Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yesterday was a difficult day for me. It was Raven's one year ampuversary. I was hoping to celebrate it with him, but he didn't live to see it himself. But I have lived to see it, and in reflecting back, that day changed my life.
That night had to be one of the worst nights of my life. I have a lot of vet experience and work closely with my vet in surgery and recovery (I am not a vet myself). So Dr. Tom felt that Raven would recover better at my home. He was 115# and so when we got home, my Mom and I put him in a wagon to get to the house, he was still groggy. Everything was fine, but he got a toe somehow wedged in a joint in the wagon and it was stuck, it was dark and he started crying out. I thought his foot must be breaking, he was screaming, I couldn't get it out. All I could think was how would he heal having just removed his other leg, and when I thought it couldn't be worse, something in the wound gave and blood was gushing and soaking me and he started getting quiet. I went into shock and was completely useless, I couldn't even dial the phone when Mom brought it to me. Tom was a knight in shining armor and got here within 10 minutes. He got him stable and I found tripawds at 2am that night. And a gal on BDW (BulldogsWorld forum) that was a nurse on late shift with me in "real time" all night.
I really DO think that was the worst night of my life and that is saying a lot. What stands out are the <b>people</b> that got me through it. It makes me want to do something... Start that pet loss group maybe. The odd thing was on BDW they honored him when he died by putting Remenbering Raven at the top of their site for 3 days, the only non-bulldog to have that done that I knew of. And that same day, on tripawds, someone suggested to me to start a pet loss group since there wasn't one here and they said 'call it Remembering Raven'. It was spooky.
I've lost my husband and also the 2nd love of my life, so I've been through grief therapy. I feel that these things in my life have prepared me in order to give back. I am contacting a grief group (for people, not pets) to possibly develop a program for a pet loss group here. I think I'll call it Remembering Raven. 🙂
Here he is that first day:
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
OMG, I can't imagine how scared you must have been that first night. It sounds as if Dr. Tom was indeed a knight in shining armor. I never got to know Rottie Raven. I sure wish I had. I know you loved him dearly and I can only imagine how much you must still miss him. Your idea of starting a pet lost group is a very noble and compassionate deed. I wish you all the best with it.
I must say that after reading Tai's mom Laura's post and now yours my tear tank is empty. Your short video of Raven's first day finished it off. Thanks for sharing.
Fortis'Dad
Awww Dawn,
I must admit, I was so worried about you when you lost Raven. But just look how everything turned out!!!!!! I know Miles can't replace Raven but he loves you just as much. (he can't even be separated from you! 
)
I can't imagine losing a husband to death but I have a strong feeling that one day you are going to find your 3rd love of your life, too! And you are going to look back on everything and realize all of these terrible experiences have made you the wonderful person you are!
I believe your best days have yet to come!
In the meantime, keep being you because one day when you least expect it, another special someone is going to find you.
Comet's mom
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.
Spirit Raven, on this day we know you are running free and watching over all of our Tripawd family.
Dawn, after all you've been through, you are stronger than ever and so able to help others in need. We always want to believe that good can come out of the worst situations, and you are proof of that. We know your group will be just the thing to continue sharing Raven's legacy with those who need hope the most.
Many hugs coming your way on this special day.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Happy ampuversary Raven. We will always miss you, and you will always live in my heart.
Hugs to you Dawn on this day I know you always wanted to share with Raven.
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.
Dawn,
You've been through so much. My heart just dropped when I read about Raven's first night home - the worst night of your life - I can only imagine how haunting that is to you. I lost my other very special dog to lymphoma 8 1/2 years ago and I still remember some haunting moments when we were going through this and it still sends sharp pains through my heart when I think about it.
I think that's a wonderful way of giving back - starting this pet loss group - Remembering Raven . It's only being on websites like this that you can really express your love and feelings for your pet. Most people don't understand how important they are to us or how we could experience such a loss when they go. We all know how devoted and crazy we are for our pets - puts us in a special club that only we can understand. I wish you all the best in this endeavor. I think it would be awesome and very healing for you too. Let us know how it goes. And I'm with Ge'Lena, your best days have yet to come!
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!
Dawn, Miles, and Spirit Raven,
From the very first time that I read about Raven and your journey together, it was clear that this was an extremely special relationship filled with extreme love and devotion. I remember very clearly some of the videos that you posted during your journey together and just how difficult it was to hear that the journey had come to an end. I wish that we had been able to meet during your Livermore visit, but I believe that I already know that you three are very special personalities.
My Cherry became a tripawd 709 days ago, and tonight marks ten months since her journey came to an end. I long very much for the day when I can join her, but I also realize that I was so very gifted to have had pass through my life. Like you, I feel as if I have to do something to give back - a sort of penance for the gifts that my three Standard Poodles (and Emily's Sheltie) have given me. I definately have not deserved those gifts but have been truly graced by them. I applaud your desire to help by forming a support group for those who have lost their special companions like your Raven. I also applaud your taking on Miles and have some small knowledge of the challenges that you are facing. My first act is much smaller, specifically, the white fuzz ball we call Chloe. If I can turn her world arround, then I will have made a small down payment on the vast dept that I owe.
Thank You for sharing your stories of Raven. Thank You for taking on Miles. Thank You for your support to this community.
Spirit Cherry's Dad
Chloe and I celebrated her 3 month ampuversary today and we will be sure to celebrate Spirit Raven's 1 year too!!! So sorry Raven didn't make it to the 1 year mark, but we are glad to know you are celebrating his tripawdness anyway 
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Hello Dawn
Of course I remembered when you first signed in a year ago and how horrible that first night was! And I remember our shared trips along this road last fall, a time that is no doubt etched deeply in both our minds (and in everyone else's making this journey).
I hope you and Miles have a nice day, in Raven's honor. "Remembering Raven" - what a good idea.
Susan
Dawn, I think "Remembering Raven" is an awesome idea; I wish you the best of luck with it! Most don't seem to understand just how deeply it can hurt to lose a pet, and people need someplace to go where it is understood and accepted.
It's coming up on Harley's one year ampuversary, and I wish he was here to celebrate it with me, as well. I lost it watching your video (which I have watched repeatedly); Harley came home with a bright pink bandage, too!
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers ...
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Dawn, what a generous gesture of wanting to start a Remembering Raven pet loss group.
All the best!
I have to go get tissue now - the combination of your compassion and desire to give back and the video of Raven just made me cry.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Dawn,
It was so nice to finally meet you in person a couple weeks ago, and it was awesome to see you with Miles. I know this time is tough for you but I know you will be fine- because you have met every challenge before.
Give Miles and Betty a hug, and let the happy days with Raven bring a smile to your face.
And I can't wait to hear how the first meeting of Remembering Raven goes.
Karen
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