Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Sounds like you have already made one decision, and it is not "sleep." So, you are at a point of selecting which surgery. Not much different from the amp or chemo decisions you have already made - there is risk, but you will talk to specialists and make the decision you think best for Izzy. Here's what you have going for you: you already know how to get your home ready, basically the same as when you got your home ready for Izzy's amp. You have a harness and you and Izzy are both comfortable using it? You already know how to recognize and manage pain, and how to advocate with a vet on Izzy's behalf. I did not really know when I went through Tess' surgery. If Izzy is kind of a couch potato, that is great for recovery. She can't be on the sofa, but you will not have to worry as much about her injuring the knee during recovery. And don't think about the empty house - your house has exactly the right number of souls in it to make it your home.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Sally, the dogs get along well enough. Izzy doesn't really care and Stormy (who came with that name and since she was a surrender, didn't want to change it - although none of us liked it much and I wish we had), wellllll, Stormy is mostly in the way these days. For example, I just tried to take Izzy out (she was faking, just wanted to lay on the deck) and Stormy knocked over the grill, breaking one of the legs and , as usual, acted like a d*ck. I'm sure she was chasing a lizard or something, but I want peace and calm. I can't let her out unless she's on a run - or she will run - so she got tangled and when I tried to pull her lead free, she yanked and it cut my hand.
*sigh*
At this point, with all I have going on, the last thing I need is to be a hostage in my home. I have to rush home from work in the hope that I can get there before Stormy breaks out of the crate and starts destroying things.
Izzy is and has been for such a long time, easy-peasy. Of course, the prospect of surgery means I've gotta get home for pain meds and I don't have anyone near by to help. The only folks close(ish) were the fiance's family and, while I am sure they would pinch hit for me if I got caught in a bad spot, well ... they are still 30 minutes away and I'm no longer in the fam.
No update from the surgeon, though it could be that my cell isn't getting calls when I'm in the office. I'll ring them tomorrow and see if there is any news.
Thanks everyone for the encouragement. It's been a rough few days for sure.
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Awww, blrss your heart. I think we are all sighing with you! '
Yeah, too much on you right now. It would be best for both you and Stormy to entertain the though of re-homing him. The timing is just not right! It's one thing to work with a dog with challenges, and quite another to rbr working with a dog when you have soooo many challenges right now!
You didn't have a crystal ball when you adopted Stormy with such an open and loving heart! The best laid plans...the best intentions....sometimes that's just not enough!
Should you decide to ask the shelter to consider another family, I be@ieve with all my heart that the right scenario will be revealed.
There's a great story here about Ollie, a rescue, who was adopted by Murphy's mom and dad. If I recall, he had been returned to the shelter twice. It was not the right fiy u til he fou d a ho ee with them. It was the right time, the right fit and they were able to devote all their time to him. No other dogs, no other enormous challenges.
Gjess I'm trying to say...do what's best for IZZY, for YOU and for STORMY! A d as we say around here, a decision out of love is ALWAYS the right decision! I know their is the perfect family for him whose timing is right.
I hope you feel our love and support...because we do lpve and support you and Izzy!!!!!!
Love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Well, methinks I'll have the old-school knee repair done on Izzy. The surgeon at the onoclogist's office can get the cost down to about $1500 if I take her home same day and it spares me the ride to Virginia. I'll be asking her poppa to come stay at the house with us for the first few days - I panic if she cries out and get paralyzed, unwilling to move her or whatever I was attempting to do - so that I can have some help until we get a few days under our belts. I've got a couple of additional questions for the oncologist and family vet before I go ahead and schedule it but she's responded so well to pain meds, I just have to try to do something.
Was cleaning out some drawers and found these photos of "baby" Izzy. She was probably less that 18 months old in these! So sweet 🙂
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Alright, you've got a well thought out plan that really seems doable!!
We get the "have to do something" scenario when they are still doing well "otberwise"! Hope you have a bit of a sense of relief knowing this may be a really good solution.
Let us know how the consult goes.
Give that amazing Izzy and big hug fornjs...and give yourself a hug too! Good job girls!
HUGS!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Glad you have a plan! When is the surgery?
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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