Welcome to the club that no one wants to join. We have all stood where you are standing now, and we've all faced the difficult decision that you're facing. Amputation is major surgery, and the thought of them taking your dog's leg is frightening. However, Carter doesn't know any of this — he's not scared. He trusts you to do what's best for him. And it sounds like that's exactly what you're doing.

Carter needs you to be strong, though. The healing process is tough — it's hard on the dog, and it will be hard on you and your family, too. But the tears and the fretting and the depression will only serve to make him anxious, and he's gonna be wiggy enough with the pain meds that they give them. So try to put on a happy face for your boy, be strong when you're around him, because he's going to take his cues from you. And when you're completely freaked — that's what we're here for. You can vent, ask questions, tell us all about your puppy, post photos (we love photos), and be comforted by the fact that you're not alone in this.

Good luck, and we'll be thinking about you as you enter this new chapter of Carter's life.

Micki and Rio

Thank you everyone.!  I felt so much better waking up to this read.   Also a wonderful woman on FB sent me a msg.

I'm so glad to have found you all.  It's makig this so much easier.  The Vet that is doing his surgery is almost two hours away.  He is the Brother of a good friend and given my recent situation, Live in Mi and lost my home, he is doing the surgery for the amt that was raised in Carter's fundraiser.  Which was not much, so i will never forget the kindness this Vet has shown.

I've noticed carter's left front leg. Seems to be turning in. It seems deformed at this point. Is it normal for this to happen? Is there a brace I can get him for that leg? 

Thank you , everyone!

Kelly

Thank you for the responses.

I read about Bailey and I'm so sorry.   It's odd, because I call Carter Monkey boy. All the time. It must be a lab/lab mix thing with them. They do have a twinkle and a sweet nature.   Thank you for your kind words.

Jerry,

Thank you because it just looks like it hurts!  It's very pronounced.  But now that you say what you did…it makes sense, totally.  He is a tri already!  And still has a smile on his face :0

Hugs!

Kelly and Carter[Image Can Not Be Found]

Kelly the resources I've found through this site are incredibly helpful  I have started on Jerry's recommended reading list, in addition to the "Three Legs and a Spare" and I felt much more prepared for Dixie's surgery.  I was also able to find some great assistive devices that have been a huge help. You are an angel for taking care of Carter and I'm so glad you two found each other.  Just update with any specific questions – I am sill new to all of this but everyone else has been very helpful and I'll do what I can to help as well.