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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Dear Wiley's Dad
Your story is beautiful even though the pain is clear. (I also felt you were writing about my Tazzie, an oversized lap dog, when you described why he should be called 'Shadow'.) I am sorry you had such a short time with Wiley and especially post-amputation. I hope you find joy in those memories of your wonderful Wiley.
Susan with Tazzie in my heart
Wiley's Dad -- your post brought tears to my eyes -- your relationship with Wiley is soooo similar to my relationship with Jack -- from gaining "custody", to the amazing relationship, to the few months with him after his amputation, to the young age when you lost him (Jack was 4). I lost Jack exactly one year ago today and I still miss him every day. He was my heart and was with me through a ton of crap (for lack of a better word) that I went through in my life. Was also my hiking companion and my best friend...ever faithful and loyal. My heart goes out to you as you deal with the loss of Wiley. I didn't think I'd survive the loss of Jack....but I managed... he helped me through it...along with the lessons he taught me. One day at a time is all you can do. Lean on the folks here....they are amazing.
Hugs to you --
Kristen and Angel Jack
When their lives are cut so short, it is a gift that we were the ones lucky enough to get to know and love them while they were here. I'm very sorry for your loss. Hang in there. More thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
What a pawesome tribute to your Wiley. Thank you so much for taking to time to share the "whole story" with us. I am so sorry for your loss of Wiley. It it so heartbreaking to lose a best friend. I too took over "custody" of my 2 Great Danes when my husband walked out on me back in 2005. I couldn't understand then how he could walk away from the two greatest dogs in the world. He didn't even want them. He said the same thing to me... "You need them more than I do". Jerk. I am now happily remarried to a man who loves my Dane girls like his children.
Sending comforting thoughts your way...
Sue and Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Dear Wiley's Dad: We're so sorry for your loss, so very sorry you didn't have longer with Wiley after his surgery. What a beautiful story and tribute. It's clear---Wiley needed you as much as you needed him. He found you didn't he? And I do believe he will find you again in dog form or another. For now he is watching over you and May I'm sure.
Even though I do have a wonderful partner and daughter, I feel Romeo is my soulmate. I can't bear the thought of losing him----and of course I worry about losing him every day. But I know I'm lucky, blessed he found me. I feel truly sorry for people who've never been loved by a dog, never truly loved a dog.
Still, I know it must feel unbearable. We're thinking of you. Please check in with all of us at Tripawds for love and support.
Eve and Romeo
So Wiley decided to accompany Peanut over the bridge. Sounds like Peanut's in excellent company!
Be free, Wiley. I smile at the thought of Peanut making new friends.
And take care of yourself, Wiley's dad. I empathize with your loss.
-Melanie
...missing my Peanut.
~*~*~ Peanut is strength, love, and happiness. ~*~*~ 11/30/03 – 12/26/09
Thank you all for the kind words. It helps to know that you all understand the attachment a person can have to their dog. People I work with, they just don't "get it", and it's hard to share my grief with them. They don't understand how hard it is to wake up in the morning and not see Wiley on the bed. They don't understand how empty the house seems when I come home now, since Wiley is not there to greet me. They don't understand that even though I have another dog, it's not the same type of connection with her that I had with Wiley, my "first born". But you guys "get it". And that's comforting. Thank you for understanding.
Tyler
"Wileysdad"
I HATED coming home for weeks after Jack died....sobbed when I got in the driveway...I also had another dog but she wasn't Jack....Jack was such a presence in the house - always knew where he was (usually directly behind me or under my feet) and when I came home he would stand in the same spot and spin in circles while he waited for me to unlock the door (what an awesome sight it was to see him do that for the first time on 3 legs.... he was even better at it!). Its true most folks don't "get it" but you are right, the folks here do....and how blessed and lucky you are to have had a Wiley in your life -- I feel so sorry for folks who don't "get it".
Dear Wiley's Dad,
We are so sorry to hear of this devastating news. Your story was beautiful. Our hearts and paws go out to you.
Erin and Jack
I was happy to see Wiley at the top of the tripawds website today. He was on my mind so much in these recent weeks and I never really saw a picture of him. A great memorial. 🙂
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
Wileysdad, I am truly sorry for your loss ' class='wp-smiley' /> Your tribute to Wiley was absolutely beautiful. I was in tears while reading your wonderful writing and tribute to your best friend. Whenever you need to share your grief, we're here to listen, anytime. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. I also will never understand why people "DON'T GET IT" when it comes to how a person expresses their grief for the attachment a person can have with their pets. Or if someone were to say to that person "it's just a dog/cat". Why don't people get? ' class='wp-smiley' />
Mary and Guardian Angel Angus
I know I am late but I am sending you all comforting thoughts I can. I am so sorry for your loss.
R.I.P. dear Wiley
Tyler...
I was logging into the forum today and saw your beautiful Wiley in the header... Such a beautiful picture... such a beautiful boy!
When I first saw Jake's picture in the header the first few times, it tore at my heart... but now whenever I see it... I smile... knowing that Jake was part of this wonderful group of tripawd pawrents and their special heros...
How are you feeling these days, dear? I've been thinking of you...
Angel Jake'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!
Ya know, ya think you've reached a "controlled" level of grieving, but then....last Sunday I saw Wiley's pic in the header here and I started sobbing again. I miss him so much and would give anything to just hug him one more time and look into those knowing brown eyes. But it's not to be.
Today I picked up his ashes from the vet, put his photo on the box, set it on the mantle....and maintained composure. It was nice to have Wiley home.
My other lab, May, has been getting lots of attention and being more affectionate than ever. She's lying next to me right now on her back, letting me rub her belly.
It's been hard to read the forums the last couple weeks since December seems to have brought sad times to many of us. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their beloved dog during what is supposed to be a festive time of year.
Tyler
Tyler, thanks for sharing that you still have good days and bad. Grief is such a human emotion, isn't it? You just never know when it is going to blind side you. I'm glad to know Wiley is now home to rest, that would definitely make me feel better.
Continued healing thoughts from me as you adapt to spirit Wiley.
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.
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