Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Jerry, Thank you for putting Bailey's picture in. I am not a computer person and didn't know how to do this. Will have to have the husband help with this. Bailey's patch comes off tomorrow, Saturday 8/2. We hope we will see some better "out put" when this comes off. What she takes in is not a problem. She eats and drinks very well. It is just when she is outside she can't seem to stop long enough or can't remember what she should be doing while being outside. For anyone who is facing this with their "love", please read one of my posts about staying with him/her right up to surgery. Also on the "problem" side of things. One of the biggest problems we are having is the nightly whimpers. The reason? She is use to sleeping in bed with my husband and I. So she lays in the living room on her post-surgery bed, and looks up towards the bedroom and then she starts whimpering.  I am sleeping on the couch right next to her, she doesn't seem to care. As she knows it is "bed time" and this is not where "bed time" is. I am beginning to understand what her different sounds mean, such as needing a drink of water, please may I have something to eat and "hay, the bed is up there Mom".  Another suggestion I have is to read what others before have been through. This has been such a great help to me. I was a complete mess when I first learned of the news (which was about 2 weeks before surgery). Jerry and company as well as all who have written with questions and help have been my support. I was not able to talk to people and family, but found the comfort when I turned to this great site for the friends and support. Thankfully we are not alone. O, and I try to do any computer typing while Bailey is sleeping! I have just been given the gift of more time with her and I want to grab it!  Don't forget to give the rub downs and remember that they are not able to scratch (especially for a hind leg amputation) like they could. So this is why they have humans to give a fellow dog some help with the scratching department. New we are experiencing the long wait until the pathology report comes back.

A big hug to both Zeus and Heather!! I figure when the staples come out (on the 13th) we can cuddle in bed again (will check with Doc first, however).

She has not had a band-aid on at all. It wasn't until she got up on her own and the towel was not around her when I truly saw how much was removed. No it didn't "freak" me out. I knew a lot had to be removed if we wanted to stand the chance that all of this cancer was also removed.

Yes, I am anxious about the pathology report, however only if I allow myself to think about it. I have forgotten how long her Doc said it would take for the report to come back.

We now have a ramp going out of our camping trailer (as we just moved and are living in our 5th wheel camping trailer). This has been a HUGE help. Even her older sister, Buttons, loves the ramp. We are both figuring things out everyday.

When Bailey is outside she is just so fast. Almost a run. And I am NOT a runner. I figure this is because she is figuring her balance and all. Today I have seen a bit of a slow down. Much to my relief and my exercise the past few days. Has anyone else experienced this fast almost a run pace? It is truly something!

Her surgery was only 6 days ago. Just as Jerry and Jerry's Dad and Mom have told me it would it did happen. Bailey (with only now one hind leg) has figured how a girl can still pee. I still have a towel around her when she is outside, but it is only there now to protect her if she does fall. I really hated the thought of her falling as she tried to "relieve" herself. So I have slowly released my hold on the towel and now she is doing this on her own. Again the towel is still there just in case.

As for the resting.....It is just so hot and humid outside, these are the dog days of summer after all. Sleeping in, taking a long nap after going for a potty break, then something to eat, o and a nap after.....well so on and so on. Buttons just joins right in with Bailey and thinks this is not so bad.

I am thankful that I do have the time to spend with Bailey (and Buttons). Just like kids, if Bailey gets a rub down, so does Buttons. As this is the way it was before surgery so why change a good thing. Everyone who has written their story, asked their questions or given an answer has been so much more than help.

Yep...it's much easier for me to run too...I sometimes trip over mysefl when I'm just walking - for some reason the momentum makes it easier. Mom loves to watch me run  - I'm a front leg amputation and when I run, my tail looks like a helicopter - she thinks it's cute for some reason and always cries those silly happy tears...

It took about 7 days for me to get the pathology results back. Even if the news isn't good (mine wasn't - it was OC), there are no guarantees of anything. Just like jerry has mentioned he was given a few months and here he is 20 months later (yeah!)...one day at a time...treasure each moment as you are.

We're so glad to hear Baily is doing well - she will continue to amaze you.

Lots of love,

Zeus and Mom (Heather)

Awww schucks bailey...I think you're pretty beautiful too 🙂

What a joy to see her pick her toy up and carry it eh? I can literally picture it and have tears in my eyes as I'm imagining her and you...I remember the first time Zeus grabbed his chew toy...chased his tail (yes, after amputation) and scratched himself by rubbing up against the bed (a usual favorite of his) and I think it was one of the happiest moments in my life.

Only a dog lover can understand - which is one of the many, MANY reasons that I love this site...we all understand.

PAWS FOREVER!

Jerry, your site is amazing! You and your mom and dad have helped so many. This all goes with out saying.

Now, have you ever thought of writing a book? Besides your wisdom, your inspiration and how you have been able to reach out to others who have also added.......well, Boy, how about putting all of this into pawprint.

With much love and gratitude from another one of your (girl) friends,

Bailey.

PS, I have no problem now meeting people at the door with big duck (my favorite toy) in my mouth. Mom says I can get up faster than her. Funny also, as I know my surgery has helped my mom in so many other ways. And after all isn't that what we are here for, to help our humans! They do need so much help.