Well our beloved 10 month old American Bulldog Bella Mae is becoming a tripawd as I sit here typing this post.  I found this site last night and was so very thankful for the information it provided me as I felt a bit more prepared for what was about to happen today.  As for Bella Mae's story well she is my third child.  I wanted another two legged baby but my husband did not so we settled on a four legged one;) she has gone everywhere with me since she was six weeks old.  Loves to visit and ride in the truck.  Unfortunately that is where the story takes a negative turn.  About three weeks ago Bella and I had just dropped the kids off to school like we had done a million other mornings and on the way home BAM! we were t-boned in my SUV two houses from home.  Bella's side of the truck took the impact of this huge casket vault setting truck and trailer that crushed my SUV. How she managed to escape with no broken bones is beyond me but thankfully so.  Unfortunately, her right front shoulder suffered a brachial plexus avulsion which basically detached the nerves of that limb from her spine.  Thus she had no use or feeling in that limb.  After dr visits and such we decided to wait a bit the see if nerve regeneration was at all a possibility but woke up New Year's Eve Day to my poor Bella covered in blood and half her paw missing.  Apparently, sometimes they begin to chew the "ghost" limb as it has no feeling.  I have never experienced anything like that in my life!  I pray noone else would have to.  So after a vet visit to pack it and wrap it, antibiotics, (Had to happen on a holiday when noone is open!) and now today the big day amputation. She truly hasn't used it in a few weeks so it is really just a nuisance at this point but I am concerned with the phantom pains they speak of.  Because she is young I know she will adjust fine she already plays three legged with our 11 year old mutt Camille. (Speaking of Camille she must think she is next to go poor baby… as amidst this our 8 year old Jack Russell had a heart attack 2 days before Christmas and passed away.  He had a heart murmur when he was born but it was never an issue before, til then, UGH!.  Now we leave with Bella and she doesn't return with us.  They say two to three days recovering in the hospital).  Anyway I am patiently well okay not so patiently awaiting news that she is out of surgery and everything went well.  I hope to get some well needed advice on her recovery and adjustment from this site. Thanks so much for reading her story.  I'll go pace some more! 

Wow, many blessings in this story, so many near-misses (you, the kids), but what a bummer and I'm so sorry about your Jack Russell.  The good news is that Bella Mae will be up and about in no time and after that, you don't need to worry about cancer like most of us here.  The recovery can be rough, but only for 2 or 3 weeks.  We're here if you have questions or concerns, and you probably will..it's hard not to worry when they are so not themselves.

I'm so sorry to read about your Jack Russell. Please let us know what happens with Bella's surgery. She should do well as a tripawd since she is already used to getting around w/out the use of that limb. Once she is off the pain meds and has her stitches out she should be mostly back to her old self. I had a young dog too (15 months) at the time of her amp and she pretty much was back to doing everything she'd done before.

Come back here if you have questions or just need some support during her recovery. We've been there! I'm sorry you had to find us, but you won't be sorry you did. Great folks here with lots of knowledge, willing to share their experiences.

It is terrible that Bella (and you!) had to go through that terrible accident, but you will soon see that it is awesome to be a tripawd pawrent. Welcome to the club.
Jackie, Abby's mom

So sorry to hear your events over the past several weeks.  Bella will pull through fine and be back to her self in not time.  There are some great resources that others have pointed you towards and don't hesitate to ask for anything here.

Wow, high and deep is pretty descriptive, isn't it? Karen is right–8 is way too young especially when the dog seems healthy. I'm so sorry you had that right on top of dealing with Bella and Christmas and life in general. And I'm sorry your pack has suffered such a loss.

Bella will likely do really well due to her age. Keeping her lean as she matures will be important, but your vet needs to advise you on that since she's still growing. 

Keep in mind that Bella will look to you for guidance on how to interpret this, so it's important to have the attitude that things will only get better. The "poor baby" stuff is best done in the bathroom–alone. She is young and you are her leader. Act like (and believe) that her potential is unlimited and so will she. Good luck and please let us know when she's out of surgery and then home. And pictures! We just can't live without pictures around here. 

Shari, Dakota and Evelyn the Embarrassment (English snob bulldog)

Wow, you have sure been through a lot.  Since Bella Mae has been getting around without the use of her leg, I am sure she will recuperate well.  My advice would be the same as others, be sure to rest up before she comes home.  The first few weeks are very difficult both physically and emotionally.  Each day will get a little easier and before you know it she will be getting around like a champ.  My Fergus did not experience phantom pains, hopefully Bella Mae won't either.  Be sure to use this website, it is an invaluable support system.  The only "dumb" question, is the one you don't ask!! 

Here's to a better 2012 for you and your family,

Tara & Spirit Fergus