Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It appears that at least one wish was granted last night, Roadie finally let his
body lay down to sleep.
We woke this morning to find him sleeping peacefully.
He still lays there, and makes no movement to rise and greet us, but it does
my heart good to know that at last he found sleep.
Some may suggest changing the appointment, making it sooner.
I'm going to have these last couple of days with Roadie, and believe
that he will make it to Monday. I strongly believe he will make it until Monday.
He's going to go on car rides which he always loved.
He will have special dinners, and of course ice cream!
I am waiting now for the Argus Institute to call me, so I can talk to them
about my decision.
One hop at a time.
Thank you everyone.
Another day where the heart grows heavier.
I just spoke with a councelor at the Argus Institue.
She seems to be of the same thinking, Roadie has too much against him.
He should have bounced back from the amputation long before now.
His illnesses are taking over his body, and due to the amputation they can't be
treated.
He grows worse, not better.
I keep feeding him pieces of roasted chicken, but he seems to hold little interest.
A few sips of water, that's it.
I've just called the vet to tell them of my decision. It was the hardest call I believe
I have ever made. Unfortunately they have no earlier openings to put him down sooner
than Monday. So we must wait....Roadie must wait.
I'm dealing with this decision on a spiritual level. I feel it is playing God, and I don't like it.
Yet I am trying to persuade my mind to think of this as a blessing that we as humans can
bestow on our pets. To stop their suffering. I can only hope that God views it the same way,
and that he understands I have done this from the heart. I've asked repeatedly for his forgiveness.
I ask you all to pray for Roadie's safe passing to the other side.
Monday is a day I am dreading.
You had a very difficult decision to make and I admire your courage. Please find a way to enjoy the weekend with Roadie. Take it as a blessing to be able to spend a few more days together, and make those lasting memories.
You and Roadie will be in my heart and on my mind.
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.
Dear Roadie's mom,
I'm so sorry. If Roadie isn't eating and drinking, he's suffering terribly. Monday will be late. Please call and tell your vet, he is suffering and you cannot wait until Monday. As Dr. Pam has pointed out, this is painful for him.
I don't want to sound mean, but if you can't take Roadie in, then have a friend or neighbor help you. You are not playing God by making this decision. You are helping a little life out of his suffering. It's being compassionate and God wants you to be compassionate toward animals. By waiting, you are being selfish and I know in my heart that you are not.
I know this is hard but please, please do this for his sake and even yours.
Please know my words are meant lovingly because it is hard.
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.
It's one thing to make a decision like this, another thing entirely to live with it.
I've talked to the vet several times today, and Monday is their earliest opening.
They are not open tomorrow.
He is suffering, I know this, and it pains me.
I'm going to go now and make some cheeseburgers, I hope that he will eat.
He's resting peacefully on his giant blue pillow, and I am glad at last he is relaxed
enough to rest. I haven't seen him this relaxed in three weeks or more.
All I keep thinking is I just feel so lost...................
I'm so sorry for Roadie's suffering. And for yours.
It's going to be a long weekend for both of you. If he worsens, is there an emergency clinic/hospital you can take him to?
Thinking of you and hoping both of you find some peace this weekend.
Carmen
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Hi Roadie's mom,
We lost Honey about 6 weeks ago. We had to make the painful decision you're facing right now. It's so hard to think about that time right now but we know that we made the right decision. A couple of our tripawd parents lost their girl the same day we lost Honey but she was in so much trauma that they couldn't say goodbye the way they wanted to and their sweet girl wasn't able to go peacefully.
We hope you have the strength to make the best decision for your Roadie.
We're thinking of you and feel your hurt right now.
Honeygurls Clan
Dx Osteosarcoma 3/31/10. Amputation 7/21/10. Honey put up a valiant fight and lost her battle 9/22/10. Missing her and treasuring 9 years with our Honeygurl.
Roadie's momma made cheeseburgers, and he ate the whole thing!
He's not moving to his usual spot to eat, he actually has not moved
from his big, blue pillow all day....but when I placed the cheeseburger
in front of him he gobbled it all up!!
I'm thinking his mobility has dramatically decreased since yesterday.
My husband who takes care of his injured paw confided to me last night
that the paw has grown worse. I'm sure that is why he is no longer moving
about.
When I called the vet to let them know of my decision, the doctor did
not even attempt to talk to me , or better yet talk me out of it.
There was something wrong here from the beginning with this vet, I
can feel it in my bones.
I have to believe that I am doing what is right for Roadie, when the vet
did not in my opinion.
I'm just trying to keep strong, when my nerves are completely shot.
Thank you all for helping us through this, and honeygirl I am so sorry for your
recent loss.
I feel scattered in my thinking, I apologize if this is all jumbled up.
I am just so terribly sorry for everything that Roadie and your family is going through. My thoughts and prayers are with at this time.
Jo Ann & Tasha
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….
Dear Roadie and family
I am glad you have made a decision. It doesn't seem there is another decision that can be made (although we always hope things will change). I cannot believe the vet will make you wait until Monday and cannot find a way to help Roadie sooner. That makes no sense to me.
Usually one can find another vet who can help. I personally really like a vet to come to my home for that, for I don't like moving a dog to a vet for his last moments. It can still be done in the absolute best way possible and can be a peaceful and beautiful in its own way, as sad as it is for us to lose our beloved animals. Often there are a few vets around who will come to a home. We were on the road when Tazzie was at that point. We called vets out of the yellow pages. We told them that Tazzie was big and could not easily be moved without it being painful. A very kind vet came to our hotel room about 1 or 2 hrs later. Two other vets were willing to help, but couldn't see him for a few more hours (not days). It was as good as could be possibly be in the situation and all the people we talked with were very kind. I suggest calling another vet or two and see if someone can help.
Certainly emergency vets are used to helping at all times of day and
night.
But, I am glad to hear that Roadie seems to be at peace today and that he was interested in eating. Hopefully you have enough drugs to help him be comfortable as long as is needed.
Thinking of all of you. Yes, like Jo Ann and everyone, we are so very sorry for what you and Roadie are going through.
Susan
I'm so sorry for what you're going through, and the tough road Roadie has had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you this weekend. We're so glad Roadie was able to enjoy a cheeseburger tonight - he knows how much you love him, and that must bring him some comfort.
Sending lots of hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
We are so sorry, and hope that he can find even the tiniest bit of happiness these last few days with the cheeseburgers you're lovingly making him. It's good that he ate.
This is such a hard place to be in. Our hearts go out to you, just know we are thinking of you both this weekend.
P.S. Like Tazzie, I find it incredibly ridiculous that the vet wouldn't help you sooner, that's not exactly very compassionate. We're so sorry.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tammy,
Why can't you take him the emergency clinic you took him to originally since your current vet isn't open on the weekend? The emergency clinic will be open this weekend. Since you are not comfortable with your current vet, then I would advise you to seek the other vet you went to at the emergency clinic and get his opinion whether Roadie needs to be put out of his misery.
When you say he is hunched over, barely eating, rarely drinking and not moving, then it is our responsibility as pet owner's to seek medical advice. It is obvious Roadie is suffering and in pain.
Best wishes,
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.
There was something wrong here from the beginning with this vet, I
can feel it in my bones.
I have to believe that I am doing what is right for Roadie, when the vet
did not in my opinion.
I'm with Comet on this one, go to the e-clinic. Go NOW. You say yourself you don't believe in the vet. And are you saying the vet did or did not think this was the end? I'm confused!
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.
I do agree that there is no reason why your vet shouldn't be able to get you in today to help you with Roadie. Euthanasia is always a hard choice but once the decision is made then you shouldn't have to wait! As I mentioned earlier vasculitis is quite painful so maybe there is a way you could go to another vet or even the emergency clinic so they could help you end Roadie's suffering.
Pam
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