Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ill apologize in advance for any spelling/grammar errors. I am using a mobile device and the auto correct is less than reliable. I guess I'm posting this for some words of encouragement and maybe some tips for handling life and recovery.
Axle is a 3yr old foxt terrier / blue heeler mix. We adoped him last December from out local humane society (horray for shelter dogs!). He quickly becaude a large part of our little family warming the hearts of strangers every time we go out. We believe he was abused in his last home but not much was know about his past do to fact he was transfered from out of state. Axle has one of the warmest. personalities I've ever seen in a dog, and has a presence that's way to large for his 15lbs size.
Unfortunately our little baby was hit by a not so little van Tuesday afternoon. Leaving his back right paw completely destroyed and hiz left leg covered in lacerations. After scooping him up and rushing to vets office we received the good news that other than his paw and his cuts everything lookes good. No broken bones, no internal bleeding. Then the room fell silent as we anticipated the the next words the vet would speak, they would have to take his leg.
My already broken heart shattered in those very seconds. How could I let this happen to my baby? Why didn't I watch him? Why didn't I listen to my gut when it said "don't take him to the park todat!"? I was absolutely crushed.
Thia is the day my worst nightmare came true.
Hi Axle and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about this very tragic accident but very glad to hear you made it though all of that! I know it's difficult to keep in mind that things could have been so much worse. You lost a spare leg but you'll soon see that you didn't need that ol' thing after all.
First, don't blame yourself Mom (or Dad?). Accidents happen. It's hard not to beat yourself up over this, but all you need to do is look at Axle and know that he isn't mad at you, or regretting anything that happened. He's just hoppy to be alive and on the road to recovery! In a few days you'll see this, maybe not right now since the accident and surgery just happened.
Have you checked Jerry's Required Reading List ? Or our ebooks? I really suggest looking there to feel a little more grounded about what lies ahead.
When it comes down to it, as long as you keep Axle lean and healthy, he will do fine on three legs. Our ebook, "Loving Life on Three Legs" talks a lot about how you can make sure this happens. His size is a BIG advantage, all you need to do is make sure he has a calm, safe recovery and keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't overdo things. He may take a little longer to recuperate because he had other minor injuries, but he WILL get there.
When is he coming home? Or is he home yet? How's he doing?
We are here to help. Thanks for joining us, remember you can come here with any questions you have OK? And visit our Chat room where you'll find support from folks throughout the day and evening.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Axle you are aCUTIE PIE! ADORABLE! So sorry this happened to you! I know your mom feels li,e she's stuck in a nightmare right now, but we're all here to gently awaken her and guid her towards your successful surgery and glorious days ahead:-) 
I think would a' should a' could a' is something we ALL deal with and we ALL no better!! Give yourself the same advice you would five a friend......we may not have control over the circumstances but we sure can control how we react to them! You are focused on a solution and no longer need to waste any energy on anything to else....except loving on sweet Axle of course:-)
You will feel sooooo much better and so empowered once you have a chance to review all the tools on this site.
Axle will do just fine adjusting and won't even remember he had a spare leg!! And, so sorry this happened, it the good new is he doesn't have cancer and his future with you I'd BRIGHT, BRIGHT, BRIGHT:-)
We are here for you with any questions or concerns you may have. You are doing exactly what needs to be done and you are a GREAT MOM! Axle loves you and knows you love him!!!
Look forward to helping you in anyway, anytime! Now get some rest AND a good sleep knowing that all is well!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
And don't ever wortry about typos spelling grammer computer skills, etc. No one has ever been kicked off the site for that
Well, so far anyway......I'm worried anyday I maybe the first:-)
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!
I just want to thank you all for the kind words. Its wonderful to know I have something to fall back on when needing support. I just got a call from the vet today, he's doing well. He's able to move around on his own and go potyy by himself. But unfortunately with the lacerations he wont wont be home untill possibly tomorrow. Fingers crossed. We ae just trying to stay pawsitive right know. I've got high hopes. But I still find myself feeling guilty. Ive got an axle shapped hole in my heart that wont be fulled tilled he comes hime. Keep little axle in your thoughts! Ill be sure to update once he's home and comfortable.
Hi Axle's Mom! I'm so sorry to hear about little Axle's accident! Poor little guy! But please don't blame yourself! Accidents do happen.
As for Axle, you wil be amazed at how well he does on 3 legs. I like to show the little doggys these videos of my Jill 3 days (the one of her jumping on the bed) and 1 week (the one of her jumping off the bed and running and jumping onto the couch) after her surgery, because she is just ten pounds, so your little guy is just 5 pounds more, so you can see, the little ones do just great!!! Sending you lots of warm wishes and a speedy recovery for Axle!!!!
xoxo,
Erica & Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Welcome to you...although it is hard you had to go such a terrible thing 
Axel is a darling little guy! <3
Do know that animals don't dwell on the stuff that we do. For them, things are one way...or they are another. But either way, things just...are. And he will absolutely be zooming around again in no time. He doesn't regret what he lost--he is only happy to be here.
My dog lost his front leg (well, we didn't LOSE it, we had it removed and sent away... 
) eight weeks ago. He is an elderly, large breed dog with hip dysplasia and arthritis in his rear legs. He's also stubborn, single minded, and the victim of an unfortunate autoimmune disease that already makes him...well, chupacabra-esque. And it took him all of about two days to figure out the new way of doing things.
So, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks (and really, they figure out most of it on their own), and you will CERTAINLY be able to teach your young little guy more than a few.
Hugs to you and to axel!
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Our paws, fingers toes and tails are crossed that Axle can come home soon! As long as he is getting rest there, that's good, he needs it now. It's gonna be a great day when he's back in your home though. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Axle and family!
I think dogs have such high opinions of themselves that they are certain they are tougher than moving vehicles
. Please don't beat yourself up over this as things just happen no matter what.
Axle will do great as a tripawd and will amaze you. Soon it will seem perfectly normal and you will be surprised when people offer sympathy.
Know that we are here for you at anytime.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Hi I am owned by Nicky a wonderful saluki type lurcher who has a right leg amputation at the front. This was as a result of an accident before I got him. He was left under a car. He now lives life to the full and I am so glad he is with me. He is not unhappy and runs like any other dog.
You love Axel and gave him the second chance,that will not change. Remember to be positive when you see him,he will be happy to see you. He has a full life ahead of him and will soon be running around.
Hugs to you all from me and Nicky.
UPDATE! just talked to the nurse at the hospital, looks like little axle willbe home this afternoon! Waiting on the vet to call back to give us a sure answer. Tha k you all again for the kind words and thoughts you've sent. His way! Still staying pawsitive!
I wanted to welcome you, although that sounds weird, doesn't it? Nobody wants to be here. On the other hand, you'll be glad you found us. Axle is in good hands. You are giving him the opportunity to live a full and complete life. He's small and he's made up of breeds that are bouncy and athletic, so he will be hopping up and down off the couch or bed or wherever his throne is in no time. In fact, you will probably have to limit that. I'm betting he'll want to hop onto something before he's cleared to do so.
Because you had no warning and time to prepare for this, is your house ready for him? Do you have slippery floor surfaces or do you have carpet? You may need some yoga mats or throw rugs to give him traction . If he's used to sleeping on your bed (many little guys do), you'll probably want him in a different place while he recovers.
As for the guilt, dig a hole in the yard and put it there. Then cover it up and move on. One really interesting thing that happens on this amputation journey is that the bond you have with your dog becomes different. Most people aren't prepared for it, honestly. You will be surprised at how much the two of you will grow together. That Axle-shaped hole in your heart is about to be filled in, and your heart is going to grow. Just watch. In a month, tell me if I was wrong. 
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
yay! so happy you get to bring your baby home today! Keep us posted!
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Our home is mostly carpet. The only slip risks are the kitchen and bathroom which he doesn't go in usually anyway. He's a good boy and will usually stand at the egdge of the carpet when told to do so. Another note, the vet just called. Axke I for sure coming home to soend the night, but as to return in the morning for a bandage change. And then again on Monday to hopefully avoid infection in his lacerations. Were taking it one step at a time. I'm just glad my little baby will he back home. We will be off to pick him up around 3!
Yipeeeee! I'm so glad he'll be coming home! And to a Tripawd-proof house too. Fantastic!
Your vet sounds really great, I'm glad to see her/him being so pro-active and making sure that infection doesn't set in. It's a hassle to go back and forth for bandage changes but better safe than sorry.
Let us know how his homecoming goes. We'll be in the chat this evening so stop on by!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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