Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tomorrow is Chuy's 6 week anniversary since his FHO surgery. He returns to the Orthopedic vet for a re-check at 9 a.m. The last time we were there was 1 month ago and at that time, the vet really didn't sound too positive about Chuy using his leg again.
Well, we're gonna show him! Chuy is doing the Tripawd hop! He hops to the pool all by himself now. He doesn't want any help going up the ramp, although we do have to help him into the pool. (that's a good thing as we don't want him to go in without us) He hops up the little step into the porch, up the little step into the house. He goes wherever he wants now! Sometimes, he goes where we don't want him. Don't get me wrong, he still sleeps alot so we are working on his stamina now.
Once we have him in the pool (2 ft. deep) we take his float coat off. (he figured out that he doesn't have to kick his leg with it on) Now he will swim like a normal dog and if he stops swimming his feet can touch bottom. We play fetch in the pool with him and he loves it! He'll stay in there for as long as we'll let him. He swims in circles around us and with the hot weather (100+ degrees) he can't wait to go in now.
Tomorrow, we're going to walk into that vets office with his Ruffwear harness and the 2ft lead and show them what a Tripawd dog can really do!
Gee, do I sound like a proud mom or what?
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
You go, chuy! Show that vet who's boss
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.
You have every right to sound like a proud Mom, Chuy is a superstar!!!! Oh, will you take some photos tomorrow at the vets?
Hoppy Ampuversary my friend, seems like just yesterday we were all hoping you'd recover quickly, and you sure have! Keep it up, keep on inspiring all Tripawds around the world. We love you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Chuy's vet visit went quite well today. Dr. Jaffe said he's improved 100% since his last visit, but we need to keep the PT going for at least another month. That's o.k. though as Chuy loves his swimming and his physical therapist Jeffrey Flocker. After the vet we went to PT and Jeff not only did swim therapy with Chuy but he also did laser therapy on him first. Chuy has a problem with the muscle at the top of his thigh being too tight. The laser therapy is supposed to help loosen that up. We were planning on keeping him in therapy for a while anyway as we want him to increase his stamina, so what has been recommended in not a problem to us. Anything for our little guy! Jeff has a Veterinary Intern working with him right now so I had the opportunity to take a few pictures of chuy with them today in the pool. Enjoy!
Jeffrey Flocker, Chuy and the Intern
Chuy with the Intern
Swimming in the deep end
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Looks like everyone is having a great time. Just don't tell Chuy it's good for him!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Another first for Chuy yesterday! After a long hot weekend of no A/C in the house and above 100 degrees outside, Chuy finally decided that enough was enough. Swimming in the pool was good, but he's tired of just laying around all the time. After dinner we went out to the backyard and his sister Gretchen started her usual "come play with me" running, bowing and barking at him. Chuy got up and ran after her! 
It's the first time since his FHO surgery that he's tried to run. His sister is doing her part in helping with his therapy.
Good job Gretchen!
What really surprised us about it is the fact that yesterday morning he took a pretty bad spill going out to the grass. He tripped and fell on a piece of flagstone. His left rear leg bent backwards, we thought for sure that he had really hurt himself as he didn't want to get up right away. Guess he was just gathering himself together and collecting his pride.
He's showing us that anything can be done if you really want it bad enough. We're going to take care of that piece of flagstone so there aren't any more "tripping accidents".
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Way to go Chuy! Keep up the good work.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That's so wonderful! Each of these 'little' events during recovery amaze us. I get so excited when Angel does something for the 1st time since before the accident. Yea Chuy! 
GO CHUY!!! What a dog!!! You rock dude!!! What an inspiration
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
Chuy! That's fantastic!
You're not chow, you are a water dog!
Woof! Woof! and Splash~
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.
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