Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just got back from our Vet, I had to pick up some meds for Harley … I also prepaid for putting him to sleep. I was doing okay, until I saw "Euthanasia" and "Cremation" on the invoice. I knew this part of the journey would eventually come, but how can you ever truly be ready for it?
Harley started to hop differently around a month ago. Xrays showed no visible sign of cancer, but did show arthritis in his lower spine.
Harley was put on a high dose of prednisone (for a different problem), which had him back hopping well. As the prednisone dose was being tapered off (as it did not solve the other problem), the difficulty in hopping returned, along with reluctance to get up and move around. He has become increasingly weak in his rear legs. Harley also started to lose his appetite a little with each lower dosage of prednisone.
We have upped the dosage of prednisone slightly, and he is taking gabapentin, as well. He is definitely moving around better (I've even caught him on the couch (where he is now) a couple of times; he had not even attempted the couch in weeks). His appetite is pretty much gone at this point. I can at times coax him to eat a few bites of something, but that is it.
He still seems his happy self, wagging his nubber (tail) a million miles per hour, and sitting out in the lawn watching the world go by is still his favorite thing to do. I'm so not ready to see him go, but I know I will never be. I would like to think his appetite will return and this is just a huge bump in the road, but realistically, I don't think this is just a bump.
When I turned into my neighborhood, on my way back from the Vet, I saw Gerry hopping down the sidewalk. Gerry was in the same spot I saw Yoda hopping last Summer. Harley started limping on and off in the Spring of 2009, & they were never able to find anything wrong. Michael would always say to me, "we'll just cut his leg off, & he'll be fine." Now, I do know he would say this to get a rise out of me, but he was also serious about it being okay for a dog to lose a leg, if need be. I was horrified by this thought! I would never, ever, EVER cut my Baby Dog's leg off. Then I saw Yoda hopping down the sidewalk, enjoying life just like any other dog. I suddenly knew that if it came to amputation for Harley, I was okay with it. So, I saw Yoda at the beginning of this journey. What does seeing Gerry in the same spot mean? Probably just that they live in my neighborhood, and they were out for walks. I don't know. But it has shaken me up.
Okay, sorry about the book I just wrote. I have some Baby Dog petting to do …
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
bless your heart, hopefully this is just a bump in the road. hope you continue to enjoy each and every moment with that great guy...give him some hugs and kisses from us as well!!
gayle & charon
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Oh, I'm so sorry you are so sad and getting nervous and scared! Paying for putting him down may seem like a good idea. But honestly, I think it's a rotten way to do it. Just look how upset you are? Plus, most vets will let you come back to pay after the fact.
Are you sure you are not just nervous. It doesn't sound like he is getting to the end if no cancer is shown.
What does the vet say? Is is on any NSAIDS? That can cause his tummy to hurt.
Are you sure you aren't just getting melancholy?
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.
I am sorry to hear that Harley is not feeling well...we also have had a few bumps in the road with our Brandy girl. She had a horrible recovery after the amputation and chemo has been a little "ruff" on her. We are just enjoying each day with her and making sure she is happy and comfy. We are also ready if the time comes to say our goodbyes. It has only been a little over a month since her amp and just seeing her happy and pain free for this short period of time has made this ordeal all worth while.
The meds may have really messed with his stomach a bit, I know Brandy didnt eat for a week and a half and had dropped 15 lbs because of the medications she was on. We have also been keeping an eye on Brandy's back legs...she was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia when she was 1 years old so the loss of the front leg has added alot of pressure on her hind legs. As soon as she can no longer get around or seems to be in pain we will have to think about letting her go.
I hope Harley starts to feel better and its great to hear he is still enjoying his days of people watching. I absolutely love when Rotties wag their nubs, its so cute! Try to stay possitive! we are hopping for the best and I will keep Harley and your family in my prayers.
We just celebrated Brandy turning 3 on June 17th and we pray to have her around for many more birthdays. You just never know when it will be their turn to take the journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Just know you have done all you can and remember how many happy, pain-free days you have given him...
Love...Brandy and family
Oh, that's harsh - prepaying for euthanasia and cremation. I don't think I could have done that. No wonder you're feeling sad.
So sorry Harley seems to be losing his stride. Really hoping his loss of appetite and decreased mobility just means a temporary downturn. Glad he's still able to enjoy watching the world and wagging his tail.
Hang in there, Harley. Enjoy that Baby Dog petting.
Hoping for the best for Harley.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Ok, I'm going to turn my logic loose here. I can see why someone would want to pay ahead of time. It really is no different than prepaying a funeral and folks do that all the time. When the day comes, the stress will be over the top, why not have that part done? Yes it puts a finality on it, but we all know there is an end - even if it is from the effects of age.
Do I have the strength about me to be able to do this? No, not at this point. But the day MAY come when I could. I would say this much - put the bill away and don't look at it again. You aren't there yet, and that isn't where your focus should be. Enjoy each moment with Harley, they are precious and you don't want to miss any of them because you are grieving before he is gone.
...end of rant...I apologize if I offended anyone.
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.
Oh my gosh Gwen I don't think I could have managed to do what you did today and I am sending you a very big hug....although I must say it would have been terribly hard to prepay going back after we had to put Tehya down was just awful so who is to say which is the best way to go.
Dear Harley is certainly fighting hard to beat this dreaded disease and I am so glad to hear that he is still wagging the nubber and watching the world go by. When he stops doing that I know you will have the strength to do what is best for him!
We were at a car show on the weekend and saw this beautiful German Shepherd Tripawd walking alongside his owner, of course I was right there asking all about him. Turns out it wasn't cancer he had an operation that had gone bad..his leg was removed in December and he was doing amazing! It is so wonderful to see how well our precious Tripawds adapt isn't it.
Stay strong Gwen give Harley a big pat for me as well and send me a message anytime you want to chat or a virutal hug!
Darlene
Angel Tehya's Mom
Let's hope this is just another bump, but I hate to say we need to be realistic at some point and time what the best choice is for our buddies. I think you will know in your heart what decision and when it needs to be made, I think that is the part of this journey we all face, and just like our dogs, we're all different, we all handle things, see things,and make decisions differently than the next person, it's what makes the world go 'round, and that old saying, go with your gut feeling usually ends up being the right way to go, but we all know when we make these choices we are doing it for the best quality of life for these guys and to either make them comfortable or end the suffering. I will never let Gus lay around in any kind of pain or suffer just so I don't have to let him go, I know there will be a time regardless if it is a week, month, year that we will get to that point, actually I hope when that time comes he just doesn't wake up, but I know he has had the best life I can give him, spoiled rotten and was happy, so there are no regrets, but that doesn't mean it will be easy, it will suck. we are lowering his prednisone now, I will be watching also if he handles it ok , I hope I don't need to bump it back up, but I will if he gets along better. I know you know we will support whatever decision you make. Good luck, paws up, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Hopalong Harley is such a handsome boy. I love his avatar. He reminds me of Fortis with his head tilt and intense expression .....so focused on words and eager to please. I bet Harley and Fortis would have been real buds if they had ever met.
I've had a few scares myself over the past couple of months and it never gets any easier. Please know that I'm praying with all my heart that this is just a bump in the road for your precious boy. Give him a hug for us.
Fortis & Fortis' Dad
We're keeping fingers and paws crossed that this is just a bump in the road for Harley. I'm thinking that seeing Gerry today was a good sign - when you saw Yoda it gave you the strength to realize that 3 legs are just fine. Perhaps seeing Gerry today was a sign that these tripawds have lots of fight. That's how I want to see it! Harley has been so brave, and we're hoping he will enjoy watching the neighborhood for awhile longer. But I know how hard it is to see our baby dogs lose some of the zip in their step. Holly went through that a few weeks ago, and I was so worried. She bounced back - we're hoping Harley does, too. We're all sending healing thoughts to you and Harley, Gwen. And sending lots of hugs, too. And we're here for you whatever happens. Please give your handsome boy a big hug for us!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
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
I just want to point out that I asked if I could prepay, my Vet office did not suggest this or bring it up. It was me. I wanted it taken care of. I know they would have been more than fine with me coming back to pay at a later date after it is done. I wanted it done, so it didn't have to be thought about later. The bill is put away. It just hit me what I paid for when I got in the car and glanced at the Invoice.
Honestly, I pray this is just a set back, but deep down I know it is not … something is different.
Harley has had issues with his blood levels, as well. We were given three possibilities from an Internal Medicine Vet: 1) Chemo Side-effect (Harley has not had chemo since March). 2) Harley's immune system is attacking his blood cells/platelets. 3) The Histiocytic Sarcoma has metastasized to the bone marrow. It is because of this Harley was on a high dose of prednisone to try to suppress the immune system; this did not raise Harley's levels. We were told there is nothing we can do if it is a side-effect of chemo or if the cancer is in the bone marrow. We opted not to put Harley through a bone marrow biopsy.
Does Harley seem happy? Yes. But there is a change. Do I think we are at the point of saying good-bye? Not yet. And I hope that day is not for a long time. It is my personality to get my ducks in a row. I like things taken care of. I'm sorry if that seems horrific to some. I would, again, like to clarify that I was the one that asked if I could prepay. To me, this is just one less thing I have to think about now. I'm sorry if this is offensive to some. I guess I shouldn't have brought it up.
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Oh, it doesn't seem horrific. For me (I'm the great avoider of dealing with practical and unpleasant things anyways), I wouldn't have been able to have done that. No judgement here and certainly wasn't offensive at all. It was actually quite practical of you to take care of it now; when that awful ending day comes it will be one less thing you'll have to deal with.
Opting out of putting Harley through a bone marrow biopsy was smart. Catie had two bone biopsies done to confirm the cancer diagnosis and they were very very painful for her.
I really really hope your boy rallies.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Don't feel bad about pre-paying! I have seen many people do this over the years because it can be hard to make end-of-life decisions at the last minute. Now that you have everything set you can enjoy Harley for as many days as you are blessed to have him.
Pam
No need to apologise around here, really. Your experience can help others, so please don't ever hesitate when it comes to posting about what you're going through OK?
We're so so sorry. Harley is a true fighter, and he has Gerry AND Spirit Yoda with the Force on his side. It doesn't get much more powerful than that. We hope the Tripawd energy around him helps him overcome whatever it is that's making him feel down.
This is that part of the journey we know is coming, and are so afraid of. Your courage to prepare for the inevitable is something that's to be commended. It's so hard to make these decisions when we're sane, much less out of our minds when the suffering becomes too much for them to bear. By doing what you did, you'll have that much more time to spend together. The gut feeling you have is probably accurate, perhaps Harley preparing you for his transition. I hope it's not, but we're all too familiar with that feeling.
On the day we arranged to say goodbye to Jerry, we took advice we'd heard before, and prepaid before the procedure. We asked every question we could think of about before, during and after. Then all of the paperwork was out of the way so that we didn't have to try to concentrate on anything after it was over, except keeping our wits about us enough to drive home. We're so glad we did.
Harley, keep on keepin' on. We need you around here. But if seeing Gerry was indeed some kind of sign, a cosmic slip in the universe or whatever, know that there is lots of love surrounding you at this time.
Sending hugs and prayers your way…
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Gwen,
I'm so sorry to hear that there is something "different" about Harley..... DAMMIT! And his appetite not good. Do NOT apologize for your decisions on your dog for prepaying...I would only think that would actually be a wise thing to do so as to not have to deal with that later. The end is inevitable for all of our Tripawds...making that time a little less stressful with stupid things like paying a bill are OK!
Hugs to you, my friend...big hugs..........Keep us posted on Harley.
XOXO
Tracy & Maggie
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
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