Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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12/6/14. Took a while for Calvert to wake up and want to go for a ride today but he did. His big brother is always looking out for him. Calvert had an few what look like mini seizures. . He shook for a few seconds and his heart rate was really fast during that time. It went back to normal though. Ya. Im really bummed Calvert wasnt feelong well enough to eat that burger. He wouldnt eat anything we offered him today. He also has diarrhea but isbablento hold it. No incontinence yet. I wasnt ready for things to escalate this quickly.
Love him and be with him. Try to stay positive so that he feels your vibe. Most of us have been where you are...SUCKS!
Just know in your heart that it is the right thing to do. PLEASE don't feel guilty about being away. Dogs much like people can sometimes let their guard down and let the process progress when they don't feel the pressure to keep going for someone else. Holding you in my thoughts!
I'm so sorry that Calvert's health declined so rapidly. We all wish we had more time with our precious furkids. Just know that you are doing right by Calvert by not holding him here to continue in his earthly form. I've always said my Leland's spirit was still strong but his body just couldn't keep up when we let him go. I think the same is true for Calvert. Enjoy the moments you still have with Calvert and spend the day snuggling and kissing that sweet face of his.
We are here to support you through the next phase of your journey with Calvert...grief. And it SUCKS but you will come through it...Calvert's sweet fur sibling will need you that's for sure. And we will be grieving with you because I think I can say all of us here in this community have fallen in love with sweet Calvert. Thank you for sharing all these special moments through your pictures and words. Calvert will never be forgotten here!!
Sending Calvert lots of hugs and kisses...and a tight hug for you!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
So much love mong the three of you...so much love. Calvert sure knows how to snuggle.
Yes, as Sahana said so well, Calvert senses you know it's time for him to be free of this earthly body. Although he knows you will be sad, he knows you'll be okay and that brings him such leace and calm. He is clearly preparing for his next part of this journey with no fear, just joy and excitement to be a puppy again.
We are all thinking of you and Calvert and will be surrounding you with strength and love tomorrow.. In the meantime, continue to celebrate this short, but emlowering journey unconditional love...from Calvert to you...and you to Calvert.
You will be strong for Calvert tomorrow because your love is thst strong!!
Surrounding you with @ove...Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I can't believe he went downhill so fast- life just isn't fair sometimes.
You've done all you can for Calvert, and shown him a lifetime of love. I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow, sending strong, peaceful thoughts your way.
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
Just want you to know, I am keeping you and sweet Calvert in my thoughts tonight and tomorrow, and also in my heart.......we all do understand the emotions and extreme sadness and grief you will be faced with.....
Sending a huge group {{{hug}} to you.....we are all here for you....
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I've followed your story and photos and my heart literally breaks for you. I don't even have the words.. it's just so sad and unfair.
But I wanted to let you know that you and Calvert will be in my thoughts tomorrow and always.
Sending you love,
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
http://i147.pho.....54487.jpeg
Thank you all very much for your kind words and support and thoughts.
I have a ton more photos to share, and I promise you I will share each one.
About a week ago you all asked me what life lessons Calvert has taught me. I gave you my answers and also responded "he's teaching me one right now, I just dont know what that is yet." Well, I have the final answer. Grace. Every thing Calvert and I have been through has instilled in me a kind of grace I have never known. I didnt know it until my best friend (who also is my photographer) informed me that through this whole ordeal, and especially while at the lake yesterday, I handled myself and Calvert with such grace that she found it inspiring.
Ive never known Grace like this. It gives the word a new meaning. Grace is shedding happy tears in the midst of sorrow and anguish just because Calvert, my three legged soulmate, perked his ears up when I walked in the door tonight, then (although struggled to) walked over to me and had the slightest wag in his tail. I am sooooo unbelievably happy that I got to see that tail wag for what could very possibly be the last time.
Grace is accepting the inevitable and plunging ahead with positivity no matter how much sorrow and agony you harbor. Having Grace doesn't mean you are calous and can face the world with no emotion, oh no. Grace is being able to feel those emotions and express them meaningfully and not be ashamed or embarassed for having them. I think once you find Grace, you can find Peace. 
Im gonna pull Calvert close and soend one more night cuddling with him, and prepare for our next step in this journey. I will leave you with a pic.
That picture is just amazing. Angie, you are the definition of Grace...and so is Calvert. So many of us will be thinking of you both today and holding you in our hearts.
With comfort and hugs,
Deb and Angel Lexie
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
I'm here as well with the community. Here for you and Calvert. Here for you to lean. Here to cry with you. Here to heal.
I'm in awe of your recognition of Grace. Calvert has truly blessed you with a wonderful gift.
Peace be with you and your sweet, sweet Calvert.
xoxo
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
What absolutely beautiful words.......sobbing uncontrollably, but your words about Calvert are so uplifting and true in the face of such enormous heartbreak....sometimes I am astounded at my own ability to feel such deep heartache again and again.....my word of the day and week, Grace......
{{{much hugs}}}
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Wow, you put this journey so well, so beautifully into words and I haven't had the wherewithal to find. Even as your heart is breaking, you manage to live in the spirit and the way that Calvert wants you to. You are amazing. I want to read your pst again later today when I'm not rushed to get to work.
I too am also stunned that things are at this point and am sending all my love & hugs to you and the pack. Please keep us posted when you are able and know that everyone here has you in their thoughts today and always.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So very well said and a beautiful picture of you both. You and Calvert are truly an inspiration.
Run free and play today Calvert at the Bridge! You will always remain young and healthy from here on out and then someday you will greet your mom and will ALWAYS be at her side.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
http://i147.pho.....235008.jpg
Calvert arrived at the Rainbow Bridge at about 10:45am. He was surrounded by love. When my friend Danyel arrived, he was very excited to see her. When he saw the vet, hewagged his ttail and tried to give her kisses. He passed gracefully. It was beautiful. I thought I would feel heartache and pain, but I feel relief and joy that his passing meant no more illness. The timing was just right, he still had spunk left, and It made me happy to see that. I know that we did everything we could, and I know Calvert jad the best life and the best pawrent he could. He couldnt have been luckier. Oh no, its ME who couldnt have been luckier. I feel no heartache. I feel no pain in losing him. Well, not the pain I was dreading. A good kind of pain. It's hard to explain, but I can honeslty and truely say that I am at peace. Yes, things will be different at home, and I will need to adjust without Calvert there, but I am not heartbroken, because we lived a fulfilling life.
I took this picture last night. Calverts ears were not laid flat like they have been. They were perked, which tells me he was very relaxed and content in my arms.
I love this pic so much.......I am still sobbing but your amazing outlook of yours and Calvert's wonderful life together makes my heart smile........if only we all can feel what you are feeling at this moment and moments of losing your sweet boy, and recognizing the joy and beauty of his crossing......a VERY hard thing to do for most, but you have achieved incredible clarity during this terribly difficult time.....I am uplifted from your words of understanding, and I also want you to know that precious Calvert could have NEVER had a better mom than you.
Healing {{{hugs}}} coming your way, and you and Calvert will be in my continuing thoughts...
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
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