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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Huckleberry the Great Dane
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Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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2 March 2016 - 8:54 pm
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Huckleberry you are one magnificent beautiful boy.  My heart so hurts for you and we all know how hard this is.  The others have all said it so beautifully so try to go day by day and love that boy and spoil him silly.  Live each day fully and with joy with him.  This whole tripawd nation is holding you close and sending much love and many hugs (((())))

Linda & Spirit Mighty Max

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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2 March 2016 - 9:30 pm
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I'm just catching up on the last couple of posts.  I'm so sorry about the new growths sad  Huckleberry sure is an adorable guy!  I just love that face!  Murphy often lays his head down and looks at me with those eyes, too, and I just think, how did we get so lucky to have known you?  Huckleberry obviously has brought tons of joy to your lives.  Let him enjoy the time he has - hold him, give him steak, or like Sally did for Happy Hannah, deer poop!  lol Get in as many snuggles as you can, and know that you loved him and he you.  Thanks for sharing him with us!

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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3 March 2016 - 3:54 am
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We needed the Tramadol for about a week or so after the staples came out - same thing with the panting.  We had been on 3 pills three times a day.  When the staples came out we started tapering - first by eliminating the mid-day dose, then reducing the number in the morning and evening doses.  Eventually got down to one right before bed, and haven't needed them at all for 5 days or so.   The panting just stopped - in honesty, it was pretty obvious when he just didn't need them anymore.   But, I have also seen other posters, and our surgeon confirmed, that Tramadol can also cause panting, so it's a hard call.

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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3 March 2016 - 3:58 am
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Sorry, just realized you had more pages and are way beyond Tramadol.  But love your pictures,  what a beautiful boy!

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Melbourne, Australia.
Member Since:
11 May 2015
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3 March 2016 - 5:33 am
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Sad news tonight, Huck passed away about 7pm this evening. Totally out of the blue. He was obviously ready and he waited until Emma and I were both with him and was on his bed with both of us with him. We are absolutely crushed.

He had an amazing day today, he was home all day with Emma. He practically ran to the local Station with her to pick up her parents from New Zealand so he got to see them too. He was so happy when I got home, Emma said he'd been waiting for me all afternoon at the back door.

He brought me his toy and gave me heaps of kisses, (usually he only gives one out at a time). We, Emma, I, Huck and Emmas parents) were talking through the options as per my earlier post. We'd all agreed that he was so happy after being off the drugs for a week that it wasn't fair to drug him up again and surgery was out of the question. 

Just at that his oncologist phoned to have a chat with Emma and I before tomorrow's appointment. We put her on speaker and Huck was sat on his bed, he recognized Mels voice and listened intently for half an hour. We'd decided that we'd try the Palladia on a low dose and if he lost his sparkle we'd stop and that's that.

We went back into the living room, he dropped on his bed, I was on the floor next to him (got some more kisses!) Em next to him and Emma's parents on the sofa.

He chewed his toy for a while then suddenly stood up and had a huge seizure, totally out of the blue, no warning and had never had one before.

It went on for ages then he went stiff and stopped breathing. I thought he'd gone but he came back. He was totally stunned, didn't know where he was, or his name. He seemed to know us knew and he was safe with with us but he didn't really know who we were, or where he was.

We were in pieces, it was such a shock. We knew it was time. I phoned the vet as we were holding and talking to him. We knew it was time so asked the vet to bring what they needed with them.

They were 45 minutes away. I was gutted, I wanted it over so quickly in case he seized again but in hind sight I am so glad for that 45 minutes. We spent the whole time cuddling him, crying and telling him what an awesome friend he has been, telling him it wouldn't be long and he could have the best sleep and all would be fine.

After 30 minutes he'd calmed down and was just laid in bed with Emma and holding, cuddling and talking to him, wrapped in his favorite blanket. We decided we had to let him go but in the back of my mind I kept thinking what if it was a one off. He had calmed down and seemed to know where he was a bit more. My head was spinning with what to do. Then, about 40 minutes after the first seizure he seized again, not as long this time but it was as if to say "let me go", he was ready. The vet turned up about a minute after that seizure and we quickly explained what happened and that we thought it was time, he's fought long and hard but he wants to go. As she was prepping he seized again so this was only about 5 minutes after the second seizure. This time was a little longer than the second, not as long as the first. The vet commented that it was a long seizure. I think another one would have seen him off.

So, he came around form that third and final seizure and within a minute or so the vet had the catheter in and prepped and she gently let him go whilst Emma and I held him, told him we loved him and thanked him for being such a good friend. It was so peaceful, he drifted off in no time.

My heart is absolutly broken but at the same time I know he's resting at last. He doesn't have to fight anymore and we don't have to worry about him anymore.

He will be with me forever.

I am not a religious person in anyway, I know a lot of you on here are and I respect that and would welcome your prayers if that is something you would like to do after following Huck's journey on here over the last not-quite year or so.

I am at peace knowing he no longer has to cope with all the rotten things that got thrown at him this last year or two and I am thankful for every minute he was in our lives. He will be missed forever.

Thank you all on here too for your support, I cannot tell you how much it helped. As awful as it is to think so may others have gone through similar pain it really does help to know you're not alone.

Thank you all, I will be back to post again when it has all sank it a bit and I can bring myself to sift through the albums for some more photo's to share.

I hope it doesn't seem weird posting this so soon, it was only 4 hours ago that he passed and 5 hours ago that he was sat having a great time and the most alive hes been in a long time, but it's late, I can't sleep and writing this out really does help you cope. I would encourage any one to do so that is going through similar.

Thanks for being there Big Mate, love you always.

Tony & Emma

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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3 March 2016 - 7:14 am
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I'm so sorry for your family's loss.  This is absolutely the hardest part of this journey.  You gave Huckelberry a life filled with love so much love.  You were so in tune with him.  How wonderful his last day was filled with him feeling great and filled with doggie kisses.  I hope in time your hearts will heal.  Huckleberry will be with you always carried in treasured memories in your hearts.

Linda & Spirit Mighty Max

Norene, TN
Member Since:
21 October 2014
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67
3 March 2016 - 7:22 am
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Words escape me as I try to wrap my heart and mind around what Huckleberry and you have gone through. All I can do is shake my head and hold you tight in my thoughts and prayers.

pam

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

Member Since:
7 November 2015
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3 March 2016 - 7:29 am
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Hi Emma and Tony...

Thank you so much for sharing Hucks journey with us, we are here and will never leave you. Im am so sorry that you lost your sweet boy. He was so beautiful, strong and loved by many. How lucky he was to have his parents, grandparents with him who showered him with so much love. It doesnt take much for this community to fall in love with the new Tripawds we all grieve with you. It is a shame that such beautiful animals have to go through this. I am going to ask the universe to shift all the love and peace that you need this day and all the days to come. Tony and Emma; YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB!

Love

Deb, Belle And Angel Zeus

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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69
3 March 2016 - 8:54 am
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I also find myself speechless and broken hearted right now and shall come back later.

There's one thought that I have to share now though. This jumped off the page as soon as you said Huckleberry "listened" to your conversation with the Onco. I jumped off the page when you said Huckleberry was hsving such a great week, such a great day, and all of his favorite people were with him. Huckleberry decided now was the perfect time to "go back home". Huckleberry made the decision not to pursue anymore treatment. He had THE best time any dog could possibly jave!!!

And he made sure YOU knew it was his decision. He made sure you had some great memories to hold onto. The way you and Emma recounted how happy he was...what a magical memory. Just an aside, while seizures are hard ro "watch", the person going through them feels nothing..no pain, no fear..nothing.

I'll add ine more thing as I'm trying to collect my thoughts in everything you've been through. Huckleberry made sure he gave you and Emma a great day of celebration. He was exceptionally happy because he knew he was headed to the Bridge! He was excited!! Huckleberry knows he is always with you, just from a different location and with an energy that will always surround you. The greetings at the Bridge when our dogs and cats return home, what an incredibly joyous time! Everyone ks healthy and vibrant and happy!

Surrounding you with Huckleberry's eternal grace and happily wagging tail.

Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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3 March 2016 - 10:04 am
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Tony and Emma,

The tears are flowing here at the Tripawds Nation, we just can't believe it and we are so very, very sorry. No, of course it's not too soon to post, we're just so glad you had a place to come and let your emotions out, that's exactly why we are here. Anytime you need us, promise.

I can't recall a situation like this ever happening here with another Tripawd, but what I can tell you is that animals just seem to know when it's their time. As tough as that last hour was with Huck, it was his way of helping you to release his broken body and set his spirit free. Whatever happens in the coming days as your brain processes your grief, know that the memories of all the good times will eventually be stronger and brighter than his cancer battle and those last moments. Love always rules.

My deepest condolences to your pack. May Huck's amazing, beautiful spirit brighten the heavens now and always.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Livermore, CA


Member Since:
18 October 2009
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3 March 2016 - 10:13 am
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I am so sorry that Huck has crossed.  You gave that boy a wonderful dog's life and there is nothing better than that.

One of the things that gave me peace after I let Maggie go was being sure that it was her time.  I know how scary seizures are but in my experience there is no pain and no memory of what happened. I hope in the future that knowing Huck was ready to go brings you and Emma some peace.

For now the Tripawd Nation grieves with you and your family. Hopefully you can feel the strength this family is sending you in your time of sorrow.

Huck will always live on in your hearts and so will always be by your sides.

Karen and The Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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3 March 2016 - 11:10 am
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I am so glad that you all had one final great day together!  It really does sound as if Huck made his decision, he was ready and had everyone with him to say goodbye.  It is probably hard now, but rejoice in the wonderful life that you all had together.  He left knowing how much you all loved him, and being sheltered with love in his pack.  Will be thinking about you all!

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Melbourne, Australia.
Member Since:
11 May 2015
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73
3 March 2016 - 2:37 pm
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Thank you all so much for your kind words. We did manage to get a little sleep last night but we're all over the place this morning. I keep catching myself smiling at the thought of him one minute then blubbing the next.

The weird part is, (along with his amazing timing), is that the day before yesterday when we were sat having one of our chats and cuddles I told him he was allowed to go if he wanted to and was ready.

My heart is currently broken and empty but in time the space will be filled with all the great memories he gave us in the last 7 years and 3 months.

I'll pop back on here in a few days and re-read all of your lovely replies when my head is a little straighter.

Thank you.

Member Since:
16 February 2016
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3 March 2016 - 3:46 pm
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So very sorry for your loss. Sounds like you did everything you could and he went after a fantastic day. It must be very difficult and I hope soon you are able to think back on happy memories and times.

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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3 March 2016 - 5:00 pm
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I am just shaking my head here .... I am so sorry for your loss. Seizures are scary as all get out (Shelby had them too and that was when she let me know if was her time to cross the bridge). 

Huck had an amazing day with you. Those memories will help heal your heart .... I hope. It is never easy and I have no words. But please know that I am sending you a huge hug and lots of love ... .forever in our hearts .... beautiful, handsome, majestic Huck! 

Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little jasper too) 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

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