Let’s keep on with the 2023 Tripawd Tuesday celebration! Today, you’ll be inspired by the story of Tripawd Hero Maggie, a senior gal who didn’t let limb loss keep her from doing what she loved best.
In Memory of Senior Tripawd Hero Maggie
How old is your Tripawd?
- Maggie passed away as a senior after a long and happy life.
When and Why did your Tripawd lose a leg?
- We lost our rescue girl Maggie a few years ago after she survived her tripawd surgery when she was a senior and diagnosed with cancer. She had a large external tumor on her front leg that progressed quickly and when we were on vacation my parents had to take her to get emergency surgery at a vet we’d never been to before on the Jersey Shore.
- Quickly, we realized that if we didn’t amputate she wouldn’t make it, so we ultimately decided to have the surgery. It was scary as we didn’t know if it would change who she was as a dog, and some of her happiest moments were running on all four paws when hiking, on the beach, etc.
How did your Tripawd adapt to life on three?
- After the surgery, we had a few amazing years after her surgery and she was at her happiest, and I think she realized how close she was to dying and was so grateful to spend more time with us.
What are your Tripawd’s favorite things to do?
- Swimming, eating sand on the beach, snuggling and sleeping.
Was there any special gear that helped your Tripawd?
- Honestly, using a towel under their bodies to help them relearn to walk and lift them up. Also – booties to help protect their 3 paws so they don’t injure them in show/weather!
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?
- We thought that Maggie would experience depression after the loss of her leg, and that didn’t happen. She was so happy to be given a second chance, and her mood was nothing short of optimistic which was inspiring.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your Tripawd?
- Dogs are smarter and more capable of emotion than we know – it’s guaranteed that they will be just as happy with three legs (maybe even more so knowing they get to spend more time with you).
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?
- It’s likely you will be more upset and challenged by the situation than they are – stay strong!
See More Tripawd Tuesday Stories, and contact us to share your own too!
Send Your Tripawd Tuesday Love Story!
Did you enjoy today’s story about Tripawd Hero Maggie? Want to share your own hero with the community?
Please share your Tripawd Tuesday love story, too! By doing it, you’ll also help pet parents seeking hope and inspiration during tough times. Follow the links to send it to us.
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Our golden doodle just had front leg amputation she is 7. Did you use a compression shirt at all ?
Angela, we aren’t sure Maggie’s people will see this. Please visit our Forums for help from the community. Thanks.