This doesn't happen very often & the numbness has not quite exited through my fingertips to write anything profound. We do our best, we try to do what is right & in the animal's best interest, & today we are left heartsick.
Trike, formerly Bandit, entered Riverside Shelter as a stray on 6/24/18. He had a severe luxation in his front left elbow where amputation was recommended. It was swollen, awkward, & painful. He struggled to walk or lay down & he was going to make a strong happy tripod - hence the name Trike.
Erin rushed to Riverside to escort Trike straight to
@Sdbayanimalhospital on July 17th. His x-rays looked okay & his bloodwork had elevated liver values. We did an ultrasound prior to surgery & there were no abnormalities.
Trike got to come back to FFF to meet us & all the volunteers for two days. He got bathed & a nail trim by Kris, Jen bought him a camo bow tie collar, & he snacked on chicken happily. He would roll over for belly rubs & offer kisses. Trike knew nothing of snarky chi behavior, he was gentle & grateful.
Rick loaded our kiddo up yesterday to head into surgery & we never suspected we would never see him again. We were going to "lop his leg off" & life would go on, one of the simple, silly things we say & can do for these guys. Three legs, no big deal- see ya tomorrow!
Trike made it through surgery, no complications, just a very standard procedure. He woke up bright-eyed as most do. This morning Dr. Traversi called to let us know our boy had passed away. We don't know how or why, Trike was even a youngin' for us at only 6 yrs old! Of course there's the assumption that he developed a blood clot or had an underlying disease that we did not identify.
Trike, we are sorry. We are accountable for anything that could have been done or not done to prevent this very final goodbye. You deserved to be pain free, you deserved to know family.
We owe thanks to Kendra registering to be his monthly sponsoring Fan ❤️ Yes, we are still responsible for the expense of Trike's surgery that hovers at $800.00, which is fair. If you are moved to do so, please offer a donation in memory of Trike. Thank you.
We love you, Trike. All fours now, buddy.🌈
