Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Last night Roadie was more mobile than he has been in the last 24 hrs. He seemed to
be comforted by our step son, and it was nice to see.
He is eating today, and drinking.
As I said in my other posts, Roadie found how to lay down, and he is no longer sitting
hunched over but finding rest.
My comment about the vet is that I know that he knew that Roadie had vasculitis/heartworm
before he amputated. He knew that the other rear paw was suffering. What I'm questioning
is if he knew this, why then did he amputate? Forty years in the business should tell him
that the amputation would halt the process of treating the diseases.
That is where I am confused.
It seems that some of you understand spending the last few days with your pets, while others
say rush to put him down. That confuses me also.
He is still enjoying my soft rubs on his head, he is eating what I put in front of him, his tail
is still wagging.
I have less than 48 hrs with my Roadie, and I'm going to give him all I can.
Thank you to those that understand.
"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."
Thank you 'hugapittbull', for understanding the last few days.
When I made that statement, I meant it with all my heart. I am just as atament about taking him to an e-clinic during the weekend if he is suffering. Veterinary staff are there to guide us in these tough decisions. They know the risks, they know the odds, you know the dog. Between the two of you, the appropriate decision can be made.
And if Roadie is now responding, eating, and resting that is wonderful, but would lead me to question the need to put him down if he is improving. There are dogs that beat odds, I have one, but it takes a huge leap of faith, love, a hefty bank account, an awesome vet, a limitless emotional support system, and some shining star watching over your shoulder.
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 know you are going to the vet today with Roadie, our thoughts are with you whatever happens and know you aren't alone. Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
I'm with Spirit Gus and Dan. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and Roadie. I sent you a PM if you have time to read it.
Sending all my strength,
Leslie
R.I.P. Roadie - May 2008 - November 2010
My sweet, angel dog now runs and plays with the angels. I feel this very securely in
my mind. I thank all of you who prayed and showed concerned for Roadie.
I almost left this site due to a feeling of being attacked here, or better yet I felt like I
was on trial by people who were not even living or knowing my animal.
I came here for support in what was a very confusing and terrifying time in my life.
Roadie's remaining rear paw was very damaged, and he was barely moving over the
weekend. It was clear he was deterioating, but how do you let go? Those that said
rush to put him down really hurt me, because I wonder if I said the same to you how
you would feel?
He was held, he was loved, he ate cake, roasted chicken, cheeseburgers, and most importantly
he was comforted in his last days.
It hurts like hell to have him gone, but I know I did what was right for him. I just needed
these last days to confirm in my mind that it was right, and to say my goodbyes.
One should never RUSH into anything, for then we shall most definitely hold regrets.
I look forward to establishing friendships with those that have reached out to me on here,
and I wish all of you many more years with your animals. For those that are sick, may they
find health once again.
God bless.
So sorry you had to let Roadie go. Its always a tough thing. At least his spirit is free from his hurting body and can run free with all of our other doggie angels.
-Chloe's mom
P.S. I'm sure those who suggested immediate euthanasia were looking out for Roadie's well being rather than for a lack of doggie compassion. We all love our dogs (and everyone else's) here and we all know what its like to watch a sick dog deteriorate with cancer. I know for me the first time I had a dog with cancer was when I was 10 years old. She was the first dog I had ever grown up with and to have my mom only bring back her collar from the vet was devastating (after the cancer had spread beyond treatment). Now I am living with a second dog that was diagnosed with cancer. Life just isn't fair. My heart goes out to you at this time.
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
I am sorry it was time for Roadie to go. You can be at peace knowing you did what was best for him. I'm sorry you felt attacted, you can rest assured the folks here only had Roadie's interest at heart. They did not want to see him suffer for days solely because a vet couldn't or wouldn't take the time to do the compasionate thing.
I hope the many wonderful memories of little Roadie will soon replace the pain you feel with a smile. You and Roadie are in my thoughts today.
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 am really sorry for loss of your beloved pup. I know how hard that is,so my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Am sure Roadie is now in much better place though,hoping and running around,but probably at the moment still somewhere around you still. Have read somewhere long ago that they tend to stay a while in their home,even go look for their bowls too,until they adapt on their new condition and move on. But from wherever they go am sure they always keep an eye on their pawrents,until they reunite again 🙂
In this big saddens and grief,try to be happy for him. You have done all you could,nothing to feel guilty for and gave him a gift of ultimate compassion. He was one happy boy to have you for his pawrent 🙂
Am really sorry you didnt felt accused here,am very sure it wasnt anyones intention to make you feel like that. It was very difficult,stresfull and emotional time for you,so you maybe understood it that way. And written word can sometimes sound different then when spoken. It was just that your posts sometimes sounded a bit confusing – in one of latest ones it really sounded like Roadie is in very big pain and suffering very much, and then the day after he seemed so much better,eating,sleeping and drinking that I even silently hoped that maybe the decission wont have to be done yet.
Anyway,noone wanted you to part with your dog,if any community knows how hard that is its this one.
Take care….lots of hugs and prayers for you and your little brave angel pup 🙂
Daniela, Angel Dons Mum
Run free of pain and rest in peace sweet Roadie.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry. I hope that these past few weeks will be only a slight memory and you'll remember him soon with a smile and happy tears.
I'm sure Angel Roadie is running and playing and most especially is pain free.
I'm sorry you felt under attack or on trial. I truly wanted what was best for him after what Dr. Pam described about his condition and how much pain he was in. Letting go is hard. And human emotions of not wanting to let go can sometimes get in the way of doing what is right.
Warm 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.
I am so sorry about Roadie. I can imagine your sorrow right now, but am glad you are at peace with your decision. He's in a better, pain-free place right now and although his little loving physical presence is gone, he will never, I know, leave your heart.
Without human voice and presence, it is easy for the written word to be misinterpreted. As already said, rest assured that no comments made here were intended to be judgmental.
Again, my sincerest condolences to you on your loss. He was a dear little fellow who was deeply cherished.
And thank you for your well wishes to us.
Rest in peace, Roadie.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
You did very well by Roadie. Thats all any dog could wish. Some of the prior messages left some thinking Roadie was in intense pain and that pain seemed to prompt some to suggest another plan. Your last posts described a dog that was resting comfortably and you were treasuring the remaining time. Most of us hope we can manage the same when the time arrives. Bless you and Roadie…
Oh, we're so very sorry and sad about Roadie . . . just in tears. When their pain is over, ours is only beginning. So glad you were able to have those precious moments with him before letting him go.
Big hugs from Honey's 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.
So so sorry for your loss. This is never easy and never an easy decision to make. Most of us here have been faced with or will be faced with the same decision you've had to make today so we only extend our deepest sympathy and compassion for what you've had to go through. Please take comfort in knowing that Roadie will still remain in your heart forever and he's looking down at you now, letting you know that he's ok as I'm sure he wants to make sure that you'll be ok too.
My deepest condolences,
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!
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