Meet Tripawd Tuesday Louis Charles, a three-year-old Miniature Schnauzer with dazzling blue eyes and a personality fit for a king! Affectionately known as The Sun King, this lovable rescue pup from Troy, Ohio, has a remarkable story to share.
Tripawd Tuesday Louis Charles Makes a Royal Comeback
With his royal nickname and irresistible charm, Louie is certainly living up to his title! After overcoming a difficult amputation and recovery, this spirited little Schnauzer has surprised his family with a whole new outlook on life. Once a quiet, reserved pup, Louie is now enjoying life with more energy and enthusiasm than ever before!
Tripawd Tuesday Q&A: Louis Charles’s Story
How old is your Tripawd?
Three
When and why did your Tripawd lose a leg?
Louie the mini Schnauzer came to us as a rescue a bit over a year ago after about a year on the streets, according to groomers who have seen his horrible intake photo.
He had what our vet hoped was a small lipoma on his shoulder. We were to keep an eye on it. It began to grow, and shorthand, it was an infiltrative lipoma that had taken over all his shoulder muscles, and amputation was really the only solution because no muscles could be saved.
How did your Tripawd adapt to life on three? Did the reality match your expectations?
The first few weeks after were heartbreaking to us because in addition to normal recovery, he had several episodes of phantom nerve pain every day, and he would cry and scream for up to half a minute. This did resolve over the few weeks after that.
We took Louie to a rehab therapist (first visit paid for by Tripawds, thanks so much!). He had cold laser therapy to his remaining front leg along with the rehab, and we continue the rehab exercises at home.
We have been cautioned not to let him walk quite so far as he used to because that front leg has to last him for a long time, so we got him a stroller (Booyah size M) so he could still go for a walk but ride at the end. That way we all get exercise. Also we have steps at the furniture so he jumps as little as we can manage. Is it lovely decor? No, but it’s for Louie so it’s fine.
What are your Tripawd’s favorite things to do?
Louie is a completely different dog now, in the best ways. He used to be a fairly sedate little dog, except of course for barking because Schnauzer. Now he runs everywhere – through the house, after the squirrels, digs holes 🤨, and rockets back inside all smiling to tell us what he did outside, or so it seems.
He never played before, but now he runs after his toys and even brings them to us to toss. We’re as sure as we can be that that lipoma was bothering him all along, poor little guy. We’re so sorry we didn’t know.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your Tripawd so far?
Three legs work fine, but if your dog is young, take care of what he has left, and rehab is very helpful.
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?
They need the same love as before and just a bit more care. It’s the same as if something happened to your child. Your feelings don’t change.
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