Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Tripawds canine amputation handbook, “Three Legs & a Spare” is currently being revised for a new edition to be published sometime this year.

If you have purchased and read our first e-book, we would love to hear your suggestions in the comments field below and in this accompanying forum post, about how we can make the second edition even better.

Readers, please tell us:

• what was the most / least useful content in the book?
• what you did / didn’t like about the material
• which book sections need improvement or editing
• did we give enough examples for each type of Tripawd? For example, did we share enough information about senior dogs, puppies, dogs with or without cancer, etc.
• what can we do to improve the book layout

We would also love to hear which forum posts and Tripawds blog content published after October 2010 (the book’s publication date) would be most helpful to include in the new edition.

Since Three Legs & a Spare is essentially a compilation of the best material found throughout the Tripawds community, we want to know which newer Tripawd stories, anecdotes and blog posts you feel would help potential new Tripawds pawrents. Don’t be shy, we’re happy to include your Tripawd’s story too!

And of course, feel free to share anything else about your experience with this canine amputation guide. We want to ensure the next edition of the book is better than ever. Thanks.

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Many Tripawds look for furever homes in our Blogs and Rescue Forum, but it’s rare that we get to meet them after they’re adopted. Last month in a total coincidence of events, we had the honor of meeting one of Tripawds’ former Rescue Forum pups while attending the 2 Million Dogs Walk in San Antonio.

Tripawd Warrior Brings Comfort to Soldiers

As early as last June, Colonel was living a hard life on the streets of San Antonio while getting around on a badly damaged leg. After being saved by the Give a Dog a Home San Antonio Rescue and undergoing his amputation, he went from being a wounded warrior with a Tripawds Dog Blog to finding a home with Bart Sherwood, Executive Director of Train a Dog – Save a Warrior (TADSAW).

Created by the non-profit Penny’s from Heaven Foundation, Sherwood’s program matches therapy dogs to wounded U.S. soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sherwood saw something very special in Colonel and instantly knew he would make a great therapy dog. Today, Colonel is one of dozens of dogs in TADSAW with a mission; to bring comfort, companionship and support to wounded warriors coping with PTSD.

Train a Dog, Save a Warrior; Canines with a Mission

TADSAW trains adult rescue dogs and soldiers’ existing dogs to become part of a wounded warrior’s support team after returning home. From traditional service dog duties such as retrieving objects to turning off lights, to giving comfort when things get tough, Colonel and the TADSAW pack are helping PTSD soldiers return to normal lives again.

Michael, a returning veteran, describes how a TADSAW dog changed his life:

“Kingsley is the best thing that has happened to me. I have had PTSD for such a long time. I began to accept that this would be my way of life…but Kingsley had a different idea in mind.

This ever faithful companion has showed me life again and that nothing has to be done on your own. He is a true friend, who is always there ready to take a walk, or just sit on the couch…”

How You Can Support Our Troops

Experts estimate that as many as 400,000 returning U.S. soldiers will suffer the effects of PTSD. As more dogs get trained by TADSAW to aid in their recovery, we can be there to show support for our veterans long after they return home.

Donations of every type, along with purchases of the touching Penny’s From Heaven book, “Pockets of Peace,” can help TADSAW continue their pawesome work.

To learn more about the incredible, lifesaving work of Train a Dog, Save a Warrior, visit their website today.

To every Tripawds member who has
loaned a shoulder to lean on
helped a Tripawd find a home
represented Tripawds at an event
shared their Tripawd warrior’s story
been here through good times and sad
shown Barney a good time (and let him live!)
written a helpful guest blog post for the community
sent a gift of direct support or requested a Tripawds bandanna
shopped in our Gifts, Gear, Nutrition, Amazon or Downloads blogs
shared ideas for new content or given feedback about the website
made us laugh and smile with crazy videos, photos and poems
hung out in the Chat Room to help a pawrent in need
purchased anything through a Tripawds affiliate link
used their talents to help support the community
answered a survey or entered a contest
sent photos to celebrate a Tripawd’s life
coordinated a Tripawds pawty

Thank you! Gracias! Merci! Mahalo! Danke!
Grazie! Arigato! kawp-kun krap/ka’! Obrigado! Toda!

We are beyond grateful for everything that each and every one of you does to make this a supportive, educational and fun place to be. Tripawds couldn’t exist without you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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Maintaining the Tripawds community takes time and money, but in the spirit of supporting pawrents in need, we don’t charge a membership fee.

Long time Tripawds members recall that we hold a yearly fundraising campaign to help offset our out-of-pocket expenses. But this year, we’re doing something different. There will be no weekly appeals, no Chip In Widget, nothing.

Instead of a fundraising campaign, we’re asking you to do whatever you can to help us avoid future fundraising campaigns. There are many ways to help your community:

Direct Support

• Become a Tripawds Supporter by upgrading your Three Legged Dog Blog
• Show your support with an ongoing Tripawds subscription for as low as $5
• Make a gift of any amount on our Support Page

Give Tripawds Gifts

• Name Your Price for a Tripawds bandanna to help spread the word
• Buy a custom holiday heirloom ornament made by Tripawds member ET Gayle and Sister Charon
• Feature your Tripawd in a custom version of the Tripawd Heroes book
• Give a copy of Tripawd Heroes to the special people who’ve helped you in your  journey
• Visit the Tripawds Etsy Shop to order and give handmade Tripawds necklaces

Start Your Internet Shopping Here

• Shop for anything through our affiliate partners
• Visit and order from our Gear, Nutrition, Downloads or Gifts blog
• Begin your Internet shopping here in our Amazon blog

Spread the Word

• Download Tripawds promotional materials and spread the word at pet supply shops, dog parks and more! Spirit Hope’s Mom Barb, in Cincinnati is doing this, ask her how!

We hope these suggestions can help us reach the amount we raised during last year’s fundraising campaign. We don’t like asking for help, but keeping this community going takes money and time that affiliate advertisements alone don’t support.

Remember, your generous gifts of any amount will keep the lights on in the Tripawds doghouse. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support, Tripawds wouldn’t exist without your help!

Veterinary Oncology Q&A with Dr. Johnny Chretin

Date: Sunday, 10/23/2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern (3:30 Pacific)
Length: 30 min

Special Guest: Dr. Johnny Chretin, DVM, DACVIM

Call-in Number: (310) 388-9739
Share: bit.ly/ttr102311 (Link to this topic.)

Join us for our second informative canine cancer interview with veterinary oncologist Dr. Johnny Chretin, DVM, DACVIM from VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital.

As head of VCA’s busiest animal oncology clinic in the country, Dr. Chretin and his staff provide breakthrough treatments for all types of cancers, including a bone marrow transplant program for dogs with lymphoma!d

Listen as we discuss the presentation and diagnosis of cancer in dogs such as osteosarcoma and the various treatment protocols available. Then call in with your questions or chat live during the show!

Reply to this topic with questions and we will try to get them answered. Please keep your questions brief and specific.

We will post an audio archive of this program here after the show.

Dr. Chretin on Tripawds:

• Don’t miss our previous Tripawd Talk Oncology Interview with Dr. Chretin.
• Check out our interviews with Dr. Chretin about impawtant veterinary oncology topics.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Many future Tripawd pawrents assume Tripawds is only for dogs who lose a leg to cancer.

But as Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray can tell you, that’s just not the case.

Beyond Cancer: All Tripawds Welcome

Tripawds began when Spirit Jerry lost his leg to osteosarcoma, but his community is now the world’s biggest resource for animal amputees because of the many different circumstances in which they lose a leg.

While the majority of our members are dogs facing bone cancer, we’ll always be here to provide support for anypawdy facing amputation or life with a malformed limb. Our Beyond Cancer Discussion Forum shares many of their stories.

And yes, all species, even cats(!) are most definitely welcome!

Below are just a few examples of how some members became Tripawds.

If you have a Tripawd for reasons other than cancer, share your story in the comments below or in the Forums.

Our Spokesdawg, Wyatt Ray Dawg lost his leg from abuse and neglect, and so did the rest of the Oaktown Pack (pictured left to right, Travis Ray, Codie Rae and Wyatt Ray.

Gerry had irrepairable damage to his left rear leg.

Nemo the kitty was the first non-canine Tripawd we heard about.

New members Cubbie and Reggie were born without paws.

Comet had a fourth leg but she couldn’t use it. Honorary Tripawds definitely count!

JoJo is a sweet little pup who was hit by a car and adopted as a Tripawd

The Petite Princess Shelby was found overseas and brought to America as a Tripawd.

 Molly the Tripawd Pony is a hero of ours.

And finally, Henry the Tripawd Cat is doing pawesome social work with his book series that helps Tripawds.com!

As you can see, Tripawds is an all-species community for any animal who’s lost a leg.

Healthy Paws helps pet people prevent, prepare for, and respond to pet health emergencies.

We’ll talk about:

• how to assess your dog’s health status
• what to do if your dog is in distress
• how to make your pup more comfortable during bad weather
• signs that say it’s time to go to the vet.

This promises to be one of our most informative shows yet for Tripawds and quad-pawds alike. Mark your calendars to tune in and ask your questions!

Date: Sunday, July 24, 2011
Time: 6:30pm EDT (3:30 Pacific)
Duration: 30 min.
Call In Number: (310) 388-9739

Tune In Here: Pet First Aid, CPR and Safety for Dogs
Share Link: bit.ly/ttr072411

Post questions for Jillian with a reply to this topic, or join us in the Tripawds Live Chat during the show!

Recommended Reading:

Pet First Aid – What To Do In An Emergency
Healthy Paws Pet First Aid, CPR and Care Classes

DISCLAIMER: Information provided is for entertainment only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

All Tripawds members know about the emotional toll of high vet bills. Which is why a recent surge of personal fundraising appeals by new members has prompted us to implement this official fundraising request policy here, and on our Facebook page.

“The Tripawds Blogs community along with the Tripawds Facebook Page welcomes questions, advice, photos, videos and progress reports from all three legged dogs and their people. However, personal fundraising requests for purposes or organizations not endorsed by the Tripawds community will be removed without notice. Such pleas for help distract from our mission, which is to inform & educate while providing a platform of emotional support for all members.”

Why are we implementing this policy? Because Tripawds must remain a safe, welcoming, guilt-free haven for all members and guests. Nothing should ever intrude on this space, and we can’t play favorites by allowing some members to solicit financial help when others have refrained from doing so despite their own hardships. Others have indicated they feel these solicitations are inappropriate.

Such pleas for help will be reserved to support causes for the greater good – like keeping Tripawds online, and supporting the efforts of other animal welfare organizations.

Where to Turn to For Help

If members need financial assistance, there are several resources where financially distressed individuals can apply to. Please see: Tips and Resources: Resources to Help Pay for Canine Cancer Care

We hope the following clarifies our position on various types of fundraising appeals:

Tripawds Dog Blogs’ Personal Fundraising Appeals

Tripawds prohibits Chip-In widgets, PayPal buttons and other fundraising devices to be installed directly on Tripawds three legged dog blogs. Should members choose to conduct their own personal fundraising campaigns, we suggest doing so via ChipIn.com, a Facebook page or personal website. Announcements and links to fundraising pages may be included in posts on Tripawds Blogs, as long as funds are not received via the blog interface.

Official Tripawds Causes & Fundraising Appeals

Tripawds often supports organizations we believe in (and receive no financial compensation in return), such as Morris Animal Foundation and 2MillionDogs.org. We will continue to periodically select organizations like these that promote canine health and will occasionally conduct short fundraising campaigns on behalf of these groups.

If a member wants to help another great canine cause and tell the Tripawds community about their fundraising efforts, please contact Admin or Jerry first to ensure that the campaign fits within our mission statement.

Appeals for Fun, Games and Miscellaneous Dog-Related Organizations

If you’re participating in a “Make my Dog a Star!” type of promotional contest and you want to ask Tripawds members to vote for your pup, that’s fine as long as it’s not request for money. If the contest will generate funds for a canine cause (such as 2 Million Dogs’ calendar contest), please be sure to indicate such, providing details about how the funds will be used.

Tripawds.com’s Annual Fundraising Campaign Appeals

To keep this community online, Tripawds conducts an annual fundraising campaign to help defray hosting and maintenance costs. Without these campaigns, Tripawds would not exist as you know it now.

Until such a time when Supporter subscriptions, product sales and affiliate commissions compensate for our endless volunteer hours and out-of-pocket expenses, Tripawds will continue promoting this campaign on an annual basis. We promise, however, to clearly indicate where funding goes, keep solicitations to a minimum, and never spam or harass members for contributions.

If you have any comments or concerns about this policy, please let us know. We thank you for being understanding about this and sincerely appreciate your support!

Date: Saturday, May 28 2011

Time: 6:30pm EDT (3:30 Pacific)

Duration: 30 min.

Call In Number: (310) 388-9739

Tune In Here: Tripawd Rehab Therapy with CARE

Share Link: bit.ly/tritalk052811

Post any questions for Dr. Waldman before the show, by replying to this topic or join us in the Chat during the show. We will update the  topic with a podcast of this show, after the program airs.

Related Blog Posts & Forum Topics

See All Tripawds CARE Video Interviews

About Our Guest:

Dr. Waldman is co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation Center, one of the only rehab centers in the country with both a doctor and a physical therapist on staff, both of whom are certified canine rehabilitation practitioners. Dr. Waldman speaks at veterinary meetings on the subject of Canine Rehabilitation and she has a special interest in neurological rehabilitation and in nutrition for all life stages. She loves to see her patients’ quality of life improve, and she counsels in nutrition utilizing a combination of Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for the best possible outcome.

Dr. Waldman completed a certificate program from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. She is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through the Chi Institute. She is one of the founding members of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.

Home at Last is a mobile veterinary practice focusing on end of life care for companion animals. Although this is a difficult topic to think about, at some point, all of us will confront it. On Sunday, we’ll hear from Dr. Kirt to find out how we can ensure that our beloved animals’ last days are as comfortable and peaceful as pawsible.

Tripawd Talk Radio is a 30-minute Internet show that brings you the latest information about canine amputation, recovery tips and canine cancer care treatments.

Date: This Sunday 5/8/2011

Time: 5:30 PM (Eastern), 2:30 PM (Pacific)

Tune in here: Tripawd Talk Radio

Call in with Questions: (310) 388-9739

Remember, you can ask any questions here in the Forums before the show, or listen live online and ask your questions in the Tripawds Chat Room.

Call in live during the show with your questions or join us in the Chat.

(310) 388-9739

Can’t make the show? Then check our Discussion Forum topic for the on-demand audio podcast.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided at Tripawd Talk Radio and Tripawds.com is not a substitute for medical care by your personally selected, qualified veterinary professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian prior to making any medical decisions or undergoing treatments or therapies, or if you have questions about your dog’s health. We advise against any medical decisions made without the direct involvement of your veterinary team. Tripawds.com is a project of Agreda Communications, which is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the information available at Tripawd Talk Radio or Tripawds.com.