Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, today is Harley’s 4 month Ampuversary. It feels like it was so much longer than just 4 months ago when I drove up over the hill and saw the Vet Hospital looming ahead … and just wanted to keep on driving.
He continues to do pretty well. His white blood cell count and platelet count were a little low last week Thursday when we went in for chemo #5. They were not low enough to be of great concern, and from what I understood, we could have gone ahead with the chemo, but we decided to wait a week.
I’m in a funk. All the dogs leaving us has really started to get to me ... especially when Tehya passed away, as she had the same type of cancer as Harley. We were told us how horrible and bad and aggressive this type of cancer is (not that there is a “good” type of cancer to have), but when Harley and Tehya were both doing so well, it was easy to forget that.
Thursday just sucked. Tehya left us, and then Harley’s blood work wasn’t perfect like it usually is. And then I forgot to reorder his Dasuquin, so we ran out and it’s not in until today, and he is hopping slower now. And then I tugged on his leash too hard and tipped him over on the sidewalk … talk about feeling like a bad mom when you hear 85lbs hitting concrete. And the snow is melting away, and Harley loves snow, and I’m so sad thinking he most likely won’t see snow again. And I have to go out of town and leave him … and Michael doesn’t watch his every move and lets him do whatever he wants and feeds him carbs. Argh!
Okay. I feel better now that I let all that out. Anyway, thank you to everyone on this site for letting me ramble … and just for being there … and for understanding.
And I don’t mean to make it seem like I don’t care about all the other dogs that have left us, that I only care about Tehya, because I do care. I care for each and every one of you, and I hurt each time one has to leave us. But Tehya and Harley had the same type of cancer, and there aren’t many of us with it, so I just really felt a bond with her. I hope I didn’t hurt any feelings, and if I did, I’m truly sorry.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
But today is another day, and any day on three legs is reason to celebrate ... Hoppy Ampuversary Hopalong! 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hoppy Ampuversary, Harley. Way to go big boy. It's time for you to remind mom you don't worry about all those things she worries about!
Gwen, ramble on if it makes you feel better. I think you're a great mom. We all do something sometime that makes our tripawd get off balance. No harm, no foul. Trouble's bloodwork dipped between each chemo treatment, but was back in an acceptable range by the tiime the next treatment was scheduled. Michael will take good care of him, and a few carbs won't hurt too much! I know it is hard to leave them, but they really don't mind – they probably need a break from us 
We all form bonds with particular tripawds, there are those we identify with more than others. And you are correct, it doesn't mean we are any less concerned about the others, it just means a few are extra special for one reason or another. Trouble is one of the November (2008) Five. When one of the five leaves us, it totally devastates me. Now it is just Trouble and Nova – guess who is the special one in my book?
You and Harley are doing great, enjoy it!
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.
Gwen,
This is a good place to share your fears. We all know what you are going through. It is always hard to lose another one of us and with Tehya having the same kind of cancer I see why it hit you especially hard. Cancer sucks. There is no two ways about it.
We are there for each other and that is so important. If you need to ramble, we need to listen and send you our virtual hugs and laugh when you laugh and cry when you cry.
Now this is the big thing. Use it as your mantra. Harley is living life. (He doesn't even know he has cancer. He is enjoing one day at a time.)
Harley is living life.
I know it is not easy. When Emily had bad times it was not easy to remember she was living with cancer. It is so easy to worry, and I did. But I tried to use as my mantra "Emily is living life."
You are not a bad mommie. You are a wonderful mommie. Harley is lucky to have you. Celebrate Harley's four months. It sounds like he is doing great. I suggest the Scarlett O'Hare method of thinking about it tomorrow.
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.
Harley, you've been on our minds today. Hoppy Ampuversary, dude! You made it these four months and you're going to make it many, many more, I know it! Keep showing your Mom that you are not afraid, and she won't be either.
Gwen…your feelings are all so normal. There will be days that suck. And it's SO hard losing Tripawds. Way back before we started these discussion forums, when our very first Tripawd hero Moose died, one year after Jerry's diagnosis, we were devastated. It brought back the reality of what we were living with, and we cried for days. Our hearts still break every time we lose a family member here.
It's OK to give yourself some time to grieve now ("anticipatory grief" is the proper term for it), and it's healthy. Give yourself X number of minutes to feel that way, and when you're done, do your best to acknowledge all that you have right now with Harley, in this moment. Because that's all that counts. The future is a guess. He may live to see more winters, you know. Cancer is such a guessing game. It's unpredictable but the only certain and greatest gift we can give to us and our pups is hope.
I remember feeling that same way you felt about the snow…for Jerry's first Christmas after amputation, I was so sad thinking he wouldn't be around for the next one. And you know what? He WAS! Whenever I thought he wouldn't be around for the next milestone, he defied all odds. I hope and pray that Harley will too.
You don't ever need to apologize here. We all understand, and you can talk to us anytime.
-Rene
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Gwen,
You are not alone in your thoughts and worries. First of all, happy 4 month ampuversary!! Mackenzie as you know reached her 4 months just a few days ago and I was thinking about Harley and how he's on the same timeline. I look at this 4 months for some reason as being a big milestone. And then I look at some of our other tripawds who've made it past that, well past that, and I think how lucky they are and I can only hope and pray that we have that same luck. I was also hit hard by the loss of Tehya - and I can totally understand how this would be so hard on you after having the same cancer and sharing the same experiences. My heart just breaks every time we lose another tripawd hero. So I think it's quite natural to feel the way you do about all of this. And if it's any consolation to you, I too worry when I have to go out of town. My dogs are in good hands but I still worry. And I also think about those other milestones, will she be with us this summer so she can go swimming, etc., etc. We can only hope that our tripawds defy the odds like Jerry. You can ramble anytime - we all know what you're going through and we all have the same worries and fears. You are a great tripawd Mom with so much love to give. Give Harley lots of treats - it's a 4 month ampuversary celebration - yea!! 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!
Happy Ampuversary, Harley! We're so excited - Holly will enjoy a treat in your honor!
Gwen - you are an awesome mom! And you can ramble any time you want... we're all here for you. Last weekend when Holly was rolling around in the snow I had the same thoughts you expressed - will she see snow again? She loves it, and it's so hard not knowing.
Please give Harley a big hug and doggie kiss for us! And we're sending the same to you, too! And Harley, keep that tail wagging and give your mom plenty of kisses so she won't worry too much - we moms are good at that, and need those doggie kisses.
Hugs,
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Thanks for all the kind replies; they all meant a lot and helped more than you will ever know. And thanks for letting me ramble here … I felt so much better once I just let it all come out.
Harley enjoyed his Ampuversary! Lots of treats and lots of time in the snow/mud!
Thanks, again!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
For Gwen & Holly's mom -
It is almost impossible not to wonder if they will be with you this time next year to enjoy the things they enjoy now. For Trouble it was turkey! I know it sounds crazy, but the dog LOVES turkey. Her amputation was the day before Thanksgiving in 2008. We picked her up on Friday and I cooked a turkey for her fully expecting it would be her last.
For Thanksgiving 2009, I stayed home and cooked a celebratory feast for her 1 year ampuversary. She enjoyed that turkey even more than the year before. My point being, you just don't know how long you have. They can and do surprise us.
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.
First off, I would like to wish Harley a very happy 4 month ampuversary. What a special milestone. I am so sorry you were feeling down yesterday. It's understandable, and I hope you are doing better today. ((hugs))
I can totally relate to your feelings about Harley and the snow. My Rocky just loves laying in the sun. It's one of the things we did together after his amputation, just the two of us, sitting together soaking up the rays. He would lay directly next to me so that I could scratch his ears or his back. I remember one of the last nice days of the fall, sitting outside with Rocky and thinking that I will never be able to do this with him again. Michigan winters are so long and he will be gone before next spring.
Well, guess what? It's almost spring, and he's still with me! I think we will be able to enjoy some more time in the sun together after all!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that none of us knows what the future holds for our tripawds. Harley could very well see the snow again, but for now, please enjoy each and every minute you have with him. He's such a special boy and sooo handsome. 
I hope you have a good day,
Michelle
Harley I am so proud of you and I know that Tehya is sending you love from above for making this huge milestone with that awful cancer that you both have and had. I pray that you continue to do well for many more months to come and beat the odds for this terrible disease.
Gwen thank you for being there for me we all care deeply for all of the Tripawds on this website but it was an extra special bond between the two of us as because as far as I know Harley and Tehya were the only ones with the soft tissue cancer.
Please give Harley a huge hug for me!
Love,
Darlene Angel Tehya's Mom!
Hoppy Anniversary Harley!!
Gwen, I am so sorry that you had a bad day. Boy, I am sure we all relate completely, so don't beat yourself up. Raven's birthday Dec. 15 was brutal at first. I sobbed as I filmed him bouncing for his cake and gifts! How stupid is that? But I couldn't shake how sad it all was that it was probably his last. Our stupid human brains. HE didn't know that and HE was thilled with the cake and goodies. 🙂
I just want to say also, nothing is ever for sure. So, don't discount that Harley will NOT be around for next snow season. Everyone got Raven's diagnosis completely wrong, even with two biopsies. Harley is doing so well for the type he has, there's always a possibility that he doesn't have as an agressive a cancer as you think.
Live like a dog. Live in the moment. Live each day to the fullest. Bounce when your happy. Sleep when you don't feel good. You'll wake up and feel better later. 🙂
Hugs to you and Harley. Rotties will always be my favorite and I try not to feel guilty about that. 😉
Dawn
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
Oh Gwen,
I felt so bad for you but I'm so glad you mustered your courage to write it down! Sometimes that's all it takes - talking about it! I don't show emotions easily in person but I have found myself typing some of most gut-wrenching thoughts here on the forums! Talk about a relief!
We all understand how you feel. Even with my non-cancer Comet! I went through "the end" in my mind back in early January because of the funky symptoms she had sure pointed to brain cancer. But it obviously was the meds or something freaky she had. (Horner's syndrome with facial paralyzes) I just knew I was losing her. The morning I seriously thought it was going to end, I decided I had to put color on my hair because I could see grey! It was like I was preparing myself for a funeral! I didn't want to look too raggedy! By that afternoon, she started acting normal! She could walk without falling and she seemed to come back mentally.
I kept waiting and waiting for it to be bad but it got better! And here it is March and she is just almost as good as she was a year ago! She's playing a lot with Rocket and they seemed to be enjoying each other!
And it's time to color my hair again!
Lots of wuv, wags and wiggles!
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.
Gwen
First of all YAY FOR HARLEY AND REACHING 4 MONTHS...
Even though Jack has a slightly different kind of cancer I think every one of us can relate to you some how on this forum. I remember leaving Jack to get his amputation and seeing him for the first time with 3 legs. It was absolutely awful. I lost 10 lbs in those two weeks with Jack. But now seeing these dogs so happy to just be alive and happy to go on walks and for car rides...it just makes me happy that he is still around. And no matter what kind of day you have at the office when you come home....he is just as excited to see you. So hang in there and keep the chin up with Harley... give him a paw five from Jack!
Erin and Jack
Good job Harley!!! Way to go big boy, happy ampuversary!!!
Gwen- I am glad that you got a chance to vent. It is the nature of this sometimes really crappy journey that we are on to experience some down times. It is natural and healthy to deal with those feelings and get them out of your system so you can go back to being strong for Harley.
This is definitely the place to vent too- no explanations or apologies needed. We have all been there, are there, and/or will be there again.
Karen and the pug girls
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