Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So, I got online today to show my daughter the puppy I have been watching. I never did find him, as petfinder actually worked properly today. I usually type in all the data, MALE, young, black lab and get anything from a Teacup poodle to a St. Bernard. Not today. Somehow I wound up on a special needs adoption site. There is a front, right Tripawed on there. He is 2 years old and the amp is from an unfixed , old injury. I can't get him out of my mind. Part of me wants to fill out the application and another part of me says I am setting myself up for more heartbreak. I know some of you on here have gone on to adopt Tripaweds after losing your first. Am I trying to replace my lost dog? That isn't fair to this boy if I am. He is a mix which would make the cancer risk a bit lower in his remaining legs. I could put on the application that I have Tripaeds experience. ( they don't have to know it was only 72 days worth 
I just don't know what to do........help. Am I being fair to him and to my 2 other dogs? The site said he gets along well with other dogs. I guess I am overthinking things , as I am sure an injury is different from cancer. Plus, he looks to be pretty well recovered. Just looking for a little help from my friends!
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I don't have much advice but I do know that you would be an excellent mom to another tripawd! 72 days or months... it all counts! I have such respect for people that have rescued another Tripawd, Karma and Addy and Elizabeth and Tanner, Rene and Jim with Wyatt.
For me, emotionally it would be too hard. But that is me. Look at Jasper - Jasper is black and Shelby was blond. I had to go total opposite of what I had.
But that is just me! I think no matter what dog finds its way to your home, you will be an amazing mom and caregiver!!!
I know this doesn't really help but I wanted to offer my support!
Like I said, I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who have rescued Tripawds... they are much stronger than I would / could ever be!
XO
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Lori,
The one thing I will say is, if it is meant to be, you will know.......you were obviously directed to that website for a reason. You know in your heart, that you can never replace Ty, so that isn't even a consideration......and 72 days may seem like a short amount of time with Ty as a Tripawd, but packed into those 72 days was a lifetime of experience, joy, stress, hope, heartache....a lot for 72 days. And since this is a young guy from an "accident" I am sure he will learn to do very well as a tripawd, and live for a long time....but even if he doesn't, that is the risk we are all willing to take no matter what life brings our way for our fur babies, just to give them the best chance at a quality, very happy life.
What can it hurt to at least fill out the application? The process will play itself out, and things will fall into place or not.....but it may be worth the effort. About the over-thinking, we all do that now..... I think it has become a pre-requisite from our cancer journey with our beloved Tripawds.....
So, in my humble opinion, I would say GO FO IT !!!!
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Bonnie, I just saw Polly's bannerI I emailed them. Just to see if they even serve my area. He is 2 and 1/2 hours away and they want him to meet any pets you own before considering you. I may be too far away. We will see. I printed out his picture, emailed them and will just sit on it a few days. I had just decided to do like you said fly by the seat of my pants and see what happens. If it is meant to be, it will fall terrifically into place. Hugs from, Lori and. Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Hmm well I think its a sign. I think you should do it. What does it hurt? I mean really. You have experience with a Tripawd yes Ty's was cancer. But this guy wasn't. There is nothing in the world that says this boy will get Cancer.
72 days worth does not matter Lori. I know that a lot of times they look at the experience of having a Tripawd. (I don't consider them special needs). Apply and let what happens happen. I think you would make a good mom.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Lori, I accidentally found Tanner online too and I just could not stop thinking about him. My Jake had cancer, Tanner is a tripawd from injury. For me, it is COMPLETELY different. You can never ever replace Ty so like Bonnie said that is not even option. I didn't seek out a tripawd, but the fact that Tanner is makes me feel like I've honored Jake that much more. No one knows what these guys need more than us, and I agree too that 72 days does not matter! I don't think you ended up where you did online by accident, just like I didn't end up where I found Tanner by accident 
Ooooh, it would be so awesome if he works out! Please keep us updated!!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
I hope it didn't come across as I wouldn't rescue a Tripawd ... or specifically not search for one. If a Tripawd dog fell into my lap (or heaven forbid Jasper become one) of course I would love and honor her/them in the same manner as my best girl... I just re-read what I wrote it sounded like I was anti-ever having another tripawd again which is far from the truth.... No regrets with Shelby... I never saw her as anything other than Shelby ... three or four legs! Like Michelle, hardly 'special needs'... if they don't know then why should we even care!
Hugs and love ... I hope it works out!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Aww, I didn't get that from your post at all Alison. Everyone gets back into the game differently, and sometimes its too hard to have a pup that reminds you of the one you lost. I think we all get that
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Online
Ohhhhh this is so exciting how the Universe works!! Tickles me silly to watch it in action!!
Everyone has givensuch great insight and I ditto everyone too! I really loke Bonnie and Michelle's approach of applying and just go from there. So glad you did!!!
JAKE picked Tanner out for Elizabeth (even though she thinks it's by "accident"! SHELBY picked out Jasper and Sassy sent Michelle Snickers and Jasmine.
So IF this works out, you don't have to have any more worrisome thoughts or unanswerable wuestions, because TY made this choice for you. And he knows better than anyone exactly what you, Chandler and Lucy need.
And Alison, you silly goose, you articulated yourself very well and no one attached ANY negative connotation to your post at all!!!! Not even close,!!
Lori, you are so spot on about some of these sites...you put in St. Benard who likes dogs, and end up with a Chihuahua who must be the only dog in the family!
And I'm just fuessing over here...but I've got a feeling hubby isn't in on this little undercover caper of yours...correct?? Tee...hee...
Sending love and paws crossed!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
And the loving care and devotion you gave Ty in those 72 days was more than most dogs get in a lifetime!!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Alison, I did not get that from your post at all. I think that is my biggest fear going into this. Will it just remind me too much? Of course, he is black and goofy and adorable. At least you haven't insulted someone on here about a dog name. I am still cringing about Hank
my family loves to reminisce about all the times I have stuck my foot into my mouth. I just open it and somehow dumb things just make their way out. But on a serious note, I don't think anyone here thought that is what you meant. I am not just plowing into this without a few reservations. Sally, my husband is actually in on a bit of this. We need to downsize our horse herd. We had a pasture horse that cannot be ridden due to an old injury. He told me if I found her a home, I could get a dog. Well, I have a friend that does horse rescues and rehabs etc. All naturally. She had just lost an old horse and one of her horses was mourning him. I emailed her and she now has a new pasture mate for her girl. I can still go visit and. I know she will be well loved there. My husband thought this would not possibly happen since he knows that I pretty much view most horse auctions like shelters. He knew I would never take her there. I had kind of backed off the dog thing, just thinking, it will happen when it is supposed to. Then this. I have to fill out an application and send pictures of my home to them. All kidding aside, I really DO. Need to discuss this with him in depth. He loved Ty too, and I don't want to cause him hurt either. So, we will see..... Thank you all for your insight. Also, if anyone who has adopted an injury Tripawed could chime in on what ongoing therapy etc. he may need in future. He is just 2. Thanks all, Lori and Ty by the way his name is Daryl and I am not saying a THING about a name anymore.
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
I agree with the others...I think for some reason you were directed to that site. I'm happy for you that you filled out the application and sent it in. And don't worry about only having 72 days of experience in helping Ty after the amputation. You gained a lot of knowledge during that time on how best to help Ty. And lets face it...general society will shy away from even considering a Tripawd because they see these animals as "special needs" but those of us that have been on the journey know differently.
You can offer this pup so much and you know that Tripawds are a far cry from "special needs". They can have just as full of a life as the 4 legged counterparts. I think you have an opportunity here to offer this guy his forever home so he's not waiting for months/years for somebody to take a chance on him.
I say GO FOR IT because you would be a wonderful mom for this very special pup!
HUGS!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Ditto what everyone else has said, Lori -- you were drawn to that site for a reason. Also, 72 days is a ton of Tripawd experience in dog years.
I bet Rene, Elizabeth and Cassie (Domino's mom, who works at a vet clinic) could probably chime in with thoughts on longer-term PT/rehab techniques for younger Tripawds. My guess is that building up core strength would be important, along with regular stretching you could do at home, massaging at home, etc.
Fingers, toes and paws crossed. Keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Lori,
I just LOVE the name Daryl for this pup !! Talk to hubby, search your heart, then just throw ALL those Ty pennies into the wind !!! Go pick them all up and put them back with Ty, and let the Ty magic begin.......!! If sweet little Daryl is the right fit, he will come home to you soon......Sent from Ty......!!
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
I broached the subject with my Hubby today. He wanted to know again why he was a Trpawed. Then he said maybe he will get cancer in that leg. He is scared! I have to go online and check out the application and they want pictures of my home. We will see. Bonnie, how far is Prince Frederick from you? If I do get him maybe we will stop to see you:)
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
4myty said
I broached the subject with my Hubby today. He wanted to know again why he was a Trpawed. Then he said maybe he will get cancer in that leg. He is scared! I have to go online and check out the application and they want pictures of my home. We will see. Bonnie, how far is Prince Frederick from you? If I do get him maybe we will stop to see you:)
Lori,
I sure do feel for your hubby, but he can't let what happened to Ty, cloud his future happiness with another sweet pup.....I think we all have been a little scarred by taking this journey, and that awful thought will always remain in regards to the ugly "c", but it is not ever going to stop me from sharing my life with another amazing dog. We just make sure their life is happy along the way. If I had to do things all over again, the same exact way with Polly, I would do it in a heartbeat..... just to have her in my life for 9 1/2 years, was a treasure beyond words.....
Prince Frederick is in Calvert County, almost the southernmost part of Maryland, and probably about an hour and a half drive from where we live here in Westminster, and if you do end up going down there to get this pup, I would be more than happy if you would stop by to visit !! Just let me know !!
Love,
B & AP 
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