Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well now, what we have here is dog who is clearly very content resting a lot more on some days; clearly content to be chauffeured around in his Manni Mobile for a pastry or to be cheered by adoring his fans; clearly content being more energetic on some days more so than others; clearly content eating all the cheese he wants; and clearly PIFFED OFF AT THE SIGHT OF WATERMELON!!:-)
Based on the observations you've made, Manni is adjusting to his "new normal" without pain and without a broken Spirit. Needing to take very frequent rest stops and taking a lot of naps is not anything "bad" you are doing "to" Manni. Wanting to get more information from your next appointment doesn't appear to be doing Manni any excessive harm. I remember Happy Hannah's Vet said that initially the change in breathing pattern, the tiredness, etc, comes on "relatively," slowly so the dogs are able to adjust gradually.
As Manni continues teaching us all how to Be More Dog , we humans continue to TRY, but rarely master it to perfection though. That's okay. As long as Manni is content being Manni (based on HIS definition of "contentment"), all of our fears, our worries, our uncertainties don't really mean squat as far as his sense of wellbeing is concerned! Tina, you've really done an excellent job of being able to separate the two 🙂
Such a treat to see these WONDERFUL pictures and fun videos of Manni!!! You k ow we love seeing this handsome boy, right?? You do know that and you will get us more pictures, right?':-)
Lots of love,
Sally and Alumni 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!
Tina, thank you so much for sharing, we needed a Manni fix!
I know how it can be difficult to put into words what you are seeing happening. To us, Manni looks happy and content, he doesn't look tired or that he has mets. He is just as adorable as ever. I know you see things differently though, and I wish I could give you my eyes so you can see what we see, if only to lighten your heart just a bit.
You are making all the best decisions possible for him. There is no doubt in my mind that you will do right by him no matter what, because of all the thought you've put into his care and needs. Never regret any of your choices, there are no 'wrong' ones when love is in your heart.
xoxo
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tina and Manni,
I was so glad to see your update. Manni looks gorgeous as always, what a sweet boy. I know how seemingly impossible it is to stay in the moment when you have been given bad news but Wow, you are doing an incredible job of helping Manni make the most of every day and there is no greater gift. This journey often forces you to make impossible decisions and it's easy to doubt your choices but one thing is certain - every decision you are making for Manni is the right one because it is made out of love.
Manni is a very lucky boy and he knows it! (Despite the melon)
Sending big hugs to you and Manni.
Amy & Rusty
Tina, when I get old, will you take me to the bakery in the ManniMobile? 
You're such a good mom - I know how hard it is to watch Manni slow down but I've had some time to reflect on Izzy's journey and the truth is, she was a changed dog after her knee surgery. She never really got back "up to par" with her ability to use stairs, take walks, etc. She couldn't go as far and the distance got shorter and shorter ... but she always had enough steam to get to the dinner bowl. She still rolled around on the floor in the morning, wagging her tail like a fool, urging me to GET UP and go feed her.
Did she do that every day? No ma'am. But she did it just days before I had to let her go. She was happy and loved and, even though she had some tough spots here and there, I'd still do things mostly the same if I had it to do over.
I think spacing the Palladia out is a good call. If he isn't taking famotidine (pepcid) daily to help with tummy issues, it's worth adding since it's inexpensive ... worth a try? I wasn't aware that Palladia could interfere with blood counts, but I was spoiled by Izzy's incredible ability to tolerate a whole lot of pills, injections, and surgeries. In fact, insome ways, I feel like I got lazy with Izzy. I took for granted her ability to beat back cancer(s) and "keep on keepin' on" ... I knew that SOME day she would succumb to "old" but I sure as heck got "comfortable" with her ancient-ness. Maybe Manni is just trying to keep you on your toes ... and get rides for ice cream.
In any event, just keep loving on that handsome boy and do what you feel is best. Your heart will ALWAYS beg you to keep trying and your head will tell you when you've done all that's reasonable to do. And no matter what, we'll be here to lift you up when you need it.
Sending hugs,
Amy
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Hi Amy
i don't know exactly how I copied your last post, I was actually trying to reply to it...! Sorry!
What I wanted to say, was that you gave Tina such words of wisdom...
"Your heart will always beg you to keep on trying and your head will tell you when you've done all that's reasonable to do"
Stewie & I hope that you are doing okay. Izzy is smiling down on you!
All the best from our boy & his pack! 🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️
Remember...“live in the moment!“
Aww thanks. You give Stewie hugs and kisses from me. I'll post an update later ... just went into hiding for a short bit, understandably so. 🙂
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Tina,
Love the Manni pictures and videos. He looks happy and loving the adventures...but maybe not the watermelon. 😉
You are doing an amazing job exploring the options while giving Manni fun filled days!
Sending good thoughts and prayers for you & Manni.
Stephanie & Mollie 💕
Stephanie! I am so happy to hear from you! I keep wondering how you were doing and if you've had a chance to take Mollie to the beach yet??? 🌊 🏖🐾
after three very good days that I blame on the spacing out the Palladia dose we had a very first of not eating this morning in combination with a little diarrhea. Since the appetite seems to be restored tonight though I will worry about that tomorrow. Maybe.
Still holding out for the appointment next week so keep your fingers crossed that there will be no more unscheduled clinic trips in between.
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.
Ooops, almost forgot:
Amy, I will TOTALLY take you to the bakery in the Mannimobile when you're old! We might have a little issue with the walker I will have to use by then but I'm sure we can manage...
😊😊😊😘
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.
Tina, you're the best!!! Maybe ask the vet for a course of metronidazole to help with diarrhea, *if* it continues. Hopefully, it's just a blip on the screen and unrelated to the meds.
I'm sending lots of positive energy and healing vibes to Manni ... Izzy says she can wait to meet him so there's no hurry! 🙂
xoxo,
Amy & the pink Palladia angel princess, Izzy
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
THREE GOOD DAYSI A ROW???? . That does requirea YAY FOR MANNIE!!!! 🙂 A touch of the 
and and not wanting breakfast but ate his supper??? If not for the stupid piece of disease, we wouldn't be the least but concerned about those little"non-issues". We'd basically write 'em off as a non-event!
Keep holding steady Mr Manni! Steady is good! 🙂
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!
Tina, sweet Tina,
I just LOVED Manni's pictures and video, he is such a handsome boy
Shame him and Eurydice didn't get to meet but hey, he got a cow toy at some point, if I remember correctly 
You are such a great Mom and are doing all you can for him, there is no more he can ask from you.
Being more tired and panting could also be due to the weather, he is at his best in cold temperatures ...
I remember one of your blogs showing him at the beach with a huge smile whilst you were wearing TONS of clothes to keep alive 
You are both in my thoughts every day (even if I don't post that much for now) my heart is right there with yours and I am rooting madly for you guys and sending you all pawsitive energy I can master and crossing my fingers and toes the CT scan will show improvement in his lung tumour so an endoscopy can remove it and you start your journey again on a high note
LOTS and LOTS of love and cuddles, Eurydice is whispering in my ear she does not want to meet him just yet, she still needs lots and lots of time to prepare the Mother of All Pawties for your cutie pie
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
So sweet to to remember...we will be going to the beach next month! Still trying to decide on a stroller/wagon for her. Loved seeing Manni looking comfy in his Mannimobile!!
Positve thoughts for you everyday!! 💖
Tina!!! Love the videos and the update! I am stunned Manni didn't want the watermelon!!! Jasper would have stolen that right from him for sure as that is her favorite!
I love all his photos and I never tire of watching him... he looks great!
I know you have had a rough go of it lately ... so all I can send is love and hugs and kisses to that sweet boy. I know he isn't a huge fan but cuddles and snuggles are sent!!! XOXO
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
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