Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We said goodbye to Wookie today.
I laid with him on the couch all day yesterday, got him to eat bits of sliced turkey and chicken breast strips, he even ate his K9 Immunity Plus! But mostly he slept. I got him up a few times and helped him go outside to have a pee, but then right back on the couch we went. Even though he was on Tramadol, I think he had a good day and seemed very restful.
Today was a complete turnaround. He could not stand, even with help. His eyes were sunken in the back of his head. He had urinated all over himself. I knew we had reached the end of the line and I would not let him go without his dignity. We had pretty much decided today was going to be the day, but seeing him this morning took any lingering doubt away. Wookie was not going to have any more good days.
So I got him cleaned up and took him into the clinic where I work. He always liked going there because everyone would always make such a fuss over him. His 3 favorite people were there to say goodbye to him and we even got 2 tail wags, which we hadn't seen for quite some time.
Even though keeping him alive for another day would have been cruel, it still broke my heart into a thousand pieces to let him go. He was just a baby. He was MY baby.
We put him back in our SUV because we decided to drive him to the place that does the cremations. I got in the back with him and he was all bundled up in his blankets. I was bawling my eyes out, of course.
But then the strangest thing happened. I layed down with Wookie and as I layed my head across his neck, I instantly felt at peace. I closed my eyes, and I could feel Wookie's spirit running free, and I was there with him. Instead of his spirit staying here on Earth with me, I felt like he took me over to the other side for awhile. And it was amazing. He was joyously happy, running faster than I have ever seen him run, through the green grass. I could feel the sunlight on my face and the wind in my hair as we went faster and faster. As I was laying there with Wookie, I was smiling. I could feel how happy and free he was. I don't know how long that lasted... 5 mins? But I've never had an experience like that with any of my other dogs. And believe me, I am not much of a spiritual person (except when it comes to dog). Even now, I feel calm and happy that Wookie is no longer suffering, that in fact he is running around with the biggest smile on his face, and that I will see him again.
I told my fiance about it, and told him that Wookie is fine and about how my spirit ran with him. I don't know that he got it, but that's ok. I don't know if anyone will get it, to tell the truth, I sound like a whack job! But for the moment, my tears are gone and my heart is at peace.
Be happy, Wookie!
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Kelly, I am so sorry and so happy for you at the same time- happy that Wookie let you know he was OK. I think our special pups try and let us know, but we don't always hear them right away.
It is still so hard to let go, and it won't mean you will miss him any less. I hope this memory, and all the good memories help you through the next days and weeks.
Wookie is always in your heart, and always by your side.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
I am so sorry that Wookie is gone. You will see him again and that was his way to show you he is whole and healthy again and happy. He will be waiting for you at that bridge when its time. His memory will always live within you.
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."
Kelly, I am so sorry you have lost your boy. Even though we knew this was the road his illness would take him down, it doesn't make it any easier. I want you to know that John and I were so honored that we got to meet and spend time with Wookie. He was an amazing boy. You and Gustavo are in our thoughts.
Diane & John
oh wow what mixed emotions i have after reading that. Im so sorry Wookie is gone from this world. but so happy he let you know he was ok. I still have goosebumps from reading that - what an amazing bond yous must have had.
Hugs
Sarah
Kelly, that was so beautiful. It is amazing how our babies continue to take care of us even when we think they are gone. I am heartbroken for your loss and sorry that you did not get longer with Wookie. The others are right, he could not have had a better home and he most certainly could not have been loved more. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
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/
Kelly,
We are so sorry, and send all the love and condolences in the world to you and the pack.
Yes, we knew this day was coming and have been thinking of you and Wookie all day, but it's still so heartbreaking to know that his fight is over. You aren't crazy at all, we have no doubt that you felt his presence and his spirit come alive again. We had a similar experience when my time came. When there is no more pain and we are set free, the spirit soars!
My people are so sad we didn't get to meet your boy in person, but in hearing all of your stories about his sweet soul, it was wonderful to have a glimpse into his too-short life. Cancer really sucks, but it brought you both to us, and for that we are forever grateful.
Our hearts go out to you, we are so very sorry.
-Spirit Jerry, Wyatt Ray , Rene & Jim
You will always be in our hearts, Wookie.
'It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.'
~Author Unknown
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
wookie524 said
I layed down with Wookie and as I layed my head across his neck, I instantly felt at peace.
Thank you for sharing this precious moment. And bless you for being such a good guardian of sweet Wookie. he is sure to return the favor, walking by your side in spirit until you meat again.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for sharing with us those beautiful moments with Wookie. What a touching gift for you from your beloved Wookie. My heart weeps for you; such a heartbreaking time. I am going to think of your baby running free with a huge smile on his face-I know you will see him again and run free with him.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers,
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.
Oh Kelly I am so sorry Wookie is now gone, but you are right about feeling at peace. While we miss our dogs terribly after they are gone, at least for me I have also felt a sense of peace. I think the beginning of the end is the hardest part because we want to hold on and do everything possible to keep them, but at some point we come to the realization that we have to let them go and not hold on for ourselves. I believe that in some way Wookie lives on. This is part of a favorite poem of mine and I find it comforting and it makes me think of Wookie.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow . . .
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there. I did not die.
Harley is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. Amp surgery for an infiltrative lipoma canceled due to two masses in chest. A rescue, he found his forever home on 3/18/07 and left for his eternal home on 1/09/13. His story and medical history are at http://myharley.....pawds.com/
Wow, Kelly, I am bawling right now. I haven't visited Tripawds much lately but today something told me that it was important to log on. Now I know what that "something" was. I am so very sorry that you had to say goodbye (for now) to sweet Wookie. I too have no doubt that it was Wookie's spirit that was with you. Please don't think for a minute that you are a "whack-job"... these types of spiritual experiences happen to others, including me (after my first Dane passed). Thank you, Wookie, for letting your Mom know you were ok.
I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and photograph Wookie while I was out in San Diego this past October. One of is most striking features was the deep copper/mahogany tones in his fur. It was fun to watch him enjoy himself and gobble down a Flying Dutchman from In 'n Out.
Wishing you and Gustavo comfort and peace.
Sue and Queen 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!
Kelly, I thought about you and Wookie all weekend. Im sorry that you had to say goodbye to him today. Letting him go was an act of love and him coming to you in spirit, was his way of letting you know it was ok and that he was ready. What a beautiful and comforting experience that must have been for you. Wookie will always be in your heart. Embrace the happy times and know that he is running free and is finally out of pain. You will be in my thoughts.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
Oh Kelly, that's so sad but so relieving. When you know they have enough and you do the only possible thing to do to relieve them that's a lot of love. Wookie loved you so much and he's happy now and will be there for you until you meet with him again. You were a blessing for this little man.
Hugs to you
Dogs: Friends for life, faithful and true.
Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyways.- John Wayne
bikeintime.wordpress.com (will soon have Hank story)
Wishing you heartfelt peace in knowing that these animals who are our babies are as blessed to have us ...who love them soooo very much...as we are blessed to have them in our lives....Rest in peace sweet wookie
Kelly I am so sorry that it was Wookie's time. He was far too young and got such a raw deal with the cancer. But he was well loved and happy and that is what matters to our dogs.
And what a gift he has given you. That is an experience to treasure forever. Thank you for sharing it with us (and you are not a whack job). When Magnum's time came I felt such a crushing emptiness that I couldn't stay with her shell for very long afterwards. It was only weeks later that I experienced a peace like you describe as Magnum let me know she was OK. I'm so glad Wookie let you see what he saw as he moved on.
Sending you many hugs
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/
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