Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Great news. Thanks for the update. Hugs to Bozzie from me.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
It has been almost one year since Bozzie was diagnosed with osteo sarcoma. It was not the typical osteo. It went to another bone, and also was in the soft tissue. One Vet recently told me that this is so rare, there are not many cases reported like this one, and the life expectancy was only about 6 weeks. Well, Bozzie has been doing great until this past friday. He started to cough up blood. We were able to get the blood to stop, thanks to our newest Vet who does mostly herbal therapies and accupuncture. Although Bozzie did not respond well to the herbs in the past, we had to do it for the bleeding. Lung x-ray does show a growth in one lung which is very frustrating to us because we thought he had beat this thing! Now the question is how long do we let this go on. The bleeding has stopped which is amazing. He is still coughing but nothing comes up. He was fine on friday morning, eating, and even wanting to go for a long walk, but by 11:30 he was not. He is weak, lethargic and not eating very well. We are taking it day by day. Any thoughts? The vet does not think he is suffering with pain, but he is certainly not living the quality of life that he has been, but he is still surrounded by his family and he receives more love and attention than most dogs. I don't regret anything that we have done. We had a great year and he has been happy and healthy up until now. I hope and pray that when it is his time, he is able to let go so we do not have to make that dredded decision.
Oh Bozzie, what a miracle dog you are, we are so glad to hear that you've beaten the odds for this long. We hope you will continue to do so.
We have had several dogs her cough up blood before, and we actually just posted some links to these discussions here:
Magic – lung mets – showing of blood – advice appreciated
Assessing quality of life is so different for every dog, and every pawrent. It sounds like you understand what exactly Bozzie needs to get out of life, and unfortunately if he isn't getting those needs met, there comes a time when a pawrent must make that heartbreaking decision. It's so hard. Most animals do not go in their sleep. Ninetynine percent of time it is up to pawrents to help them through the last stages of life.
My pawrents wrote about how they knew it was my time, here:
Saying Goodbye: How We Knew (part 1)
Saying Goodbye: How We Knew (part 2)
This isn't easy stuff to read but we hope it helps.
Meanwhile, if you get the chance, we would love to know more about your vet and the protocol s/he had Bozzie on. Our hearts go out to you, please know we are here to help as best we can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am more than sad to write the news that yesterday our beloved Bozzie lost his battle with cancer. Against all odds, he lived for 13 months post diagnosis, including 61/2 weeks post coughing up blood. Bozzie was an amazing chocolate lab with a heart so large he couldn't give up. He did not seem to be in pain, but for the last 2 days he deteriorated quickly. We have no regrets. He was able to live a wonderful life for the past 11 months as a tripawd, and only within the last month did it become difficult. There were rocky times, but all in all, it was a nice year. We will miss him terribly, but will never forget him. We know he is in a better place, and now he is whole again. Some people say rest in peace, I say run and play hard!!!
Bozzie, I'm with your pawrents. Rest is what you do when you're here on earth. On the other side....run fast, play hard! If you see a little cream colored labbie boy with a funky front foot and gold ears, that's my Carson. He'll be your pal and introduce you to all his fursiblings (most golden retrievers and a cat) and he'll show you the ropes at the Bridge.
Godspeed, chocolate labbie boy.
To your pawrents, I wish peace and healing in the knowledge that they gave you the greatest gift......love and setting you free from a tired body. Now go play until you're reunited with them, okay? xoxoxo
stefanie, we are so sorry to hear of bozzie's passing. it sounds like you gave him many quality months of happiness, and i'm sure he's given you a lifetime of wonderful memories. love never ends.
gayle & charon
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Run free and play indeed sweet Bozzie!
We are terribly sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing his story. It is certain to help others facing the same difficult situations with their own dogs. Peace.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry to read about Bozzie. He sounds like he was an amazing tripawd with so much love for life. I can only magine how very sad you must be losing your boy. I hope you find peace and comfort in knowing that he had a great life with great pawrents who loved him very much. Wow - 13 months post diagnosis - that's pretty amazing - you were given the great gift of Bozzie who will always be forever in your heart. Our thoughts are with you...
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!
RIP Bozzie...Your post really hits me....I don't know what to say other than you are the best pawrent a dog could have!!!
Yes, run hard and play hard Bozzie!!!!!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
I have not been on this web page since we lost our beloved Bozzie. I am still missing him terribly. Toward the end of his life I said I would not have another dog until I was 90 years old because I figured at that age, a dog would out live me. It is soooo hard to lose them. Well, within one week, I was sooo lonely, I started looking. On August 18, I brought home a wonderful 61/2 week old black lab pup. Louie is from the same breeder as Bozzie, and he is adorable, smart and a wonderful addition to our family. We miss and love Bozzie, and he will never be replaced, but the void was filled with his new brother, Louie. thanks for all of your support. Stefanie Marko
Bozzie said:
On August 18, I brought home a wonderful 61/2 week old black lab pup.
Thanks for the uodate Stafanie, and congratulations on welcoming Louie into your heart and home. (Remember to log in and your posts will appear immediately without requiring moderation.)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Louie, you're one lucky pup to have found such a great pack. Congrats on your new family, we know you'll fill their hearts with love for a long time to come!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wonderful news about the new puppy, Louie! I betcha he's keeping your mind occupied with having to worry what he just put in his mouth! Puppies are just so much fun (and work)!
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.
Awe, nothing like a puppy to keep your mind occupied. Congrats to you both.
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.
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