Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone! I am not a continuous follower of this site, but I smile and cry every time I am here and read your posts. I just want to tell a short story for those new to the tripawd world and to those of you that are so dedicated to helping. Nearly a year ago, I posted that Cookie the pit bull was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He had an amputation and started chemo at CSU. He did very well with the amputation and tolerated the chemo well. However, half way through chemo the x-rays revealed lung metastasis to all lung fields. That was May 22nd, 2012. We stopped chemo, and decided doggie hospice was in order. (I was a hospice nurse for humans for several years). We did everything to make the dog happy, thinking that he wouldn't make it more than a month or two. We even went as far as getting a puppy for our other dog to play with since Cookie wasn't playful any more.
Well, getting the puppy was the trick! Cookie decided that he wasn't going to leave us and let that puppy take over. He coughed and had some trouble the first month or two, but since then has been PERFECT! No cough, no shortness of breath, nothing. He eats, drinks, chases squirrels and barks at dogs passing by. (He still doesn't like going outside when it's even a bit chilly - and he gets to stay in the house a lot while the other dogs are out playing. He is a bit spoiled.)
I don't presume to know that his cancer is gone. But I have to wonder. Maybe the 3 treatments of carboplatin were enough? Maybe he still has the cancer and it's just in remission. It doesn't matter. I just want you all to know that anything can happen, so don't assume the worst. I'm happy to be posting here again to say that we are still hanging in there! (And somehow living with 3 dogs now instead of 2! )
All the best to you all!!
-Karen
Your story does my soul good! Way to go Cookie! In the back of my mind I keep saying Libby may be an exception, Libby may be an exception. Sooo...it's nice to meet a real life exception! Thank you for this inspiring story.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
An excellent lesson and a heart warming story. Even while you were going through Cookie's coughs, I bet you were expecting the worse. Now, wow, it's amazing! I love it! Keep it up, Cookie. Reign over all those furry siblings and 2-legged humans. Your story reminds me to relish in the day and try not to fear the future...as there may be another future than the worst we imagine. Love you, Cookie!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Thank you for sharing Cookie's story. I am so glad you did. I know I won't give up and I know there are many of us who look forward to reading these kinds of stories. I know I do. Thanks for keeping my spirit up.
Michelle
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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