Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
I am a devoted adopter of rescue dogs. I have had 4 rescue dogs over the years, some with issues. I love to help but wonder if I have bitten off more than I can chew... potentially. We went to the rescue today to find a small/medium girl for our terrier boy. However, they introduced us to a GSD tripawd (one front leg). She is a darling but I have never had a big dog before, so that worries me. I also said that I was worried about the fact that we have two sets of stairs. Would she cope, especially coming down them? The chap waved off my worries saying she would be fine but I'm not so sure. They are smooth hard stairs and all our floors are tiled and potentially slippy (we live in Malta - no carpets) and I just don't know if the chap at the rescue is under-playing the whole thing or am I right to worry?
If I am the wrong home for her, which I feel I may be, I would just walk away... or am I being too much of a worry wart? I have never had a big dog before, let alone a tripawd.
Any advice please?
Thank you.
jellyh said
...they introduced us to a GSD tripawd (one front leg). She is a darling but I have never had a big dog before
Welcome and thanks for sharing your concerns! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Please know what you're getting into before adopting a German Shepherd. The fact that she is missing a leg is beside the point. Behavioral issues (especially with a rescue) should be your top concern. We're speaking from experience here, Tripawds spokesdog Wyatt Ray is a GSD rescue who lost a leg to neglect as a puppy. You can read his blog posts for lots of info about his behavioral problems over the years, but he is now eight years old and very fit and healthy.
The GSD girl should adapt well. You would need to help improve traction by putting down some carpet runners, especially on stairs, or consider getting some traction socks and a harness to help her around. She will also require regular rehab and conditioning exercises to keep her fit and strong. And she will need a job, or regular training and mind games to sooth her never-ending GSD energy. Read Three Legs And A Spare and Loving Life On Three Legs for much more information and helpful tips. Bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for more helpful links and please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Many thanks for the reply.
Do they need a lot more stimulation than a terrier then? My dog Spadge is pretty busy and I keep him entertained with toys, games, interactive toys and of course walks. I am a big fan of indoor games. Great fun. Do you think the GSD girl would need more than that?
One of my oldies, who sadly passed away last year at the grand age of 16, had back leg/stability issues in his last year. He wore Grippers http://www.dogq.....s/grippers indoors and loved them. Do you think that would be enough or would she still be in danger of slipping/falling? Rugs and carpet is not an option in Malta. It would be just nasty. I could get stair runners, but not carpet on the floors.
Yes, I was looking at harnesses and like the Ruffwear Web Master with handle https://www.dfo.....rness.html Lots of Tripawd owners seemed to rate that one.
Rehab and conditioning exercises could be an issue. Malta offers only very basic care for pets. Is this anything I could learn to do myself at home for her?
I kind of feel from your reply that maybe I should just step away... find another dog. My husband said she may be in rescue forever... who else would take her and even if someone kind did come along, would they be able to offer anything more or better than we can?
I just don't know 
jellyh said
Do they (GSDs) need a lot more stimulation than a terrier then?
Oh my, yes. Please spend some time in some German Shepherd groups or forums to get a better idea. Interactive games are great, Wyatt will wear himself out when we work with his. But nosework, trick training, FitPAWS work and other activities are also a big plus.
Grippers...would be enough or would she still be in danger of slipping/falling?
Definitely consider stair runners, and check out the various recommendations for traction <-see link.
Rehab and conditioning exercises...Is this anything I could learn to do myself at home for her?
Yes, we have so many videos and articles here. Download Loving Life On Three Legs for the best tips and how-to videos for exercises, stretching, weight management, proprioception work
I kind of feel from your reply that maybe I should just step away...
Sorry, that was not the intention. We have just been involved with GSD rescue for years and have seen too many German Shepherds "returned" to shelter by people who didn't understand the dedication they require. (Or abandoned like Wyatt, though I am certain you would never do that.)
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh, what a Saint you are!!!! My take on big dogs is that you have more to cuddle! I've been owned by little dogs too and find that they usually ruke the roost! 🙂
Sorry one of your pups had to head to the Bridge. But WOW...16 yrs! I know your pup is watching over you from the Bridge!
This is just my 2¢ for whatever it's worth. As suggested, simply do some research into the breed, knowing that certainly not every dog fits into each black and white specific description! And just my 2¢ again, the environment they're in certainly helps shape each dog. Clearly you are dog savvy people and willing to work with dogs to help them be the best they can be!
And yes, you can certainly do core building exercises at home. We have tons of invormation and video of simple exercises you can do at home. Simply having a dog walk in couch cushions can help.
If you have access to cheap yoga mats for traction , that will help, but the grippers should do just fine, or something similar. Generally you woukd only have ro use them in the front paw if he's going to be horsing around on slippery floors.
Do you know anything about her background??? Do you know why she lost her leg and how ago?
Okay, I just have to agree with your husband and I say give this girl a chance with you in your loving furever home!!! Obviously you need to make sure she and Spadge get along, even if it doesn't happen instantly, I think it will happen just fine!
Soooo...do not step away!! Step forward and show this girl what it feels like to be loved! Do your research, ask questions and stay connected here! We can help uou anything and everything TRIPAWD!!!
Also, I think Spadge and your new rescue will not be bored having each other, plus you, plus all the toys and games! This is going to be fun!!
Would love to see pictures!!
Love and hugs!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...WYATT also eats road flares and two or three whole pies thst were fixed for Thanksgiving 🙂 Pretty sure that's not what all GSD do! 🙂
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!
Ohhhh, thank you so much. I feel better now... knowing there is something I can potentially do for her. There are not many folks here that put the effort into a dog that me and my hubby do. I really can't see her getting a home and if she did it would be the same issues or worse.... slippery floors, stairs etc... Very few people here even walk their dogs. She would not get a better home than with us but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in.
Well her background is that she is about a year old and had a road accident and her leg was injured but not beyond repair. She was fixed up by a vet and the owners were told to take her back for bandage changes etc... but they never did. When they eventually took her back the leg was totally rotten and had to be amputated. They then said they didn't want a 3 legged dog so took her to one of the rescues here on the island.
She's all healed up and perfectly happy on 3 legs so I assume we are talking a good few months ago. I asked why she hasn't been adopted yet and he said because of three legs, no one wants her.
Thanks for all your kind words Sally. I appreciate it so much. We sadly has to say bye bye to both our dogs last year, one 16 and one 15. Both very sad rescue cases, but who brought us massive joy. Then we adopted Spadge last year and we are now ready to complete the family again with dog number two.
Here is sweet little Berkeley, who passed away last January. I hope you enjoy the video. He really was a super little chap. But you see how I have always has little dogs, lol.
https://youtu.b.....wLE2yXcoQc
If her meeting with Spadge goes well I'll measure her for harness and boots, get her spayed and Sandfly tested and start looking at those video links for rehab to do at home. Thanks so much for that info folks. That's great to know I can do that stuff at home and help her. You can't get any hep with pets here beyond the basic stuff. It's changing slowly but too slowly.
And here is Spadge, a sweet little gent with fun and morals running through his veins. He really is a strange little fella.... like a mini policeman. He would doff his cap at you, if he had one 
This is him playing with his pal Nellie at a place called Pembroke, on the Maltese coast.
https://youtu.b.....F50tekRliw
We got him a great toy for his birthday where he has to press the button to get the treats from the machine. He loves it.
https://youtu.b.....aijLAf8L5c
Thanks again for the words of encouragement. Part of me thinks we have bitten off more than we can chew and I am so scared she'll hurt herself on our stairs but what are her options?
Oh good! So glad you are pretty much going forward!!! I have toa run to work and will come backmlater for more and to look at videos!!
Just want to say I have a rescue three legged (front) Coonhound who has noooo problems with stairs and wouldn't even think of letting me out a harness in him!! The rear leggers have more issues than front leggers.
We are here with you every step of the way! It's not neary as overwhelming as it seems! PROMISE!!
Gosh to think what she's been through....sooooo glad you are going to love her....sooooo glad!
Back later!!!!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Awwww, thanks Sally.
Oh gosh, I had thought a front leg was worse. That's easier for them, is it? OK, that's something then 
Really good to hear your doggie doesn't have a problem with the stairs. Maybe I just need to get some runners then and monitor things... she how she gets on. Or the grippers... or both.
Would love to see pics of your dog.
Here is Spadge 
My Otis was 106 pounds pre-amp, and did just fine on stairs. He was also a front leg amp. Our stairs were carpeted, but if you can do treads or somethng on the stairs, and yoga mats or something in key locations around the house, she should be fine. I blocked off the stairs with a baby gate during the day when I wasn't home, so he wasn't going up and down unsupervised.
We also used the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness - big fans of it. You can also use it to help her with the stairs as she adjusts to your home - just don't be discouraged if it takes her a day or two to figure it out.
I say introduce them and see how they do. For me, the dog's personality and fit with your other dog would be key. A lot of other things can be figured out.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Your video tribute to Berkley has me in tears!!! Itsw a beautiful, beautiful, heartfelt salue toma dog well loved and a lofe well loved!!
I really do believe just as Berkeley sent you Spadge, Berkeley is also sending you this GSD!
And seeing how happy Spadge is playing in MUD!!! That has to be Nirvana for Spadge and her friend Nellie! What a glorious way to spoil dogs! Let them play in the mud!!
WITHOUT QUESTION, THERE COULD BE NO BETTER HOME THAN YOURS for this Tripawd who needs a loving and caring home!
I really, really hope this pup and Spadge can work out a good relationship...And feel strongly they will!.
I know it feels...hmmm....worrisome to not know how to care for a tripawd. You will see that tripawds are just like any other dogs!!! Sure, theynhave one less paw that has ro jave toenails clipped. Sure, it's easier to give them tummy rubs without that fourth leg in the way....but that's about it!! 🙂 🙂
You will be amazed at how having a tripawd becomes "normal" very quickly...because.to them, it is!!!
How long before you can introduce Spadge to the pup? And when can you bring her home?
Loooove the picture of Spadge! ADORABLE!!
Looking for an update when you can!! So exciting!!!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Awww, thank you. Yes, I like my dogs to have fun. Life's too short to stay clean 
So we had our second visit today and she is such a sweetie. I have ordered her a harness and some non-slip boots etc... oh and a large supportive dog mattress which will do for now, while we get more sorted and can see how she prefers to sleep. Spadge meets her next week... probably Tuesday. I don't anticipate any issues but everything crossed.
She hasn't been spayed yet, which is a shame but I will get that booked in.
I think this is happening 
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO STAY CLEAN!!!!!
PERFECT!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 This IS happening and that is SPECTACULAR!!!
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!
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