TRIPAWDS: Home to 24989 Members and 2184 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

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!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Feeling unprepared for my TriPawd to come home tomorrow - suggestions?
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
121
14 March 2017 - 6:58 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

NO! I was so afraid when we didn't get a lpicture, yet still hopeful. I'm shaking my head no! Dear, dear sweet Boone. Our dear, dear sweet Boone.

NO words can express how sorry I am. NO words can bring comfort. I just feel sick for yoy knowing the sad ess that is facing you. There are no dry eyes tonight here. No dry eyes.

I'm coming back Jeannette in just a bit. A blubberi g mess right now.Just so gutted for you...not so much for Boone though. He had THE best time bei ng with you all these years! He would nkt have traded it for anything!!

We love you Boone!

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!

Palmer, Alaska
Member Since:
22 January 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
122
14 March 2017 - 7:15 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you Sally & Paula. Boone was a special boy - there's a big hole in our hearts and home right now.

Jeanette

Livermore, CA


Member Since:
18 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
123
14 March 2017 - 8:29 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Jeanette I'm so sorry.  You made an unselfish decision today to let Boone go on ahead, he will be missed.

It's so sad whenever one of our heroes crosses the Bridge- but extra hard when the journey is so short.  Boone was dealt a really crappy hand, you did all you could for your boy. 

It's clear how special he was to you, he will live on in your heart.  It's sometimes hard to see or feel but Boone will always be by your side.

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

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
124
14 March 2017 - 8:46 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

PLEASE stay connected Jeannette. No one here can take awy your grief and no one herecan stop your heartache.

But we DO understand. I hope, in some small way, knowing that, even though you feel alone in your unbearable sadness, we are with you. We are here to hold you up when you crumble. We are hear to listen. We are here to PROMISE you the hjrt does lessen...not anytime soon though. We are here to tell you, not to scare you, but to prepare you, that you will.probably hurt more tomorrow than today. There is a subconscious degree of "relief" for our pups and cats when the transition is done lovingly and peace. There is some relief knowing that Boone was ready. and make no mistake about it, Boone told you he was ready.

The void hits and it hits hard. The break in routine of caring for our tripawds 24/7 leaves us empty. Truly a ship without a rudder. You'll want to rush home, only to remember there is no reason to. You'll get up to give pills, to feed, to potty, only to realize you it's not your routine anymore.

I only say all that so you won't think you're losing your mind. Of course, all lf us on this journey may be considered a little "whacko" by the rest of the world!

Jeannette, no one could have done more for Boone!!! No one could have made this bonus time any happier for Boone! Goodness kowws, that boy got spoiling and loving crammed into everyday he was on this earth with you!

Be clear in this, okay? BOONE KNEW HOW MUCH YOU LOVED HIM!! We ALL knew how much yoy loved Boone!! It came through with every word you wrote and every picture you shared.

And because Boone knew how much you loved him, he knew he could count on you to release him from his earth clothes that no longer served him. He KNEW you would listen when he whispered, "Mom, I'm ready. I will always be with you, but I need to head to the Bridge healthy and whole again. Thank you Mom. No one could have loved me more. THANK YOU! I had a blast!"

Jerry always reminds us that the last days leading to transition are just a blink of an eye compared to the thousands and thousands of happy days, joyful days, snuggly and cuddling days that you and Boone shared. And these happy memories WILL eventually help push the sadness further away. And that will make Boone happy.

When you can, we want to hear more about Boone. You are family. We are all touched by this gentle Soul who, apparently, could be "Bad to da' Boone" on occasion! Hard ro believe that though! Would love to hear one " naughty" thing he did! Better yet, do you have a picture??

We cry with you tonight AND we celebrate the fact that Boone was in our lives and will be forever in our hearts! We are sooooo privileged to get to know him a d his human!!

Surrounding you with love and Boone's wonderful barking and wagging tail!

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

PS...Boone WILL connect with you. He will send you a sign that he IS with you and he IS vibrant and healthy and having a ball at the Bridge!! Let us know. It .ay take awhile because he's busy having fun!

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!

Member Since:
14 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
125
15 March 2017 - 1:02 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So sorry to hear this news.  But your photos of him cuddling on the couch show how loved he was and how happy he was with you!  We will be thinking of you.

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.

Palmer, Alaska
Member Since:
22 January 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
126
15 March 2017 - 4:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Sally, you know just what to say. Thank you.

You were right about today. It's been incredibly hard. I can't stop crying. My mind races back to when Boone was first lame and why I didn't do something faster. He'd dealt with lameness off and on before (other front leg) and extensive x-rays and even a consult with an orthopedic vet found nothing, so I assumed the leg that turned out to have OSA would have similar findings. If I'd had any inkling that it could be cancer, I would have asked for x-rays right from the start.

Our house is so empty right now. We've always had 2 dogs but when we lost our 13-year old Rotty 2 years ago this month, Boone's big personality seemed to fill the void. This is the first time in 22 years that we don't have a dog in our lives.

We went through and cleaned up last night, moving Boone's many dog beds into storage - seeing them empty just breaks our hearts. I need to take his left-over food and treats to the shelter. Drove by there today but couldn't make myself stop. That's where we adopted him in January 2010.

He was such an amazing spirit. One of my favorite memories is how wonderful he was with children. We've never had kids, so Boone wasn't raised around them. But he won over every child in the neighborhood - even one that went through a 2-year period of being terrified of dogs. One day I was walking Boone and one of our neighbors was out raking her yard while her 5 kids were running around. They spotted Boone and yelled, "Can we pet your dog?" I saw their mom freeze when she saw them walking towards us. Boone was a big boy, 27" tall, 90# and I could tell by the look on her face that she thought her kids were about to become lunch. I asked the kids to wait and told their mom the worst that would happen is they would get "Boone'd" (faces washed). She hesitated for a minute then told the kids they could approach us.

After Boone's ears were thoroughly inspected (he had big, soft ears - kids loved them) and he made every one of those kids giggle with his kisses his mom came up to me and said, "He has a kind face."

The toddler that went through a 2-year period of being terrified of dogs was totally enamored with Boone. As she was getting over her fear, she always approached to pet my friend's dog, a smaller lab, but never wanted to get near Boone. So we respectfully kept our distance while she visited with Abby. We always asked Audrey (the toddler) if she wanted to pet Boone, but she always shook her head NO. She did ask her mom to pet him, though. And her mom gladly obliged.

Eventually she started asking me if she could pet Boone and he was in heaven. He loved that little blonde girl. When we couldn't walk him any longer, I still walked with my friend and her lab and Audrey would ask in the sweetest way, "Where's Boone-y?" She liked to call him Boone-y, not Boone. It's going to break my heart when I have to find a way to tell her he's gone. 

OK, waterworks are going again, so I better go do something.

Thank you for being here for me.

Jeanette & Angel Boone-y

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
127
15 March 2017 - 5:32 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

My waterworks just started flowing again too! What you have written is such a beautiful, beautiful way of describing who Boone is and how he made such a lovely impression on everyone, especially children.

Boone-y, the dog with the kind face. We've all been Boone'd and it is a privilege!

And yes, getting up and doing something....anything....forces us to change our focus, if only for ten seconds. But that ten seconds leaves a space for a happy memory to come in.

For whatever it's worth, almost everyone si gle person here who dealt with "off and on" limlsw, wish we had done something sooner. My Happy Hannah was "treated" for either a slight strain or maybe arthritis. Did not even occur to me to ask for an xray, nor did the Vet even mention it! She DID improve, and when it rerurned, I just repeated the Rimadyl. The improvement would happen again. Of course, when the limp became more consistent, the Vet did do an xray and the rest is history.

There is NO reason anyone who had NOT been on this journey would think anything much of a limp.

Specifically in Boone's case, I don't think an earlier intervention would have made ANY difference! There are some theories that amputation does not interrupt a "script that has already been written" vy this brutal disease (my words, not the exact meaning of the theories I've seen here). Clearly that piece of crap disease had already plotted a course and nothing would have changed that. Unfortunately, we have seen that here. Obviously, it does remove the pain and that is what's important.

Boone came here with a Soul's purpose. It's clear he was fulfilling part of that by transforming the way children and your neighbor felt avout Boone.

Yes, Boone's "kind face" was merely the grace of his Soul shining through. Anyone who was "Boone'd" has been missed by enlightenment.

Thank you for sharing some more of Boone with us today. I know it was vittersweet to post today. Don't rush. The only way through it...is through it. But we are here to help you through it.

Surrounding you with love and the kindness of Boone

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

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!

Member Since:
14 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
128
15 March 2017 - 5:40 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

heartheartheart

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.

Palmer, Alaska
Member Since:
22 January 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
129
15 March 2017 - 5:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh I forgot to mention...

Boone had been getting up between 10-11 his last few nights to go outside. Last night our garage motion sensor light kicked on around 11:15. I didn't hear any moose wandering through but got up because by then I couldn't sleep. I can't help but wonder if Boone was telling me it's OK?

And while out hopping Sunday, Boone and I met a new neighbor with a dog named Ruger. Ruger was the name of my first Rotty that was taken by lymphosarcoma in 2001. Another "sign" perhaps that things were going to be OK and Boone would soon be made whole again?

Jeanette

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
130
15 March 2017 - 6:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

OOOOOOOMMMMDDDDDD JEANNETTE!!!! YES!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

ABSOLUTELY SIGNS FROM BOONE!!!! I'M GOOSE BUMPS UP AND DOWN HEAD TO TOE!!!!!! And when someone gets chills or goosebumps when something like this happens it's the Universe's way of validating that experience! And I've lived long enough'to KNOW that's true!!!

And you and Boone met a dog named RUGER shortly before he transitioned??? YES!!!! YOUR RUGER was letting you know he woukd be waiting for Boone at the Bridge!!!! Chills and goosebumps all over me now!! 🙂 They are voth disease free whole and healthy again!! And they are BOTH, without question, sending you huge signs their energy is DEFINITELY present and surrounding you always!!!

You have been BOONE'D by BAD TO DA' BOONE BOONE-Y...and RUGER ROO!!

WRITE THIS DOWN!!! KEEP A JOURNAL of these types of signs! It will bring you so much comfort! And you will be AMAZED when you read this journal through the years how very, very impactful these "Boone specific" signs are!

Geez....anything else this PROFOUND you just happened to have forgotten to mention??

Lots of love and hugs to you

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

PS...I have a feeling Boone may use some Moose to send you some kind of messages ....be interesting to see how that unfolds.

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!

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
131
15 March 2017 - 6:30 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Tears flow here as I read about your loss of sweet Boone.  I know there are no words that can take your pain away.  Thank you for sharing those stories of your gentle giant and his love for the children in the neighborhood.  Embrace every sign Boone is sending you.  Your love sheltered him on earth now Boone's sharing his love back to you from the heavens.  Fly free new Angel!  Sending you healing light and peace.

Linda & Spirit Mighty Max

Germany
Member Since:
14 December 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
132
16 March 2017 - 4:04 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am only reading this now and I have a hard time of trying not to cry in my office.

I was so rooting for Boone, I have come to love and expect the pictures and I always felt there was a certain kinship to Manni.

I am so so very sorry and I can't express it any other way.

This disease is so unfair and please do not beat yourself up over the would haves and could haves. Manni also showed signs back then and I actually did have him x-rayed -they didn't find anything because we looked at the wrong spot... I think, to a certain degree, a lot of this is just meant to be as hard as it is to come to the concept of it. Boone, no doubt whatsoever, knew he was loved and I believe with all my heart that this is the most important thing. Also, YOU made sure he didn't suffer. and that is the greatest gift you could make him. Beyond any doubt. Try to remember that in these times. It sounds like he is watching you right now and I'm sure he would say the same thing.Try and gain some comfort from this.

Biggest hugs from

tina & Manni

Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.

Manni's blog -dogblog-

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
133
16 March 2017 - 11:20 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh Jeanette, I'm so sorry! I missed this yesterday and my heart broke when I saw replies. Please consider starting a new topic if you are up to it eventually, in Coping with Loss, so that we can all keep Boone's celebration of life continuing. His journey was so short, he deserves many more tales about his life and adventures shared in our community. Of course, only if you're up to it.

For now I just want to say how much we feel for you. Losing a dog you love so much and coming home to an empty house is really, really hard. I remember it well and those were tough times for us here. If you want to talk remember the Tripawds Helpline is available OK? 

I loved the story about little Audrey, thank you so much for sharing it with us. When kids encounter sweeties like Boone so early in their life, it imprints in them forever. She will always carry a part of Booney with her.

As for the signals with Ruger and the outside light...yep, that was all lined up perfectly to let you know that Boone's energy and spirit is part of the world for all time. Like your Ruger #1, he's not going anywhere. 

Many, many hugs coming your way from all of us.

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

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
134
16 March 2017 - 1:02 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

My heart, like others, breaks for your tremendous loss ... I am so sorry there wasn't more time with Boone but it sounds like he had the most amazing life and taught so much to others (especially those kids). To me, that was the gift that was Boone! And he will continue to guide you and give you gifts.

In the dark days and weeks to come, try and find some comfort in the memories. It is hard but those memories will help your shattered heart heal a little bit.

I do believe in signs and I do believe in visitors. Shelby used to visit more ... I would hear clicking of nails on the floor... bells would jingle at the holidays for no reason ... and my new dog had a constant low growl when she first moved in and would stare at the ceiling sometimes. I do recall one strong memory of being in bed and "feeling" something at my feet. My new dog was at my head in her little ball so I believe it was Shelby ... at the foot of the bed where she always slept... visiting.

Boone will visit...in your dreams, when you see pennies ... there will be signs. And they will help! 

Sending you love!

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

Palmer, Alaska
Member Since:
22 January 2017
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
135
16 March 2017 - 2:52 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

jerry said
Oh Jeanette, I'm so sorry! I missed this yesterday and my heart broke when I saw replies. Please consider starting a new topic if you are up to it eventually, in Coping with Loss, so that we can all keep Boone's celebration of life continuing. His journey was so short, he deserves many more tales about his life and adventures shared in our community. Of course, only if you're up to it.

For now I just want to say how much we feel for you. Losing a dog you love so much and coming home to an empty house is really, really hard. I remember it well and those were tough times for us here. If you want to talk remember the Tripawds Helpline is available OK? 

I loved the story about little Audrey, thank you so much for sharing it with us. When kids encounter sweeties like Boone so early in their life, it imprints in them forever. She will always carry a part of Booney with her.

As for the signals with Ruger and the outside light...yep, that was all lined up perfectly to let you know that Boone's energy and spirit is part of the world for all time. Like your Ruger #1, he's not going anywhere. 

Many, many hugs coming your way from all of us.  

Thank you. I will start a new topic in the Coping with Loss forum. 

Jeanette & Angel Boone

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: Trisha
Guest(s) 156
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1287
Members: 18526
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18877
Posts: 259136
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG