Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
I regret to inform everyone that Taylor passed over the rainbow bridge this evening. We planned for Wednesday, but his health declined greatly overnight last night. This morning ( and all day) he was trembling, could barely walk, and wouldn't eat. He would just lay there looking miserable, trembling so hard that his teeth would chatter. He also didn't want to go outside to use the bathroom anymore. He passed peacefully at the vet, his head in my arms, laying on a comfy blanket.
Before he passed, I finally got to see the x-rays. It was worse than what had been described to me. Seeing how bad his lungs were made the decision somewhat easier. Another thing that is helping to comfort me about the timing of it is that unlike my other dogs in the past who had to be carried in, Taylor had his dignity and even though it was hard, walked into the vets on his own power.
Our deepest condolences Smeepers. We know this has been difficult.
You've done the right thing and must be commended for all the steps you took to make Taylor comfortable. Which he is now.
If it makes you feel any better, what you have done by sharing your story here is sure to help others prepare for the innevitable. Thank you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It is actually you guys I should be thanking. Without this site and the people/dogs on it, I would feel horribly alone in the world right now. Not only do we share a common love for our pets, but we are all/mostly fighting the same disease. There have been a few dogs in my extended family that have had cancer, but their type/location/outcomes/treatment were very different from each other.
We are united under the flag of 3 legs! Even though Taylor has passed on, I will still continue to come here. Maybe the "find out what to expect" part is no longer relevant to me, but the support is TREMENDOUS. I always joke that stuff is "cheaper than therapy". It's true! I used to pay $100 a session to be told the same stuff that my friends were telling me. You guys here are absolutely better and cheaper than therapy! Your opinions and comments were a million times more useful to me than any professional has been, you're there almost 24 hours a day, you're free, and you actually understand what I've been going through.
I'm so sorry that Taylor had to leave. I did smile at his final act of extreme bravery as he walked into the vets himself. He was obviously a very special boy.
Taylor - send your people a sign, when you get time, to let them know you're whole and strong again.
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Oh Smeepers our prayers are with you and your family. Taylor knows that you were there for him until the end and that you did the best that you could to help him fight his battle.
My mom says that after she had to make the same decision for my brother Rex, she found a lot of comfort in a tiny book called Pet Loss: Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children
by Herbert A. Nieburg. It is full of inspiration and comfort.Our love goes to you during this difficult time. Lots of Licks, Kellie
Kellie
I came to this site almost one year ago when our beloved Airedale was diagnosed with bone cancer. We had his leg amputated and he could only tolerate 2 rounds of chemo. He had a wonderful summer and fall.
He was with us until April 12th, almost one year to the day of his diagnosis. Without question, letting him go was the hardest thing we've ever done. Now as I read about other people's journeys, my thoughts and well wishes go out to all of you.
Please watch our Dale as he runs through the sprinklers last summer ...
I know his pain has ended and he is at rest. May you all find peace and comfort as you experience this disease with your pet.
Thank you all for your prayers, blessings, and condolences. It really has been a hard time for me. My parents are a little sad, but they are able to go on with life and be ok. I have cried myself to sleep every night since, and I still have random crying fits. I based my whole life around him, and now there's a gaping hole. Even on his last day on this earth, he licked the tears off my face to make me feel better. Now I must wipe them off myself. During the day I am pretty good. For some reason it hits me at night. HARD. I'm bawling my eyes out right now!
I was wondering how other people have handled their grief. I'm the only one in my home that cries about it, and I feel rather alone because of it. Everyone grieves differently, so if there's someone else that cries their eyes out too, please share so I don't feel so alone!!!! I talk to my parents about it, but i just doesn't affect them like it does me. They try...
You're not alone Smeepers. Jim and Rene both cry. It is healthy and a great way to process your grief. It means you've stepped beyond denial to acknowledgement.
And believe it or not, it will get better. So go ahead and cry. Then try to channel that same energy and laugh about the fun times you had with Tayylor. He really wouldn't want to see you so sad!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Smeepers, 3 months and 2 days since my loss...still crying. You are not alone!
(I cry everytime I read about any passing on here - I'm super sensitive when it comes to animals)
It does get better, but I have my days. Some days I can talk about her with a great big smile and no tears, other days I really miss her. Time will help to heal. It will get better...just hang in there.
Tripawds Rule!!!
Hi Smeepers, you are not alone. My mom cries all the time too. When they first told her I was sick, she cried a lot. After reading and talking to the vet and finding out that we can feel when you are grieving or sad, she did her best to hide it from me but I still knew that when she got herself in the bathroom or went outside by herself she was crying and praying for me and all of you. It will get better with time. You will never forget because Taylor will always be a part of your heart. Some days will be better than others but you will pull through. Just know that we are all here for you whenever you need a shoulder to lean on. Licks from Kellie, kisses from my mom.
Kellie
2 Guest(s)