Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Brett and Fortis the Fighter,
Glad to hear the prednisone is working well. That has got to be the most scariest thing to be coughing up blood and gunk. I'm also glad you got to recharge and spend quality time talking to a good friend (sounds like good medicine). I know Fortis will keep fighting for you, and for his many fans (Sadie says "Hi there cutie 
") She's turned into such a flirt lately 
Get some rest, and keep us posted.
Hugs and sloppy Sadie kisses,
Lisa & Sadie
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
I am so glad that Fortis is doing better. I checked Fortis' blog and there was no recent update, so I have been worried about Fortis all day long. Wow, a burst lung met. It sounded horrifying. Glad to find out that you and Fortis can carry on and have more wonderful swims together. Fortis is one amazing dog and the love you two share touches me deeply.
Nancy and James the poodle
James the poodle had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma on Aug. 4, 2010. He is currently doing chemo.
Fortis
Glad you are feeling better and back on your feet! I didn't even hear you were having problems until they were solved. Indeed, Tika, Yoda and Caira Sue (especially Tika) had some rather graphic descriptions of burst lung mets this last year. Tika chugged along for quite some time after these episodes.
For a bit of humour, check out Tika's postings about the assorted (or should it be sordid?) places they ended up - living room walls and carpets - after a good cough. After decorating her pawrents walls, she generally felt much better. I suppose you can consider it a tripawd's contribution to home remodelling - Fortis, keep that in mind if your Dad still needs help with the home reno.
Brett – I'm so happy to read that Fortis is doing better. That must have been so scary for you. I think your quote from Caira Sue puts things in perspective for all of us:
"It's not a sign of the end. It's a sign of the process. Cancer is a crappy journey, because we all know how it ends.
Just wanted you to know that we are all here for you and we will listen any time! We love Fortis and are saying lots of prayers that he continues to do well.
Please give that big love a big golden hug from us.
Kami, Mackenzie & Kobe
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
brett thanks for continuing to share fortis' journey with us. this is scary stuff, but important stuff to know. glad our texas cousin is doing so much better..with good news like that, we can settle down for a well deserved nap. geesh, you scare us big guy!!!
gayle & jane & charon
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
cometdog said:
And let the record state Ms. Shanna, I was born in Abilene - so keep me in the fellow Texan loop.
Well, I actually was born in Utah, went from there to So San Fransisco, and then to Texas where I've been since about age 4. So I guess if we count being born there, you are more Texasn then I . 
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.
Little Fortis, don't scare your parents like that!!! I'm glad that you are responding to the prednisone - I have some extra and some sucralfate left over from Jackers if your dad wants to take it off my hands (just have him send me a pm if he wants me to send it). I've been reeeally busy lately and don't always have time to post responses, but I read every day, and I always like reading Fortis updates (even if they are sucky...booo!). Keep up the fighting, Fortis cuz you are SUPER!
<3 Laura and Invisible Jack
I'm glad to hear that Fortis is taking to the meds! I am sorry to hear his cancer has spread though 🙁 . I know it's part of the journey, but the journey still has it's stinky moments!
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
Hey, Fortis! We're still keeping all fingers and paws crossed for you! You are such a hero and such an inspawration - keep up that good fight! Give your Dad a great big hug from us, ok?
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
hugapitbull said:
cometdog said:
And let the record state Ms. Shanna, I was born in Abilene - so keep me in the fellow Texan loop.
Well, I actually was born in Utah, went from there to So San Fransisco, and then to Texas where I've been since about age 4. So I guess if we count being born there, you are more Texasn then I .
Go figure, you are both more Texan than I. I was born in Massachusetts. Fortis was born in Arizona by the way.
Fortis, Our paws are crossed and we're wagging our tails that you are feeling better! You are one handsome stud!
I again want to thank everyone for your kind comments. Fortis loves the hugs and kisses and truly appreciates all the well wishes and positive thoughts you have sent.
Fortis had a great day swimming yesterday. He thinks he's superman (he's on roids) and acts as if he is 4 or 5 right now. He is even using his rear leg with more authority than at any time since he hurt it. He is coughing more often but is looking and acting wonderfully. He met many strangers yesterday at Town Lake and I was amazed at how many tears were shed by people that don't even know him. It was almost dark by time we were able to leave. It was really nice having so many people wanting to hug and pet on him. Fortis is a people dog for sure and I know how happy this made him. It's not common for this many strangers to approach him. Like I said in an earlier post, I usually have to ask people to pet him. We had a beautiful day and I just felt I needed to post it.
Tazzie said:
Fortis
For a bit of humor, check out Tika's postings about the assorted (or should it be sordid?) places they ended up – living room walls and carpets – after a good cough. After decorating her pawrents walls, she generally felt much better. I suppose you can consider it a tripawd's contribution to home remodeling – Fortis, keep that in mind if your Dad still needs help with the home reno.
I have read Tika's postings and yes Fortis has definitely helped with the remodeling . It ain't pretty! Big dog = big chest cavity = big lungs = lots of nasty stuff! I'm just glad the wife demanded we get the upgraded carpet in the bedrooms with that premo stain/blood retardant thingamajig. It's funny, you don't even care. Your buddy is hurting and nothing else matters!
Thanks,
Fortis'Dad
Oh Brett,
I'm just seeing this now! I'm sorry I haven't replied until now 
I'm glad that Fortis is doing well on the Pred. Like Karen said, like your 'man' needs more things to make him more "manly" !! 
He's such a handsome boy...hugs to you and Fortis!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
WOW....I have just been on briefly and once you get behind.....I never knew if what Magic coughed up was lung mets...mainly because it spread so damn fast, but he did seem to feel better after that one time....I wish Fortis many many more happy swims and days like today with everyone fawning over him...as it should be!!!
Hang in there...
In the scheme of things, carpets, rugs, bedspreads or whatever are so immaterial. (but it's good you got the good stuff!)
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
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