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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Feral amputee to be..
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Member Since:
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11 November 2017 - 3:29 pm
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So I have pictures, videos, and I have not been posting here, lol. With the heavier traffic and him having run of the room all day and just kenneled at night, we have come to a conclusion. It's time to take the next step. I have been thinking and stressing on this since yesterday. Oscar and Andy no longer think of Huck as their "new toy" lol. They no longer see him as a threat, either. Huck doesn't seem to be nearly as nervous, and even when he gets nervous he is snapping back pretty quickly. He looks bored. He slept most of the day yesterday, I woke him every time I visited. I think it is time to bring his crate downstairs and maybe give him run of the house. You can laugh at me, but I see that one delicate little rear leg that he has left, and I am now scared to death that he will twist it or turn it wrong and we will be in big trouble. Just the thought of it tears me to pieces. He can't live in his sanctuary forever. He has been in the house for 2 months now, and he is just over a month post op. With the higher level of stimulation, the grooming is subsiding some. It's time. 

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Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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11 November 2017 - 5:05 pm
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Huckleberry has been set loose in the house. All unnecessary rooms with doors are closed. He was really kinda adorable (now I feel like grandma describing a grandchild, lol)  I am so glad we did it the way we did. Twice as much work, big payback. He wandered out 3 or so times. I decided dinnertime was going to be the golden hour. Oscar didn't want dinner, he hit the tree to watch from afar. Andy cant resist food no matter how hard he tries ( like mama, like kitty way-confused) and Huckleberry gingerly took a step out of the crate to eat. After a few bites he wandered around a bit and then ran back to his sanctuary. Right now he is happily bathing in his man cave with the doors open big-grinI only had 3 nervous breakdowns while we did this, but who am I surprising laughing I have footage, will d/l  later, I am going to sit with my husband and have a glass of wine now, cheers!clap

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Canada
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11 November 2017 - 5:28 pm
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Ha! It sounds like all went really well! Us old Grannies do tend to worry too much don’t we?! Better to be safe than sorry sometimes though heh?!

Food job you guys and very well done Huckleberry! The next phase of your wonderful life begins!clap

Three Paws Up to Prince Huckleberry! You’re teaching us all some lessons!

Enjoy your wine you guys! Cheers! 🍷 🍷 

On July 10/17 I became a Super Tripawd! You can find out more about my Pawrents Allensong but first Check out my 🎗 journey Super Stu Remember...“live in the moment!“  

Virginia







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11 November 2017 - 9:21 pm
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You and David have excellent "instincts"' when it comes to understanding your kitties and knowing what's best for them. 

Yes, clearly it is time for Huckleberry to check ou the rest of his domzin.  And Oscar and Andy are ready for it too!1

As far as worrying about injuries to remaining legs, that will dissipate as rime goes on.  You'll find thst Huckleberry will become fairly adept at being "careful"....well, t.o some degree anyway!    As other kitty owners will tell you, they've filled their homes with stepss and "safe traffic areas"

Can't wait for the video!

Hugs...and cheers!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Where ever my car goes


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12 November 2017 - 6:01 am
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As other kitty owners will tell you, they've filled their homes with stepss and "safe traffic areas"

This made me almost spew coffee over the tablet because, yes I tried to do those things for Tuxedo.  But you know what he has refused to use ...yup all of my modifications  He still insists on doing jumps from the floor and thinks area rugs are for kitty bobsled rides.  So, I would recommend a wait and see course of action on most tripawd proofing actions for kitties.

Anyway, if possible try not to worry, Huckleberry isn't.  In a couple months you will get past most of those fears and of course, he will find new things to do to make you go awww so adorable instead!

-Dawna, Tuxedo, & Dazzle

Michigan


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12 November 2017 - 7:31 am
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benny55 said

As other kitty owners will tell you, they've filled their homes with stepss and "safe traffic areas".    YES!!

mommatux said
This made me almost spew coffee over the tablet because, yes I tried to do those things for Tuxedo.  But you know what he has refused to use ...yup all of my modifications  

In our experience only, I have had 3 cats that do use steps with no issues. I will always suggest trying a set which you already have. Of course all cats are different but if put in a place of ease and show them how to use them with treats they will get the idea and see its easier on them.

I cringe when steps are fluffed off because I had a cat break a leg on 4 in the house. My opinion will always differ, because of our experience! You do want to protect the remaining leg in any way you can. Rugs here have been huge for Purrkins they are rubber backed and they do not move. We have them all over. Now I realize a front leg and back leg is different however it would make sense traction is a good either way, even four legs do better on carpet then hard floor. Our cat broke his leg on the hard wood floor. There was no repairing it or amputating it. We had to say goodbye to him. 

Purrkins confidence excelled when we got the rugs! I cannot state that enough! He went from hopping to racing! He had his footing and that made all the difference in him. I will have to get a video of what happens when the carpet ends! HUGE difference here.

We all have opinions and different animals and thats what is great about the forums you can get many views and opinions! Just wanted to say you should protect the remaining limb in any way you can. No one wants to have a injury to the remaining limb.

Our motto is better safe then sorry & always will be! (no disrespect to Dawna) I never want anyone to go thru what we did!

Glad to hear Huckleberry has free reign of the house.
Gram is still in the hospital so I will be in and out. (anyone wants to say some prayers or send positive thoughts or good juju please do!
Hugs, Holly & Purrkins ❤️

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12 November 2017 - 7:34 am
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Good morning!

Well, last night Huckleberry spent the evening back in his crate. AFTER we set off the fire alarms by making a fire in the fireplace and filled the dang house with smoke... AGAIN! I was beside myself! I don't know why once in a while the smoke comes in and not out the dang chimney but of all nights... poor cats howling at the alarms, Huck ran up the stairs into "his room" and had this mortified look on his face. I just closed the door and went about opening windows until the house aired out. 

This morning, now that is a better story. I may rename him Speed Racer, lol! David got up before I did and let Huckleberry out of his crate. He was minding his own business sniffing out the new digs and along came Oscar. Omc, they have been racing around the house ever since. I was so worried about the stairs, forgetaboutit! They have raced up the stairs so quickly I am having a hard time getting it taped. I have just one that I started when he was halfway up the stairs.

Dawna, I read your story finally, wow! Tuxedo is beautiful and thank god he is heard-headed. I am glad you chimed in, I have gotten just a couple of things but I think my little man is going to be like yours. His face is full of curiosity and he is having fun. He refuses to let the stairs be an issue, so far at least. I will keep a watch for things, I was worried about the flooring downstairs but he is not having a problem so far. I do have some rugs, if need be I will pick up a few more throw rugs at Big Lots. I bought one set of stairs for anything tall that he may gravitate to. I will keep an eye out to see if / where it should go. 

He keeps looking at me like he has done something wrong as he is running around the house, lol. I must be the mean gatekeeper, but he will see that it's all good. David and I will have to take special care now to just keep handling him and socializing with him so that he does not get back into that "fear of humans" mode. 

Thanks everybody for the support, I didn't think it would be as hard to do this as it was. I feel like the overprotective mother here, lol.

heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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12 November 2017 - 8:35 am
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Sending prayers and good thoughts your way Holly!

Huckleberry came down with the boys for breakfast and he just layed down on the floor all stretched out like he has lived here forever! There has been no hissing, no batting, nothing but them running around like banshees! I believe Oscar and Huckleberry are very similar in age, about 2 plus a few months maybe. Oscar doesn't know what to do with a brother that has his energy level, and Huckleberry is tickled to have a brother with his energy level, hahah. Andy goes in and gets in the mix, he tried to watch from afar but he couldn't take it anymore so he is up with the others. It will be good for Andy to get exercise, he needs to lose weight before he starts having health problems. He is my kitty that blocked, so I have to be careful with his diet. He needs another u/a and evaluation, but we have had more pressing things going on. He will be my next project. He only blocked once, but that's all it takes. They all share the special diet mixed with a little other that I know Andy tolerates well. 

Big hugs heart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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12 November 2017 - 8:42 am
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Purrkins said

Our cat broke his leg on the hard wood floor. There was no repairing it or amputating it. We had to say goodbye to him. 

Our motto is better safe then sorry & always will be! I never want anyone to go thru what we did!

Holly this would have been a horrific accident to deal with! I’m sorry! The ‘old’ saying goes, that cats ALWAYS land on there feet! In most cases that’s true and I was lucky in that regard when Spikey fell off the deck railing a couple of years ago! It’s not to,say I didn’t have heart failure at the time! Thanks for sharing that Holly!

Purrkins confidence excelled when we got the rugs! I cannot state that enough! He went from hopping to racing! He had his footing and that made all the difference in him. I will have to get a video of what happens when the carpet ends! HUGE difference here.

Yes, the rugs do encourage confidence! Stewie uses them every time! Looking forward to the video Holly! (That is WHEN you have time!)

Dawna, I do appreciate the Kitty Bobslide action! Miss Lily thinks the yoga mats are for her entertainment only! I am constantly straightening them out for Stewie! CATS! You gotta love ‘me! 

Jackie the videos are brilliant! Great to see that Hucklebery is fitting in beautifully! This House thing is VERY COZY! Good lad!

Thanks for chiming in when you are busy with your family Holly! Let the Tripawd prayer power begin for Holly’s Gram! Sending hugs and very best wishes to you and your family ❤️❌⭕️❤️

  

On July 10/17 I became a Super Tripawd! You can find out more about my Pawrents Allensong but first Check out my 🎗 journey Super Stu Remember...“live in the moment!“  

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12 November 2017 - 10:29 am
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I appreciate all of you and all of your help! I know Huckleberry will show me the way, just in these couple of hours he has been amazing. When he gets all excited and races up the stairs (that's where his room is) I am having heart failure. Thank goodness the stairs are wall to wall. We are going to be redoing them as our winter project as the cats have had their fun using them as built in scratching posts! I have already gotten pretty Berber rug treads so they will still have plenty of traction winker

Little man wore the big boys out so they are all konked in the living room right now. None of them are used to quite this much exercise and entertainment. 

Thank you all for your input, I cannot tell you how much it means to David and I. It is truly a gift to be able to communicate with people that are going through/have gone through this kind of life changing process, nobody that has not been faced with it truly knows what it is like. I hope I can make a difference for others also. 

heartheartBig hugs, chin scratches, sandpaper licks, and air knitting heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog



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12 November 2017 - 11:01 am
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Mr Huckler - I'm so happy you have a new "yard" to explore with 2 friends, clean water, healthy food and toys.

Jackie, he looks to you a his caregiver. He wants to make sure it's okay and that he is safe. He trusts you and obviously values your opinion. big-grin

Mona is a front leg amputee so her needs are a little different. It's easier for her to jump up without stairs and she uses bankers boxes to get down and does a gymnastic move to dismount (front leg slide down - quarter twist left - land on back legs simultaneously - plant front leg) clap 10 out of 10 superstarsuperstar Stairs don't work for Mona she prefers a wide box, chair or table as platforms. I suspect it's because she has short legs. I only put the boxes where she is allowed to climb - bed, couch, desk, armchair. 

You and David have done a great job integrating Huckleberry into your home. Was his ear snipped because he was part of a fix and release program?

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

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12 November 2017 - 12:14 pm
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Thanks Kerren, I feel like a new mama laughing

This has been a new adventure for us, and I have had to just go with gut and wing it a lot of times. The help I have received here for the tripawd area has been a priceless help. The feral part I just had to go with my experience and think a lot of the new stuff out. 

He used his stairs to get to the top of his crate a little while ago. That is where I thought he might want to go and have trouble (Oscar loves to lay on top) Huck had no problems getting on top in his bedroom, but now he has no bed to spring off of. He watched Oscar and repeated it purrrfectly! 

Yes, his ear was mangled because of the neuter release program that I had him in before we realized the extent of his injury. That vet couldn't even cut a straight line.. They call it "tipping" the ear so that after release others will know that he has had vaccines and was altered if he happens into another yard. I had asked the person that we dropped him off with if the vet would check his rear legs but she never did. I had to beg for felv testing, they were reluctant even thought I told them I would pay for it.  Maybe it's better she didn't examine his leg, she might have made a bad decision seeing he is feral and I might have ended up in jail, lol.

I do have boxes and pillows around just waiting for his decision on where to put them. I think I am going to get a few more throw rugs ( I have several already, I like throw rugs, smile) and I always make sure they have rubbery bottoms so I don't go flying when Oscar and Andy flip a side up when wrestling each other.

He is upstairs napping with big fluffy Andy right now, I think they finally all wore each other out .. and that's a good thing clap

Hugs heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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13 November 2017 - 1:06 pm
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Just wanted to share a quick update. Huckleberry is doing really well and starting to grow more comfortable in his new environment

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Getting braver..

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Who's afraid of heights?? Just my mama laughing

He is truly amazing.

heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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13 November 2017 - 1:16 pm
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It’s like the three brothers were truly meant to be! It’s fantastic to see Prince Huckleberry in such a warm and cozy environment! I bet he thinks he’s in heaven!

Three Paws Up you guys!  heart🐾 🐾  🐾 heart

On July 10/17 I became a Super Tripawd! You can find out more about my Pawrents Allensong but first Check out my 🎗 journey Super Stu Remember...“live in the moment!“  

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13 November 2017 - 1:24 pm
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He sure wants to fit in.  You can see it all over his face.  

I do have a question. Yesterday was such a busy day for him,  up and down stairs,  running all over.  I finally got him still enough and scooped him on to my lap.  His poor bump was twitching like a cell phone on vibrate! Is this to be expected normally? I expected more of a tired hop, but I had no idea it was twitching like that til I picked him up.  (Notice I said PICKED him up,  hahaha!!)

I guess I just don't know if a twitch is painful or just because he hasn't been this active in a long time. He hasn't been this active since before his injury. Any suggestions?

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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