Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Paula and Max,
The best advice I can offer is not to mourn the living, and it sounds like your doing just that. Keep having fun with Max, besides love that all he really wants. In the last lecture Prof Randy Pausch, says “experience is what you get when you don't get what you want.” I know we would all hope our dogs cancer would forever be in remission, however, when this doesn't happen all we can do is take it day by day.
For some reason or another we are all sharing this journey. We may take different paths to treat and deal with it. This forum is wonderful and provided coping skills for me. You can see that Jerry lived with the lung mets, and my boy Buster is too. I live every day with him like it may be his last and have no regrets. My mother and neighbor have lost their dogs since Buster's diagnose of the lung mets to other things that came out of left field so to speak. Despite Max's prognoses, you can choose how to make the final chapter of his life one of the best ones ever.
ps Buster was diagnosed is mid December with 20 lung nodules, and up until recently is only starting to slow down.
Live it up!
Kim & Buster ( & take lots of pics )
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
Thank you Seanne for your words of wisdom...you must have been a wise old owl in your first life 
You have been my rock during this first 24 hours.
Jacks Mom...Im so sorry about Jack. Ive read your story and didnt realize that Jack was so young. Its incredibly hard with the young ones. Wrigley is only 4 too. I have said what doesnt kill you makes you stronger, and I truly believe that. I will at some point get the word out about canine cancer and I believe that God has given me Max for just that purpose. I am his voice, and even after he is gone I will tell his story and inspire those who question amputation, chemo and allowing their dogs to live whats left of their life pain free and full of love and affection.
Tripawd humans are a breed of their own and we have been given the mission to spread the word. Human cancer or canine cancer, its all the same, taking parts of our families we love dearly. I intend to persue my passion for as long as I can.
Much love to all of you for being good Tripawd pawrents. Our fur babies are gifts of inspiration and love.
Labby high five to the Tripawd gang!
Much love,
Paula and Max
Paula and Spirit Max
Maxs Mom said:
since he and my son broke an antique vase while playing ball in the house, its been banned. We played like maniacs today!!! Im sure the cat thinks that aliens have invaded his humans bodies!Weve all gone Labby crazy.
I really want to just let him “be” for the rest of his life. I have no problem giving him meds for comfort level, but anything over and above that Ive chosen not to do. I know for some that may seem like Im giving up too easily, but they dont really know Max's history.
Paula,
About that vase story...ha! Reminds me of that Brady Bunch episode! "Mom always said, don't play ball in the house!"
When Jerry got cancer, we pretty much decided he could do anything he wanted as long as it made him happy. You go!
And as for giving up, no, we don't think you are. We understand completely where you're coming from, and your decision parallels those we made for Jerry. The important thing is quality of life, and you understand that completely. Max knows it too. He's having a great time, I'm sure!
Many hugs to you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
wrigley said:
I believe maybe that is why God gave us these special creatures- because he knew he could depend on us to make their final days here ones of pure joy and happiness.
This is such a beautiful thought. And taking it one step further. I believe we are given this journey because we are the strong ones, we have the ability to draw strength from others and keep our tripawds happy to the very end. What a special blessing, for them and for us.
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.
I have been thinking about Max this past week and you, his Mom have touched on something really important for all of us people and dogs. The lesson is that we should go for 20 tennis balls in the house, fresh bones from the butcher, play and walks and love and fun. In the end it is all that matters……..reminds me of my mother-in-law who would never use her “good” china and died at 58, now I have it and use it all the time!! I am glad to hear you are living and loving in the moment, you are teaching all of us.
Sending you our love,
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
and you my rock when I needed it last week-
I hope you are enjoying Lab Life to the fullest this weekend as I am sure you are- we are thinking of you. I have no doubt you will succeed in inspiring and educating others who face this journey. I will be there to cheer you on.
"Living and Loving in the Moment" that is what it is all about- and what a wonderful job our tripawds are doing getting that point across.
Seanne and Wrigley
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
You all inspire me and give me strength and give me hope that when Zeus and I are faced with this, I will be able to handle it with grace and a love for life...the here and now.
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you.
To the "here and now" as our fur kids lead us.
All our love,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
gineej said:
reminds me of my mother-in-law who would never use her “good” china and died at 58, now I have it and use it all the time!!
My Mom used to be the same way. After I got sick and we hit the road, she realized how silly it was to save things for “a special occasion.”
Every day is a special occasion when you're a Tripawd! And even if you're not a Tripawd, every day is STILL a special occasion. Thank Dog for another day of just being alive!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
A little "activity update".....we decided to take Max to the lake this weekend since its his favorite place in the world...its cold and frozen, a 5 hour drive, and we had to turn the water and heat back on in the house since it was closed for the winter. We called our neighbors (at the lake) who live in Minneapolis, Mn and they came up too. We made a huge campfire in the snow and grilled t-bones over it. Max will be getting the bones for treats for the next few days. Also, everyone got a new tennis ball and as the day progressed, we all took turns giving him a new ball each time he wanted to play. This is Labby heaven!!! The other neighbors dog that we adopt each time we come up has been with us the entire time (long story, but bottom line...owners should NOT have a dog) and he is 9-10 years old. I wanted him and Max to see each other before something happened to either one of them. They have been hanging out and eating steak together. I can only imagne what their conversations must be......Yogi..\\\\>>dude, Im so glad to see you.... whats up with your Mom and all of the balls?? She rocks with the steak though!! max\\\\>> I dont know..shes been acting REALLY wierd. I must have 20 balls now and she let me play in the house!!! Maybe the cat finally drove her crazy!
All in a great attempt to live like our babies...in the moment. 
Love to all!
Paula and Max
Paula and Spirit Max
That's the spirit ... Now! Now! Now!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
How incredibly cool is that! What an awesome idea to go have a Labby party at the lake. Good friends, balls to chase, bones, steak, water - a little slice of heaven!
I love your approach to living in the moment with Max, how inspiring.
Hear's to making every day a party!!
Sue and Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Paula - you ROCK!!!!!
Love you~
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Dear Paula and Max,
I have been away from the site for a week or so and I just saw your post...
Words cannot describe how heavy my heart is for you two. I know that this must be so difficult for you. Its everyones worst nightmare, hearing those words. The only thing I can say is that you have been doing a GREAT job at keeping Max happy and playful! Thats so great! You should be so proud of yourself. Not everyone would be as upbeat as you are.
Please know we are sending you lots of prayers, hugs and wags (from the puppies of course!). We are thinking about you.
XOXO
Casey and Gracie, Hoyt and Tripawd Tucker!
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