Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, Tripawds family and friends! How did it get to be December already?! Sorry I haven't been here as often as I'd like in the past couple months. After 13 years with the same employer I started a new job (and also had to turn in my laptop and beloved iPad before I left). I love the new job and the people, but unfortunately my commute has almost doubled.
Please know that I think about all of our special connections often--dogs and people and spirit dogs. And I hope to be more active here and able to support others in the future.
As you know, we've been missing Lexie a ton since she became an angel and joined her many friends at the Bridge in early September. Her little brother and partner in crime, Milo, has really been missing her since he's never been an only dog.
Of course there will never be another Lexie, but we decided we were ready to open our hearts to another mix of some sort...preferably a rescued houndish/floppy-eared girl who would remind us of our original amazing girl.
So, we scoured the interwebs and Petfinder and the rescue sites looking for the right size and temperament for Milo, who can sometimes be picky about who he hangs with.
We found a beagley-blonde floppy-eared cutie and applied for her. We were so excited! Long story short, it turned out that she had been limping and her foster took her to the vet. The poor girl ended up having a major leg issue and the surgeon suggested having her stay with that same foster for her recovery. Naturally, we thought that her foster would end up keeping her. All of us here know firsthand what a bonding experience surgery and recovery can be. So, we wished sweet Judy and her family all the best for a good outcome and resumed our search.
After another month of looking for Milo's next sister, we finally found and agreed on another floppy-eared girl Thanksgiving day, and applied for Reece the next morning. The rescue was well-organized and responded very quickly. We hoped we could get her as soon as this past Sunday.
Then we heard back from the adoption coordinator with the news that Reece's foster had fallen in love and decided to keep her. Happy for him (and her), but bummed for us.
I started looking online at local shelters. We're also dog transport volunteers (drive dogs on 1-hour "relay legs" from overcrowded high-kill shelters in the southeast states to points north where they go on to approved rescue groups and adopters).
We're on some related listservs and FB groups, and then I heard about a SC shelter with a huge PTS (put to sleep list for today). I clicked on their "Urgent" photo album and the first one that popped up who had been there the longest was a shelter favorite. She looked nothing like Lexie, but Lexie clearly sent her to us. Drumroll, please...
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Please meet our forthcoming new addition and Milo's new sister-to-be: http://www.adop.....errier-mix
I've been trying to add her photo but having a hard time getting it to work so I'll PM it to Rene and Admin guy in case the shelter takes the link down.
Obviously Lexie was telling us, "Hey--you know I love y'all, but you'll never come close to finding another me so I brought you something and someone different."
We know Lexie is a smart girl and we trust her. We can't wait to meet who she picked out for us! 
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
OH MY DEAR SWEET DEB!!!!
IT IS SOOOOOOO WONDERFUL TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!I think of you and LEXIE sooo often!!!! Many times I'm on the site late at night and that's when you would often be on here...just you and I sometimes. Just know that I hold you so dearly in my heart. You and Lexie touched us all! Your devotion, your invaluable research you posted for all to become more informed, your commitment to Lexie's well being...and you never faltered...not once!
And now to hear she has sent you this ADORABLE CUTIE PIE that would not even be alive today probably if you and Milo hadn't stepped in! And she brought you "something different" indeed!!! I lpve her face! Her markings are somuniwue! She's a gorgeous girl! And you know what? She reminds me a little bit of CRAZY TANNER!!!! Now THAT is definitely a dog hand picked by Lexie!!!
So when to you go get her? And has she just had puppies...or is she "surgically enhanced"???
Can't wait to hear more! Im soooooo happy for yoi you! Your void is excruciatingly painful and the loss of Lexie is like no other. AND, there is noting like a new dog who needs love to help bring smiles and joy back into your day! I have a feeling this is going to be a gloriius connection in sooooo manynlevels!!
GOOD JOB LEXIE!!!!
Sending so much love and thousands of never ending hugs!!!
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and My Pal Merry Myrtle Mae!!!!!
Oh! We're starting another "gathering" .....check out Lori and Ty's thread on Daryl...his mystery disease...somewhere in tha thread a pawty got started!
And best of luck with your new job! They are lucky to have you! And so is Fannie!!!
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!
WAAAAHOOO!!!! Here she is!
It's so great to hear from you Deb. Congratulations on the new job and the new pack mate. I have no doubt that lovely Lexi picked her out just for you. What a sweetie! We can't wait to get to know her so don't be shy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Congrats Deb. I love it that Lexie brought you another gal. I can't wait to see more pictures and hear how she is doing.
I am sorry to hear about the commute doubling that absolutely sucks.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
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."
I'm so happy for you Deb!! Fannie Mae sure is a cutie pie!!! Are you planning on sticking with that name? I think it's an adorable name.
From reading your story of coming to find Fannie Mae there is no doubt Lexie was involved. She kept throwing up "road blocks" for you so you kept looking until you came to this sweet girl.
Congrats and I can't wait to hear about the adventures of your new little girl!!
Sahana and her Angel 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!
OMG... so cute!!! I love that little face! And I love her name. Are you keeping it?
BTW - I feel your pain on the commute... My not so new job (over a year now) doubled my commute too... which was better w/Shelby since she was mellow in her elder years but Jasper Lily... it's like someone gives her a red bull right before I get home! Play, play, PLAY!
Can't wait to hear more about your new baby.....
much 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
DEB!!!! Oh my gosh, I am so excited for this new little girl to be part of our alumni family! She is so cute, and I have to agree with Sally, I think we definitely know who picked this pretty girl out 
Can't wait to see more pictures!!
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”
Elizabeth and Sally, with both of you having met Lexie and having gotten to know us well, you will appreciate this in particular... But anyone will who can remember how Lexie surprised us in so many ways will too...Alison, Michelle, Rene, Lori, Bonnie, Sahana... [pasting other thread here with update]
Lexie has been up to some major hijinks! We all knew my girl had some mighty huge paws to fill. Long story short, she is in the process of sending us not just one, but TWO dogs…as in two more dogs in addition to her brother, Milo.
Since Lexie’s paw prints are all over this, of course nothing has happened in a linear fashion…various stops and starts just to keep life interesting. We will finally get Fannie Mae, who I posted about in an earlier thread, Sat. 12/27 — we hope!
Meanwhile, while in the process of getting everything arranged for Fannie Mae’s adoption and medical clearance and long trip north, a calm easy-going happy young little guy on one of our transports stole our hearts. We went back and forth on whether it was a good idea, and part of me hoped his rescue in PA would get local apps on him. They didn’t.
So, we drove to PA to pick him up a week ago Saturday. As soon as we got Marshall home and we saw his inner crazy puppy come out (picture a much younger Tanner on speed) — we both wondered, “What have we done?!” He drove poor, late middle aged Milo so crazy for the first few days that we honestly weren’t sure it would work out.
Well, here we are. We made it through that difficult first week and although he still drives Milo crazy several times a day, he has grown on Milo…and on us.
Pics to come!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
So, Marshall is about ~8-9 months, around 30 lbs, and some kind of mix. Any guesses? We have some theories. I'll be interested to hear what y'all and our vet think.
He looks so innocent...don't be fooled!
C'mon, Milo; I know you want to play with me. Pleeeease???
Mom, make him stop. (Lexie is looking down from the bridge and finding this priceless.)
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
OMG Deb!!!!! I love him!!! I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am for you guys right now, AND how much I am laughing because I just can not imagine a Tanner on speed! We may need to start a "I have a lunatic dog" support group and have meetings...that have lots of wine. haha. I gotta say too, I'd have to guess he's some sort of Tanner mix There is no doubt Ms. Lexi has picked these two out for you, but I think I'm going with Shepard/Basengi mix. (and Milo, seriously, how cute is that face!!)
Check your PM
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”
OOH MY GOSH. How cute is he. I was going to guess some sort of Besengii mix not sure with what but he is adorable. yay. Way to go Lexie. I can't wait to see how all 3 of them get along
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
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."
cuttttttttttttttttttttie patooooooooootie!!
omy gosh.. kiss that brow for me!!!!
what a lucky boy.... and I am sure he knows it!!
Love the "sleeping on the bone" pic....
Christine.. with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
EEEK!!!! I cannot stand it!!!! SOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!! I'm going w/Basenji mix too. OMG ... ADORABLE!!! I can't stand it! LOL
I LOVE those ears! I have a thing for big ears now! (LOL)
Good job Lexie ... GOOD job!!! You've done great and your mama totally has her hands full! (PS - I am glad Shelby only sent me one... )
HUGS and lots of love!
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
WOW!!!!!! WOW!!!!! .ARSHALL.....FANNIE MAE.....MILO.......CRAAAAAAZY!!!! CRAZY GOOD!!!!!
Mix????? Definitely "part Tanner"! Imq sure Tanner imlregnated every female dog in PA.before he was "snipped"! Yeah, Marshall is definitely "part Tanner"!!
These pictures are adorable!!! I love the one where they are both facing the camera head on with all four ears standing straight and tall!!! I know Milo is glad to have a doggy companion again...or two!!! Geez girlie, you have your hands full....and I love it!!!! These dogs all just hit doggy lottery and Im just thrilled!!!
The Virginia, Maryland, etc. reunion will be sooooo much fun with all our dogs our Transitioned Tripawds have sent us!!
C annot wait to see more pictures and hear how they alk interact!!! You have to video it all!!!!
We love you Deb!!!! Can't stop smiling over here! Lexie made sure you wouldn't be sad this Christmas.....you'll be waaaay too busy!!! This is going to be so much fun following this pack!
Love and light!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
PS...Just a little aside....do you ever hear from Cheryl and Zack? 'Been meaning to ask Elizabeth 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!
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