Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Wow, I am so so very, very sorry, my heart breaks for you and Madison. This is not the way anyone expects their journey will go so early in the process and I feel awful for you guys. I know that right now you have a lot of emotions going through you, and that's totally understandable. As best as you can though, remember that Madison doesn't know what the results said, or what will happen even tomorrow. All she knows is she wants you and the pack to be together and make the most of every minute. Keep taking those strolls, keep doing what she loves, and spoil her rotten. There will be plenty of time for tears later.
And no it's not crazy to prepare for the time you want her to transition. That makes total sense and speaks volumes about how much you want to make sure she has a peaceful passing. It's smart not to wait until things get very bad, which often happens. That's when the really heavy grief happens, when people have regrets about waiting too long. Good for you for thinking ahead. I know it feels weird. But it's smart. And you are a great parent.
Please let us know how we can be there for you OK? You are not alone in this. Give Madison extra smooches from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for all the kind words! Reading Sally's post gave me hope that she is still doing ok. And yesterday was a good day. Her fever went way down and she was looking so much better! I think the steroids are really helping.
This community has helped me so much along this journey I'm so thankful.
Madison is my first dog I've ever had on my own so this is the first time I've ever had to go through the process of making that hard decision. But you are right she is eating and drinking and wanting to go for stroller rides. So we are just gonna take this day by day.
Considering the circumstance, this is a GREAT update!!!!
Getting that fever down has to help!
I can't wait to see pictures of Madison enjoying her stroller rides! Every Princess should have her Royal Coach!!
Yes, continue to take it day by day doing everything that Madison loves! Yeah, she may jave an up and down day every now and then. That's "normal" for this part of the journey. Right now though, Madison is clearly enjoying being Madison and xrays don't mean squat to her!
You are doing an excellent job...and so is Madison! Quite an extraordinary team! And we are all insi fans cheering madly for you both!!
Mich love and lots of hugs! Keep on strolling along Madison!
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!
taramadison said
Trying to add some pics of Madison. Can't seem to get it to work.
FYI: Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there.
Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum !
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on Madison.
The last two and a half weeks have been a blessing. She really turned around from when she was sick a couple weeks ago and we have got to do quite a few things. Camping trip. Beach strolls. Daily stroller rides. Lunch and dinner dates and so much more.
Went to the dr today, the last few days I've noticed that she's been having a harder time getting around. Can't hop around as much and gets tired quicker, Also breathing is getting harder. So I wanted to get some X-rays done just to give me a better time frame. It's what I expected. Significant growth. Didn't want to hear it or think about it. But I knew I couldn't keep turning a blind eye to it. And I just wanted to know of things to look for that it's getting worse or she's suffering. To know when it's time. How do I know? It's like I don't want to regret doing it too soon, if I could have another day or two. Then don't want to regret waiting till she's really suffering. And I need to make an appointment. How do I choose?! Ugh I knew this was gonna come and have been trying to prepare myself mentally. I'm so thankful that we had the last couple of weeks, which I thought a few weeks ago that we wouldn't. Still doesn't make this any easier. 🙁
I'm sorry to hear this. I had a cat with malignant melanoma and was told that it would spread to his lungs. When it did he developed a cute little cough. I knew it was time to let him go when I saw that he was uncomfortable and the only time he could sleep was when I held him (then I couldn't sleep). Although it was a difficult time, it was also very special.
You can ask your vet what to look for so she doesn't suffer. In the meantime, continue to have fun and create sweet memories with her.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
As.hard as.rhis part of the journey is...and gawd knows.It's hard...you and Madison have made,.and are continuing to make, every moment count! And that's what this journey has always been about for.our dogs and cats, making every moment count. So keep doing that, okay?
As far as "preparing", that's easier said than done on an emotional level. You can, however, put some steps in place so you won't have to deal with those "tasks" whenever.the time does come. I had my ducks in a row so that a vet would come.to the.house when the time came. Prior to whenever that "time" would be, I had the same vet come by previously for a "meet.and greet" to check her over and give her treats! I knew I woukd want cremation when the time came and told the vet. I knew I woukd want a pawprint and I knew I would want some.of her fur. I knew that I woukd tape a lock.of my hair over her heart. I.had already instructed.the.vet.to.come.in in an upbeat and happy manner! I wanted to.make it a pawty for Hapoy Hannah with lots of good food! Ice cream, steak, M&Ms.and her favorite treat, a scoop of deer poop!!
I share this with you so you can get this done and off your mind and get back to being present with Madison! You have done..and are doing..p an outstanding job of staying in the now with Madison! That just shows how deeply devoted to her you are.
Just day by day. Today Madison seems to be doing okay and is still enjoying her stroller rides and loving and spoiling! And I bet she will tomorrow too! No worries!
If I can help support you in anyway, please let me know. We also have the 1 844 TRIPAWDS Helpline.
Lots of.love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
With my Happy Hannah, she also had a phase where shetired very easily and had some changes in her breathing pattern. Sometimes.it was more labored than others, sometimes not that noticeable. Maybe sometimes "uncomfortable", but NOT necessarily painful or "suffering". She ate...never missed a meal...and wagged her tail alot!
For.me,.there came a time.p when I realized she just didn't seem to be able to sleep. She was holding her head up a lot or she would sit up, lay back down, seemed "comfortable",.but just couldn't sleep.. I guess the mets were compromising.her lungs if she tried to sleep. I knew that it could go downhill very quickly at that.point. Happy Hannah didn't need to stay around for anymore tummy rubs or spoiling or loving. She was starting.to.have.to pay a price for that. I had spoiled her and loved her every second of every day.
I don't mean to be rambling. I'm just trying to say that you can "prepare" ahead of time from a "logistics" standpoint and put that behind you. It does bring a sense of "relief" because it frees you up to.continue to celebrate every moment you and Madison have together.
From.what you've said, it sounds like you still have more MAKE EVERY DAY A MADISON.DAY ahead of you.
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!
Oh gosh no it's not easy at all. I'm so sorry. I remember this part of Jerry's journey like it was yesterday. It can be tremendously sad, especially with the ups and downs. I do my best not to let it overshadow all of the other amazing years we had together. Its hard, but try to stay present, celebrate her good days and when you feel yourself getting sad, look at that sweet girl who's still with you and love her up, so that you're not lost in grief while she's still here.
As for how to tell...we have lots of info on our Resources Page, scroll down to see "Pet Loss Grief Support. We also have some other good posts to check out:
Hospice Guide and Grief Support
Penny Jars Measure a Dog’s Quality of Life
Quality of Life Scale Tips with Pet Hospice Expert Dr. Alice Villalobos
Of course you can always call the Tripawds Helpline too, we're here for you OK?
Give Madison extra smooches from us, we are thinking of you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for all the support and kind words.
Pretty sure Madison had a stroke last night. She can't walk and with help walks to the side. Also holding her head to the side. Breathing has got heavier. I think she's telling me it's time. I have a hospice vet coming to my house later this evening. Right now we are on our way to the beach for one more stroller ride.
Tears falling, but Madison has told you that she's ready to be released. Of course, it doesn't mean we can't always hope for a miracle in the meantime.
Your whole Tripawd Family has our arms wrapped around you and Madison today. As Madison returns back home to the. Bridge she will be astounded at the welcome she will receive from all those who got there before her! Every treat imaginable is available...ice cream, cake, steak! She will be healthy.and fit and running free...and ALWAYS watching.over you, as you have her.
Surrounding you with love.and a peaceful heart
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
My heart just breaks for you. Keeping you and Madison close to my heart.
xoxo
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
We are so sorry to hear this. All our love and wishes for a peaceful transition are going out to you and Madison. You are in our hearts today, and always. Please come back when you are strong enough.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Seeing that picture Jerry just posted of Madison being soooo happy has me smiling through the tears. Hold onto that happy memory. That's what Madison wants you to remember.
I keep scrolling back up to see her picture...proof positive that dogs smile!!
Surrounding you with Madison's eternal light
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
I know isn't that a great picture? Madison's Mom posted some more photos here:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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