TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
It's my turn.....
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
31 January 2015 - 6:30 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi everyone,

I would like you to meet Ellie's Wonder Zuzu's Petals, Zuzu for short (her name is from my most favorite movie ever, "It's a Wonderful Life")....the opportunity for her to come to us happened rather unexpectedly on the last day of 2014, when my desire for this awful year to finally be over, was coming to its end. I don't think there is enough space here to write about how this entire situation came about, but I can say that my Angel Polly definitely had this sweet girl in mind for me. After the ordeal in mid December of the emotional decision of possibly taking a pup from my breeder that was born with a severe heart defect, Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, I now know why I was so torn and conflicted.....a second pup was found to have the same defect and I wanted her to come to me to live out her life, no matter how long or short it may be. Polly knew there would be this sweet yellow girl waiting for me so that is exactly how it worked out. Pearl loves her so much, too.

I do have to add, that my Lab breeder has never had this happen in all her years of breeding, and has taken measures to stop this very serious genetic problem from going any further.

So I started this New Year on a very positive, happy note, looking to when we could bring this precious pup home. I was feeling that very strong shroud of grief that was still smothering me, start to lift....we made arrangements for her to come home with me on the 8th of January, because she needed more cardiac testing, blood work, starting of heart medications, and vaccines before she could come to me. Then BAM!!! On January 6th, I fell in our first small snow and ice storm of the year, going to a pet sit, and broke my arm....well, I had to put her coming home with me, off for an extra day or two.

I have thought seriously about this situation of bringing home a pup that is already seriously compromised in life, but when you go into something like this with eyes wide open, it is really not so bad. I mean, to me, it is far worse going into what you expect to be a happy, hopefully healthy, long new life with a pup, and the world crashes down on you repeatedly with terrible medical issues.....I don't worry so much now, I know there will come a time when Zuzu will have problems and we will be ready for them, to do what we can, if we can, when the time comes.....this is where I've learned from being a member of this amazing community, that living in the moment, and making those moments count for as long as possible comes into play, and is the most important thing in life.....that is what the awful "ugly c" journey teaches more than anything else. My Polly will remain in my heart forever, and while my spirits have been lifted, I will always grieve Polly's loss, but I also feel a bit stronger having a new pup in my life to care for.

Zuzu will be happy everyday, and every moment....she has a great start so far.....

Love to all......

Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu

P.S. The last 2 pictures are #1 of little Zuzu and Pearl, and #2 of Polly and Pearl.....the bittersweet circle of life, and start of a new generation....

 

 

 
 Image Enlarger

Image Enlarger

 

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
31 January 2015 - 6:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

YAY!!!! I'm sooooo glad you finally shared Zuzu with the rest of us!!!! I love her photos... such a pretty girl and what a wonderful life she will have ... no matter how long. Like Sally always says, she doesn't know she has a defect in her heart. She has no time stamp! And she gets to live and get loved ALL day all the time. Polly definitely had her little paw in this one. 

Pearl and her look like they are BFFs always ... wow... if only people could Be More Dog all the time. SO much love to be had.

I am so happy for you... I know your heart still aches for Polly, like mine does for Shelby but seeing a happy pup being loved, it's what our girls want for us. 

Welcome to the BEST years of your life, little Zuzu!!!

hugs and love,

alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little jasper too)

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
31 January 2015 - 7:04 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Beautiful! Congratulations on the new addition. :-)

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
31 January 2015 - 7:11 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Congrats Bonnie! 

Pearl looks soooo happy!

 

Karen and Spirit Maggie

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo





Member Since:
16 October 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
31 January 2015 - 7:13 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Congrats on your new addition.  She sure is cute.  Alison is right.  Zuzu doesn't know she has a heart defect.  No time stamp on her butt.  It is always nice to have a distraction from the grief.  A puppy (or 2) does that.  Gives you something to think of other than your sadness. 

Enjoy every minute :)

 

Hugs & love

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
31 January 2015 - 8:13 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Whoo Hoo!!!! Cuteness alert!! Adorable! Is she coming to the Va. Picnic? Is she, Is she?? Pearl too? Polly had her all reserved just for you. She knew you would be just the right Mom to ZuZu. Hugs, Lori, Ty Chan, Lucy and Daryl

TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed  and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater. 

Orange County, CA
Member Since:
28 November 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
31 January 2015 - 9:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

She's absolutely perfect!!  Congratulations on your new addition!!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
31 January 2015 - 9:47 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

BOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNIE!!!! I CANNOT STOP SMILING!!!!!!!laughingbig-grinbig-grinbig-grin

ZuZu Petwls is sooooooooo cute!!! CUTE!!!!! CUTE!!!!!! CUTE !!!!!!!! PRECIOUS!!!! ADORABLE!!!!! A REAL BUNDLE OF JOY!!! A SMILE MAKER!!!big-grin

Yes!! Polly has her pawprints all over this!!!! And yes, Zuzu, welcome to A WONDERFUL LIFE .....THE most wonderful life a doggy could have!!

:I love watching sweet Pearl play with her...shesw very gentle and very tolerant! Zuzu doesn't take any prisoners though! She sure wasn't gonna let Fritz get the "upper paw"! She really shows no fear! She is bold and brave and delightful! Wonderful traits to have on this wonderful life of hers!!
I love how she sits up on her haunches and boxes Pearl! You really can see how much Pearl is enjoying her. I like how Pearl would get inbetween Fritz and Zuzu if she felt like Fritz was getting a little too rough!

:I'm so glad Polly brought such joy and fun back into your life! I know she's really pleased with herself!!!

Bonnie, I have such a lump in my throat as I see read all of your thought processes in bringing Zuzu into your lofe. You are such a beautiful and compassionate soul! You have done a brilliant job of evaluating everything and making a decision with so much heart, so much selflessness, so much courage AND logic!! You are doing something few would be able to do. Polly js soooooo proud of you...heck, we all are! I'm truly in awe of the limitless capacity for love you have in your heart

Cannot wait to see her getting her first Puppy Latte at Starbucks! OMD! How cute will that be?!way-cool

WELCOME TO TRIPAWDS ALUMNI ZUZU PETAL!!! WELCOME TO LOVE!!! WELCOME TO UNPRECEDENTED SPOILING!!!

See you all at the TRIPAWDS PAWTY!!!

Cannot stop scrolling up and looking at those pictures!!! CUTEST THING ON THE PLANET!!!!

LOVE AND LIGHT TO ALL!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
1 February 2015 - 11:36 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

OH wow, look at that pack of LOVE you've got now! How super sweet, Zuzu is really fortunate to find such a great family to watch after her. No doubt that Polly sent this special girl to you, who else would be able to help and care for her the way you can? Very sweet!

Hope your arm is healing up. Ouch!!!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
15 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
1 February 2015 - 3:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Bonnie,

How sweet of you to bring Zuzu into your life. I bet Pearl is thrilled. And Polly is smiling down from Heaven. So sorry about your arm. Only advantage of us Californians with no ice or snow is we don't fall in it but we do have our mishaps. Have fun with your new baby.

Penny and her gang.

Oakland, CA
Member Since:
20 December 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
1 February 2015 - 5:47 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh Bonnie! How wonderful that you opened your heart to Zuzu. No matter how long she has it will be fantastic because she ended up in your loving arms. Many doggie blessings upon your head for giving this special little girl the most loving forever home on the planet!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox,

Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack <3 <3 <3

Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!

Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!

Visit Codie Rae's Blog!

Martinsburg, WV
Member Since:
3 June 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
2 February 2015 - 7:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I'm so happy for you and little Zuzu!!!  She's such a precious pup and her health issue only makes her that much more special!!  Because of your loving heart Zuzu will know a loving home and family.  You're truly a special person to give this little girl such a wonderful chance!!

Hugs

Sahana and her Angel Leland 

Leland

November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014

May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
2 February 2015 - 6:24 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

She is so beautiful!  Love her for who she is.  The new dog is never the replacement dog, it is the next dog in line who needs our heart. Enjoy many wonderful years with Miss Zuzu!

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
2 February 2015 - 7:42 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Finally got a chance to sit down and write some. I just LOVE this. Little ZuZu is going to have a great life. Not a single living creature knows how much time it'll be here, like Sally says, not one of us has a time stamp on our butt! You opened your heart to a pup that really needed someone, and no one could have been better for her than you! I think Polly is just overjoyed, she guided this little girl right to you. 

I can't tell all of you how happy I am. I was so miserable after I lost my Jake and I was really quick to get another dog because not having one in my home was just too much for me to bear. Tanner, in all his craziness, has been such a godsend for me. To watch each of you (Bonnie, Sally, Lori, Alison, and Deb, who lost pups not long after I lost my Jake) welcome a new dog into your lives has been absolutely wonderful! 

HUGS to each of you!! 

Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”  

      

Montana
Member Since:
1 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
2 February 2015 - 10:07 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Congrads! What a lucky girl Zuzu is and how beautiful. Every moment with her will be so special and she will return your love in bunches. So happy for you.

 

Luanne and Team Shooter

Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old. 

Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.

http://shooter......ipawds.com

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: schoonerandnelson
Guest(s) 222
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17735
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256809
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG