Here’s Lucy:
She’s the little trooper behind all this and she’s the one who is about to undergo a transformation. This is an older photo, and while her beautiful smile is still just as bright, she is currently burdened with an enormous sarcoma tumor encircling her front right leg. After several vet visits and a specialist or two, we now have a path for treatment; on Tuesday, we’re going to try to make her better. And that means removing her front right leg.
I know it’s harder on us (her Daddy and I), than it is on her. Well, in the worrying-ahead-of-time sense. I know that regardless of how well she bounces back (and I have all faith she will, she’s one tough cookie!), I’m sure it’s going to be hard on her, at least at the beginning. But I have all faith in the individuals we spoke with today, who seemed both filled with knowledge and kindness, and a hope that we’re doing what Lucy would want, too. She’s a young baby still (only 6) and still has a wonderful lifetime of puppy-related things and adventures ahead of her. With radiation largely ruled out, and chemo prognosis not good, this is what can hopefully give her the rest of the amazing life she deserves.
Selfishly, this blog is an opportunity for me (Mommy) to record this adventure and deal with the changes to come. Yet I know finding this website (Tripawd) today made me feel not alone, and I can’t express how much that means.
My baby girl is precious and wonderful and has quite the adventure ahead of her.
But she’s the most wonderful critter and if anyone can troop on through this, she can. 💗
Lucy and family, welcome. You are most definitely not alone and we will be here for you every step of the way. Your maw is right, amputation is always harder on the people than the pets. I have a feeling you will show them that you are even more amazing than they already thought you are.
If we can help at all just bark oK? Best wishes to the pack!
Thank you so much for the kind welcome and encouragement!
Wow! Our Alice had exactly the same problem. A huge sarcoma on the top of her right front leg. It started bleeding and oozing a week ago and just getting so much worse. We just took her home from the hospital a few hours ago. She’s a tripod now. The next few days will be challenging. Alice is 14 years old and she told us she wasn’t ready to give up. Good luck to Lucy I will be following her progress!
Many prayers for your Alice! And fortitude for you guys! 💗 Thank you for thinking of Lucy during your own challenging times.
Lucy is a beautiful girl and I’m sure she will do great! You will find many friends here, people who will not judge you for your decision or be shocked about it! Sometimes it’s hard to make people understand why you are doing this – here, you don’t have to :). Once she’s recovered and doing well, you won’t have to explain why but until then, you have enough on your plate and need SUPPORT and understanding!
Surgery is tomorrow, yes? We will be thinking good thoughts for your girl, and please keep us posted.
Tracy & Zatoichi
Thank you so much! Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, but finances have become an issue. I agree with you, many of the reactions we’ve gotten are quite shocked. We hope we will still be able to find a way to help our baby have this life-restoring surgery. We (and we believe that Lucy would agree) believe that health and happiness is more important than a leg, by far.
Sending love and hugs for Tuesday’s surgery and keeping you and Lucy in my thoughts and prayers! Lucy’s a beauty! Such expression in those eyes!
Thank you so much! I agree, her eyes are hypnotic- just try denying the baby girl a treat!