Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm sure this has been covered before... My GSD is on amp+2days and I'm already being asked how he lost his front leg! Besides a painful inoperable tumor in his shoulder joint, I need something more adventurous. What's your best fantasy excuse?
The best I can come up with is a mountain lion attacked a baby in a crib and he fought it off, lost his leg in the battle.
LOL! I love your explanation!!!! I remember this all too well... I think once I said to someone - deadpan - WHAT? She's missing a leg? I didn't notice!!!!
But seriously ... the most I got was people saying, oh that poor girl and to that I would respond, look at that tail wagging ... she's a happy girl!
I think whatever you come up with will be great! But I do like the mountain lion one.... that's hilarious! 🙂
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I thought everyone would have a prepared story? If I didn't laugh I would cry. LOL Maybe this was the wrong forum to ask in!
We usually played it straight and said that she had bone cancer and that we amputated for pain relief. I guess we weren't too phased by the 'oh that is so sad' comments we would get in return. Yes, it made us sad too, but people generally meant well. We always thought of it as an opportunity to educate people that losing a leg (and having cancer) didn't mean she couldn't go for walks or be happy.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
There's actually a thread on here of responses people have used in the past. Darn if I can find it though....
Ohhh Jerrrryyy! I know you can find it
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!
Oh no.. this is a great place to post it! I think it's funny. I think honesty is good too. Like others have said ... it definitely gives a chance to educate on how amazing dogs can do on three legs! 🙂
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
I posted to my friends on Facebook. Responses:
He saved a kitten from an alligator.
He went in to a house fire to save a child and got pinned when the roof collapsed. Chewed his leg off to escape and save the second child.
9 years in VC prison in nam.
He was born a Chernobyl dog.
He donated one to a dog that only had two.
Donated it to science.
The chihuahua looked better the night before drinking. Figured he'd chew his arm off rather than wake her.
OOOOOOOMMMMMDDDDDD! LMAO!!!!!!!
I've searched under every "key word" I can think of to find thst thread I referenced above. These responses, along with the other ones, classic!!!
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!
No worries, this Forum is fine.
Yep, you will tell that story over and over again for the rest of his life. People are curious, who can blame them. Scooby will make a GREAT Tripawd ampawssador to show folks that there's no need to feel sorry for him, he's rockin on 3!
Here are some forum topics that Sally was referring to (I searched for the word "comebacks" Sally, thanks for trying):
Got our first negative comment re: amputation
"Poor doggie" comments - how do you react?
When people ask "What happened to his leg?" If we're in a hurry, we look at them in shock and say "What do you mean?" then bust out laughing. If we get an "aww poor dog," we comeback with "Hey he's got one more than YOU!" Then you see the lightbulb come on, it's a joy.
(Saving the kitten from the alligator is my fave!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I love the links, especially the second one!
This post is really special:
http://tripawds.....on/#p94593
I like the "vet costs and arm and leg, on a payment plan"
I have a few more to add:
One person suggested it was some sort of volcano accident involving hot lava.
My sister said he went in a time machine and the leg didn't make it. LOL!
Love these! Your friends and family fit in perfectly here!
It's good ro laugh!
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!
The other day, we were in a pet shop, and Susie was hopping along. A little girl looked at her, then turned to her mom and asked, "Mommy, how come that little dog only has one leg?" The mother just laughed and said, "Well, she's got more than one leg!" 
OMG love it!!!!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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