Hi everyone,
First of all I have to thank every one here for being so open and sharing their experience. I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster since finding out that our Rudy, 11yr old german shepard/lab/(rottie?) mix, has bone cancer. It felt like a ton of bricks hit me when I heard my vet say those words. How could that be? We thought that limp in his back leg, was arthritis. He had hurt this same leg a few years ago running around like a crazy man at the beach. We were just going to the vet for a checkup and yearly shots. I wanted to get his back leg checked out too since he had recently started limping. I thought maybe he hurt it again by playing and running with a dog friend and maybe overextended himself.
We had x-rays and a bone biopsy done and we were faced with making a decision. We’ve decided to amputate his affected leg. I’m scared and I pray every day for the strength to get through this. Rudy is one of those dogs that just smiles and has a great attitude. I’m trying to learn from him! My husband has learned very quickly from Rudy. Me on the other hand is another story. Like I said it’s been an emotional roller coaster. I think now I’m doing better since we made the decision to take his little leg off. Reading several entries on tripawds have helped me immensely!
Rudy is scheduled for surgery this wednesday (please send your positive energy!). He’s not going to be happy when we leave him at the vets office! But this will help relieve the pain he’s been in and that will make us all happy. I know Rudy will recover fine, he’s already been walking on three legs so that should be an easier transition. As far as the surgery and getting around the house I’m trying to stay level headed. I have so many questions and thoughts! How are we going to get him in the car when we pick him up after surgery? Rudy weighs about 95 lbs. How are we going to get him up the stairs when we get home? I ordered a carrier type thing from fosters and smith, so that should help. What if he thinks he still has his leg and tries to balance himself and falls! My husband keeps telling me not to worry, we’re all in this together. I know after reading other entries that we’ve all had these same questions. Rudy is such a lover and such a happy dog. He’s been through a lot with me over the years. Rudy is like my son, I know everyone can relate to that, and I just want him to be ok.
Thanks tripawds for this outlet.
~J