Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Awwww...thank you so much, everyone! This is the best group EVER! I had a scare a couple of months ago when one of paws on her hind legs got red and swollen...but her new vet did a culture right in the office, and it turned out to be just a yeast infection!

She also was diagnosed with rear legs that slip in and out of their joints at the knees, and that's the reason she sometimes has trouble with even two or three stair steps. I am giving her glucosamine so her arthritis doesn't become worse.

I am so in awe of how well so many tripawds cope with life on three legs, and how they take each new challenge in stride.

By taking Susie out (to pet shops, etc.--you might remember that she LOVES shopping!), I've let her become sort of an ambassador. Everyone always wants to know how she lost her front leg. The other day, I was in a pet shop and a very sad-looking couple asked me that question. After I told them, they let me know that their own dog was just diagnosed with cancer and they were having to make the hard decision of whether or not to amputate. Their dog was a little older and quite a bit larger than Susie, so they were hesitant. But I let them know about this site (the woman wrote the URL down on a piece of paper) and gave them my business card, and I also told them all about Susie's journey. I think it helped them, because they thanked me over and over. Also, they're going to see a very good vet here (the one I have been taking Susie to lately) to get another opinion.

Just by being the plucky little survivors they are, our dogs can help so many people cope with their own issues. I wish I could be as resilient and brave as Susie! She is such an inspiration to me.

Don't worry--NOTHING could stop Susie from her shopping rounds!