When a new member arrives, it’s easy to remember how we were once in their situation; frantic, scared, alone, and desperately seeking some kind of direction that will lead us to the “right” choice for our animal.

During those dark times, we just want someone to figure out our dilemma and tell us “you should do this . . . ”

But ironically, perhaps the greatest lesson that we have learned since founding Tripawds in 2006 is,

There are no “right” answers!

Every situation is so unique, that we cannot legitimately say to someone:

“you should . . . amputate /not amputate / do chemo / go holistic / do nothing.”

This is why a good vet will never say those words to a client. Because what is right for one person’s animal is not right for another. We all come from such a variety of backgrounds that one answer, one treatment choice, one path, is not right for everyone.

The best anyone of us can do is share our experiences, answer questions as honestly as possible and support pawrents as they make choices during their Tripawd journey.

This is one of our biggest goals with Tripawds: to welcome everyone with open arms and respect their treatment choices regardless of whether or not we agree with how they proceed. New members eventually learn that the only “right” answer, is the one that works best for their pack.

Ultimately, the purpose of this pawesome community is to help Tripawds live the best life they possibly can within the parameters of their circumstances.

Thanks to everyone for making the world better for animals! And for your support, friendship and kindness to strangers across the globe. This is a really special community, don’t you agree?

Spread the word, join the discussion and be there Saturday! We’d love to see the park filled with three-legged heroes.

Date: Saturday, May 19
Time: 4:00 PM

Place: Tony Grampsas Dog Park
Located at the north end of the ballfields at Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex at 44th and Salvia, the enclosed area is a 2.5 acre site, 300 yards north of the main parking lot. Just follow the sidewalk to it’s end past the ballfields!

Come one, come all! This shady park is a fun place to explore, but carry your own water in. We’ll bring a few jugs, but it’s a good idea to bring your own too.

See you there. If anything comes up and you have questions or need directions, please contact us at 707-845-3129. Thanks!

Host Your Own Tripawds Pawty

Tripawds pawties happen from coast to coast throughout the year. But they can only happen when one pawrent decides to take charge and get the word out.

To find other canine amputees in your part of the world, visit our Tripawds Parties Discussion Forum and let folks know you want to arrange a get-together. We’ll help you with publicity and anything else we can think of to attract as many pawtiers as pawsible!

It is difficult to share this sad news, because I know how much it broke my pawrents heart to hear it. But on Saturday, April 28,my dear friend Eisen earned his wings in Colorado.

I will try not to be sad, and hope that the hoppy memories of me and Eisen will dry the tears in my Momma’s eyes. You see, Eisen was the last surviving pup in my circle of Tripawd friends who I played with. We are all angels now.

He is no longer on earth, but what an amazing, beautiful life he had, for 13 years!

Don’t cry because it’s over.  Smile because it happened.  ~Theodor Seuss Geisel

What makes Eisen especially remarkable is that for the last four years, he beat osteosarcoma, and proved that nine out of ten statistics are wrong!

As one of the earliest Tripawds members, it feels like Eisen and I have known each other all our lives. When his mom wrote to us in 2007 after he got diagnosed with bone cancer, I told her “Don’t worry Ma! Eisen will be fine. Remember, his name means “strong”!

Eisen lived up to his name.  Chemo? Forget it. He didn’t have any. Instead, he and his momma made the most of the cards they were dealt. After the diagnosis and amputation, they listened to their hearts and focused on quality of life, not quantity. Perhaps he beat the odds because they followed the holistic advice of Dr. Charles Loops. You just never know what cancer will do.

The last few years were met with some of life’s toughest challenges for Eisen’s pack, but in typical German Shepherd fashion, he was always there to put things in order, and perspective.

Eisen made sure that everyone understood their mission: to live life to the fullest!

Our play dates seem like a million years ago. Those picture perfect Rocky Mountain days will always stay in my pawrents’ hearts, forever and ever. And when they think of me and Eisen playing together again on the big mountain in the sky, they smile.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Eisen my friend, it was an honor to have you in the Tripawds community. You will be missed tremendously, and remembered forever.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tripawds made the 11:00 news but unfortunately the footage is not on KOMO’s website. We do however, have some fun photos from the afternoon, courtesy of Kess the Border Collie‘s human, Tombi.

This special group has been meeting semi-regularly in the Seattle region for a couple of years.

Although cancer has taken the lives of some of the original Tripawds in this group, the disease cannot break the bond these folks share.

Since coming together to learn how to cope with amputation and bone cancer, they have formed friendships to last a lifetime.

Start Your Own Tripawds Gathering!

Organizing your own three legged dog pawty is easy.

1. Visit our Discussion Forum Topic, “Tripawd Parties”. Let people know you want to organize one.
2. Post an announcement in ourTripawds Three Legged Dog Facebook Page. We have tons of Facebook memberswho don’t visit the Discussion Forums, and vice versa. Tell Facebook fans to visit the Forums to help plan the event.
3. Choose a date and location. From dog parks to beaches to backyards, Tripawd pawties have been held in every type of location.
4. Share the logistics with us in the Tripawd Parties topic. We’ll help promote it here and on our Facebook Page.
5. Download and create a Tripawds Pawty Flier if you’re really ambitious, to post at local dog parks and pet stores!
6. Name Your Price for Tripawd Bandannas! The bandannas make great pawty favors and all proceeds go to help maintain the Tripawds community.
7. That’s it! Once you nail down the logistics, we’ll help remind people and promote the big event.

Tripawders Gather for Friendship and Support

First, we want to extend a sincere appreciation to everyone who drove to the Mill Valley Dog Park and make this day so special! Over a dozen Tripawds were there, including those who arrived in time to be in the group photo:

Paw Patch Pastries Makes Tripawds Drool with Delight

We are honored that Carla Ocfemia, owner of Paw Patch Pastries, generously donated a delicious array of custom-made Tripawd treats, pawty favors and even a dog cake made with real bacon and cookies that spelled “Tripawds Rule”!

She even arrived with a shade canopy for tired pups. The treats were a huge hit and all doggies went home with full bellies and even more treats for the next day. Thanks Carla!

Paw Patch Pastries specializes in healthy organic dog treats made with no soy, corn, gluten or wheat. Her treats are all made in San Francisco and are especially ideal for dogs facing health issues. We encourage all Tripawders to support her business by shopping online at PawPatchPastries.com.

 David Oliver Captures the Magic

Another big shout out goes to Bay Area photographer David Oliver, who also donated his Saturday afternoon to documenting this historic event. We hope he’s not too tired from trying to keep up with our three-legged heroes!

This fabulous pet photographer is generously giving all of his photos from the afternoon to anyone who wants them.

If would like copies, please contact Tripawds Member Travis Ray through our Discussion Forums Private Messaging system or email him here.

And of course if you are in Northern California and looking for a great animal photographer, contact David today!

A special thanks to The Oaktown Pack who told Carla and David about the pawty.

The Magic Continues

The Nor Cal Tripawds Chapter is our most active face-to-face group in the world. Members like Lylee and Spirit Maggie’s Pack, Karen, Obie and Tani, often get together to share stories about life on three legs, and just be among other dog-centric friends.

Of course, it’s also a fantastic way to celebrate the incredible stories of long-term cancer survivors like Cemil, who is now nearly three years out from his osteosarcoma diagnosis. This big boy is a three-paw miracle!

Some folks, like Spirit Maximutt’s pack, John, Diane and quadpawds Bernie and Linda, even travel all the way from Southern California (about 10 hours away) to reunite with old friends who helped them get through the cancer journey.

When new members join in, the circle grows and the bonds grow stronger.

Hold Your Own Tripawds Pawty

Join in and share in the fun! If you want to create history in your part of the world and share the joys of living life on three legs in person with others, read:

Tripawds Blog: How to Create Your Own Tripawds Pawty

For more fabulous photos of this historic event, check out:

Lylee’s Blog: The Most Best-est Fab Tripawds Pawty Ever!
Ruby’s Blog: NorCal Tripawds Pawty!
Travis’ Blog: Travis Ray Reporting In

Thanks for doing this Stacy. See you Sunday!

Does your Tripawd have cancer? If you’ve always wanted to ask an animal communicator about how your dog is coping with this illness, now is your chance. On Sunday, April 22 Tripawd Talk Radio welcomes back Stacy Krafcyzk of All Spirit Healing in Wisconsin.

For this episode, four lucky winners who are currently battling cancer
will be selected for a personal reading, live on our show. 

(Stacy’s next appearance will be specifically for dogs without cancer)

How to Enter to Win

If you would like to be chosen for a free reading, please tell us here in 100 words or less, why you believe Stacy can help you and your Tripawd during your cancer journey.

Be sure to enter by replying to this topic. You must include a small photo of your Tripawd. Stacy will utilize this information to provide an informative, helpful reading about your Tripawd.

Four lucky Tripawds members will be chosen at random and notified during the week of 04/09. Stay tuned for the announcement in this Discussion Forum Topic!

Date: Sunday, April 22,2012

Time: 3:00pm PST (4:00 MT, 6:00 Eastern)

Duration: 30 min.

Call In Number: (310) 388-9739*

Tune In Here: Intuitive Animal Communication Canine Cancer Readings

Share Link: bit.ly/ttr042212

*You do not need to call to hear the show. Listen live here and join us in the chat room or call (310) 388-9739 with your questions.

This promises to be a fascinating episode, we hope you’ll tune in. Past episodes of Tripawd Talk Radio with Stacy have been very informative.

ABOUT STACY

Stacy is from West Allis, Wisconsin. She has worked with animals for over a decade doing humane work on a professional level at All Spirit Healing and has assisted thousands of animals, domestic and wildlife, throughout the years. Stacy has always had a strong bond and passion for animals since a child and is now being carried throughout her professional and personal life.

Her unique approach and gentle guidance will give you great perspective and understanding in all areas of your life and help you reach your greatest potential.

Also experienced with Energy healing modalities, Stacy is a Reiki Master Practitioner and uses essential oils that are 100% natural and safe for humans as well as animals to help them overcome emotional and/or physical ailments.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided at Tripawd Talk Radio is for entertainment only. Tripawds.com is not responsible or liable, for any damages resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied herein.

This OSU team, led by the renowned Dr. Couto, does extraordinary work for dogs with osteosarcoma and other bone cancers. As well as research, Dr Couto and his team also offer a free consultation service for owners, vets and anyone else who may need to have x-rays looked at to see if a lesion looks to be osteosarcoma. That consulation service could save time and in turn, a life.

Celebrate Darcy’s Legacy, April 6 – 13

Darcy joined Tripawds in December, 2007 when she was a new amputee, and continued to beat the odds for the next four years. Her Mum Bev posted many updates about her amazing life, here in the Forums.

This big beautiful giant thrived beyond anyone’s wildest expectations, until her battle with a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy suddenly took her from us on January 29 of this year.

Her loss came as a terrible shock, but there is comfort in knowing that Darcy’s incredible story will provide inspiration and hope to others who are faced with the devastating news that their dog has osteosarcoma. Darcy is proof that sometimes the odds can be beaten!

All Sorts of Items Available!

Please join us this Saturday f0r the first day of a weeklong Darcy’s Legacy online auction filled with all sorts of goodies, from t-shirts celebrating the life of all canines to books, DVDs, poster prints and more. All proceeds go to a great cause, we hope you’ll join us!

Here are just a few examples of items you can bid on:

As more people understand that many of the same physical therapy principles applied to humans can also benefit dogs of all ages and health conditions, more canines than ever are enjoying pain-free lives.

Dog Rehab Gives Spree a Pain-Free Life

Spree is the perfect example of how canine rehab helps. At just a few weeks old, Spree didn’t look like she would have a good quality of life ahead of her.

She was born with a poorly formed skeletal structure that if left untreated would have subjected her to a life of terrible pain.

Luckily, her parent Connie Fredman of Canine Health Resort instinctively knew that she could provide her with a great life through surgery and dedicated rehabilitation therapy from herself and Rogers.

Today, Rogers performs weekly rehab work on Spree at Fredman’s home, as seen in the following video. Spree still has severe elbow arthritis in her remaining front limb and sore neck muscles which is typical for a front-leg Tripawd.

Please note: this video is not meant to be an instructional “how-to” dog physical therapy video, but rather to show how physical therapy can help. One look at Spree’s totally relaxed state, and you can tell she is loving it! Read below to learn more about this courageous dog, and how the dedication of Rogers and Fredman have helped to give her an excellent quality of life against all odds.

Never perform these manipulations on your dog without first consulting a professional canine rehabilitation therapist.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Spree Bounces Back Despite All Odds

As a puppy, orthopedic specialist exams revealed that the best way to help Spree lead a better life would be to amputate her poorly formed front right leg. Spree became a Tripawd at just 15 weeks old.

Several months later, surgeons told Fredman that Spree needed a bilateral FHO surgery, which requires removal of the head of the poorly formed femur, in order to grow a new joint built with the hind leg muscles.

Although FHO leaves a dog without hip joints, the procedure gets the leg to attach to the body by muscle alone, similar to how a dog’s shoulder blade attaches to the body. Smaller dogs like Spree are better candidates for this surgery but some larger dogs can also do well afterward.

Many parents would have given up after hearing this recommendation, but not Fredman. Rogers had already been performing gentle physical therapy routines on Spree and even bathtub swim sessions. Spree’s recovery from FHO surgery, however, had its challenges.

Because she was so young when her surgeries occurred, the brain’s neuromuscular pattern that dogs normally develop didn’t instinctively occur with Spree.

As a result, typical behaviors such as “sit” were extremely challenging. It took four months and two people performing regular rehab sessions just to teach her how to sit properly.

Today, Spree is a happy, healthy adult dog and lives a great life with Fredman’s large pack at the resort. Although Spree requires ongoing weekly physical therapy sessions and pain management with tools such as Rimadyl, Dasuqin, Adequan and fish oil, if you took one look at her you would never know that she had such a tough start in life.

Many thanks to Fredman and Rogers for allowing us to be a part of Spree’s therapy session. If you’re in Northern Colorado, be sure to contact Good Life Physical Therapy for Animals to learn about how she can help your Tripawd lead a better, pain-free life. For boarding care after surgery at Colorado State University, contact Connie Fredman at Canine Health Resort. 

Recommended Reading:

 Tripawds Recover and Relax at Canine Health Resort
When a Tripawd Needs another Leg Surgery
Tripawd Rehab Tips and Videos from California Animal Rehabilitation Center

Since we aren’t dog rehabilitation experts, we wanted to learn when and how to properly utilize a wheel chair for a three legged dog. We spoke with two of the world’s leading experts in dog wheelchair design and usage, Amy Kramer PT, DPT, CCRT, of California Animal Rehabilitation Center, and Leslie Grinnell, President of Eddie’s Wheels from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

Is it Time for a Dog Wheel Chair?

The loss of a limb presents different challenges for a dog than a human, Kramer tell us. The advantage to being a canine amputee is that a dog has three legs to distribute its weight over, instead of just one remaining leg that humans have.

Despite a Tripawd’s adaptability, a three-legged dog can often benefit from immediate use of a wheel chair, especially if the dog already has per-existing physical ailments like arthritis, she explains.

Grinnell adds that using a wheelchair on the longest walk of the day may decrease the damage to the spinal cord, elbows, carpus and rear legs, which are common age-related issues for front and rear Tripawds. “Think of the wheelchair as preventive medicine against the wear and tear of being three-legged,” she explains.

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to Kramer, Tripawd parents should always keep an eye out for signs that their dog may need a cart. For example:

• If your dog cannot walk comfortably without rest for more than 30 feet, you may want to talk to a qualified veterinary rehabilitation therapist.
• If after an extensive pain management, rehabilitation and acupuncture treatment regimen your dog is still showing signs of pain, a cart might be the ticket to new found freedom and mobility.

And if you do obtain a cart, don’t worry about your three-legged hero becoming too dependent on it to get around. “A cart is not ever detrimental to the patient’s health and fitness,” says Kramer. However, she reiterates that it “should only be needed if they are showing other signs of difficulty with gait.”

How to Choose and Buy a Dog Wheel Chair

To the untrained eye, all dog wheel chairs might seem alike, but it’s critical to know the differences between a custom well-built cart that lasts a lifetime and a cheap mass-produced knock-off.

According to Grinnell, the biggest difference between her company’s dog wheelchairs and the lower-priced models built in China, is that Eddie’s Wheels takes every dog’s physical situation into consideration before building the customized cart in their Shelburne Falls factory. The first question Grinnell’s staff asks a potential customer is, ‘Tell us about your dog.’

“We know that this dog is pretty special if someone is looking into the cart option, so we take down the dog’s story and how it became disabled. We ask questions like ‘how long has he been coping with a disability?’ because a dog who has been three-legged for 10 years is going to have other issues besides just missing a limb. Usually the carpus has collapsed or the elbows are worn out, or there may be lumbar spine issues or ACL problems in the rear legs. So we want a complete picture of the dog’s anatomical and medical challenges. We often ask for a side view and overhead view photo. Many tripods develop a spinal curvature that we will take into account if necessary,” she says.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As a pet parent with two bi-pawd dogs at home (Willa, Webster and Sweet Pea, as seen above), Grinnell’s company has firsthand experience with the issues that physically challenged dogs face. “We think of our dogs as our research and development team. We really do test our products on animals!” she says.

Unlike prefabricated, low cost wheel chairs for dogs, Grinnell says that an Eddie’s Wheels cart will always have customized features. “For amputees, we calculate the weight of the missing rear leg and install a counterweight on the side of the amputation to keep the cart balanced and minimize the danger of tipping over,” says Grinnell. The company can also “splay the frame wider to allow for the wide stance many tripods develop, and make the saddle accommodate the enlarged musculature we see on some three-legged dogs.”

Finally, Grinnell says that Eddie’s Wheels also makes the only front wheel cart for front leg amputees, which enables these dogs to sniff, run and sit in their wheels while preventing the “bunny hop” walk that leads to stiffness later in life.

Click here to view the embedded video.

When Affordability is an Issue

The benefits of a custom-built dog wheel chair are obvious, but oftentimes affordability is a big issue. A custom Eddie’s Wheel cart can cost anywhere from $325.00 to $650.00 depending on factors such as the size of the dog, the type of wheels needed to match their exercise terrain and many other custom design features. Although wheel chairs are covered in some pet insurance policies like VPI and Pets Best, this expense is often a barrier for financially-distressed pet parents. For these customers, Grinnell says that getting creative is often the path to obtaining one.

“We have found that many people are very successful in making online fundraisers and even within their communities many people will contribute to help a handicapped dog get the help they need. We’ve encouraged people to work with their local pet store to do fundraisers for carts by providing brochures, posters etc.”

These organizations in our Tripawds Financial Resources Document might also be able to help.

“We also have a stock of donated used carts and if one fits, we are happy to sell it at a reduced price, refurbishing and customizing for a new dog,” says Grinnell.

Know Your Tripawd’s Limitations

As Tripawd parents already know, dogs adapt much better to challenging circumstances than humans do. For most Tripawds it only takes about a week to learn how to use a properly fitted and professionally built dog wheelchair after fine-tuning is made through the help of Eddie’s Wheels staff and their YouTube instructional videos. When a Tripawd is allowed to use his new wheel chair after taking a long, tiring walk without one, the dog will often instinctively understand that the supporting wheels provide respite and relief.

But regardless of whether or not a Tripawd is ready for a wheel chair, says Kramer, “All amputee pet owners should understand their pet’s limitations due to being an amputee, as well as have a home exercise and stretching program designed for their pet.”

She adds that as a Tripawd ages, pet parents need to be on the lookout for signs that might indicate there is an issue in one of the dog’s remaining limbs.

To learn how to spot potential ailments that could affect your Tripawd, find see a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner near you.

Please note that Tripawds has no affiliation with any dog wheelchair manufacturer, nor do we have personal experience using a wheelchair for either Tripawds Founder Spirit Jerry or Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray.

If you have experience using a wheelchair for your dog, please provide feedback with a comment below. Or post any questions in the Hopping Around Discussion Forum.

Recommended Reading:

Eddies Wheels: Front Wheel Carts for Forelimb Disabilities
Tripawds News Blog: California Animal Rehabilitation Tips and Videos for Tripawds
Tripawds Downloads Blog: Financial Resources for Tripawd Pawrents