Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all. My husand and I are struggling with the news that our boy, Dutch, has osteosarcoma in his right front leg. He is scheduled for an amputation on Monday. He's just three years old, an English setter/Springer spanial mix. He loves to run! I know he will handle this with verve and grace - he'll likely handle it much better than his pawrents - but my human brain is going round and round in circles. Will he blame us for losing his leg? How long will this buy him? Will we recongize when enough is enough and we're not bringing him quality? Are we really doing this for him, or are we being selfish wanting to keep him with us? This site is a blessing - it's good to know we aren't alone. Please keep us in your prayers.
Jeanie & Jim & Dutch
Jeanie, Jim & Dutch,
Thanks for registering and joining us here at Tripawds. We're so glad you find our site useful, and hope to help and support you through this any way we can.
I can tell that Dutch will breeze through the recovery like a pro, because you sound like you truly have a good perspective on everything. As the pack leader, your own mental state is critical in how he handles his recovery. Keep up your great attitude about Dutch's resiliency, and he should do just fine. Remember that recovery can take time, and there can be some challenges, so be patient and stay pawsitive.
Some things to keep in mind; yep, it's only your human brain that's going round in circles. Dogs live in the now, always remember that. Dutch doesn't think about the past, and after the surgery, he won't mourn the loss of his leg. In all likelihood, he will thank you for helping to get rid of that awful pain he was in. That's the only thing in the world that he wants.
Are you selfish? Ha! No way! In fact, this is the best thing for Dutch. You are selfless, by committing the courageous and compassionate act of doing all you can do to help get rid of his pain, and ensure a quality of life as he copes with osteosarcoma. Dutch loves you for that.
Ultimately, remember that whatever happens, Dutch's life is all about quality, not quantity. Even with amputation and chemo, there are no guarantees of longevity. So don't dwell on the prognosis, or how you will handle things when the time comes to part ways. That's something to think about another time. Until then, seize the day, celebrate your love, and cherish each moment together.
We hope this helps. Please keep us posted and let us know how things are going OK? We send our love and healing thoughts your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Jedi and Dutch,
It is so easy to over think all of this and worry about what is right for Dutch. While there will be some adjusting to do on Dutch's part, you can look at it this way: you are not taking his leg away, you are taking his pain away. Dutch will run, play and be his happy self again, things he couldn't do while in pain. We can never know how much time they have after amputation but, the fact that he can spend that time happy and pain free is a gift you've given him.
Enjoy each day - just like our dogs do. Please keep us posted on Dutch's surgery and recovery and if you have any questions please feel free to ask. We are here for you
Hugs
Connie & Radar.
Sounds to me like Dutch is a lucky Pup! I can't add much to what has already been said except that once that nasty leg is gone, he won't miss it at all! Us Tripawds can and do run circles around other pups!
Prayers are with you for smooth sailing!
Mary and Pogi
Welcome, Jeanie, Jim & Dutch!
You absolutely got the best advice from some pros on this website. I think you will find, rather quickly, that the decision to amputate is the kindest thing you can do for your beloved Dutch. Cancer pain in the bone is some of the worst pain there is; he will be one happy dog once he's healed from surgery and back on the road again. I agree with Spirit Dog Jerry that you are being "selfless", not "selfish" in your decision to amputate. Please keep us posted on how you and Dutch are doing. We're all here to help in any way we can.
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)
Hi Jeanie, Jim and Dutch - we are thinking about you and sending love and prayers your way. Once I made the decision, I never looked back and I have no regrets. Zeus has been living a wonderful life post amputation for over 7 months now - I can't believe how the time has flown by. It's one day at a time now...sometimes one hour at a time. Cherish this chance that you've been given for more quality time with your baby.
How did the surgery go? Please send an update when you can.
Much love
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Jeannie, Jim and Dutch,
This is my second dog with osteosarcoma and the second dog with an amputation. Like you, I had the same doubts and worries. You will be so amazed at the difference it makes to do the amputation. Dogs just don't see it the way we do. They don't care that the leg is gone, they care that the PAIN is gone! Years ago I had a Dalmatian who lost his leg and within a few weeks after the surgery he was a totally new man. Swimming, running, just he was like a puppy again. My Great Dane girl Nova just had her amputation last week too, and she is doing awesome. I was lucky, I had the advantage of being through it before, and knowing what a wonderful thing it is for a dog to have that pain gone. Please let us know how the surgery went. Praying for you, Dutch!
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!
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