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.
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Hey everyone!
I have been thinking a lot about the Tripawd journey - how it starts with some of the most devastating and completely unexpected news. All of the sudden you are dealing with this huge decision, the long-term implications of the diagnosis, the grief, the guilt, etc. Somewhere in the middle of all of that you are supposed to start preparing your home and your life for caring for a new Tripawd.
We all have turned here for support during this time and I, for one, can say that I have no idea how I would have gotten through it without the support of this amazing community. I wondered if anyone has taken it to a local level? I just imagine how wonderful it would have been to have someone in my area who I could talk to about what to expect, how to prepare, maybe meet up with to get the Tripawds together when we are ready. I am asking because I wonder if that is something I could offer in my area and if so how would I go about it? I had a ton of support from family during Lily's recovery but I know there are many who don't have the help that I did and I'd love to offer my assistance, if that's not too weird.
I have considered contacting the veterinary hospital where Lily's orthopedic and internal medicine specialists are located to offer my name and contact information as sort of a volunteer contact for new tripawd parents but I don't know if that is appropriate. I don't in any way consider myself an expert in caring for a tripawd - and Lily really was an excellent patient - but I can definitely be a sympathetic ear, a resource for basic tripawd needs and I am more than willing to lend a hand where it's needed.
Maybe I am just still too deep in grief and am thinking too much.....
-Kerry, always missing little Lily
Lily the Great Dane (she was actually a lot more than just "Great") joined our family as an ornery puppy on December 20, 2005 and changed our lives forever. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in early May of 2014 and her right rear leg was amputated on May 8, 2014. She sailed through 5 rounds of Carboplatin and 15 weeks of Pallladia. She hopped on 3 legs like she was born to it and continued to fight cancer with grace, valor and an abundant sense of humor...and always a *giant* smile on her face. Lily had two small nodules on her lungs but was brought short by a brain tumor in late December, 2014. Lily earned her wings on December 28, 2014 and we miss her terribly every day. http://lilyt.tripawds.com
Lily's Mom said
I have considered contacting the veterinary hospital where Lily's orthopedic and internal medicine specialists are located to offer my name and contact information as sort of a volunteer contact for new tripawd parents but I don't know if that is appropriate. I don't in any way consider myself an expert in caring for a tripawd - and Lily really was an excellent patient - but I can definitely be a sympathetic ear, a resource for basic tripawd needs and I am more than willing to lend a hand where it's needed.
WOW... .I think that is a brilliant idea. It never occurred to me to reach out to the place that did Shelby's amp and offer a support or just a shoulder to cry on. I try and lend a ton of support here (when I can).... I am also hardly an expert in "tripawd" care but I can offer what worked for me and the tips that were given to me.
I am 100% devoted to this community in Shelby's name and memory ... her legacy will live on in my actions! That much I do know.
Great idea!
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart
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
Kerry, sweet dear Kerry...you are such a beautiful soul! This is so compassionate of you, especially while you are still so deep in grief...het thinking about others.
You've already put the thoughts into motion as far as the Universe is concerned. Okay, I'm certainty not speaking on behalf of Tripawds.com. Hoever to give your name to the vets at Lily's clinic so you can be a support to people in your area...beautiful...just beautiful!. Letting your local vets know you are available is a great plan. I know my local regular vet has referred a couple of clients to me who have been faced with this horrific situation. And needless to say, we are all the springboard that leads them to Tripawds Community.
For me...it was just myself and my dogs and I did not have this community until Day Six of Happy Hannah's amputation. I latched onto their lifeline and have not let go yet!!
I know there are pamphles or cards you can download from here to take to vet offices. Rene can fill you in on all that.
Give yourself a hug from all of us, okay?? (((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and My Guiding Eternal Light 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!
Kerry,
What a beautiful idea! I had never thought to do something like that but what a tremendous support you would be for a new parent facing amputation. To have someone local who'd been down this road and have face to face time with would be so beneficial for someone facing amp surgery.
You're truly an angel on earth since you're thinking of ways to ease others pain and fear while still going through the grieving process yourself. I think starting with Lily's vet and oncologist is the best place to start this next journey.
Hugs
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!
Kerry, I second what everyone else says, that is really generous and so sweet of you to offer to be there for others. Thank you! You don't have to be an expert, we certainly weren't when we founded Tripawds. We just knew that when people talk and share information, things feel so much better. So THANK YOU!
Here are some ways to help:
1. Business cards & fliers
We do have predesigned fliers & business cards you can leave at vet's offices, and in the coming months we'll be redesigning them to reflect our new foundation and also that we are cat-friendly. But for now, here's a place to download fliers and there's room to write your phone number on them too if you'd like:
Help Tripawds by Spreading the Word
2. Attend a Pet Cancer Awareness Event
Though the years we've had different members attend pet cancer walks, seminars, etc. as representatives of the Tripawds Nation. Specifically, Cadence and her mom are always doing this for us in their part of the country (Illinois). Here are some news blog posts about how they advocate and make themselves available. Heather and Barret also did an event for us too and our events manager Martha and her Tripawds are often in attendance at different ones.. If this is something you would like to do, we have a traveling display we can send you. See our forum topic about special events in 2014
Schedule of Tripawds Parties 2014
We've found that through the years, outreach directly to vets is one of the best ways to help let pet parents know that this community exists. That's because amputation isn't something that we anticipate (usually), it happens quickly and decisions must be made fast. If you reached out to vet offices and let them know that you are available when their clients need someone to talk to, that can make a huge difference for those folks.
Our main mission is to provide education and support for pet parents in these situations, so whatever we can do to support you we will certainly do our best to help. Meanwhile if you want to chat on the phone I'm always available. PM me and we can set up a time to chat.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh and i just want to add that it's especially cool you want to do this because not a week goes by that we don't hear from someone who says that their vet has told them that big dogs don't make good Tripawds. You can be a big help letting vets and their clients know this isn't always the case. Thanks again!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YES!!! That is why we have the Tripawds Parties forum for coordinating three legged gatherings at the local level. Various unofficial "chapters" have get-togethers with other Tripawds members.
Reaching out to veterinarians and rehab clinics is another great idea! You will find Tripawds cards and fliers you can print out in the Downloads blog , as well as a countertop display and insert you can ask to place in vet office lobbies.
Other members have set up tables at pet events and walks. We're open to any ideas, and happy to help. Check out these posts from the News Blog for more information...Thanks for asking!!!
Midwest Members Help Raise Tripawd Awareness
Be a Tripawds Advocate in Your Community
Midwest Supporters Raise Tripawd Awareness Annual Event
New York Tripawds Pawty at Kenmore Dog Days Festival
Cadence Represents Tripawds at Illinois Adoption Day
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow, this is really a fantastic idea to reach out to local vets. We have started an "unofficial" Virginia Tripawd Club and had our first annual get together last June (planning a 2nd one for May). I think it's been really great to have other's locally that you can get together with and support each other b/c really only those who have gone through it truly understand. In the past year, Deb, Sally and I (the official CEO's of the unofficial virginia tripawds club) have all lost our pups and being able to meet both of them, their pups and soon their new additions really has a sort of healing power. There are no people like dog people!
Where are you located?
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”
You all are way too kind. I feel so selfish in that all of the support and advice I try to provide is really so therapeutic to me. I think helping other Tripawd families is a great way to honor Lily's memory and hopefully maybe provide some comfort to families experiencing this journey. Those first few days and weeks for me were so traumatic - the early days are so filled with stress, heartache, guilt and exhaustion but the details stay so clear in your mind. I can picture it all so clearly.
I am located in good ol' Tulsa, Oklahoma! I don't know if we have a thriving Tripawd community but I haven't seen anything online. I think the flyers and business cards are a wonderful idea as there are still so many people out there that don't think to use the internet as a resource and may not be aware of just how much help is out there. I'll check with Lily's daycare facility as the owners are very active in the canine community and would know about tripawd and/or cancer groups.
I have an appointment tomorrow evening to take my little old 14.5 year-old Standard Poodle into our regular vet for a senior check-up. Dr. Olsen was so great throughout Lily's journey, even taking time on her day off to visit Lily at the hospital the day after surgery. I think she is probably a great place to start with the veterinary route as she is also friends with both of the specialists. I will definitely be sure to print out some flyers and business cards to take with me! I also need to take Lily's leftover Palladia to her oncologist (Lily got 5 weeks taken care of by someone who very generously donated after the loss of their Tripawd). That's going to be a tough visit emotionally but maybe taking some time to talk to them about helping out future Tripawds will ease the sadness somewhat.
Tripawd parties sound fun! You don't think it would be weird for me to be at a Tripawd party without my little Tripawd? Might have to wait a little bit on that one so I'm not that creepy woman who gets weepy for no apparent reason from time to time 
I discovered last weekend at the dog park, on seeing *5* young and healthy Danes, that not many people with a healthy dog want to be reminded of their pups mortality by talking to someone who just lost their own.....for some odd reason all the Danes wanted to really sniff my Poodle. He must smell like he's been loved by a very pretty Dane
Thank you so much for the wealth of information and the support. This is a great place to get started. Jerry, I am going to do some reading and get educated and then I will message you to see if we can chat! Thanks again, everyone!
Lily the Great Dane (she was actually a lot more than just "Great") joined our family as an ornery puppy on December 20, 2005 and changed our lives forever. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in early May of 2014 and her right rear leg was amputated on May 8, 2014. She sailed through 5 rounds of Carboplatin and 15 weeks of Pallladia. She hopped on 3 legs like she was born to it and continued to fight cancer with grace, valor and an abundant sense of humor...and always a *giant* smile on her face. Lily had two small nodules on her lungs but was brought short by a brain tumor in late December, 2014. Lily earned her wings on December 28, 2014 and we miss her terribly every day. http://lilyt.tripawds.com
Hey! I have done some local stuff, but mainly because I work at a clinic. So I actually see a fair amount of Tripawds Recently I helped an older couple pick out a harness for their elderly Irish Setter that had an amp in November from Osteo. So just small stuff like that.
Rene! I never thought of taking business cards to work with me!!! I definitely need to ask my boss if she would mind if we kept some at work. I'll let you know what she says. I could also take some by Upstate Vet Specialist if you like, it's one of the top specialty clinics around and right down the street from where I work!
Cassie and Domino
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
I think a lot of people have stayed around because it's therapeutic. If it helps you and helps others, it's a win-win! What a great way to honor Lily by helping other's with the knowledge she gave you. I don't think it would be weird to not have a tripawd at a tripawd party, especially since you are an alumni. You are more than welcome to come out to Va with us!!
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”
I showed up at the Virginia Tripawd pawty with one of those funny looking four legged dogs and no one kicked me out!!!
My Happy Hannah transitioned before the event, but she, like TJ and Jake and so many others were there in Spirit!!! We even had a "Celebration of Life"table set up with pictures and momentos of several Trilawd Angels who were with us in Spirit. ca dles, lictures, Tribute eash...very nice.
Second Elizabeth's motion to have you come to our pawty in "Mayish"...and in "Virginiaish"! I think we just made you an official out of state member of thr Unofficial Virginia Tripawds Team!! And crying at the drop of a hat over the loss of LIly with no warning.....yeah, you'll fit in with us just fine with us!!!
CASSIE....geat way to pay it forward!
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!
I'm part of the Nor Cal crew, we get together a couple times a year. I've been part of the group since 2009, my tripug Maggie passed in June of 2010. John and Di lost their tripawd Max in January of 2010 and they still meet up with us (even though they live in So Cal we let them hang out!).
Bottom line is that we are dog people who shared a very special journey. There is no one better to hang out with than people who have walked the same path. It was a little hard and sad the first couple times I went without Maggie, but it got better with each trip.
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
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