Tripawds Foundation ASAP grant #62 helps new Tripawd Cali and her mom recover from amputation surgery. Read on for her story, and learn more about the Tripawds Amputation Surgery Assistance Program. See if you or someone you know qualifies for our pet amputation financial assistance.
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Tripawd Cali Gets Help After Amputation, and So Does Her Mom
July 14, 2023 – worst day of my life. Osteosarcoma. What is that? The ER vet said it’s serious. “2 to 4 months to live…” trailed off like I’m in a nightmare.
Just prior, while Cali was being x-rayed, I thought “Pink. She would like a pink cast,” thinking she had broken her leg when she fell at a friend’s house.
Before Cali and I became a family 6 years ago, she lived with a neighbor, if you can call it “living.” Cali was used as a bait dog for fights, abused, severely neglected, malnourished, covered in motor oil, fleas & ticks, had heart worms, mange, ear & eye sores. She was forced to sleep outside without shelter from the elements. She had been hit twice by cars, and never taken for treatment. And since a large part of her body was shaved for the amputation, I can see the scars from her being attacked. Heartbreaking.
In this photo, Cali had just received her 10 minutes of Epsom salt towel treatment, and in the photo, she is receiving her 10 minutes of ice. You’ll also see her favorite toy, “Stormies Zebra” in the photo, and ironically she had chewed off the zebras right leg (it was Cali’s right leg that was amputated).
Rescue Dog Cali to the Rescue
Cali began showing up at my house every day since I moved into the neighborhood. I couldn’t watch her suffer so I took her to the vet. Soon after, the neighbor surrendered her to me. Joyous day! One by one, I tackled Cali’s medical list. One by one, every cell in my body fell in love with this Beautiful Dog Soul.
I was assaulted by 6 gang members in my driveway. Cali is the sweetest & gentlest being I’ve ever known. This is why I was shocked to see Cali turn into My Protector – teeth ready for action, she chased them all away – saved my life. Literally. Another time a man broke into our home, with a crowbar, while we slept. Upon entry, he found Cali waiting for him. I’ve never seen a human run so fast. In August 2018, I suffered a massive TBI. I had to learn to talk again, along with a lot of other things; I still struggle. I couldn’t work or pay bills. I had to file for bankruptcy. Cali never left my side while I healed. She saved my life for the 3rd time with her unconditional love.
In January 2023, I was fired. No new job. Issues with Unemployment. Savings exhausted, canceled my medical appointments to save money for Cali, sold what I could. A local farm provides me & Cali with a little food (#NOTAFLOF); SNAP for the rest.
I’ve never loved a being more than Cali. We made a Paw Pact Promise to each other that together we will get through this.
Cali Is My Ride Or Die, and I Am Hers. It’s now my turn to save her life.
~ Nisey and Cali (aka: nisey)
Beautiful story of how you take care of each other!!