Internet, meetĀ Rascal.
To put it simply, my dog is going to lose a leg.
I’ve decided to create a blog about it instead of clogging up the forums of tripawds.com with photos of my boy as we take this journey together.
As I stated in the forum where I asked my very first questions, it’s been decided that the best course of action from here would be to remove Rascal’s right fore-leg versus continually removing theĀ tumor on his ankle joint. I’ve been keeping myself in a very strict head space since this decision was made, only optimism and faith in the grit of my dog are welcome in this brain. My one wish is that I could sit him down and communicate what is going to happen, it’s the dropping him off for an operation resulting in weeks of painĀ that will hurt like betrayal. Luckily for me I know Rascal won’t see it that way.
His tumor looks horrible, the skin so tight it’s ready to split, the scar tissue from previous removal operations is actually almost a centimeter wide from the skin stretching so much! Rascal licks at it and I think that’s aided the stretching, but we’ve run out of time and the surgery is scheduled.
The surgery will take place on Monday, June 29th 2015.
Today was a fun day though! Since his human has been feeling the stress and wants to be prepared for his post-op, we participated in a bit of retail therapy today! I took Rascal to two different pet stores to look at a few simple things like a soft but very light t-shirt to heal in, a stand to elevate his food bowl, and some peanut butter pill pockets for the series of pain medications he’ll soon be taking.
I wanted to take a look at the pro-collar inflatable cone alternative as well, despite Rascal handling traditional cones fine. Frustratingly enough both stores didn’t have what I was looking for, either the wrong size or way overpriced! That’s okay though, there’s always online!
Did I mention that my boy loves car rides?
I hope this post finds anyone who reads it well,
Rascal and Co.
We had Bailey’s leg amputated just 2 weeks ago and she’s already hop-running around. We know it’s hard but you’re doing the right thing for Rascal and you’ll be rewarded with lots of slobbery kisses we’re certain. We’ll keep Rascal in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery from the surgery. He’ll be the best-dressed post-op pup, that’s for sure!
I’m so glad to hear Super Bailey is recovering well! Your blog is beautifully written as well; with a pup as young as Bailey I’m wishing you many, many years together yet to come!
I look forward to reading about rascal’s adventures as a tripawd. It’s amazing how well they adapt!
Are you a game of thrones fan by chance? Or is this title just coincidence?
I’ve read all the books twice. It’s not a coincidence, so well spotted! Thanks for joining us on this new adventure!
Thank you for posting your story. I am going through the same thing, except we do not yet have the date of the surgery scheduled. My dog only has a slight limp at this point and I am trying to get her to lose some weight before the surgery.
Thanks for reading! I’ve never been able to get Rascal particularly slim, he was pretty much born chubby, but he’s healthy, active, and strong enough so here we go!
I am looking forward to taking this journey with you! Rascal looks a bit like my Shelby (those ears and that smile) … so I’m partial to blond dogs and JRTs. They are spirited and strong willed. He will do great! We loved car rides also and once the leg came off, car rides were still fun! Even more fun since there wasn’t the pain associated with the bumps in the road.
We also had an elevated food bowl (Shelby was a rear amp) and I got her a soft cone to wear instead of the ‘cone of shame’. Hugs and kisses for a smooth surgery and recovery!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
What’s funny is the blonde face on Rascal is actually all his old man white hair blending perfectly with his ginger face to make it blonde! I’ll have to post an old photo from his younger days to show off what a ginger boy he is underneath! Thanks for commenting and deciding to join us, I really appreciate the camaraderie!
I can tell your blog is gonna be PAWESOME! Love the way you are sharing your story, and your tone is so upbeat, I know it’s going to really help you on this journey.
Regarding:
“My one wish is that I could sit him down and communicate what is going to happen”
But ah, you can! Check it out:
http://downloads.tripawds.com/2014/05/05/more-animal-communication-tips-from-stacy/
Meanwhile, never forget that if you want help in a hurry the forums are your best bet since sometimes the blogs can be so busy that some entries may get missed by the community. We are here for you.
Thanks loads for that resource and the tip Jerry! I went and listened to the radio session from 2012!
Welcome to the Tripawd Nation! We are looking forward to following Rascal’s adventures on three š
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Welcome. Glad to hear that you are so upbeat. Rascal will take his cues from you. š Can’t wait to hear what happens and how things go
Michelle & Angel Sassy
LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE!!!
And I love the picture of Rascal thoroughly enjoying being in the moment and catching the scents on the breeze as he enjoys his car ride.
Going shopping for his “recovery clothes”…what a great way to spend quality time with your bud!!
And no, Rascal won’t feel betrayed by the surgery…he will feel grateful tha the painful leg is gone!!
We’ll be eight by your side on this journey…especially during recovery. So don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or jist need some reassurance. We’ve al l been through it…and we’ve all gotten through it!
And remember, Rascal is living in the moment and not worrying about any ole sugery!
Sending love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!