Hi there! Thanks for registering as a member. Your future posts won't need approval so post away. I hope you don't mind I moved your post here, but this is a great forum to see how rescued Tripawd dogs and cats do. I'm so happy you're considering this pup!

You ask some GREAT questions and we are always so happy when people consider these things before adopting a three-legged animal. 3-paws up to YOU!

Tripawd dogs can technically do everything a four legger can do, but that doesn't mean they should. Out of survival instinct they'll keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny, but it can really take a toll on a dog's joints -- especially a front-leg Tripawd. So your job as a Tripawd parent is to make sure that your pup has moderate but effective exercise that doesn't cause problems later on down the road. Our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs , addresses the exercise needs of a Tripawd, as does our Tripawds Gear blog and Tripawds Downloads blog . check 'em out!

One of our members recently wrote a terrific post called "The Truth About Tripawds" that perfectly addresses this issue. Meg's mom writes:

5) Tripawds need special care

Everything I’ve said has kind of been saying you’re tripawd is a normal dog, and they can do anything a four legged dog can. Which is true to a point. People always ask me if Meg struggles with anything or can’t do things she could do before. The short answer is she can’t scratch her left ear, and to this day goes into an ear scratch position and waves her stump around. I leap to my feet to scratch for her. Rear tripawd owners – you’ll feel guilty when you’re not home, worrying that they have an itch that you can’t scratch for them.

Meg can do everything else, but that doesn’t mean I let her. I’ll help her on and off the couch if it looks like the jump is a struggle, she isn’t allowed to climb in and out of the car by herself anymore, and I absolutely hate when she leaps off the bed. You need to protect their remaining limbs, they’ve already lost the spare after all. I’ve found dog physios and chiros for when Meg needs it, I’ve looked into dog injury rehabs, we purchased Meg a special bed so her joints don’t hurt, and we got her a special harness that helps her balance when she needs it. Tripawds cost more money than normal dogs, and you do need to put in more effort. Even if that effort is celebrating that your dog survived whatever caused the amputation, or is living with a shitty disease, spoil them, give them more cuddles, let them have tiny amounts of naughty food.

We echo what she says. When it comes to long walks, it is TOTALLY possible -- and fun -- to have this doggie go with you. By using a doggie stroller ! See:

Teach Your Tripawd to Ride in a Pet Wagon

And yes, they make them for larger Rottie dogs.

Another issue is weight management. This is critical for all Tripawds but especially a Rottie. Keeping him slim will be a constant need as he ages.

You can check out our member blogs to see how their dogs, both with and without cancer, have done. I know you'll be amazed!

Let us know if you decide to adopt this dog. If you do, we can't wait to follow your adventures!