We have started looking for a second dog after losing our beloved ancient Newfoundland last Spring.  I thought we would get a small, young dog who could be a good playmate for our remaining dog, Winnie (a 19 lb. terrier mix)......then I saw Crosby\'s photo on a rescue site.  He is about 50 lbs., around 4 years old (best guess).....and missing one front leg (no one knows what happened, he was pulled from a kill shelter that way). 

I can\'t get him out of my mind, and am seriously thinking about adopting him, but do have some concerns.  We live in a two-story house....the rescue does not have any stairs and has no idea how he would do on them.  Also, the first floor of our house is all hardwood....in doing research on tripawds, I read that they can have a tough time on slippery floors (particularly with a missing front leg).  And finally, I\'m sure the rescue has only had very basic vet care for him, and are not aware if he has any joint/strength/other issues with his remaining legs.  We can put runner rugs down on the first floor for him (had to do that with our Newfie when he became old and arthritic, so I still have them!)....but would love to get more info about how to help him with other things.  Would using stairs make him more likely to have joint issues as he ages? (I spent 10 months sleeping on a mattress on the floor of my office with our Newfie when he couldn\'t do them anymore....I really don\'t want to do that again, lol)??  Are there other issues that I should be aware of around our house and/or yard?  Is he likely to injure himself trying to romp and play with our fast-as-lightning little terrier??  Just trying to make sure I learn as much as I can to determine whether or not we would be the best home for him.....