Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog, Murphy, had his left leg amputated last last year (bone cancer) - and up until now – everything was “fine.” Three days ago, things took a turn for the worse. Out of no where – he seemed to lose all of his energy – and he has stopped eating. He does nothing by lay in the garage (all by himself) – and I know he is in pain – and I don't know what to do. I am taking him to the vet in about 45 min – but I've already decided that I am not going to put him through anymore…. He's been through too much already…
I know that we are on borrowed time, BUT I am NOT ready to let him go – but I can't SAVE him…
He hurts… I hurt…
I just love him so much, and I'm not ready to say goodbye…
Update:
We just got back from the vet - the cancer is back. He has a large tumor on his stomach.... nothing can be done... it's a matter of days (weeks?) Vet said we are living on borrowed time...
I'm dying with him....
Debbie & Murphy
Hello Murphy's Mom,
I am new here so have not followed Murphy's story, and I am new to bone cancer in dogs (my dog was just diagnosed this week), so I really do not have anything useful to say. But I know how hard it is to decide whether or not to let a dog go: sometimes the older or weaker they get, the closer we seem to get to them. It is a blessing that we can choose to alleviate their discomfort, unlike for humans, but that also makes it so very very hard. I wish you and Murphy all the best in figuring this out.
Susan (of Tazzie #2)
So sorry to hear of the turn of events. You will never be ready to say goodbye. Similar circumstance for me and my Jack -- he was doing great then out of nowhere he declined - quickly. I was no way near ready.... never could be.
Keep us posted. Remember how lucky you both are to have each other. That you have the love and compassion to make the hardest decision that needs to be made as owners of these amazing furry creatures.... hugs to you.
I'm sorry to hear about Murphy's turn for the worse. I am praying for you as you take him to the vet. You will never be ready to say goodbye but will do what you have to when the time comes to set him free.
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Like the others, I am sad that Murphy is not feeling so hot. Maybe he's just having a few "off" days! It's commendable that you have decided not to put him through any more pain, but it doesn't make the ultimate decision any less difficult. Just remember that he doesn't know he has cancer! All he knows is that he doesn't feel good 🙁 We try to project human emotions on our dogs and that makes the situation worse in my opinion. Just give him plenty of love and let us know how that vet appointment went. We are all here for you! <3
Sending good thoughts for you and Murphy on your vet visit. Hopefully you'll get some encouraging news.
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.
Dear Murphy's Mom, I am sorry that the nasty beast has spreaded. Keep Murphy as comfort as possible. Spoil him, hug him, kiss him with all your might. Thinking of you and Murphy.
Hugs.
Oh Debbie, we are so very sorry. It's such a hard thing to go through, please know you are in our thoughts.
Back when we learned that the lung mets were taking over in my body, my parents were devastated. We all knew that one day it would happen, but it didn't make the news any easier to take. All we could do was to really live in the moment, and appreciate how much time we did have together after my amputation. It was all icing on the cake, you know?
My Dad wrote this post about living on borrowed time, which we hope helps you just a little.
What did the vet give you to help alleviate his pain? When I was feeling bad at that stage in my cancer battle, I was given some drugs that did make me feel pretty good for a while. Prednisone was one. They helped make the last weeks with my parents more enjoyable, and kept me out of pain for longer than we thought they could.
Try to be strong, and remember that there will be plenty of time to grieve later. For now, just love him and spoil him rotten.
It's not easy, but just remember as you walk this journey, we are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Debbie,
So sorry you are going through this difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Just enjoy the time you have. Live in the moment and cherish each moment. Don't let your grief take over now. It will get it's time.... for now just enjoy Murphy's life and all that you share.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Debbie and Murphy,
We are all very sorry to hear of this horrible downturn. I think that you can tell that everyone here also hurts with you and I type though tears of sympathy for your pain. It has been said above and all of us need to remember to enjoy the moment and stay strong for each other. There will be too much time for grieving later.
None of us will ever be "ready" to let go of our precious relationship, but I am just a sure that when the time comes you will find the strength to allow Murphy to leave with dignity and in loving arms that he knows. Please visit a remembrance page that I have posted within my website that helps me to remember that we will never really be without our precious companions for the gifts that they have given us will remain with us forever. This page is at: http://home.com.....sthere.htm
Our prayers for the strength to get through this trial with the full recognition that the two of you are better for having shared this time here together.
Bob & Cherry
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