Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am so sorry that you, Jake and the rest of your family have to go through this. Cancer Sucks!!!! In my experience, it's incredibly draining on everyone, going through each day hoping for improvement, but seeing none. I felt lost, angry, confused and powerless and no one (people or dogs) should have to go through this. I wish I could be there to hold your hand, My thoughts are with you, Jake, Wolfie & hubby and know that we are here from you supporting you from afar.
All the best,
Stacy and Angel Lulu
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We are so, so sorry. It's the hardest thing in the world to not know how to help make it all better. We wish every single Tripawd could have the chance to live on indefinitely in excellent health.
Isn't it amazing how Tripawds can keep waggin' and smilin' despite their medical issues? All that matters to them is being with family and enjoying that time together. What lessons we can learn from our pups.
Thank you for sharing the daily life you have with Jake. So many others will be helped by knowing about the challenges and heroic feats you faced together. You two are heroes.
Many hugs,
Rene
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, last nite was nice and quiet... no waking us up in the middle of the nite to go out to pee and poop! This morning, we got up and started getting ready for our day, as usual. Jake (even pre-cancer) always slept until the very last minute, till we started waking him up to go outside and then hang out with us while we have our morning coffee. For the past week now, we've had to help him get up from his bed, as he couldn't on his own.
So I was really surprised when I came back into the bedroom to get Jake. He was standing next to his bed... all by himself!!! OMG!! 
Could this be the improvement we have been waiting for??!!! 
He was still unstable on his legs, and I had to support him to walk all the way through the house to get outside... and he did almost loose his balance and fall after doing his stuff. But he actually got up out of bed by himself!!! I don't know if I am hanging on to false hope or not... but at least it made me feel good. Hey, maybe the adequan shots we started on Monday are starting to kick in? Maybe the first dose of super power mushrooms he got last nite are kicking in?? Who knows... We'll see how it goes this weekend.
I was going to go into work til 1 today, but I decided to stay home instead... It could be our last weekend with Jake, but then again... maybe not??!
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!
This is good news, hopefully the Adequan shots are slowly starting to work. I hope this is Jake turning the corner, just a temporary set back. I know, the "last time" thinking will drive you crazy, I found myself doing it alot not too long ago. We are keeping you guys in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear Jake is having a hard time right now. My thoughts are with you all. Only a few things I can add to what has already been said, that may or may not be of any assistance right now.
First, only you can know when it's "time", but if Jake seems otherwise comfortable right now, except for weakness in his back legs, have you considered a K9 Cart?
The only other advice I can offer is what we tell owners that come into my clinic questioning the very same thing. One has already been mentioned, buy two jars and label one "good days" and one "bad days" and look at them often. When the bad start to outweigh the good, it's time to start thinking about what's best. The other, perhaps complementary to the last, especially in Jakes case where it seems only part of him has gone south, is to write down Jakes three absolute favourite things in all the world. Once those three things are gone, then it's time to reconsider. For instance, Mercy's would be something like eating, chasing her two cats (playfully of course), and going for walks. Jakes might be eating, swimming, and chewing his stuffed animals.
I know this really isn't much help, but understand Mercy and I are thinking of you and yours in this time. The two dogs I've lost so far have made the decision themselves; one to diabetic complications and one to a heart attack in the middle of the night. It's still hard, but they told me they were ready. I understand that seeing Jake still otherwise happy right now complicates it so much more. Rest assured you can vent to us anytime, and that you have a community pulling for Jake to get better.
Any good news is good news!!!! Tasha and I said a special prayer last night for Jake and Emily. Hope today Jake continues to improve and he has a wonderful weekend swimming. 
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….
We're so glad you had a good night and a good morning! We also said a special prayer for sweet Jake last night!
Will you be going swimming today? We are hoping this is a sign of better days to come.
Jake you're a trooper!
Much love, Eve and Romeo
jakesmom said:
So I was really surprised when I came back into the bedroom to get Jake. He was standing next to his bed... all by himself!!!
Oh my gosh we sure hope the Adequan is kicking in! That is wonderful, I'll bet it really brought tears to your eyes. We hope the improvement continues. Go Jake!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
mercysmom said:
The only other advice I can offer is what we tell owners that come into my clinic questioning the very same thing. One has already been mentioned, buy two jars and label one "good days" and one "bad days" and look at them often. When the bad start to outweigh the good, it's time to start thinking about what's best. The other, perhaps complementary to the last, especially in Jakes case where it seems only part of him has gone south, is to write down Jakes three absolute favourite things in all the world. Once those three things are gone, then it's time to reconsider.
That is terrific advice, I think it's VERY helpful.
In my own case, my pawrents made an agreement that when I couldn't do certain things again, that would be the sign they needed to know that my quality of life was suffering, and my time was at hand. It was a benchmark that helped them both agree ahead of time, instead of trying to figure it out as my body became weaker.
Aweseome advice, thanks so much.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOO HOO!!!!! He could probably do it all along, but just liked all the extra attention in the morning 🙂 Sounds like power mushrooms are the new "in" thing, so once Jack finishes up Yoda's K9 Immunity (thanks so much!!), I may have to get him some. Stop tricking your parents, Jake - it scares them!!
<3 Laura and Jack
That's some GREAT news!!! Hope he continues to improve! Enjoy swimming this weekend. ((HUGS)) to all!
It seems that I spoke too soon… the excitement of finding Jake standing up all on his own this morning. Jake was pretty much the same (weakness-wise) all day. Sometimes it seemed that it wasn't just his back legs that were having a problem… but his front one too… 
I did take him and Wolfie out on the patio this afternoon. It was so nice outside… a nice breeze, not too hot, not too cold (we're in central Florida). 
We didn't go swimming today… I'll definitely need hubby's help with Jake, since he's so hard to lift and help walk now. He's only 80 pounds… but what a heavy 80 pounds when I have to lift him with my broken back (well it sure feels broken!).
But I did put Jake's bed outside in the sun so he could lie on it. He really enjoyed lying there, smelling the air, listening to all the birds and squirrels, and neighbors dogs barking… 
Wolfie was playing with his stuffed bear, and every once in a while Jake would get a hold of it… but Wolfie would always try to take it away from him and play tug-of war, dragging Jake off his bed. He's so silly that Wolfie! He's almost 5yr old (on Christmas day) but he still acts like a puppy most of the time. I posted some pictures and videos of them on Jake's blog…
Here they are for those of you that don't frequent the blogs... Except for him not being able to move much, he really does seem to be enjoying himself...
Hope tomorrow is a better day…
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!
It does sound like some improvement for Jake. I'll be really interested to know if the mushrooms help, although of course most of us give more than one thing at a time (Adequan in your case), so we won't really know what helps. Jake does seem pretty alert, so it does not seem as though you have to rush into anything. Weighing good and bad days is a good approach, yet we also need to give them time to heal if something in particular is temporarily wrong.
Yes, Jack - to be part of the "in club" you gotta get some power mushrooms. I can't believe the reaction when I mention them to people here. "Are they legal?" "Are they over the counter?" Lots of hippie and 1960's references. It does not seem to help when I explain that I found them via a website and that a vet from Washington first found out about them after consulting with her holistic vet. . . 
I was so glad to hear Jake stood on his own. Even though he still had a weak day it might be that the adequan shots are starting to work. Jake still seems to be enjoying life. Emily just lays around.
Debra & 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.
It is a good thing to see Jake playing with his toys. And he stood today?? That is really great. Each moment is a celebration even the small moments.
Debra - Im sorry to hear Em is still having such a tuff time our thoughts are with you.
Shilo's Mom
Shilo diagnosed with osteosarcoma 9/4/2009, amputation 9/9/2009. ShiloAnne lost her battle 11/23/2009 where she regained her fourth leg and is patiently waiting for her parents to join her. We will always love you baby girl.
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