Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Oh Amy, I'm so sorry. I was where you are with Tri-pug Maggie.
She did well after her amp from Mast cell cancer. After a big health crash she was diagnosed with oral melanoma. It was more devastating than the first cancer diagnosis, although I never would have thought that possible. Because of her overall health our options were very much limited, I decided not to treat aggressively.
Once I got over the shock and dealt with a little pre-grief I actually was able to relax a little. There would be no more bad news, no more vet trips for treatment, no more decisions. Don't get me wrong- I still had the occasional breakdown, but for the most part I was able to just focus on making each day Maggie's best day. I knew our time was short, but I didn't ask for a prognosis, I didn't want to fixate on the calendar. We had three more months together. Tough, intense, but very rewarding time too.
Look into Libby's beautiful eyes, watch that tail wag, and know that you have the Tripawd nation behind you. This is hard, but you will get through. Come here when you need to, but focus on your girl.
Sending strong, positive thoughts to you and your pack.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Cancer stinks!!! So sorry to hear about Libby. Remember the vets only give us "book statistics" I have read so many posts here that show that a lot of pups defy those statistics. I won't tell you not to worry because I know we fur parents worry. Remember, she does not even know what cancer is. Only belly rubs, hugs and good yummy food.
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.
Amy
I as well am very sorry to hear this news about Libby.
But as everyone else has said......Libby doesn't know she is sick...she wants to go for walks and eat like a lab 
Keep enjoying every minute that you have with your beautiful girl.
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker
I'm so sorry Amy, I just now caught up with your news and am so sad for you and Libby.
All I can add to everyone's great advice is to touch on what Karen said, at some point when there is no more that medicine can do, there is something very freeing in knowing that it's just all about quality time now. It's hard to explain but I'm hoping that with some R&R and a good night's sleep you too will start to experience that feeling. As powerful as medicine is, it also tends to get in the way when time is precious.
Ugh. This is the part of the ride when you take things day by day and hour by hour. It's something humans have a hard time figuring out but the Tripawds always know how to do it, and I know Libby is more than willing to teach you this great lesson.
Many, many hugs coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Amy and Libby, I woke up teary for you...
I had another thought: when Jackson's cousin was having accidents in the house and straining a lot, my parents put her on a bladder-anti-spasmodic. It helped her a lot! I'm not sure if that's a med that needs to build up or not, but perhaps run that past your vet. It will not cure anything, but on days, nights, etc when Libby's bladder symptoms are upsetting her (and maybe you), this medication may help.
HUGS
~ 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!
Dear Amy,
We are so very sorry for your news with Libby. We understand here all of us so well. Make each day count for you both. She's feeling well so do what you want when you want. Remember statistics are numbers dogs don't count, maybe we shouldn't either.
In our thoughts
Esther and her Snoop
I've come back to this thread a few times today, intending to respond but I just don't have the words. "Thank you" isn't adequate.
I can feel all of you grieving with me and sending me hugs, I truly can. I'm absorbing everyone's kind words and they are so very appreciated.
Libby is her same old amazing self. She had a fun time in the park today.
Karen, I hope I can relax, like you said. I am still in that shocked state, but every time I look at Libby and see how "normal" she looks and acts, I can breathe a little easier.
Feeling the love,
Amy & 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
We all understand and we all know how much you appreciate the support...and it shows it's helping with each post. Each of your post seems to be bringingyou back in the moment with Libby
Like you, I just want to reach through the screen and squeeze and hug everyone and cover them in gratitude! And like you, just can't get there.
Jerry told me to just be with Happy Hannah and not even think about replying now.....I pass that onto you
!
Of course, I'm still staying glued here and not letting go! It gives me a sense of "normalcy" if I can respond to others. And normal is what out furbabies need from us
Sooo, keep looking at Libby...keep being with Libby...and she will keep you in her normal state of happiness and joy!! She is so joyful and so loving er life!!
Sending y!ou so much love! Would love to see some more photos of her playful self!
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!
Amy ... thinking about you today!!! Hope you and Libby are doing OK!
Hugs!
Alison and Shelby
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
I just saw this, I am so so sorry! I know what its like, you fight one cancer to have to battle another, its not fair!! Just remember that no one can tell you how much time Libby has left. Look at beautiful Shelby, she's still rockin strong and proving those doctors wrong! And I know how hard it is not to be consumed with the "what if" thoughts, but try your best to remember that Libby's still here! When you find yourself overcome with those thoughts remember she's still fighting this, you two are warriors and we are all in this together with you both. We're all here for you and we're all going to keep cheering Libby on!!!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Oh Amy - I know there are no words to make it better, but know I am thining if Libby and you. It just isn't fair, but she will carry on. Dance each day with her and enjoy the moments.
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.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Libby is doing great. She got a bite of a pancake today which she hasn't had in furever!
The sun is shining, she's doing all her normal, usual, routine things with gusto. I can't ask for more than that.
All of our love,
Amy & Libby (my amazing rock star)
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
Amy,
Good job being More Dog! Today is good, and that is what counts!
I wanted to share one more thing that I think helped me deal with evrerything. I defined what Maggie's minimum life quality was, and I did it while she was still feeling good. I discussed with both our vets what to expect with the two cancers and the other things we were dealing with, and I decided what I would, and more importantly wouldn't do for her. I'm having trouble finding the right words so I'll give you an example.
With everything going on the biggest problem we would probably face was pain from the oral tumor, it was on her upper palette. Mag was dealing with kidney failure, and her liver function was questionable due to mast cell. She absolutely freaked out on strong pain meds, and because of kidney and liver meds were limited and might cause organ failure. So in my mind when the tumor caused her enough pain that she needed strong pain meds we would be at the end. I made that decision 2.5 months before we reached the end.
I know it is a little contrary to our 'Be More Dog ' motto, focusing on the future. But I found defining some things in my mind allowed me to not wonder every day. I hope that makes sense and is maybe a little helpful.
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Yes, Karen thank you, that does make sense. I definitely feel that getting things "settled" in my mind is a relief which allows me to be more in the here and now rather than always thinking of the future. We haven't really discussed the stopping point for extraordinary measures but you've given me something to think about. Thank you for that.
Amy & 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
Of course she's bounding around with gusto! She's Libby! Enjoy the day!
~ 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!
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