Lori, I too feel for your hubby. If I remember correctly, my BF asked the same question to which my reply was "well that's what they make wheelchairs for". That worry will be there for any dog. Just wait till he coughs or is really tired one day. Four legs or three, you will find your mind going right back to Ty's diagnosis. In my experience though, being a tripawd from injury is very different from being a tripawd from cancer. I'm not sure about long term rehab, Tanner is 2 and I've had him now for six months. The only thing different we do is give him joint vitamins, and we "try" to keep him from doing anything that may injure his remaining leg which is difficult since he's like the energizer bunny. Other than that, he's just a normal dog (well, thats kind of an oxymoron for those who have met him lol). 

The greatest resource I have found has been the Tripawds e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs . It is all about conditioning and how to make sure they stay strong.  

That is the cutest puppy face! I agree, just breathe, send those papers in and let whatever's meant to be happen. There is no "replacing", its not even possible. Adopting another pup doesn't mean it takes up the space in your heart that Ty has, your heart just gets bigger. When my Jake passed away, I swore up and down never again. Then I think it was Christine who posted this. I cried like a baby when I read it (It still gets me teared up). Its true, its exactly what they would will if they could. I went through all the worry and all the what if's too. That is SO normal. Ty would be PROUD of you for giving another pup a home. He would say, yep thats MY momma, look what I taught her.

Lori,

Daryl is too precious!!  Those puppy eyes just jump off the screen!

I totally get the back and forth you are going through with whether bringing another pup into the home is the right thing to do.  And like you I worried about being judged by others for bringing another pup home only after a month since Leland's passing.  But you know, all I found was love and support from this community as well as my family.  I think I was being harder on myself for wanting to have noise back in the home so the house didn't feel so empty after Leland left and because I was being so hard on myself I just figured others wouldn't approve either.

I too feel for your husband but you can't live your life in fear of the "what ifs".  Since bringing Lucian into our home I'm just more aware of things that go on with him.  I do worry when he takes flying leaps off the cedar chest or when he barrels down the stairs because he's so excited to go outside.  Since going through knee surgeries with both Leland and Lucky I know I will constantly worry over Lucian's knees but this is why I made the decision to sign up for pet insurance.  I think we learn with each of our furkids and how best to manage their health which only makes us that much more knowledgeable with the next pup or kitty comes to us.

And I won't lie...some times I have wondered what have I gotten myself into with bringing a puppy into the home.  During those times I have gone off to take a few moments (Breathe of course) to get my emotions under control because I'm thinking "god I wish I had my Leland back".  But that isn't fair to Lucian and I know that.  And there's Lucian just looking at me like "what's up with you...Can we go play now..." and I can't help but smile and laugh at his goofiness. 

And Lucian has carved out his own piece of my heart.  This does not mean that I love Leland or Lucky any less or that they are being replaced.  The human heart has boundless love to give so if you are feeling a connection with Daryl don't deny him the love I know you have in you. 

My vote is to send in the application and pictures and see where things go from there.  I think if you don't at least try you will always wonder.

Sending you and your hubby a HUG!!

Sahana and her Angel Leland