Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I know it's been awhile since I posted anything about Gus, thought I 'd fill you all in. He's been doing pretty good although I think he is slowing down some, I had questioned the vet about stopping the cytoxin since I noticed he was starting to have a kind of cough when he would get up, eat or drink, but it was only right at first, once he had his couple that was it, and it wasn't something that was making him uncomfortable or having a problem with. When I took him into the vet a couple weeks ago he was amazed at how good he looked, he even had gained 10 lbs in the last 2 months, back up to 103lbs. but I bet a couple of those pounds are the lump he has on his neck, it is as big as a grapefruit, probably bigger actually, but it doesn't seem to bother him. But the vet said he wouldn't change anything if he was looking that good and not having any problems or showing any signs of sickness. Been trying to keep him cool, been pretty hot and humid and I think the cancer is progressing in his lungs. He isn't moving as fast as he was, unless he thinks he needs to be somewhere right away. He was out at the wood pile the other day climbing around it trying to get a woodchuck, when he gets on a mission there's no stopping him, well, he got it, but it took all he had, and about an hour later proceeded to eat the whole thing, believe me when I say he has been paying for that whole mission big time the last couple days. That night he was laying on the porch moaning from being stuffed with chuck, and he is still quite sore and not moving very fast. But when I made the decision for no chemo, one of my main reasons was so he wouldn't have to deal with side effects if he had them and to let him live a good life as long as time let him, so as most of you know, we live on a farm, and he likes to roam the fields, well even though he was one hurtin' dude, yesterday the neighbor was mowing hay, I watched him as he lay on the porch,about five minutes later he was checking out the hay field, that my friends is my buddy Gus, that's what he loves to do and when this journey is over I will feel good that I gave him the chance to live life to the fullest. Will I miss him, you bet I will, I dread whenever that time comes, as we all do, but knowing I gave him the extra time to do it longer makes this whole journey worth it, and I couldn't have done it without any of you. Your help and support have meant the world to us, all I can say is thanks for being there when we needed it. Paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
That's terrific!
He's seriously a happy dog! It's amazing he's still so active.
As Fortis' Dad said to me about when their time comes,... "we'll just deal with it at that time". You definitely have your spirit in the right place, Dan!
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.
How much Chuck would Gus upchuck if Gus caught another Woodchuck?
Thanks for the update. Gus is lucky to have you. Keep on keepin' on ...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wait a minute...103lbs??? That's one big boy!! OMD!! Didn't realize...so you have to show more pictures of your beautiful boy. I bet living on the farm is the best medicine he could ever have! Sounds like Gus is living the really good life!
Here's keeping our paws crossed that you have your Gus around for a long, long time!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
P.S. Where ever is that blog you talked about?
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!
Well, I hope I didn't jinx myself by posting this update, I am hoping the humidity and heat are a temporary setback but Gus isn't doing so good this morning. I had to cook a hamburger to get him to eat and he seems to be laboring in his breathing more than usual. I turned on the ac in the house and tried to get him in but he wanted out on the porch, so for now he is out there , but i don't think he is to comfortable. It's not to bad out yet, but they are calling for 93 and humid, so I will bring him in once things start to really warm up. I had a feeling he would have a rough couple days after his last mission, but I thought he would show a little more improvement by now, lets keep our paws crossed. Paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Oh, sorry to hear Gus isn't feeling very well. I too hope it's just the heat and humidity and perhaps some lingering effects of chuck eating.
Paws are definitely crossed.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Paws crossed that the humidity and heat goes away soon. Darn heat!
When we talk about staying true to your heart and living the way you think is right for your pack, this is what we mean. What dog wouldn't love a life on the farm, lounging on the porch and sniffing out critters all day long? Lucky, lucky boy.
You and Gus exemplify the Spirit of Dog in all aspects. Whatever the future holds, at least you know that you have lived true to your heart and done right by your best friend.
Let us know how he's doing OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
djbockman said:
But when I made the decision for no chemo, one of my main reasons was so he wouldn't have to deal with side effects if he had them and to let him live a good life as long as time let him, so as most of you know, we live on a farm, and he likes to roam the fields, well even though he was one hurtin' dude, yesterday the neighbor was mowing hay, I watched him as he lay on the porch,about five minutes later he was checking out the hay field, that my friends is my buddy Gus, that's what he loves to do and when this journey is over I will feel good that I gave him the chance to live life to the fullest. Will I miss him, you bet I will, I dread whenever that time comes, as we all do, but knowing I gave him the extra time to do it longer makes this whole journey worth it, and I couldn't have done it without any of you. Your help and support have meant the world to us, all I can say is thanks for being there when we needed it. Paws up, Gus and Dan
You make me smile and cry with these words, Dan. Hugs to you both...hoping he just doesn't like that crazy heat/humidity and goes back out in that field!!!
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 hope that Gus is able to keep cool! Last I checked the temp said '90 feels like 100'!! Hope he continues to get good reports from the vets. Just let Gus know, it should cool down in a month.
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
I am sorry Gus isn't feeling so good. This heat and now the humidity here in Arizona has been terrible lately, Tasha also pants so hard, I get worried. I am somewhat paranoid, (ok, I admit a lot paranoid) when it comes to Tasha. Hope soon that the heat and the humidity will come down and Gus will be feeling much better.
Paws crossed for Gus !
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….
Well folks, it's not looking to good. I had Gus in the house all day, when I took him in he wasn't real thrilled with the idea, it hit 94 and was quite humid, so I know he would've had a really tough day if he would have stayed out. I offered him some bologna, he only ate about 1 1/2 pieces, that's nothing for him, he wouldn't even raise his head when I gave it to him. He did drink quite a bit of water, but he tried to get up, made it but went right back down, his breathing isn't to bad considering where his lungs probably are, but he is laboring more than he has been, I suppose this is the way it happens at this stage of the game. So I guess I'll hope for the best, but I'm thinking I may have to start suckin' it up pretty hard here the next couple days. If this is it I hope he just goes to sleep and I hope I am with him if that is the way it happens, we'll keep you posted. Paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Oh so sorry to hear about Gus...maybe this is just an off day for him. Hopefully by this evening it will cool off a bit and Gus will be feeling better and more hungry. If his breathing seems ok that's probably a good sign. We'll be keeping our paws crossed for you and Gus.
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!
Paws up indeed. Keep cool there Gus. We're rootin' for ya!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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