Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We're hanging in!! Everything's fairl steady now.
Not only has JILL taught her how to speak "potty mouth" , but she has taught her how to scare the heck out of me a few times recently!
!
ALWAYS in the iddle of the ight....and yes...I did go to chat rooom (YAAY me!)..but no e's there at two in the oring!! DUH me!!
And yes, so many of you..our family..have shared phone numbers, but even I wasn't goi g to call you guys in the middle of the night!! YAAY me!
Had a really rough night all night two nights ago..very scarey. Very, very swollen belly ...... uncomfortable to point of whiny...sou ded like a drum if you thumped on it..drooling..her breathing his very labored anyway..but this was really hard to watch....my mind was going crazy....I still stayed calm for her...massaging...being with her...trhing to co fort....just lettng her know no matter what, I was bymher side loving her tnrough this.
Bloat, internal bleeding..ruptured tumor..spleen.....fluid on lungs...congestive heart failure...his could be nothing good.
Couldn't get tramadol down her no matter how I hid it. I was one second away from going out and scooping up cat poop and hiding it in that (trust me at this point it seemed like the only option)! She loves her cat poop!!! Finally got so e in her.
I actually already had a vet scheduled for an assessment appointment the following afternoon because her brwathing ks so labored (it seems to bother me far more than her) I just wanted to make sure she is fluid free. FINALLY, she started gettng more co fortable by avout nine or so in a.m. But I thought...well...I just about called the vet to come early.........
OH. let me add quickly, our dear friend Stirling and Tahoe and I communicate frequestly...Tahoe and Happy Hannah started the journey together...anyway...BINGO...BANG...a PM pops up from him(he's BC so his ti e frame was three hours early. So, needless to say, I had so eone "holdng my ha d" as I held Happh Hannah's paw through the night? Yo all will .ove this, in o e of his earlier notes he wanted to set up Skyp (?).....can you i agine? Me? Skyping? So we decided the old fashion route of phone umbers!! Anyeay...I've already thanked him privately, but I just want to acknowledge him here...the Universe was really watching over us that night. As ALL of you have done with us! Thank you ALL!
So...here we go......she "improved"...Oh...and she was pooping and peeng nor al and stomach gurfling so felt like I could elimi ate a couple of things....anyway...by time vet gets here, she's her happy, waggin, out of breath, exhausted self taken treats out of her ha d a d giving sloppy kisses! Really showing off!!
I know this is long but I hope it helps others as they try to assess their own INDIVIDUAL dog.
This was a first time visit from this vet...she's one who talked over the phone with me a couple of weeks ago a week-end and was willing to come to house if need be.
Anyway, she lives somewhat close to me out in boonies and...after seeing Happy Hannah and falli g in love with her...how could you not...she ASSURED me she would make herself as available as possible whenever I needed her for whatever...she would cancel appointments to be here! I CANNOT tell you the relief!! It's all about quality now and making sure when the time co es for her to transition that it is as calm and beautiful and loving and peaceful and with reverence and appreciation for her as possible. And this vet understands that perfectly.
I'm just trying to cram everything in because I don't like doing "these" ki ds of specifics too often because I feel like I allow it to take me ojt of being in the moment with her. I practice being BLISSFULLY UNAWARE just like my Happy Hannah lives it...and it works for us both?
Wagging tail...YAAAAY!
Eating...YAAAY,
Sparkle in her eyes...YAAAAY!
Pooping, peei g..YAAAAAY!
No fluid in lungs or heart..YAAAAAY!
Said her heart is strong...well...she is all heart ya' know! YAAAAY,
Said the lung with the piece of crap thing not working well at al....but her other lung sounds good! YAAAAAAY!
Yeah, ki da' "fluidy" arou d tummy and she felt maybe a slightly e larged liver....who gives a s**t! YAAAY, not Happy Hannah!
Didn't suspect anything too awful going on.....just o e of those "things" n tnis crazy journey
Maybe I wasn't cou ting out the M&M's properly that day....maybe she ate some ice cream from her "bucket" while I wasn't looking...maybe too much steak...she did sneak so e cat food vut I didn't think it was that much. But things ight vother her tummy ore ow than before.
She saw the breathing and exhaustion, but because she has adapted so wel and still appraers co fy, that didn't seem to bother the vet.
My Happy Hannahs QUALITY..... for her....centers around tail wags, eating, laying around all day is fine with her, tummy rubs and just us being together
She never cared about vhasing sticks or that type of thing so that's not anything that affects her quality.... she will still do a "cat lunge" if one gets too close to her possession!
And she doesn't pick up her stuffies as mich....that's a quality that concerned me at first...not a problem though....she must lays in bed...gives me "that stare" that you cannot ignore...barks, wags...and I go bring a stuffy....if it's not the one she wants...we repeat the process til I bring her the right one!
Whew...this exhausted me.....you think it's hard to read through all the typos......this mess has taken a nour to thpe!!
LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!! You are our family and or best friends! We celebrate with you, we hurt with you and we love with you!!
From tne bottom of our hearts we .ove and apprecite you!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
there are TWO pics.....hope you can see them both
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!
Awwww sally...big hugs to you both! Glad she perked up! ! Tell miss Hannah to be easy on you! I'm so glad the vet was able to get there and you have someone that can get there to you whenever you need her. 
Much love to you!
Lori and the family
Hannah, Hannah, Hannah! You quit that now, you hear? Sounds like your Mama figured out the digestion problem. You may find your M&Ms severely curtailed if you keep up this nonsense! So you had better be good.
Sally, your new vet sounds like a true jewel. So happy that you found her.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Thanks Lori and Kathi! Yes, it was "meant ro be" that this vet is in our lives now...and she's studying some holistic stuff...very " nd, body, earth, spirit" kind of thinking.
Just wanted t add that tis vet does mostly horses...but she said Hapoy Hannah is pretty much just a smaller horse anyway!
And she ,ept sayi g over and over. she REALLY is sooo "happy"...this dog is just sooo "happy" regardless of what may be gong on! I bet she stated how amazed at how happy she ks a dozen times! But all of us here already know that
(Shhhhh...-it's a "sugar-high" happy!! Just kidding! I am goi g to cut her M&M's back from 1,000mg a day to nine!!!)
Oh...and in tne pictures was trying to i clude all the my "touchstone" jewelry Rene made me! If you ever want to give yourself a TRUE FOREVER TREASURE...her jewelry is it!! And each piece is made with so much love....and that's a valuable gem!!
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!
Oh Hannah...please let us know why you furbabies insist on scaring us on weekends and during the night?! Not enough excitement in our lives I guess. 
Thank the stars she's feeling better! I don't like to think of our Happy Hannah any other way.
Tell Hannah to just pick one color of M&M's for the day so she doesn't over do it. Oh, what the heck...overdo it:)
Such a big relief to know you have a vet so willing to help out. That's one less thing you have to fret about. How nice of Tahoe to be able to help you out as well.
Hugs to you both,
Amy & Spirit Libby
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
Hannah don't be worrying your mom like that in the middle of the night you silly girl! Glad she is feeling better and how AMAZING that the new vet will come to you?!?! oh my gosh that is just the best thing i've heard all day!
Keep smiling happy hannah
Cody and family
Cody is our 7 year old Australian Heeler mix boy. Diagnosed on 2/20/14 and became a tripawd 2/21/14! We chose a homeopathic approach and he is being treated by Dr. Loops our of NC.
Whew! Dodged one there! Scary, scary, scary. But, boy, what a darn relief to have this vet now! That's a gift, for sure. And it's extra special she came over when Hannah was OK, so that gives this vet a marker, a baseline. Whew!
It all sounds so good, Sally!
Keep it up, little horsey-Hannah!
~ Katy & Jackson
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!
Hi Sally,
I love the pics!!! I agree with you 100%! Every dog is different and you know Hannah the best...and from your post, it sounds like Hannah is enjoying life!
I think your Hannah is a great problem solver! There's no need for her to waste precious energy to get up and get her own stuffie when her mommy can do it!!! LOL!!! And when her mommy brings the wrong stuffie, Hannah knows you'll get another!!! You are a smart girl Hannah using your mommy like that!
The middle of the night worrying you is probably just Hannah's way of making you tired enough that you'll have to nap with her during the day!
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Hannah for many many many more wonderful days of tail wags, eating cat poop and ice cream (maybe a new doggie flavor???....Charley would love that flavor!), and enjoying life with you!
Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley xoxo
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
The lovely Miss Happy Hannah continues to be just that......Happy!
I'm so glad you have a wonderful vet in your corner now who understands both of you and your needs and.....loves Hannah already
Much love and many hugs
Linda and Tucker
Sally,
I told you can call anytime during the day or night. I am glad things checked out ok for Hannah and you found a good vet to come check her out.
Hannah has you trained right that is for sure. Fetching her stuffies LOL. Love Love the pictures.
Keep up the good work you 2
Hugs & love
Michelle & Angel Sassy
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."
HANNAH WILL YOU QUIT IT. I KNOW you were faking all that for some ice cream. You can't trick me, remember, Jack is my kitty, I know these tricks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad everything checked out a-ok, sounds to me like she is doing just great and living a great quality of life.
Shes just making you fetch her stuffies because she likes to watch....
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
So glad Hannah is ok. I agree that things seem so much bigger and badder in the middle of the night or weekend. What a blessing to have found a vet that will come to you. I also agree on Rene's jewelry. I LOVE mine, I hope not to wear it for a long time though. I ordered the angel dog engraved with Ty's name. I ordered it when he was so sick that I thought there was no hope. I may need to order a regular one now
keep on eating those m and ms Hannah. Eat a couple for me! Also like how you have your Mommy trained to fetch your stuffs. Hugs, Lori and Ty.
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
OH Sally! Your photo says it all:
Tears welling up in my eyes....trying to keep my thoughts together as I write this to thank you for your honesty and matter-of-fact update about your very special girl who we all think about every single day and wonder how she's doing. I know it's not easy to assess the current state of affairs like this, boy do I remember how hard it was to do that. So thank you for taking the time. I know there's not a single person here who isn't glad to read how things are going right now.
How wonderful you found that vet, and even better and more beautiful that yet another Tripawds member is connecting with another person who they've never met in person but is taking the time to be there during the toughest of time. I'm always so in awe of the very special people here.
But let us not forget, to celebrate the courage, the strength and the tenacity of your amazing, beautiful and spunky girl. Hannah, you are our rock, our comedianne, our poster girl for the possibilities of life on three legs. I love love love knowing that life is good for you. xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hannah - you must not use Jill as a role model when it comes to scaring your Mother!
That said - YAY for some pawsitive things to hold on to and celebrate. Always thinking of you.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
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