Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, it was a year ago today that we lost Gus. Unfortunately alot of you never got to know him, and actually since he only lived 3 1/2 months after his surgery even the people that were here when we came on didn't really get to know him that well, but it didn't take long to feel like we were a part of a special group of people. Life has been going mach 2 the last several months which has kept me from coming around as much as I'd like, but I thought I would post this video GeLena made for me after he died so that you could get a little idea of who he was. I also thought I'd post this one we made of him when I was feeding a calf to give you glimpse of him in action, he lived for that kind of thing, or roaming the fields hunting varmits, and believe me, he knew how to do it. Time has taken alot of the pain away but I sure miss him. For those of us lucky enough to grow up in the 60's and 70's, back when they made really good music, remember the song by Bread called Everything I Own, I can't help but think of Gus, and how so many of the lines in that song fit all of us to a T who have lost our buddies, but thats life, we have to play the hand we're dealt, so for those of you who are fairly new here and are going through those tough times after surgery or are trying to decide what to do, scared because you just found out your buddy has cancer, or maybe just lost your buddy and have that empty, punched in the gut feeling, alot of us have been down that part of the road, hopefully our words are more than just a bunch of letters on a computer screen, hopefully they bring a sense of comfort that things do get better, but we also have to realize there are some things that are just out of our control, we the owners and they the vets can only do so much, we do the best we can to try and make their life as good as it can be, but remember, no one can take the memories away. Thanks to everyone who has made us feel like we are still part of the family even though we don't have a tripawd,or even a 4 legged dog, it's been aot of fun so far. Hopefully we can help someone who comes here just as scared and full of questions as I was, I guess thats what makes me want to hang around, besides, I've made some wonderful friendships that I will cherish the rest of my life, all because of my buddy Gus, here's to you big guy, Big Paws Up to Gus and thanks to GeLena for helping me get these videos on here……..oh man was he a good lookin' guy
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Well Dan,
That was said with much eloquence!
I"m pretty sure Gus is proud of you! I know I am!!!!
I have appreciated your support and fun sense of humor!
I've also been to this place of sadness and loss...almost 2 years for me and it still hurts!
So, I am going to wish you happy memories until you two meet again! Keep lifting those paws up!
oh dan, it just doesn't seem like it's been that long since we said goodbye to gus. i look up everyday at my little calendar, where gus is mr. july - just hanging out on a bail of straw. thanks for sharing him with us, we are all better pawrents and better sisters and brothers to our tripawds because of you and gus. hugs to you all.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Dan, As always - your words really hit the mark! I can't believe it's been a year since you lost Gus. I remember reading your post last year, and breaking down in tears (I was still quite raw from losing Skyler the month before).
Your posts have always brought such encouragement to us, and will continue to do so.
Even though we're getting two new golden pups, it's bitter sweet - still missing Skyler & Chloe so very much.
Sending you many, many golden hugs!
Cathy
P.S. You are soooo right! Gus was one very handsome guy! 
Paws up Dan- nice post.
You and Gus made a big impact here, it's great that you are still around when time allows. When ever I see that silly commercial on TV about the wood chucks chucking wood I think of Gus- he wouldn't have let that happen!
Karen and the pugapalooza
djbockman said:
Well, it was a year ago today that we lost Gus ... it didn't take long to feel like we were a part of a special group of people.
Hard to believe a year has passed already, Dan. Thank you for remaining such a supportive member of the Tripawds family! Your helpful healing words will always be much more than letters on this screen.
If you have not already done so, please consider adding Gus' memorial date to this topic:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, it is had to believe that it has been a year since Gus lost his battle. Life goes on as I am learning after we lose our heart dogs, but never quite the same, the hole in our hearts fill up some but never completely.
You gave Gus such a wonderful life, you shared your great looking boy with us, your words always so supportive, you gave me many words of wisdom as you have done for so many of us.
Today you honor your boy and again share his life with us, Thank You. Today as you reflect Gus's life I hope that there are more smiles than tears as you remember....
Paws up to you Dan and Spirit Gus, never forgotten
Jo Ann & Angel Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
The video (first one) I had seen before, but just like before I cried to watch it. Gus had a wonderful life, he was smiling in just about every frame. It hurts to see his dates, he was so young.
The other video with the calf makes me think he would've been a great sniffer dog. Boy, when he got busy he meant it! I hope at some point you get ready for another dog. It seems to me that would be the best place in the world to be for a dog, on a farm, with someone who loves you. If you ever do get ready, that will again be one very lucky dog.
I remember when I first came here 11 months ago. I remember you specifically, because you were a great voice of reason and helped calm my fears. I remember telling you thank you for still being here because I saw your posts after Gus had passed. I still want to thank you, it is always a pleasure to read your words.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Just honored to be able to do it...Gus was a wonderful dog who obviously was very loved by a special person.
As sad as it is that some of us have lost our beautiful pups, the friendships gained are treasures!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Gus certainly was a handsome guy! Thank you for sharing his story. I'm sorry he wasn't with you longer, but I'm glad you stayed around!
Cynthia
It is hard to believe it has been a year. Gus may have been here only a short 3 1/2 months, but oh what a powerful force he was! He taught us all so very much, was so strong, so brave, so loved.
Your words of wisdom never fail us, as we know Gus taught you so very much in his lifetime. Tears are gently falling down my cheeks as I type. Paws Up, Gus! You will live in our hearts forever.
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.
A year. That doesn't seem possible, Dan. Time is indeed impervious to our joys and to our sorrows and just keeps marching on.
Gus was such a gorgeous boy. What an amazing life you shared.
I'll echo what others have already said: lovely, eloquent post.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Dan,
It's so hard for me to believe that a year has already slipped by. Gus was a king among dogs and today we honor his memory. What you wrote Dan, was perfect! It was a true testament to who you are and all that Gus was, a loyal, strong and brave friend.
Brett
Dan, you wrote a beautiful tribute to your wonderful friend. We joined the Tripawd family 8 days apart, and always drew strength from your posts and stories about Gus. He left us too soon, and we know he will live in your hearts forever. We are very happy you haven't become a stranger here because you do help us make it better for new members. Plus, you gave the AMBF our secret weapon - the cow!
Ginger's pack
A year just flies by so fast Dan. We're sending lots of hugs your way today.
I love those videos. They bring back good time for us too. We miss that big guy.
Always remember you ARE helping people and your contributions here go much farther than you'll ever imagine. Thank YOU for being here to share your too-short journey and guide others as they go through theirs. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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