Here’s one of five zillion good reasons to see a certified rehabilitation therapist for your Tripawd: Homer.
Today for Tripawd Tuesday, Homer the osteosarcoma survivor is going to show you what a huge difference it makes when you seek rehabilitation therapy.
Homer was having post-amputation mobility issues that were scary and disheartening for his humans. But they didn’t panic. Instead, they got care from a certified rehab therapist and wow! He’s come such a long way.
His people were kind enough to share their story with us, so read on and then go find a certified rehab therapist in your area.
An Interview with Homer’s Humans:
Why did Homer lose his leg? How old is he?
“Homer had a front leg osteosarcoma removed in March 2015. He is now 9 years old. He underwent 4 rounds of carboplatin. We decided not to do 6, because he was so spent and tired from the chemo that we deemed it not worth going forward.”
What made you decide to see a rehab therapist? And who are you seeing?
“We had mistakenly thought that dogs would bounce back on three legs without a problem – we pushed him, had him up the steps, etc. We were wrong, especially for older dogs with some arthritis. Homer could not go more than one house over on his walk without plopping down to rest. We decided to have him see a canine rehab specialist in our town. She is Susan at Fit for a Dog in Havertown PA.”
How did Homer react to the first few sessions? Love it? Hate it? Indifferent?
“He loved the cold laser and body work, and he absolutely loves the water. When we pick up his swimming vest before his appointments, he gets all excited. He gets tired after each session – its a lot of work in the water. he was going twice a week – now once. She said he can stop but we wont listen. He loves it and we want him to continue to try and improve.”
You mentioned he lost weight. That’s a big benefit! How has his and your life changed because of Homer’s new “Beach Bod”?
“Well, he needs a smaller harness! His therapist says he is now ‘full of himself’ which is true. He hops on things he should stay off of, and is generally self confident and comically bold. He is definitely much stronger. He doesn’t go far on walks anymore, but he is happier for sure.”
What would you say to other Tripawds pawrents who are thinking about rehab?
“I would say if you can afford the time and cost, do it. It has helped Homer a lot. I would counsel others that all dogs are different. Many dogs need extra help when they are tripawds. The rehab specialist told us it is HARD to be a tripawd. I agree, but Homer doesn’t mind a bit.”
Read All Tripawd Tuesday Stories
Share Your Tripawd Tuesday Tale!
Each Tuesday, Tripawds from around the world can enter for a chance to be “Tripawd of the Week.” Just share your Tripawd’s story and you’re entered to win! On every Tuesday of the week, tell us about your three-legged hero here in the Tripawds Discussion Forums or on the Tripawds Facebook page. Just follow these easy steps:
- In a few short sentences, describe your three-legged hero’s story.
- Include a photo or video.
- Include a link to your Tripawds Facebook page, Forum topic and/or Tripawds blog (if applicable)
All entries must be received by Saturday at 11:59 pm. One Tripawd story will be selected at random to be featured the following Tuesday.
I am now on instagram showing people that it’s ok to be a Tripawd! Follow me @homerthewonderdog !
We are THERE Homer! You are a superstar!!!!
I too have a tripawd, Emmett, who was my competitive obedience dog with many AKC titles. He lost his leg in May, 2014 because of osteosarcoma. He is in the 30% of dogs surviving a year or more. He had no problems dealing with the chemo of which he had three IV treatments. He is now on a chemo pill once a day. His oncologist said we could take him off of that but we decided to keep him on it. He had no effects from any of the treatments so why mess with a good thing. He is a big boy standing 25 inches at he withers. However, because of competing I kept him on the lean side and I think that helped a lot in his recovery. He now is doing so well and very happy and energetic, although he cannot walk as far as he did before. So short walks for him. He is now doing Nosework which he just loves and keeps his brain and body working with no stress. Each dog is different but that is Emmett’s story. He is also being awarded in October as one of the 2014 Top 25 Obedience Labs at the Labrador National Specialty in Missouri. I am so glad that you found a way to help Homer as we all want our dogs to live as long as they can and have a wonderful, healthy life.
This is one of THE best reads! HOMER!!! I LOVE YOU!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU!! Standing ovation to yiu!!
The wisdom of your humans deserves a standing ovation too! To recognize they were on a path of recovery that wasn’t working, but rather hurting, is great insight! Sometimes humans stay focused on how far a tripawd can walk and how quickly. In reality, many prefer the trade off of spending time out in the hard with their family…or spending more time getting snuggles on the couch.
And these pictures of Homer say it all!!! I keep scrolling back up tomlook at that first picture and cannot stop grinning!! That boy is soooooo happy!!! And that video defines joy!!
This blog is so very important. Thank you so much for sharing this story of insight, joy, and inspiration!!
Much love to all…and an extra smooch to Homer!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!