So many terrific Tripawd Tuesday stories came to us in 2024. A big THANK YOU to everyone who took time to send their hero’s story.
We apologize that we didn’t have time to publish all the stories earlier this year. But over the next couple of weeks, we are going to share as many as we can before 2024. Here we go, kicking it of with Tripawd Hero Zeke!
Tripawd Hero Zeke Says Don’t Lose Hope!
Meet Zeke, an 8-year old German Shepherd from Dayton, Ohio. Here’s what his dad shared with us.
How old is your Tripawd?
- 8 years
When and Why did your Tripawd lose a leg?
- Jan 13, 2022. Cancer
How did your Tripawd adapt to life on three?
- He did Amazing!
What are your Tripawd’s favorite things to do?
- Playing with his favorite red toy, or laying at the top of the stairs looking out the window.
If you went through amputation surgery recovery with your animal, what did you think would happen after surgery? Did your worst fears happen? How did you cope?
- Our biggest fear was that he’s lose his spunk & energy. He recovered amazingly and back to his full happy, full of energy self in about 1 month.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your Tripawd?
- I think the hardest part of the entire situation was not knowing initially if we were making the right decision. He had shown no symptoms other than a large cancer mass on his shoulder. We feared having an amputation might cause him to slow down, become sad & depressed. Once removed and about 1 month of recovery he bounced back to his loving, playful & totally full of energy self. He has that spark back in his eyes.
What is your best advice to someone who is about to go through amputation with their pet, or someone who is thinking of adopting a Tripawd?
- To anyone out there who may be facing a similar situation with their furry friend, don’t lose hope. Amputation can be a difficult and emotional decision, but it is often the best course of action for improving the quality of life for our beloved pets. And as we have learned firsthand, animals are incredibly adaptable and can still lead happy and fulfilling lives after amputation.
More About Tripawd Hero Zeke From Michael
January 13th marks the one year ampuversary of our dog’s leg. When we first received the news that our 7 year old German Shepherd Zeke would need to have their leg amputated, we were heartbroken. We couldn’t imagine our Zeke not being able to run and play like he used to. He was so full of energy and always on the go.
We were afraid by removing his leg, he’d become sad and depressed not being able to move around as he did before, But as the saying goes, time heals all wounds. And over the past year, We have seen Zeke adapt and thrive in ways that we never could have imagined.
Initially, the adjustment period was tough for both of us. Zeke had to learn how to walk and balance on three legs, and we had to learn how to support him in his recovery. But within 1 month he quickly regained his strength and mobility, and got that precious spark back in his eyes.
Now, one year later, Zeke is just as active and playful as ever. Full of energy, runs, jumps & plays as if he still has all 4 legs. We are constantly amazed by his determination and resilience.
To anyone out there who may be facing a similar situation with their furry friend, don’t lose hope. Amputation can be a difficult and emotional decision, but it is often the best course of action for improving the quality of life for our beloved pets. And as we have learned firsthand, animals are incredibly adaptable and can still lead happy and fulfilling lives after amputation.
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HI,
I have 130/40 lbs rottweiler named moses, who was just diagnosed with Osteosarcoma bone cancer. I have been told that his large size and it being a front paw; amputation wouldn’t be a good idea.
I have no idea what is a good idea or a bad idea. Can he (moses) adjust okay in the first place, how long before he recovers enough to go on his own?
I am also looking for information about how to handle a situation like this.
Anthony, we are so sorry for the diagnosis. Please get another opinion, you are getting outdated information. Modern veterinary consensus is that even large dogs can do fine on three las long as they are otherwise healthy. Even larger dogs with some arthritis can be OK on three. See our Giant Breed profiles, and our What to Expect articles. With good pain management and vet care, most larger dogs recover in 3-4 weeks, some need longer, some not as much. All dogs are different. If you’d like help finding another vet please join us in our Tripawds Discussion Forums.