Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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rlukens said:
It's gonna be a difficult week!
Keep thinking that way, and it will be. 
Never underestimate the power of Pawsitive thinking!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Still upset by the entire situation, but feeling better about our choice after talking with the vet again this afternoon.
I have a lot of confidence in our vet, and she reassured me today that we have made a good choice for Morgan.
I took Morgan out for a ride this evening, and stopped at a park and took a nice little walk with her... a little 1 on 1 time without the puppy nippin at her heels. She has had her last dose of meds for the night, and no more food or treats now, fasting until surgery tomorrow.
Nothing left to do now but give hugs n kisses and pray!
Thank you all for the advice and words of encouragement!
Morgan's Mom
Hi Morgan's Mom. Wow - tons to say, not a lot to add to all the wonderful stuff here. This sucks - no way around it. It's a crappy diagnosis and the options are difficult to absorb and the decision is overwhleming and of course, the fear of the unknown. It's a lot to handle and especially when it happens to one of our fur kids...you know - the ones who give unconditional love and support that don't have a bad bone in their body and sure as hell don't deserve to have cancer. 
I hope you find some comfort in ALL THE STORIES of success here. YOU ARE MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION even though I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes and truly, the next 2 weeks are not the easiest....but they do pass and they pass relatively quickly and we are all here to support you through it.
I had second thoughts too prior to the surgery (seriously...I can't imagine that anyone here didn't have them) and I even had regrets for about 3 hours the morning after I brought Zeus home from surgery...it was a very, very difficult first night at home. Zeus was 10 when diagnosed on April 3, 2008 and we quickly amputated on April 9th. I gathered all my facts, listened to my options and prayed. I still didn't have an exact answer and in the end, I literally asked Zeus what he wanted to do and in his own way, he told me he wanted to live. It was the most life changing journey I have ever been on in my life...his cancer journey. Other than that 3 hour period, I have never looked back and never had regrets. I had 17 more AMAZING months with my best friend and in the end, I didn't even lose him to the cancer, I lost him to kidney failure.
I could literally go on and on about how this devastating diagnosis pawsitively impacted my life and changed my approach to it each and every day...everything that my dog taught me about living life in the moment and without judgments or criticisms, with unconditional love for others and countless more lessons....the love we shared and the depth of the bond that only a human and their dog can have after walking this journey. I hope that despite this crappy hand you were dealt, you have the same wonderful experience that I did.
Keep the faith and know that you have a lot of prayers coming your way from Virginia. TRY and get some rest. Easier said than done, I know.
Please keep us posted tomorrow OK?
Much love,
Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
well three pages and no one stole my suggestions!!! Get throw rugs with non skid backs for any slippery surfaces...look at the entrances and exits that Morgan will use to go potty and see if you need ramps....GET A RUFFWEAR VEST...they are the absolute best for helping when Morgan comes home...your vet may want you to wait til the staples are out, ask them. Magic's wound was wrapped so they said go ahead as soon as it came. And get lots and lots of rest because the next two weeks may be a challenge. Come back often and we will be waiting for after surgery news!!
Good luck...don't forget that rest....
Morgan and I had a nice evening last night, got in some good quality time. Lounged around and snuggled with her for as long as possible this morning. I did sooo good at being positive and happy.... right up until I walked her into the waiting room at the vet's office. So much for staying positive and not letting her see me cry.
She is at the vet now, and should be getting operated on soon. I am now at work tryyyying to focus, but not doing a very good job...
I'll post an update when I get one...
Thanks again all for the advice and encouragement... it truly is PRICELESS!
(Oh, and I just added throw rugs to my shopping list for tonight. Morgan is getting a new bed and some other cool stuff when she comes home)
Sending big hugs your way. Morgan will be fine, and will be home with you in no time. Get lots and lots of rest. You've done the right thing for Morgan, and the decision was based on your love for her.
Paws crossed, and sending pawsitive thoughts!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
You'll do fine. I admire you for going to work today, that's so hard. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I was just where you are 2 weeks ago yesterday. It is going to be so much better with the painful leg gone. It is impossible to tell you not to stress, but I do suggest you get sleep tonight because after Morgan comes home it may be a few days before you get any real shut eye!
Many hopeful blessings for you and Morgan,
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.
The Surgeon called me a little while ago and said that Morgan is out of surgery, and doing ok.
WHEW!
That's one battle, we have a few more to go!
Thank you all for the paryers and well wishes for Morgan!!!
Pawesome!
You're both going to do GREAT, I know it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thanks for the great update. Let the healing begin!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yippee for Morgan!
Now she is resting at the vets, so you try to get some sleep- as you have heard around here- "You will need it"
Sending good wishes
Sprit Angel JD's mom
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
Excellent news!
Yes sirey - get some rest while you can!
Welcome aboard the tripawd train! WOOT! WOOT!
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.
If it eases your mind any, I was not sure we had done the right thing until we picked Trouble up after surgery. When I actually saw she was ok, it fully began to sink in how life saving her surgery really was. She hopped out to greet us with a very tentitive look on her face. As soon as she was assured her new 'look' didn't affect how we loved her, she never looked back. She had a relatively easy recovery (while I stressed) and has adjusted well. Being an old dog, she knows what her limitations are. Morgan will surprise you!
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.
Morgan was supposed to come home tonight, but they said that they want to keep her overnight again tonight. They told me she is OK, but that the incision is still draining, and they want that to stop before releasing her. So it's one more lonely night here while we wait to bring her home, and let the healing and adjustments begin.
Thank you all for the support!
Robin
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