Tripawd Pals Archives

Go Genie, Go!

November 13, 2023October 13, 2007 by jerry

Genie is my new friend in Canada, and she became a Tripawd this past week. Genie is 12 years old, and because she was such a healthy girl to begin with, she is now doing so great after her amputation surgery.

Genie’s Mom has been feeding her a completely holistic diet since she was a little puppy. So now that she’s battling cancer, she has a real “leg up” for beating the odds, because she is in such great health already.

Here is a great story about how her Mom Jessie has given her the best life a dog could ask for, after being adopted from the pound. Her Mom wrote it and sent it in to us. Read more to learn about how you can create a healthy diet and lifestyle for us dawgs, with or without a disease like cancer.

Calpurnia’s Story: A Working Dog Bounces Back from Cancer

June 21, 2011October 6, 2007 by jerry

For anyone who isn’t sure if a dog can lead a happy life as a tripod, meet Calpurnia, a gorgeous gal from Colorado, who became a new member of the Tripawd family on September 14, 2007. Here is her recovery story that her Dad just sent to me.

For nearly 12 years, Calpurnia has been an enthusiastic working sled dog – running lead for nearly 10,000 miles through the snowy back country of Colorado. She was an amazing leader and we have shared many adventures together by sled and dog team.

Super Senior Tripawds

September 30, 2021September 30, 2007 by jerry

I get a lot of letters from dog parents who are dealing with a bone cancer diagnosis. Many parents aren’t sure if their senior dog can handle being a tripawd.

We know that amputation is a tough decision, especially when older dogs are involved. And there’s no “right” answer; every dog has a different health situation, and responds to it in their own way, usually pawsitively!

Based on the dog parents we’ve talked to, it seems that most dogs who are good candidates for the surgery (your vet can advise) will bounce right back to their old selves in no time, once that nasty pain is gone.

Saol fada chugat, Cooper!

September 23, 2007 by jerry

Tripawds are hopping to my site from all over the globe, and I feel so lucky to meet them! Here’s another great three legged dog who wrote to me all the way from Scotland! Now my Mom is trying to teach me Gaelic. Those words above are supposed to say “Long Life to You, Cooper!” How did we do?

Cooper has a great story . . .

Tripawds Coast to Coast

May 30, 2019September 17, 2007 by jerry

Jerry the three-legged German Shepherd meets Finnegan the 3-legged Irish Wolfhound. See a video of this six-legged dog party on the Penn State Erie campus.

Amazing Moose Beats the Odds Again

August 9, 2017September 12, 2007 by jerry

Harlequinn Great Dane Moose beats the odds with Wobbler’s Syndrome two years after osteosarcoma surgery

Bone Cancer, Battle Scars and Bear the Big Brave Tripawd

March 7, 2011September 7, 2007 by jerry

Last November when I had my surgery, my Mom was a little upset that my Dad posted my surgery photos on Tripawds. He wanted everyone to see my battle scar because he thought it was cool. My Mom wasn’t amused.

Not too long ago, I got an email from Bear, a big ol’ dawg that got the bad osteosarcoma news that he’d be a tripod dog soon. His people were worried, but his Dad said

“Both my wife and I were very happy that we had seen Jerry’s pics before Bear had his surgery. It would have been much more traumatic to have seen it for the first time when we went to pick him up.”

Ha! That made my Dad feel good. And then my Mom agreed, and said “well, yeah, we had never seen any post-op photos of an amputee dog either.” When she first saw me come out of the hospital, she almost fainted!

So, in the interest of canine health education about bone cancer, here is Bear’s story, post-amputation surgery photos and all.

This is Bear, before his surgery. See, he’s limping just like I was. Ouch!

Then, look at Bear, after his surgery.

Don’t worry Bear, that big furry coat will grow back. Mine took about 6 months to come back completely, but now I’m more handsome than ever! And remember, even though you lost your leg, you’re lucky it was a back one. See, when a dog loses a rear leg, it’s much easier than when he loses a front leg like me. Dogs carry most of their weight on the front legs. Rear leg canine amputees have an easier time getting around. But watch out Bear, I’ll bet I can still beat you in a race for a stick!

Bear is doing great now. His Dad says:

“It’s been great to have him back to his old self. It’s been a week now, and he barely seems to notice anymore. . . He’s eating really well, and he’s getting a lot better at taking walks and wanting to go check out his old haunts to make sure everything’s OK and re-mark his territory.”

Are dogs cool, or what? Yeay for bear! Go get ’em pal!

Meet Lalla from Tel Aviv!

March 18, 2014August 20, 2007 by jerry

I just got a letter from my first overseas International Visitor, Lalla, a canine cancer survivor from Israel.

Lalla had her rear right leg amputated last September, due to osteosarcoma.

Lalla says that she didn’t have chemo, because “It would have really disrupted my normal happy routine: no beach, no pals and no treats!”

And even though the doctors told her she only had about 2 months left on earth. That was a year ago! Just like me, she has beaten the odds, and is now living life to the max!

Read more.

Tripawds Merchandise Now Available!

November 10, 2016August 14, 2007 by jerry

Big news! We have just officially launched our Tripawds Café Press Store!

Show your tripawd pride with t-shirts, mugs, caps, mouse pads, stickers and more. We even offer a dog t-shirt* perfect for protecting your new three legged friend’s stitches after surgery. Use the Tripawd Journal to keep track of important diet information and health care tips.

Do you know a new tripawd? Send them my funny canine cancer get well card. Or get a pack of 20 inspirational note cards and send them out as thank you notes or personal memos.

Your purchase helps support tripawds everywhere by promoting awareness of osteosarcoma in dogs and amputation as a solution for continued health and well being.

*Many sizes available. Optional: You may choose to sew up the empty limb hole.

Three Barks for California Sammy!!!

August 13, 2007August 13, 2007 by jerry

Life is good. Lately I’ve been living with my people in the woods near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, just soaking up the sun and loving life. But recently, I heard from a fellow Tripawd, Sammy. He was looking for some ideas for a back and ear scratcher for dogs without the use of back legs. Got any? Scratching ideas, not legs, silly!

See how Sammy tries to scratch:

Sammy is blazing through his amputation recovery like a Rock Star, even though he has faced some really big health problems. He found me because he went to the wonderful people at the University of California at Davis’ Vet Teaching Hospital too. Sammy even met my girlfriend there, Theresa Varland!

You can read all about it on his Dogster page, but here’s the short version of what 10-year old Sammy has battled. Ha, you think you’ve got it bad sometimes?