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Lucky Lefty Louie
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Member Since:
14 November 2013
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19 September 2014 - 11:59 am
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Our tripawd story starts at the Charleston Animal Society, an SPCA shelter in Charleston, SC.  My wife, De, is the Director of Humane Education at CAS (award-winning, I might add!).  We were at the shelter one Saturday to set up for an event when she told me about this black lab that had been brought in by animal control.  He had presumably been hit by a car sometime before being picked up as his right front leg was shattered when they found him.  He also had an embedded collar and was heartworm positive.  He was a "hot mess," as De likes to say.  

When he arrived at CAS the vets had to act fast.  They decided to try to save him  - they amputated his injured leg at the shoulder, surgically removed his collar, and put him on an aggressive heartworm treatment.  He made it through surgery and had been recovering at the shelter for several days when I first met him.   

What struck me immediately was how resilient this guy was!  After everything he had been through, all he wanted to do was play, be petted, and go for a walk.  No loathing or self-pity in his game.  Rather, an acceptance of his circumstances and a desire to get on living.  A life lesson we should all heed.  

Well, the vets at CAS clearly knew a sucker when they saw one.  Watching me interact with him, they quickly suggested we should foster him in our home to help him recover (which I agreed with, of course).  That was the end of it.  As soon as we got him home he became my shadow.  His recovery wasn't always easy, but we got him through it, and then adopted him permanently into our home.  We decided to call him Louie, short for Lucky Lefty Laydown Louie ("laydown" because his favorite move is the "stop, drop, and rollover" for a belly rub). That was over two years ago now.

I think it's fair to say Louie hit the jackpot with us.  We are fortunate enough to live at the beach, and Louie takes full advantage of it.  He loves to chase birds up and down the shore and swim with his brother and sister.  I still get a kick out of seeing the looks on the faces of people when they realize this dog keeping up with the pack only has three legs!  It's priceless. 

He also loves golf cart rides.  I don't remember exactly when it started, but anytime Louie sees our golf cart parked in the driveway he runs and jumps onto the front seat then just waits there until someone takes him for a ride!  He's also been known to jump on other folks' golf carts, whether invited or not.  

Outside his newfound recreational activities, Louie also plays an important role in the community.  He is an Ambassadog.  As part of De's humane education program at CAS, she visits schools throughout Charleston County where she teaches students, among other things, how to interact with animals safely and humanely.  And Louie is one of her teaching assistants!  The kids love seeing him and giving him treats (safely, of course).  If we happen to be out and about on a weekend it's inevitable that some kid will run up to De and Louie with huge smiles!  It's very cool to witness.

Thanks for letting me share Louie's story.  I suppose the moral of it, consistent with the message Tripawds promotes, is that three-legged pets can - and do - live happy, healthy, and productive lives.  We are blessed to have one in our lives.  His resilience and determination are an inspiration to me.  

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On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19 September 2014 - 1:12 pm
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Louie and family it's so wonderful to have you here! Welcome! Welcome! Your future posts won't need approval so do tell us more about your adventures.

We can't begin to express how thankful we are for folks like you who give so much of themselves to help animals in such dire need. The work you do is life changing for people and pets alike, and we are so grateful for all you do.

You were meant to live out a very important destiny Louie, it's so cool to read about your work that you're doing. Please consider starting a Tripawds Blog. We have quite a few Tripawds therapy dogs here now and would love to follow along with your therapy and spokesdog appearances.

Meanwhile, how about some pics? Your avatar is adorable, we'd love to see more of you.

Sending lots of belly scratches your way!!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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19 September 2014 - 1:50 pm
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That is very kind of you, thanks!  I will look into adding a blog and I'd love to share more photos but I can't seem to figure out how to do so on the post - clicking the image button doesn't let me browse for a file.  Any suggestions??

Such an amazing resource you have created with your site as well as your Twitter account.  Thanks again.

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On The Road


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19 September 2014 - 2:47 pm
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We're just thrilled you posted and joined us! For the benefit of members, what is your Twitter handle?

As for adding photos here, these are instructions for sharing photos. If this doesn't make sense holler and I can post them for you.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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23 September 2014 - 2:13 pm
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I don't have any of the photo sharing sites so if I could send them to you for posting that would be great!  Don't want to be a burden though. 

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23 September 2014 - 2:43 pm
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Lefty Louie said
I don't have any of the photo sharing sites...

That's why we make it easy to start a free blog so you can upload photos there!

Let us know if you have any problems doing that. way-cool

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 September 2014 - 10:19 pm
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LOIE, YOU ARE ONE LUCKY PUP....now anyway! You hit the lottery with this family!!

And kudos to your human for all the contributions they are making in so many ways.

I LOVE the golf cart scenario! I hope you can post a picture of that....that's a real smile maker!!

Thanks for being such a great Ambassador for Tripawds! You clearly have a huge impact on everyone who has the privilege of meetingnyou! Such an inspiration!

Look forward to followingnthe activities of LUCKY LEFTY LAYDOWN LOUIE!!! I love how you have trained your humans to rub your belly!! You are one smart up!

Hugs and belly rubs!!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle

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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24 September 2014 - 7:14 am
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admin said

Lefty Louie said
I don't have any of the photo sharing sites...

That's why we make it easy to start a free blog so you can upload photos there!

Let us know if you have any problems doing that. way-cool

big-grinI'm on it...

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