to greet her. There are are no words that ease the pain, but we are here for you whenever you need us. She will always be with you in your heart, your memories and your dreams.
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.
Hi Amy
My heart went thump to the floor when I read your subject line and then tears started flowing as I read your post. I'm so very sorry for your loss, I know the heartache is agony. Libby stole my heart when you posted that "living life" video awhile back and I've been rooting for her ever since. What a personality! It doesn't surprise me at all that her tail was wagging all the way to the end. That's the kind of furlove she was - always looking at the bright side, always showing her love.
I think the "what ifs" haunt everyone. I know I still run scenarios thru my head and I've even asked Angel Jersey Girl to please forgive me if I made a mistake. Think of it this way, if you had waited longer and she declined more your "what if" would be 'why didn't we stop her suffering sooner?' I've come to the conclusion that there's just no pain proof, waver proof path on these things.
My heart goes out to you, I know how much you love her and miss her. I've got that kicked in the stomach feeling back again. Ugh. I miss her too and I never even met her in person!!! I'm so sorry.
Peace and paw love to you,
Claudia and Angel Jersey Girl
Amy and Hubby,
So very sorry to read about Libby. I miss a few days of reading posts and I start worrying about all the tripawds. So when I read your title my heart sank. Like Claudia said I get that awful feeling when someone loses their animal. My Maggie has been gone almost a year yet I feel the same pain when one of you pet parents have to go through it. You and hubby were wonderful to Libby, she couldn't have asked for a better life.
Penny, Hank, Blink and Spirit Maggie
All of the love here is overwhelming. I have said "thank you" so many times and that just isn't enough. From the deepest, furthest, depths of my heart I so appreciate the loving thoughts you have taken time to send me.
Everyone says they don't have the words to help me, but just know....you do and you have. We're all here because we love our pets deeply and understand what they mean to each of us.
Linda, your Tuck reminds me so much of Libby.
Angela, Cody & Family...I feel your love and hugs.
Ty's mom...your friend is very wise. That's a great perspective. Libby absolutely had everything she needed and she gave us the same.
Maximutt...I'm already smiling at some of the memories. Bret and I sat down last night and went through many, many photos of Libby over the years. She did have a good life. I'm almost embarrassed I have more pictures of the dogs than my kids.
Lisa, I do plan to share pictures of Libby very soon. The tears are still flowing and I do know it's normal. This part just really sucks. Zeus's picture in the banner always makes me smile. I love his expression.
Michelle, Sassy & Libby finally get to meet. Yes, this part of the journey is worse than I imagined, if that's possible. We'll get through it with the help of you and this wonderful family.
Kathi, I have done the same thing...read a thread title that you just knew wasn't going to be good news and then not open it until you're ready. I understand. I have been blessed to share her with you, as well. Give Murph a hug from me.
mmrocker....thank you. I do know I shouldn't second guess anything we've done and I will work through that. Talking with everyone here helps so much. If I had my way she would still be here til to live for the next 30 years.
Luanne, I'm sure Libby has rounded up a new pack to boss around by now. My dad is probably part of it too. She loved him so much.
Oh Claudia, you are so right. We would have been kicking ourselves just as much if we would have waited too long. I know you know our pain as well as all the others here who have had to say goodbye.
Thank you, Penny. I think about this Tripawd family every day, whether I make it here or not. There's just such a special connection between us all.
With all of our love,
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
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