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.
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!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I'm sad and just heartbroken to write this.
But Rocket (aka monkeybutt) and Cosmo (aka monkeybaby) aren't getting along every since the accidental jaw in the collar choking incident a few weeks ago in which they broke out into a panic fight.
We have been trying to retrain and manage them but tempers are flaring now and it's not progressing for the better. We have been shuffling and monitoring them now for a couple of weeks. But I knew for sure today when they got into it again. No one bit but it was ugly.
We have to find Cosmo a new special home. Rocket is my baby. And I love Cosmo very much but he's a happy-go-lucky little guy that loves everybody and will be great with anyone. I wished it was here but I know in my heart it can't be.
I need help in finding Cosmo a special home.
I must explain something that I rarely talk about…
I've endured at least 20 full blown big dog fights from a dog I used to have who like to beat up another dog I had. When I brought Comet in, I thought she had mellowed out and never dreamed she'd try to hurt Comet. She did. Even though we tried to get Comet a good home knowing my other dog was dangerous, no one wanted a deformed 3 legged dog. So, we separated Comet from Mugsy, the attacker.
But one morning, Comet ran out of the bedroom and Musgy attacked her on the stairs. ANother big dog I had joined in. I amost didn't save her. I dont even know what happened because I had already pulled both of their collars off. They were mauling her chest and picking her up like she was nothing. I felt so helpless since I had no collars and we were on the stairs. For whatever it stopped and Comet ran to a crate. I put my two big dogs down that day.
I can't get over that day. I was traumatized so badly, I rarely talk about it. I felt guilty. Guilt I have never been able to let go of. Guilt for bringing COmet into a home with an aggressive dog. Guilt for letting Mugsy attack my other dog, Snooker for 10 years, Guilt for putting Mugsy and Dot down.
It manifested itself into a panic disorder a few years later since I never dealt with it emotionally. Some days, I couldn't leave the house because I worried about Comet being alone. She was safe and in the house with no other dogs but illogically I felt an urge to protect her. So, I even became agoraphobic (afraid to leave the house). Logically, I knew it was dumb but mentally I couldn't help myself. Meds finally helped me get my panic disorder in control after I developed physical symptoms and a doctor figured it out that I didn't have MS, I had stress.
So, here I am again in the middle of dog fights. I'm terrified Rocket will get hurt since he's smaller. I get paralyzed with fear.
Thanks to all my close tripawd friends, who have helped me emotionally get through this! I have been working on it to make sure it wasn't my fear that was leading me to make a decision but I have been doing well with it. I'm pretty sure I'm not acting completely out of fear and know that these two are going to progress to something worse. I've lived it before and it progressed to nasty dog fights. I have the scars to prove it.
I didn't mean to make this a book. But I need help in finding Cosmo a really good home. He's so darned lovable and the cutest, best personality dog I've ever had. He's like a dog in a puppy suit, he's so cute! And he smiles at you when he sees you! It's the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'm sure Cosmo loves me but he loves everyone he meets. This is why I know he'll be fine. My heart will break but I know he'll be happier without Rocket.
Does anyone know of a good special home? He's now 33lbs. Approx. 9 months old. Probably full grown.
He's a happy dog. And he is easy to train. He knows sit, stay and speak. He even knows how to roll over on command. He's very food driven. And he's kind of lazy. He loves stuffed animals and doesn't tear them up. He loves everything he meets including toddlers. He especially gets excited when he sees kids. He even like dogs and wants to play.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I just want to say I'm sorry for you. I couldn't take the fights either and you are doing "good" by trying to find Cosmo a home. He'll find one I'm VERY sure of that! What a cute guy and sounds like a real ham 🙂 If you were closer, I'm sure I could find him a home over here on the East Coast.
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
I think you are behaving in the best way possible for your pack. Sometimes a dog isn't a dog for you and yours, even though you hope and think they would be the perfect fit. That is real love, when you do the right thing even though it hurts. I believe you told me that just two days ago. 🙂
I think Cosmo is one of the most precious dogs and I have felt a great connection with him from the beginning, maybe because he looks like a white Sammy, but short like me. My Titan wouldn't handle another boy, so just like you I have to do whats best for my crew. Cosmo is the perfect size and disposition for what I wish for in a dog, it is so hard to say no.
If I do find someone, would you fly him to a different state?
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Oh Ge'Lena what a horrible experience you've had. But thank you so much for sharing, those of us that are less experienced need to know these things.
You know we seriously considered giving up Sam, and you were so wonderful in helping us through that. I'll do anything I can to help place Cosmos but I'm in Chicago! I think you are in CA but where? I know a few people "out there", around LA.
What an example you are for us, able to make the hard decisions. Who knew owning a dog could be such a character-building experience? Your wisdom is an inspiraton.
Give Rocket and Cosmo a great big hug from me.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
This was mighty brave of you to pour your heart out here G, it took so much courage.
This situation is so stressful for everyone, all creatures. We've talked about this a lot but again, I can't blame you for trying to re-home him, it's the best thing for everypawdy. We will do whatever we can to help. Would you be OK if I posted a Help Wanted post on our Facebook pages?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ge'Lena
I am so sorry to hear that you have had to go through this, and now have to rehome your Cosmo.
I too have had a situation similar to your's. I had 2 dogs, both of which I loved completely that began fighting with each other.
Kody was 1 1/2 when I brought Zoe home to be her playmate. Well, they had quite lively wrestling matches that occasionally got a little serious, but nothing unmanageable and no one got hurt. But one time after about 3 years together in the same house, one of them did get hurt. I think it's because it started under a kitchen table (not a great spot to start with) and one of Zoe's dew claws, OR one of the bolts sticking our from under the table caught Kody in the eye and ripped the lid slightly.
After that one time, they were much more serious about things. I had to keep a close watch on them and if play started getting too rowdy, or they started 'posturing' I would put a stop to it.
That didn't work all the time and they began getting into fights more frequently, and with more serious consequences.
One day when I was not at home and my sister was looking after them in the backyard, they got into a horrible fight. They were going for blood and they got it. Zoe ended up with partial paralysis on the left side of her face. After awhile it almost totally healed.
From that day on my sister has been traumatized, and when she hears dogs fighting, or things they are too serious, it really gets to her.
We decided that we needed to rehome Kody. She was with me longer, but she would take to another home better. SHe was happy go lucky and everyone's best friend. Where Zoe was mama's girl, and didn't take to other people so much. (PLUS she is my heart and Soul dog 🙂 .As it turned out, we found a home for her twice, but twice we got her back.
First time, the lady was obviously a flake who didn't need dog. SHe brought her back the next day stating she was whining and pacing during the night. Well duh! She just lost the only home she has ever known and has to adjust!
The next time was a guy who really seemed interested in her and knew dogs well enough. However, 2 weeks later I got a call and he said she ran away and he couldn't find her. He was in a different town 2 hours away. I searched all of the shelters around his area, had calls in and missing posters up, while he did nothing to try and find her. As it turns out, about 2 weeks later I get a letter in the mail with a picture of Kody saying "Is this your dog?" My old tags with address (Not city and state) were still on her, but my phone number had just changed. A lady had seen her hanging out out an old junk yard that her son owned. SHe had been there about a week already and the guys would feed her, so she stayed not knowing where else to go. This lady took the address down and began looking for it on google trying to find the city. There are obviously a couple of different cities with that adress and they all got the same letter.
I called her and drove over the next morning and picked her up. She was so happy to see me! I decided with the whole turn of events, and her coming back to me twice, that she was obviously meant to spend the rest of her life with me. (Wh ich was 15 yrs total) So we sperated the yard in 2, and she had the whole garage with dog bed as her dog house. I hated it, being that she had always been an inside dog, but I couldn't fight fate at that point and the 2 were out to kill each other. She had company too, my sister had a terrier mix and they chased squirrels and each other all day long.
But if a good home that would have worked out had come along, I still think that would have been best for her. She ended up outliving Zoe by 2 years almost to the day. And her last 2 she was an inside dog living the good life again.
Sometimes there's no fighting the nature of things. It was an accidental wounding of one of mine that began the downhill slide too.
I also bear scars from attempting to break them up. I had my thumb crushed in one of their jaws when I had reached for a neck and they rotated. That's one among several.
Cosmo is just a pup, he'll adjust great and make someone a wonderful companion. It's big of you to be able to admit now, before it escalates, that this pairing isn't going to be good.
Zoe got along with other dogs, as did Kody....just not each other.
The being traumatized is not joke. For the longest time, I thought every slightly aggressive play would mean dog fight!
I had to learn that every dog is not Kody and Zoe. It took awhile. But I think what you are doing is smart and the best decision for both dogs, as well as the peace and sanity of your home.
What kind of dog is Cosmo? And what City do you live in? I'll see if I can find some recue groups who could help you rehome him. Also, put out an add for him on Petfinder. And NO free to good home for Cosmo. Unless it's someone you know.
Someone who seriously wants a pet and is going to take care of it should not mind paying a rehoming fee. Be it just $50 or whatever.
SORRY, mine reply turned into a book too. Just wanted you to know you weren't alone with this, and that I understand completely what you are going through)
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly
So sorry to hear you have had to go through all that! This must be so hard, but you are doing the right thing it sounds like. I think some people have a "oh, they'll work it out eventually" attitude - but those of us who have seen these situations know that sometimes they just can't work it out.
I'm going to post his info and pic to my friends and family. Are you in LA? We are mostly in San Diego, so would not be too hard to do a handoff if I could find someone. We have some family friends who recently lost their "Cosmo" so maybe they would be interested. We are all the kind of folk (like I'm sure everyone else on this list is) whose dogs have won the 'doggy lotto'. Lots of spoiling!
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Thank you all for your words of support. It means so, so, so much! Thank you for trying to help!!
Thank you to each and every one of you and to those that emailed and called me! THank you!
First off, I'm in Las Vegas. And yes, I'd fly him/drive him to where ever. I just want him to have a special loving home. He really is a special boy. And he really does get along with other dogs. Rocket is the quirky one. Not Cosmo. I think he'd do really well with a larger companion. He's been going to work with daddy and our office neighbors brought their female pitbull over and they started playing instantly.
Neither Rocket or Cosmo has bitten each other but of course, we were there to intervene.
Yes, Rene posting a help wanted woudl be great.
Kelly,
Thank you for writing your story. It's hard to write! I know! Besides all of the obvious emotions, there's a lot of shame that comes with it. Or at least with me there has been. Dogs are my life and love in life. So, it's painful for me.
Jackie, that would be great! Thanks!
Again, thank you all!
Here's a video of him learning to "roll over" (taken about 6 weeks ago, so he's a little bigger)
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Ge, I am simply devastated for you. I cannot imagine what you are going through, the pain of Comet, and now facing this. Dogs are unpredictable. Hard as this is, the two will likely never learn to live peacefully again. Sometimes the only choice is to let one go.
I had to give a rescued stray up once. It was very difficult to make that decision, but trust your instincts. If your heart tells you it won't work, then it won't work. My vet, at that time, was able to help me rehome the dog. It broke my heart, but it was necessary. The problems you are facing are severe. Many multiple pit bull homes find themselves in this situation. It becomes a strict crate and rotate existence. I admire their conviction, it isn't the way I would want to live.
Good thoughts to you, my friend. I am so very sorry this is happening.
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.
Done. Just posted in Tripawds' FB page and mine. I'll keep announcing it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Cosmo is soooooo adorable!!!
I shared his status from the FB wall also. Hopefully others will too and he will find somone who loves him as much as you do!
Letting him go to keep him safe is a very admirable thing to do! I know it is so very hard!
A friend of mine says that he is the exact kind of dog she has been looking for but the problem is she's in Duluth MN right now (uh, kinda far). She's an RVer and is going back to NM in August and says that if he's still available she would be very interested!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
A friend of mine says that he is the exact kind of dog she has been looking for but the problem is she's in Duluth MN right now (uh, kinda far). She's an RVer and is going back to NM in August and says that if he's still available she would be very interested!
Aww, thanks for asking!
Is she not interested before August? Or is Duluth a temporary stop? Or does she want to see him first? I can work out a way to transport him.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Comet, I just got a call from a good friend who has a friend in Iowa that saw the video and is in love. I'm sending her info and ccing you via regular email, watch for it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
