Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Greetings all! Today marks one week since Racquette joined the tripawd community! Rac is my 13+ year old Australian shepherd…and until a week or so before her diagnosis of osteo in her left forelimb….she was running agility! She has been competing (and doing very well) in agility since she was a pup…I do believe that, and her natural raw diet and exercise is what has kept her alive for so long! I took Rac in to my vet when she started limping…they did the usual…xrays…bloodwork…and then told me she had cancer. My vet then said…you know…if it were my dog…because she is so old…I would not do anything. I remember saying to him "you mean…you want me to watch her die?" To which I got the reply "well…this is never easy…and it is not easy for vets either" I was in disbelief! It was right after that when I was introduced to a WONDERFUL oncologist….Dr. Betsy Hershey…out here in Phoenix, AZ. And thus….we entered a WHOLE different world…a whole different set of attitudes…and a WHOLE lot of hope!
Rac wound up being an excellent candidate for amputation…clear lungs, great bloodwork…and a fighting spirit. One week ago today…my friend Dr. Debbie Brooks removed the cancerous leg and Rac walked out of the hospital the next day! The staff cheered when she left because of how well she did…and continues to do!
I appreciated reading in the Three Legs and a Spare book about "just turning your back" on friends (??) who comment that you shold just put the dog down because they are so old… YIKES….we'd miss so much!!!
Anyway….I was set to leave on a 5 week trip a couple days before Rac's surgery. A good friend had offered to have Rac stay with her the entire time we were away. she came with us for the initial visit to Dr. Hershey. My friend, Shelly is also a superb vet technician…and I knew Rac would have better aftercare than I could ever provide! (Plus…Shelly is mom to Rac's half brother!) So Shelly took Rac in for her surgery….and brought her home to her house. We are in contact daily (sometimes several times a day!) I get sent pictures….text messages, etc. Rac goes with Shelly to work and the people at her vet hospital adore her too!
Except for a mild bout of appetite suppression after the first chemo treatment on Friday…Rac has been amazing! She is highly mobile…figured out the dogie door on three legs instantly…and….is fascinated watching Shelly's cats!!!
I am truly grateful I found the tripawds community….and look forward to learning lots more about many of you and your woofers!
When the semester begins again in August (I am a professor)….my students will all hear Rac's story and about the tripawd community!
Wendy…mom to tripawd Racquette and her brothers Qyette and Phlash
Racquette's mom
Welcome and thanks for sharing Rac's story. We're glad you found us too!
As an agility dog lover, you may enjoy reading about other three legged agility dogs of the Tripawds community:
My AgileCowDog
Maggie's Memoirs
3/4 dog 100% Border Collie
Kess the BC - Another Amazing Tripawds Three Legged Dog Blog
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey Wendy,
I think I recognize you and your dog's names! Do you compete in NADAC by chance? On the NADAC group list?
My dog, Maggie, did NADAC agility for 7 years before I retired her in 2009. She was amputated in October 2009.
My other dog, Haley, also an Aussie, has been retired since last fall, due to a shoulder injury(rotator cuff). She's doing well but wouldn't be able to withstand the rigors of agilty anymore 🙁
I compete both of my dogs in Rally-O and the new Wag It Games.
Sounds like your Aussie is doing fabulous and welcome to Tripawds.com!
Tracy
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Rac's story is very similar to Trouble's as far as vets go. We, too, were fortunate to find a supportive, fighting vet who would give her loving care and guide me in all the decisions we had to make. Had it not been for his conviction that her only chance was amputation, we would have gone home to watch her die also. He was our second opinion consult and her true lifesaver. The bond between them was amazingly strong. It makes all the difference in the world, when you are on the same page with the provider. Congratulations on finding the perfect oncologist and staff.
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.
Hey Maggie's mom Tracy! small world! Yes...I do compete in NADAC...as well as other venues....but we do lots of NADAC...and yes, Racquette has been mentioned on the list many times. She is one of the three NADAC dogs who have completed over 40 Championship titles in NADAC. Although we can't complete anymore...she still has LOADS of fun!
And to Trouble's Mom....we are SOOOO thankful for our "find" in doctors! As I said to Betsy Hershey.....the planets were all in alignment...Wonderful oncologist...surgeon and after care provider. I had absolutely complete confidence that my going away on a year long planned vacation (I do have a free Southwest ticket I can use at any time if I need to go back home)...was not a mistake. Rac has no separation anxiety...and she LOVES being at Shelly's house (her care provider while we are away)....so that was NEVER an issue!
I want to make a Racquette FAN page on FaceBook...but can;t figure out HOW to make a fan page....she has so many fans around the country!
Anyone have any insight into how to make a FAN page???
thanks
Racquette's mom
Wendy said:
Anyone have any insight into how to make a FAN page???
If you do not see the "Create a Page" link in the laft column after logging into Facebook, try this:
Better yet, Like the Tripawds Fan Page and share updates about Racquette there.
You might also consider starting a Tripawds Blog to easily share photos and document Rac's progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well....I decided to just post a NOTE on FaceBook about Racquette's amazing progress...we'll see if any of the "naysayer" comment!!!
Got a call from Dr. Hershey today confirming the labwork done on Rac's leg that was sent to Colorado State Univ. Osteosarcoma....no surprise there! And getting more information about the follow up CBC after 10-14 days. So the next step is stitches removal....maybe this Thursday...and then the CBC on Monday. That will tell us how she weathered the chemo and if she needs to have her immune system boosted! If she does...Dr. Hershey will compound an herb formula.....if not....then she just keeps getting stronger!
Shelly says her appetite has returned some...which is good....she'll get there! She loves Hills ID (of course)...and for now...that is fine...eventually she will get back to her Volhard natural foundation diet.
I've really enjoyed reading stories of many of the other tripawds...especially the older dogs! So inspiring! I'm looking forward to adding a charm or two to my necklace...
BTW....for any of you unfamiliar with this site...do check out http://www.perp.....tua.us It is a wonderful way to keep your "heart dog" with you always! I got Rac's charm with her DNA over a year ago....little did I know how much it would mean now!
Racquette's mom
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