Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I haven't been on this site for awhile and up until a couple of months ago Buddy was doing great. Unfortunately his hip arthritis was so bad and he was having trouble standing. His hind leg had been amputated due to cancer, and with the hip problems it just wasn't enough support for him. I had him on all kinds of meds, regular vet checks and lately injections in his hips to ease the pain. I watched him as he would struggle and walk just a bit and then need to sit. It broke my heart. He was a very proud alpha male, and for him to be struggling to walk and stand was awful. I made the decision yesterday to let him go. I know he is at peace now and I know he has his dignity, which is very important to him, but I am hollow. I'm trying to be strong for my other dog bailey and for my cat who was so close to Buddy, but it's tough.
I can't believe how bad this hurts and how much i miss him already. sometimes i feel panicky and just want him back. I keep seeing him on our last day together(yesterday). I see him on our drives with his head hanging out the window enjoying the smells and scenery, I see us driving through the drive through so I could get us both a hamburger:) I see him falling, staying still in the living room all day while we waited to go see the vet. I see him at the vets in my arms and I feel his last breath. He was my hero, and I hurt for all he had to endure this last year. I really hope he is in heaven and happy. I hope he is at peace and having fun. I will always miss him. I love you Buddy Boy!! mom
I am so sorry for your loss. There are not words to give you that will make things easier but try to remember that you did the last loving thing you could do for Buddy by letting him go. You will be in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I'm so sorry to hear about Buddy... 
I know that it was probably the most difficult decision you ever had to make... But Buddy is no longer in any pain... and he definitely is in heaven... waiting for the day when he will one day be reunited with his loving mom... I really do believe that!
I lost my Jake just 6 months ago... but at times, it feels like only yesterday that he was still here with me. I miss him every single day. Jake's brother Wolfie, became so depressed afterwards... it was heartbreaking to watch. My hubby adopted a kitten just before Christmas, and that tiny little creature (Nala) helped Wolfie out of his depression... Wolfie still sleeps on the bed that we bought for Jake when he was diagnosed, and I don't want to ever wash it. I think that maybe Wolfie can still smell Jake and it brings him comfort.
It is so hard to loose our babies... We will never forget them!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers... Rest in peace sweet Buddy!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
I am so sorry for your loss, and so sorry you had to make that final decision for Buddy. Cancer just sucks. We loose so many wonderful pets to this dreaded disease. I hope you are able to heal quickly and have many happy memories to carry you on.
RIP sweet Buddy. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
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.
Many of us here know first hand exactly how you feel. Please know that you are not alone in your grief, and that by sharing your experiences with Buddy here you are certain to help others down the road who will face the same difficult decisions with their own dogs.
Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We are very sorry to hear of your loss of Buddy and would like you to acept our deepest thoughts of sympathy at this time. As with all of us, it will be the memories – great memories – full memories – loving memories, that will get us throught this most difficult time. I hate to say this, but it is only fitting that it is so very hard for us to acknowledge such a loss. We can never be "prepared" to loose something so very precious and such an integral part of our lives. Time will allow you to remember more of these great memories, and smile. Today, I will take the "Sunday" truck ride that so many here in this community know about, and I will feel Miss Cherry's spirit. Hold these memories of Buddy close but know that Buddy had not totally left you for the gifts that Buddy gave you will live with you forever.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
I´m sorry for you and all that loved Buddy... Amen to what Cherry´s Dad wrote. As time goes by, the strong and happy memories will stand out, although the pain will never leave completely.
Run free dear Buddy and have fun with all our sweet doggies up there!
Cecilia & Spirit Hori
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
we too are so sorry for your loss. words aren't enough, but our prayers and blessings are with you. hopefully you will find that time will elevate the wonderful memories, and start to blur your sadness. gayle and charon
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
I'm so sorry that Buddy had to go. You did a very loving thing for him, but oh-so-painful for you. I'm sending you comfort prayers and hoping you can focus on the good memories. Buddy was surely a hero.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Buddy's mom - there are no words we can offer to fill that emptiness you feel. So many of us have been down this road and it is truly the most lonely place. The one thing we can do for our beautiful, selfless pets is to help them cross the bridge when it is their time. While one of the most difficult things we do as pet owners, I believe that our pets teach us through their innate selfless acts to be able to act selflessly for them when their time comes.
You will always have Buddy in your heart, and so he will live on.
In sympathy,
Tana and Sophie
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"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."
–Unknown
Dear Buddy's mom,
I'm so very sorry. I never know the exact words to say to help ease the pain a tiny bit. I don't even know if there are any. But I know the pain as many of us do. We understand your hurt and anguish, your empty heart and hollowness. It's a mutual understanding we all have in some way.
I'm glad you could come here and share with us your love of Buddy. I hope in some small way you can find comfort in our sincere condolences.
Sending you the warmest wish that your tears will turn to smiles soon.
Comet's mom
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.
I am so sorry to hear the news about Buddy. I can feel your pain and loss and my heart goes out to you. Please know that Buddy is still with you and will remain forever in your heart. I'm sure he's looking down at you now, smiling and letting you know he's ok. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
I am so sorry to read of Buddy's passing, however please take comfort in knowing that he is now running pain free with a lot of wonderful Tripawd angels. Sending you a huge hug in this tough time!
Darlene (Angel Tehya's Mom)
I'm so sorry to read of your loss of Buddy. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
I'm real sorry to hear that Buddy went to the bridge. Of course he is in heaven...dog heaven, with everything a good golden retriever needs to be happy until he sees his human again: Sunny days, but not too hot; a nice big lake in which to schwim; tennis balls that never get lost, a never ending supply of good cookies, lots of other dogs to chase or run from, forests to chase squirrellys and bunnies, but no burrs or prickley seeds to mat the fur.
I know what you mean about still seeing him around. I still talk to Opie while driving until I remember his gentle soul is no longer in the back seat.
We can never be truly prepared for losing our best friends and we never really forget them, but with time the memories will be of the happy times together and not so much of those painful days at the end. Stay strong for your Bailey.
Run fast with my Opie, Buddy, he'll show you the way to the lake.
Opie's mom
1 Guest(s)
