Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Okay, we know it's no sense in us saying don't worry ,some won't.
We will say it may not be anything. We will say that no matter what, you will handle it. Will will say that, of it is "that" you certainly have good qua time for beach trip adventures and cuddles!
Most importantly, Hazel is thoroughly enjoying being Hazel and that's all that matters! I remember a Bet tole me one time that the "clinical" work up, blood, arrays, etc didn't look good for my dog Bob. But to see him outwardly you would never know he had any issues. And Bob was still avle ro be Bob for another eight months! Dogs just don't buy into medical stuff😎
Now, as far as sort of making a check lost of what you want to have happen when it comes time to celebrate Hazel "home", that's a good idea. And I say that whether it's mo ths from now, or yea is from now. It's something that we all should do so we can keep our focus on the NOW and mot worry about those details whenever the time comes.
One thing I have done while my sogs are still thriving, is to get a "kit" and make a paw print along side to my hand print. You can add a paw print of any doggy siblings Hazel may have. I put some fur in it too.
When I've done cremation, I tape a lock of my hair over their heart and include a picture of my pup with me, siblings, etc.
And yes, a little garden space where some of the ashes can be scattered to nurture the soil in a lofr affirming way for a planted tree, or shrub. One member planted forget-me-nots in the dog bowl. Bring home some sea shells from the beach and some sand that she rolled around in.
Take lots and lots of pictures and be sure ro include yourself. Take pictures of some everyday things, like napping in the sun, pottying at her favorite spot. Take pictures of her paw prints kn the sand at the beach....just crazy everyday things that will make you smile.
This frees you up to get baxk to the NOW to be fully present t with Hazel! Hazel has no intention of going anywhere anytime soon😎
Extra 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!
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Drats, I hope it's not another MCT. That cancer is like whackamole sometimes. The good thing is that IF it is another recurrence, there are treatment options that may work, like Palladia. But we won't go there right now 'cause the important thing is she is feeling good and is still herself!
I'm guessing Hazel lis looking at you right now going "Mom, what are you so worried about, I'm feeling great! Let's play!' She is your teacher and right now is when you will learn so much from her.
As for preparing for her transition...it's brave and so smart of you to be thinking about this now. It takes courage, but it is the best thing to do so that you don't have to make any decisions when under such tough emotional stress. Our blog post Preparing for Pet Loss Before It Happens has some insight on that subject, I highly recommend a look.
What about creating a little bucket list of Hazel's Favorite Things and then tackling them little by little? It doesn't have to be super spectacular earth shattering things, but rather those subtle little moments that Hazel loves the most in this world. Does she have a favorite place to sniff before a wee? Her favorite foods? Things that give her a wiggle butt and waggy tongue? Jot them down and put the list on your refrigerator, then do them with her and record them on camera. You could make a cute little video!
I also love the ideas of a garden spot, and an art project too. Anything that helps you cherish all those things that make up Hazel's personality and loves in this world, because she is so so so much more than that stupid cancer. Hazel will always be Hazel, and cancer can never take that away.
Let us know what you decide to do. You may also want to start a separate topic about this in Coping with Loss, asking your question, so that others will see it and chime in.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Unfortunately Palladia isnt an option for Hazel as she's been on it once already with horrible side effects so we've made the decision to not attempt chemotherapy with her again.
It was a tough decision to make, but her QOL dropped so much while she was medicated that it doesn't seem worth it for her at all. She's on steroids at the moment to try and lessen the impact of the MCT but we're nearing the end of her dose.
Our main aim is to keep Hazel has happy and healthy as possible, and enjoy the time we have with her.
nyoom 
Ohhh OK gotcha. I'm sorry if you told us that before and I forgot. Yeah, can't blame you, that quality of life thing has to be #1. You're managing it with her best interest in mind, she is so lucky to have you!
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I don't think I did ever mention it as at the time I was just so genuinely worried we were going to lose her.
I've come to terms with the fact that chemotherapy just isn't a practical option for us. I'd much prefer her to be happier for a shorter period of time.
Hazel has been helping me with my PTSD for 3 years now and she's enabled me to do so much that I couldn't do before. I'm so so blessed to have her in my life.
I'm feeling a little bad over worrying about what I'm going to do about getting another assistance dog when she passes. Almost like I'm thinking of replacing her when she's still here, but I do need the help that an assistance dog provides for my condition. It's a tough situation.
Thank you all for your continued support,
nyoom
Hazel WANTS you to get another Assistance Dog.whenever the time comes. She would feel like she hadn't done a good job of you didn't want to get one!! And she'll have a paw in whatever dog is presented to you. Yes indeedy, she'll make sure the dog gives you the same care she does! Just like you want the best for Hazel and her quality, she wants the best for you and your quality!!
Yeah, that's what Soupmates do for each other❤
Now we need our Hazel fix! Picture please!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS as you know, no dog replaces the other, they merely add to your capacity to love.❤
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 do agree that Hazel wants to make sure you have just the right assistance dog so that you are not left in a lurch. Don't feel guilty about that, you're just channeling Hazel's thoughts! When her earthly assignment is complete, a new furry teacher will be here to carry on her mission with you. What a beautiful thing.
As for the chemo, that's totally understandable. We felt the same way with Jerry, and have no regrets.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You're right and I definitely need to stop worrying so much!
I have a great little Hazel fix for you all. We stopped at the Starbucks drive through on the way home from the vets so I have a video of her devouring her puppaccino!
We've been putting together our list of happy Hazel things, and right now she's still doing all of them.
I'm trying my best to stay pawsitive!
nyoom
THAT is adorable! I just had to embed the video for you:
https://www.ins.....zE2_ojnUv/
Hazel's pretty grey muzzle is just so smoochable. She's a lucky gal to have a mom who knows how to Be More Dog !
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HAPPY HAZEL THINGS!!! Love that!! 💖 Clearly Hazel is enjoying doing Happy Hazel Things!! And her Tripawd Famiy is delighted to see all tje Happy Hazel Things Hazel will be doing!!
This video is a true smile maker. 😊 Keep 'em coming!!
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!
Bit of a sad update today
Hazel seems to have deteriorated overnight, yesterday she was happy hopping around and playing games with me and her other mother just her normal self. Today she was withdrawn this morning then toileted in her bed which she NEVER does and then wouldn't get up to move out of the mess, I had to carry her into the bathroom. She's refusing to eat anything right now, not even a whimzee which are her favourite treats. Her breathing is laboured and she just looks so... not Hazel...
I don't know whether to just write today off as a bad day or if I should start moving forward with end of life plans. I hate seeing her like this and it's obviously horrible for her too... I just really thought she would make ot to her next birthday you know? But if she's deteriorating this fast... She's also been put back on a high dose of steroids so maybe this is her adapting to them?
It's my duty to give her a happy life and a peaceful end. I hope I can fulfill that for her.
nyoom
Saw your other post on the big doses of Prednisone. It can cert cause the diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Talk to Vet asap about that. Can't remember if Prednisone can be stopped abruptly or not, but Vet can advise.
I know you don't want to put her thru anything distressing, but wondering if guick dose of fluids and bloodwork at Vet would be in order. At least perhaps the symptoms could be treated.
Paws crossed for our sweet Hazel. Sending extra love. Update when you can.
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!
Hi Nyoom. I'm so glad Sally chimed in with suggestions about reaching out to your vet. For Hazel to go downhill so quickly overnight seems like it could be related to the new drug regimen. Please keep us posted on what your vet says. I'm keeping you and Hazel in my heart and sending lots of healing vibes to that sweet girl. Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
I've rung our vets and they've said they'll talk to the vet and give me a call back.
Hazel has improved a lot since I posted, but it was a very scary 3 hours of just no response to anything that she would usually get so excited over. I don't know what would cause such a quick and severe reaction that also just went away in a few hours... very strange.
Hazel is having a sleep in her 2nd bed, she perked up enough to have a whimzee and walked over to her bowl for a drink by herself so a lot better.
Now we just wait for the vets opinion,
nyoom
I'm so sorry you are going through this! I'm glad she's perked up a bit, that's great. I'm sharing some thoughts in your other post.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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