Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Briggs was found living in a farmer's field with a crushed front shoulder. I dont know how long he fended for himself in that field, but after he was taken in by the local humane society and checked out, the vet estimated his shoulder had been that way for at least a year.
The Humane Society where he was taken was a no kill shelter, but the area had just started banning the bully breeds so he sat in a cage for 4 long months. There was a volunteer willing to pay for his amputation surgery, but the society did not want to have to spend that money unless they had a home for him. At this time the small humane society had 5 pitbull mixes sitting in cages.
My boss urged me to adopt a pit bull and help out. I had already had 5 resuce dogs at home and she had 14 at the time. She promised if I would take one she would take one also. So we went to look. And met Briggs. To say I wanted to cry when I first saw him would be an understatement. His shoulder was sunken in but the bottom part of his leg and paw were perfectly fine. We took him outside and he immediately bonded with my son. They laid in the grass for over an hour. I decided that we would take him and they scheduled the surgery. Briggs kept looking over his shoulder as we took him back inside the humane society, you could tell he didn't want his new friend to leave.
The surgery was 3 days later and the Humane Society brought him to my work afterwards. He was still pretty much out of it and we were cautioned not to let him get cold because he could go into shock and die. I was less scared bringing my kids home from the hospital. He wouldnt event fit in the back of my car comfortably so my boss had me take home the company SUV. we lifted him on a rug, 4 people, trying not to bump that horrible incision and when we got him home, the neighbor kids all pitched in and got him inside.
In the months of his recovery and in the 2 years we have had him, Briggs has never shown any aggression, even when out little chihuahua eats his food. Briggs is a big baby. he likes his comfy spot on the bed next to mom (me) and going for car rides. He is a testament to the will to survive in the midst of great odds and his capacity for love is untold.
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Quite a tale of survival for Briggs, it's amazing how resilient dogs are. Thanks for sharing your story, I look forward to learning more about you and Briggs.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
What a beautiful story!!! And bless you for rescuing Briggs! He's beautiful! And soooo incredibly lucky!
The dogs ability to heal, love and open their hearts is truly amazing. If only we could all be more like or in the words of the Spirit that guides the Tripawds community ... As Jerry says ... "Be More Dog "....
Thank you for sharing your story!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
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
Briggs! What a handsome, strong and incredible doggie you are! I'm so hoppy your pawrent came here to tell us more about you, because you are one big inspawration!
We can't wait to hear more about your life on three legs, thank you so much for joining us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Briggs you a handsome beautiful boy, and what a survivor! He's a lucky guy, and your a very special person. Good luck it sounds like a perfect match. My Snoop was part pit, they unfortunately get misjudged. They are loving intelligent and good family members. They unfortunately seem to get owned by many poor humans, who are not responsible in socializing and treating them properly.
Good luck with Briggs and keep us updated.
Esther and her Angel Snoop
Wow what a story of survival!!! Briggs is one lucky pup to have found his way to your home and family! He will never have to fend for himself again because he now has a pack to call his own. You and your family are very special people!!
And Briggs....he is one handsome fella! I just want to give him a big hug and kiss on the nose! Through you others will learn that not every Bully pup is aggressive. My Leland was a 108lb Dobie boy and he was the biggest lover and greeter. People would start to warm up to him when we took him out (after they ask if he'd hurt them which of course he wouldn't) and would fall in love with his expressive eyes and his leaning on them for more rubs. I think through having these types of dogs that people see as "vicious" we are expanding knowledge that every big dog isn't aggressive.
Thank you for taking a chance on Briggs!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
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