Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So I don't know if you folks remember me or not but my name is Griffyn. I am a 12 year old Chocolate Lab who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on November 1st this year. It came as a great surprise to my mom and since that time we have been managing fairly well. I am on some pain medicines because my vet knows what is best for me and my mom did not want me to have any discomfort. I have been doing my best to keep my mom and family happy and up until now I have not missed a beat in life especially when it comes to food, special treats, extra stinky bad breath and lots of lovings.
This morning my mom came home after a 5 day stretch at work. Because of all the snow that we just got my mom had to spend some nights at her work because the driving was so dangerous. She has not gotten to see me a lot and I have been here with my dad but over the last few days have not really been feeling myself. I stopped eating for him about 2 days ago and because my medicine tastes so yucky I have been spitting it out. I met my mom at the top of the stairs this morning to say hello but I just could not turn the twinkle on in my eyes. My hips hurt so bad and now it is just taking too much energy and strength to get up and down. She gave me yummy canned dog food this morning and sat with me as I ate it out of her hands. I think she may have snuck my yucky pills in there but I was so hungry I really did not notice.
We have been doing a lot of talking today in front of the stove. I am finally using my dog bed that she bought for me - when my other 2 lab sibs are not on it. We decided that it would be best if my mom made an apt for tomorrow so as I can cross the rainbow bridge and get to run with all the other dogs that have been so brave and passed on.
She is so sad and has been crying all day....... I have been doing my best to reassure her that this is the right decision for me, for now I will be able to run free. My apt is tomorrow at 2 in the afternoon. She has today and tomorrow off from work and then goes back Wednesday and Thursday. They are long 12 hour days for her and I know that she wanted me to be with her for Christmas but we have decided that this is really what is best for me. She told me that we will sleep together tonight and that she will give me lots of lovings. Maybe I will even get some extra special treats.
My daddy is working tomorrow so my grampy is going to help my mom get me into the car for the trip to my vets.......
Please tell my mom that this is the right decision and not to second guess herself. I see that she is struggling so hard with this.
Dear Becka, I am very sorry to hear that Griffyn's condition is deteriorating.
Only Griffyn and yourself know if it is time. Instead of prolonging his suffering, it takes you a lot of courage to make this selfless decision. Please remember that there is no right or wrong decision.
Spoil him with all your might. Pamper him, hug him, kiss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Griffyn.
Hugs.
Of course we remember you Griffyn. It's great to hear from you, even though it is with such sad news. You must be very proud of your mom.
Your people know what is best for you now. And they have the strength to do what you cannot do for yourself. Bless them.
Don't be afraid. Just think ... no more pills, no more pain! I'll be waiting for you there at the bridge with Lalla and plenty of other tripawds. We shall run free forever.
Griff's Mom: Thank you so mush for the update, you have our deepest condolences and whole-hearted support. It means a lot to us for you to share your feelings during this tough time. Please know that we will be there with you in spirit tomorrow to keep you strong.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so very sorry to hear that it is Griffyn's time to cross over the Bridge. My eyes are filled with tears as I type this. I'm sure you will miss him terribly and I only wish I could find the words that could alleviate the emotional pain you are going through. We will be praying for you to have peace in your heart during this very difficult time. Those who have been through it say that our fur babies let us know when it is time to let them go to the Bridge and I greatly admire your courage and strength to listen to Griffyn and know what is best for him right now. Please know that you and Griffyn are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Griffyn will be running pain free with Jerry, Lalla, Genie and so many of our incredible tripawd friends.... where the bones and tennis balls are in abundance as well as anything and everything dear Griffyn loves to play with. He will be with you in spirit... making sure his mom is okay and reassuring you that he will be in a GOOD place where he doesn't have to deal with his worn out and broken down body anymore. We are here for you Becka... many warm hugs are being sent your way to you and to Griffyn.
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
Dear Becka,
I am so sorry to hear the news. I myself have just found out my beloved Buster's cancer has spread to his lungs. Your are his mommy and you know what is best for your fur baby Griffyn. I want to wish you peace at you help him cross over the bridge. This is the final act of love, you owe it to him for being such a good boy, to not let him suffer. He will be met by several friends to greet him... Jerry, Genie, & Lalla to name a few..
Tell him he is not alone and how much you love him, Griffyn it is ok to leave.
Griffyn will be your angel always,
Kim&Buster
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Griffyn,
Your mommy is giving you the best gift ever. You will be pain free and running at the bridge.
I'll dispatch my 9 greyhound angels to meet you. They will love a new friend to run with.
Yes, letting go is painful and heartbreaking but once you let go, the healing can begin.
Treasure your memories & your memories will become your treasures.
Janie and Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Hi Becka & Griffyn
As you already know, I am with you all the way regarding your decision. I'm so sorry it has come down to this so soon after you found out his diagnosis. I'm very thankful your Dad will be there to help you with this. You will always be my friend and I have very much appreciated your all of the conversations we have had through email.
Unless Griffyn does a complete 180 tomorrow, I will be praying for you at 2 p.m. (EST). The decision to free Griffyn from his pain is a very courageous act on your part, and I admire your strength, so much. I wish there was more I could say and do for you. My heart and prayers will be with you tomorrow.
Love, Vicki, Blazer & Kitty Kimber
I cannot add anything more profound to what has already been written here. Only you and Griffyn know when it is time and if it's time....it is time, there is no way around it.
He will have sooooo many greeters at the gates of doggie heaven and he will be released of all his pain and discomfort. I will pray for you to continue to have the strength through the day. I wish I could give you a big hug and let you know how much we care...
Love always,
Zeus and Mom
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
We haven't met before, but I'm thinking of you (no idea what time it is right now where you are). What a sad Christmas for you, but better to let go now than hold on to Griffyn if that would cause him pain.
Griffyn, we are thinking of you and your Mom today and sending our prayers. Much love and peace going out to you. If you want to talk, we are here, and in the chat too.
With much love,
Spirit Dog Jerry, Jim & Rene
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am hoping to hear from Becka either here or through my email; hopefully, sooner than later, but I know that has to be going through an absolutely terrible time for her right now, like all of us go through when we lose one of our beloved furbabies. I just hope everything went OK.
Vicki, Blazer & Mom (Vicki)
Hi everyone. This message is from Becka who owned her beloved chocolate lab, Griffyn.
Becka wanted me to post something for her to let you all know that Griffyn was released from his broken body on December 23rd, 2008 at 2 p.m. (EST). Understandably, she wanted to be able to post this message herself, but the pain she is feeling right now is unbearable for her. I promise that anything you may feel like writing in reponse to this message will be given to Becka. I'm just very concerned for her right now and she lives in New Hampshire and I'm in Portland, OR. The best I can do is try to maintain email contact with her as she has never used the phone number I gave her so she could call me. Maybe she will find that she might want to use it now. I would love to talk to her because we have become very close over the last couple of months.
So, any condolences you would like to leave, I'll make sure she gets them. Thank you so much, my dear tripawd friends. I am not doing very well after just reading her email, either.
Vicki Tankersley writing for Becka and her dog, Griffyn.
Thanks so much Vicki.
Becka, we were thinking of you all day yesterday and sending our love out to you. Thanks for letting us know.
Making a decision like that is one of the hardest things a pawrent does for a fur kid, but also try to hold on tight to the thought that you also gave him one of the greatest gifts as well, which is to free his body from pain, with dignity and grace. His spirit is set free, and he is running alongside you, happy and healthy, wherever you go, always in your heart (and ours too).
We are so, so sorry for your loss, and send our love and condolences your way. If you want to talk, we are here for you.
With sympathy,
Rene, Jim & Spirit Dog Jery
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Becka - our hearts are breaking for you...this is sooooo hard, I can only imagine as I have not yet been through it. I wish we could all be there in person to give you a hug and just sit there with you while you cry...we feel it too. I will never understand why our fur friends can't be with us longer than they are.
Everyone has a time to go home and this was Griffyn's - he is free of pain and running around with Jerry and all. Though I'm sure it doesn't feel that way, you gave him a wonderful, selfless and heartfelt gift not letting him go on in pain. He thanks you. I agree with Jerry, he will always be with you in spirit - but I know it's not the same.
Words just don't seem to cut it right now ~ please know that we are sending love and prayers your way during this very difficult time.
Much love,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
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