Meet Matteo, a four-year-old Tripawd rescue pup with a big smile and an even bigger love for adventure! From struggling in a shelter to hiking trails and spreading joy, this little rescue pup proves that life on three legs is full of possibilities.

Tripawd Tuesday Matteo Hops into a Life Full of Adventure
When Dana of Oakland, California, picked Matteo up from the shelter after his amputation, she expected to carry him to his new foster home. Matteo had other plans!
He hopped right out on his own and never looked back. His remarkable recovery is a wonderful reminder that three legs are no obstacle to living a happy, adventurous life!
Tripawd Tuesday Q&A: Matteo’s Story
How old is your Tripawd?
4 years

When and why did your Tripawd lose a leg?
I have a small, foster based rescue (Hair of the Dog Rescue), and Matteo was struggling to navigate shelter life at San Francisco Animal Control. We don’t know how his leg was injured, but the team in SF decided amputation was the best way forward.
When I went to pick him up and bring him to his new foster home, I was expecting to carry this little guy to the guy. Nope! He hopped right out on his own. His resilience is inspiring. He mastered the stairs in just weeks and now you’d never know he only has three legs.
How did your Tripawd adapt to life on three? Did the reality match your expectations?
Beyond my expectations! He’s fast! Loves to walk and hike. No difference between him and my four legged pup 🙂

What are your Tripawd’s favorite things to do?
Hike, kiss, smile
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your Tripawd so far?
Legs don’t matter. Life can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Also, dogs really don’t seem to notice how their body is made. They notice love, kindness, adventure, and joy.
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?
Amputation can actually improve quality of life. The recover, for me anyway, was so much easier than I’d expected.
See More Tripawd Tuesday Stories!
We Want Your Tripawd Tuesday Love Story!
Did you enjoy today’s Tripawd Tuesday story? Want to share your own hero with the community?
You can share your Tripawd Tuesday love story with us, too!
By sharing your journey in the Tripawds community, you’ll also help pet parents seeking hope and inspiration during tough times.
Tell Us More About Your Hero in the Tripawds Circle of Support
Be a Tripawds Community Ambassador
Request a Tripawds Community Ambassador Kit to help us spread our mission of helping three legged pets and their people. Get everything you need for you and your three-legged dog or cat to show the world that life on three legs can be pawesome!
Your participation helps us get the word out about our mission. And if you can chip in a bit extra to help cover costs, even better. Thank you so much.
