Tripawd Tuesday celebrates Silas—10 years young, three legs strong, and still chasing squirrels like it’s his full-time job.
Tripawd Tuesday Silas Leads with Love and a Wagging Tail
Silas may have three legs now, but he’s still living life full throttle. Whether he’s lounging in warm sunlight or participating in backyard squirrel hunts, this resilient black Lab mix proves every day that joy doesn’t depend on symmetry. With mom Rachel cheering him on in South Bend, Indiana, Silas took recovery in stride—literally—and never lost the spark in his eyes.
If you’re looking for strength, heart, and healing, Silas’s story delivers all that and more. It’s a celebration of what our dogs can teach us when life gets ruff.
Tripawd Tuesday Q&A: Silas’s Story
How old is your Tripawd?
10
When and why did your Tripawd lose a leg?
December 13, 2024 – Osteosarcoma
How did your Tripawd adapt to life on three? Did the reality match your expectations?
Silas adapted in ways that both surprised and humbled us. The first few weeks were tough—physically and emotionally. We questioned if we did the right thing, we worried constantly, and we grieved the life he used to have. But slowly, Silas began to show us that he was still very much himself.
He learned to balance, he figured out new ways to move, and his tail never stopped wagging. Recovery wasn’t instant—there were setbacks, tremors, fatigue, and frustration—but every bit of progress felt like a small miracle.
The reality? It’s both harder and more beautiful than we expected. Harder because you don’t just bounce back overnight. But more beautiful because you get to witness a kind of strength and determination you never knew your dog—or you—had.
Silas may have three legs now, but he’s still our squirrel chaser, our adventure buddy, and the heart of our home. Watching him reclaim his joy has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives.
What are your Tripawd’s favorite things to do?
Silas, my resilient 10-year-old black lab mix, still loves all his favorite things: chasing squirrels in the backyard, sunbathing in the grass, sniffaris around the block, and going on little adventures. Even post-amputation, his joy for life hasn’t dimmed—he still greets each day with tail wags and that same old spark in his eyes. Walks may be shorter now, but his spirit is just as strong.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your Tripawd so far?
Grace, grit, and presence. Silas has taught me what it means to keep moving forward, even when the road is hard. He doesn’t dwell on what he’s lost—he adapts, he trusts, and he embraces each moment. Watching him navigate life with three legs has made me redefine what strength and resilience truly look like.
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?
Let yourself feel everything—grief, fear, guilt—but don’t get stuck there. Your pet isn’t. They’re already thinking about how to take their next step, not about what they’ve lost.
The first few days are hard, and it’s okay to admit that. But take heart: your pet will amaze you. They adapt so much faster than we expect, and their resilience will carry you through if you let it.
Set up your space to make things easier—rugs, harnesses, support—but more than anything, just be present. Celebrate the small wins. Ask for help when you need it. Connect with the Tripawd community.
And if you’re thinking of adopting a Tripawd—do it. You’re not getting a “broken” dog. You’re getting a warrior. A survivor. A source of daily inspiration.
You’ll never look at life—or your bond with your pet—the same way again.
I just want to say thank you to this community. In the early days after Silas’ amputation, I came here terrified and searching for hope—and I found it in all of your stories. Now, months later, I’m honored to share his.
If you’re at the start of this journey, please know: it does get better. The love doesn’t change, the bond only deepens, and your Tripawd will lead you with more strength and grace than you ever imagined. Silas has changed our lives for the better—and I hope his story gives someone else the same courage this community gave me.
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