What we like to say if someone’s vet says their dog isn’t a candidate, is to get a second opinion. We’ve had numerous dogs here who are larger than Chip do just fine on three legs. While it is more of a challenge for them, most do get along fine. A few did have challenges they couldn’t overcome but that was due to the cancer, not to being a Tripawd. Even those dogs have pawrents that say they didn’t regret going through amputation.

Oslo, another Newfie, is one pup who I’m thinking of. YOu can follow along with his progress in the Forums here. Feel free to PM his pawrents, I’m sure they would be happy to tell you how he coped with being a Tripawd.

Far too many times we have heard from people putting their dogs through multiple, painful, expensive surgeries trying to “save the leg” only to wind up amputating anyway. You’re in luck, without cancer being a factor you have the option of rehab, and if necessary a few weeks of recovery after amputation before your girl may be running like the wind again. Check the videos page for some amazing three legged dogs, then post in the forums for plenty of advice and support.

Contact a certified veterinary rehab specialist and don’t miss our video interviews with California Animal Rehab. Most importantly, understand that you are not alone in the decisions you face and this is by no means the end. She was born with three legs and a spare.

You’ll find lots of more recovery and care tips in Jerry’s Required Reading List, and for immediate answers to the most common dog amputation questions download the new Tripawds e-book Three Legs and A Spare.

Best wishes.