The Life and Times of Jif

We ordered the cart from HandicappedPets.com on Thursday, following Jif’s third trip to the vet. She got a shot of cortisone that day. By Friday she seemed a little perkier. On Saturday she was as bad as she had ever been in her life. She was about 10 weeks post surgergy for amputation of her rear leg. She had no control over her bowels, wasn’t drinking, and was dragging the remaining back leg behind her, paw up, and had no feeling in that leg.

We decided to return to the Northwoods Vet Clinic in Anderson, Indiana, where the diagnosis of cancer was made and her leg amputated. They were very sympathic in telling us that Jif was now paralyzed from her midsection back. They weren’t sure why but could do imaging to determine the cause. Regardless of the cause, they said it would involve more surgery and recovery. When asked, they said if it was there dog, it was time to put her down. I’m just now sharing this because it’s such a painful story.

So we put her down and requested a private cremation. That means she was cremated by herself with no other dogs. We received her ashes back a few days later. Along with her ashes we received a bit of her hair, a plaster cast of her paw print and a sad poem I couldn’t only read half of.

The cart arrived on Monday following her death. I contacted the company and they said not to open the box and return it to them. We would be charged for return shipping and a five percent restocking fee. The card was $580 with a back harness.

On Tuesday we began looking for rottie rescues near us but didn’t find any young adult or rott puppies. On Friday we put down a deposit on a pedigree rottie pup at Bowling Green, Indiana. She didn’t even have her eyes open yet. We pick her up on April 20. Maybe that will help us heal the tremendous loss we feel. I just try to remember that Jif gave to us and the happy times we gave to her.

Even if no one reads this blog, I appreciate the opportunity to put some of my feelings on paper in a place where others understand.

I had hoped that Jif would be the exception to the rule, that she wouldn’t be taken by cancer in the 6-12 months that the vet told us would happen. And she didn’t even make it that long.

We were back at the vet this AM.  Third time this week.  The remaining rear leg is now essentially useless.  Vet indicates probably arthritis in the hip.  After some feedback from people in the chat room, we checked out three sources:  (1) Walkin’ Wheels by handicappedpets.com; (2) Eddy’s Wheels; and (3) Doggon Wheels, I think this was at dogwheelchairs.com.  I also looked on line for reviews of these products and decided on Walkin’ Wheels.   It is anticipated that we will receive the equipment on Monday.  Meantime, our girl is very dependent on my husband and a sling.  Her attitude remains very good.  My husband gets a little frustrated with himself in lifting/guiding her.  We’re in our early 60s.  Next time I think we will have to choose a smaller dog.  

 Thanks to those in the chat room who gave us some input.

March 10.  We were at the vets again on Monday and Tuesday of this week.  Jif was having a lot of difficulty getting herself up with the use of her remaining hind leg.  We were given some pain killers.  Was told it was like doggie Celebrex.  While her attitude has improved, her leg hasn’t.  She can raise the leg about half way up and take a step or two before she falls back into a sitting position.  Vet felt around and said he did not believe that her remaining hind leg was affected by cancer or anything else.  At this point, I guess we’re thinking of a cart for her.  Have any of you tried the carts and do you find one brand better than another?  Meantime, her trips outside are made using the sling.

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