Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Some might remember I posted a lot here about a year ago. Our dog Charlie, aka Chuck, had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and we agonized over what to do. Quite a bit of that, and quite a bit of money, and we had his rear leg removed in late February last year. He adjusted to it fair well, and though he was very overweight, by summer we had him down to 78 pounds from over 100. He went through several rounds of chemo, never had any complications. His vitality was 100% the whole way.
Unfortunately his fur never really grew back, so he looked pretty motley. We believe he had Cushing's disease, and that was the reason. Still he got around good, only needed a sling to get up high steps or into a car.
Each exam, he was cancer-free, and quite frankly, we were starting to be confident he'd make it to the 2 year mark, as was the oncologist. As luck would have it, somewhat unexpectedly he developed severe heart disease, and had congestive heart failure. He spent some more time in the hospital, and was on a boatload of pills, but he was in good spirits. We brought him home, and he was content and happy the last week or so. Last night, he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
As much as we'd wanted to have him longer, for him to go that way was quite a blessing. I want to thank everyone here for helping us through those early decisions, which we don't regret. I'd also like to vouch for the excellent staff at the Oradell Animal Hospital in NJ, though expensive, are second to none I felt.
PS: I have one of those Ruff Wear Black size Large harnesses. We barely used it, because he didn't like it, and didn't need it at all after a couple weeks. Is there anyone I can donate it to?
Thanks from my family and of course Charlie, May 2001 – March 2012.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard when we lose one of our precious furkids. Lots of prayers and hugs coming your way.
Run Free Sweet Charlie over the rainbow bridge!
Rocky became a Tripaw after a previous owner dumped him off after he was hit by a car...Rocky's Daily Blog
I'm sorry you've lost your Charlie. It's never an easy thing, but I think you were fortunate you didn't have to make the decision for him. I dread ever having to make that decision. I hope your healing comes quick.
So hard to say good-by to our furbabies. So sorry for your loss.
May your good memories fill a bit of the hole in your heart.
Hugs and Whines
Judy and Baby
So sorry to hear about Charlie..but you gave him a great life and got a little more time with him. Prayers to your family, I know how hard it is to lose a pet <3
So sorry for your loss of Charlie. What a blessing that he went peacefully in his sleep. I hope you soon remember him with more smiles than tears. His spirit will always be with you.
[There's a forum listed under the Tripawds Community for the "Angel Exchange". If you list the harness there, someone in need of one will probably see it. It's very thoughtful of you to donate his harness to another tripawd in need.]
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!
Fly free Charlie fly free
Hold all those precious memories close and you will soon smile again when you think of him. Charlie passed in the most peaceful way possible, though that is hard for you it was the best way for him.
Hugs
Sarah
I'm so sorry for your loss. It is so hard even though we know at some point it is coming. ((hugs))
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
I'm so very sorry to hear of Charlies passing, but it sounds like he did beat the yucky old cancer.
It was truly a blessing he passed so peacefully.
Sending huge hugs
Joanne & Lylee
http://lyleegir.....ipawds.com
Sorry to hear of your loss. You and Charlie sure did put up a strong fight with the cancer, you can be proud of winning that battle.
(Rumbles had his amputation at Oradell Animal Hospital. I agree with you about the quality of care there.)
I am so sorry that you lost Charlie. Going peacefully in his sleep is a gift, but nothing can change the grief you must feel. Please know we are all thinking of you and empathizing. May your smiles soon outnumber your tears.
Beth and Spirit Smiln' Sammy
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.
Oh Chuck, we are sad to hear this and I know you will be deeply missed. But I have to say that it's also so nice to know that you did have a good life after amputation recovery. You lost how much weight? WOW! You are amazing!
Your story, which is posted here, just goes to show folks that even when things look hopeless, a second opinion from another professional can mean the difference between saying goodbye right away and having much more time to enjoy life together. We are so glad you got that opportunity.
Run free Charlie, may you get to eat all the treats you want forever and ever! xoxo
P.S. Thank you for offering to pass along your Ruff Wear harness , that is so sweet. The Angel Exchange Link that Angel Abby was referring to is here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry for your loss.
Your journey began well before we became members of this site so I went back and read your prior posts (thanks for the link, Admin). It broke my heart to read of your fear and uncertainty at the beginning and it made me glad to see that you had "no regrets" about this process. I applaud you for sharing your story because it is so very important that new members faced with this decision know that they are not alone in their fear, and it is also important for them to hear that others faced with the same fears can later say that they do not regret their decisions.
I wish you strength and peace in this time of sadness. Many thoughts are with you.
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/
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