Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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Hello everybody! I am so happy to have found this page and finally have the courage to write some things down. First of all I hope everybody is doing fine and is healthy during this crazy time we are all experiencing
Well, I fell in love with a gorgeous Tripawd guy from Greece. He is about five years old, 50 cm, got hit by a car when he was about a year old. The right rear leg had to be amputated after the accident. Since then he is living in the shelter. I cannot get him off my mind -for more than six months I am checking the page for new pics or videos, reading as many articles as I can find in the web about dogs with special needs and imagining our lives with three beautiful souls.
I have two smaller dogs, Jack Russell Terrier mixes, male 9 and female 4 years old. Even though they are energetic breeds, my male has to slow down due to many injuries by playing too much, running too much and we have to prevent arthritis. We adopted the female dog almost two years ago from a shelter in spain. She is more easy going, loves to take her time exploring everything when we are on our walks. That takes often times a lot of time waiting for her.
Yes we do like longer walks, but I also had to learn from my male dog, that we had to change locations for example because of his pain. I learned how important joint supplyments are. I learned to take longer and more often breaks. I made his and my life easier by getting a pet stroller (which we don t need these days cause he s getting better. We finally found a vet that treated him right)... We learn so many things when we love and care and we adapt to them.
So I dont see an issue in having a dog that is living on three legs. But still there is that insecurity and I don t know why. Maybe I am afraid of many costs at the vet..I guess that is my biggest concern. The bills are crazy here in Switzerland and the most vets are just not that good and only want to make money! That is not a joke, that is sad reality!
Maybe it is the family telling me being crazy to want another dog and a dog with a handicap is too much to handle.. I don t know what to do. I am going crazy being that indecisive! I mean it is not buying a chanel bag and regretting the color. It is a soul and I would never ever want him to go back to any shelter. When I make a decision I stick to it and I work through everything challenging. It would be great if someone has some suggestions or personal experiences being in that indecisiveness!
Thank you and sorry for my bad english.
Hi and welcome! We are so glad you joined us, and hope that we can help you decide if this sweet doggie is right for you and the others. Your English is not bad at all, no apologies necessary!
It sounds like you are very savvy about finding good veterinary care, and very in tune with your dog's physical and emotional needs. In other words, you sound like a great pet parent!
If the hesitation is happening because you are worried about the cost of care, that's a good thing to consider. Three-legged dogs are like any other: sometimes they might have health issues that cost a lot of money, sometimes they do not. In general, amputee pets will be more prone to arthritis at an earlier age, so that is a good expense to plan for. But as long as you are conscientious about his activity level, keep him lean and monitor his mobility and pain levels throughout his life, this pup has every chance in the world at doing well without needing a lot of expensive care. Of course we also recommend pet insurance. Are there pet health insurance companies in Switzerland?
Have you seen our article, What to Know When Adopting a Tripawd? I think it will answer many of your questions. But stay tuned, other members here will chime in soon and give their feedback too. Talk to you soon!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for open your heart up to the dogs you already have, and not possibly another one. Something we already know from reading your post that you provide a loving and caring and fun home for your dogs❤
Agree with Jerry's comments. There are no guarantees with any dog that they may, or may not incur medical expenses for some unknown or unforeseen reason.
As Jerry mentioned, sometimes Tripawds are more prone to arthritis. Of course, as you already with your Jack Russell, there are things you can do keep uour pup active and pain free. You are doing a great job with the way you monitor the walks. Taking time to stop and smell the Rose's, or use the cart for longer walks....good job!
If possible, try and get an appointment with a Rehabilitation Specialist for tips on how to build his core muscles and to keep the remaining three legs fit.
And NO, tripawds are not "handicapped"!! They really do have "three legs and a spare! They can literally do everything a four legger can do....just with a little moderation in certain areas.
Co tinue to ask questions and let us know how we can help further, okay? Also, check around on the site and see video of dogs living life to the fullest in three legs.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
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