You guys are rock stars for wanting to adopt her! And you ask GREAT questions, she is very lucky to have you for her new forever home. Too many people adopt a Tripawd without thinking about these things. Take heart though: not all Tripawds will need tons of rehab or unending pain management . They can live strong, healthy, active lives as long as you are proactive in keeping her slim, and ensuring she gets appropriate activity that will keep her fit without putting undue stress on her joints. 

Try not to panic, I think you should still go forward with the adoption and here's why:

lucysmom11 said
Hello,

1) For her breed/size/age, what would be appropriate for physical activity?  How long of walks should we be taking her on, with what frequency?  She loves to play fetch; is that even still appropriate for her, or are we just setting her up for early joint pain, injury, etc? 

The best way to get this question answered is to have her evaluated by a canine rehab therapist. Generally speaking, shorter more frequent walks of 15-20 minutes tops are recommended. An explosive activity like fetch isn't the wisest thing to do without some limits on the length of time you are playing. Tripawds can still do fun things like that, but within reason. A therapist is the best person to guide you on what activities are best for her, and that's why the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit . Sometimes a therapist will recommend a few sessions to help a Tripawd adapt and get strong, sometimes they won't, depending on the dog's fitness level. If you tell a therapist you would like to learn the exercises so you can do them at home, a good therapist will happily show you how. It's not a permanent commitment, it's really about getting educated for your dog's needs.

2) What should we realistically expect in terms of her care going forward?  What ailments are we probably facing?  

All dogs are different. Anything can happen but most Tripawds enjoy the same types of health, happy lives that four-leggers do, as long as their human diligently manages their activity and weight. About the only thing you can almost certainly expect to deal with earlier than with four-leggers is osteoarthritis. Tripawds are more prone to it, and you will need to stay on top of any potential pain issues that may come up. As an example, our Wyatt Ray , a German Shepherd (already prone to bad hips), started showing OA signs at about age eight. We managed it over the years with therapy, weight management, and pain medications. But he was still as nutty and wild as ever, it didn't slow him down until he reached the end of his normal life expectancy. This is the case with most dogs. See these posts about senior Tripawds dogs. 

3) Also, thoughts on best financial resources ?  I'm stressed and wondering what that looks like, and if we'll even be able to provide what she needs at this point.  

Well, you already know about the Tripawds Foundation rehab reimbursement program, and as far as financial help for other things, most times assistance is very specific to the individual and the pet. So we do have these financial resources you can check out, but they likely won't apply to Lucy right now. 

I hope this helps. Be sure to check out the Tripawds e-book Loving Life On Three Legs , and our 10 Things to Expect When Adopting a Tripawd for more details. Ask as many questions as you'd like, we are here to help!

Hi Staci and Bonnie, welcome. 

OK take a deep breath, and know that we are here for you. It really is better to start your own topic in this Forum, so we can help you better. So please do OK? We have lots of ideas for you:

Pet Insurance will accept a dog with a known issue such as an already amputated limb? I did not know that. Are there recommendations for certain companies?

Yes, however there are things they won't cover if they can prove they are directly related to being on three legs. See: 

Choosing the Best Pet Insurance for Tripawds

Again, start a new topic so we can share our experience and what we know about pet insurance and amputee pets.

 Is there a summary of what Tripawds need after surgery, say 2 months out, then 6 months out, etc., so we can evaluate how/whether we can meet her needs?

Yes! Please consider taking her to rehab therapy. A therapist will evaluate Bonnie and let you know why that weakness is occurring, and how to correct it. The Tripawds Foundation believes it's so hepful that we will pay for your Tripawd's first rehab visit ! The link has details.

 our only option for exercise is leashed walks. 

Oh there is sooo much more you can do besides walking for exercise! interactive brain games , for example. Our Tripawds Gear blog has tons of exercise tips, and so does our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs . Again, a rehab therapist can show you appropriate exercises for her.

Smart of you to keep the stairs blocked. Please put down as much traction as possible. It will help her so much. Throw rugs, yoga mats, anything to make it easier for her to navigate slippery floors and not get injured.

I have LOTS more to share, so please start a new topic. In the meantime check out something I wish every pet rescue sent to prospective Tripawd parents (we're working on it!). We are trying hard to let folks know that while dogs don't miss the "spare" leg, there are many things that pet parents can do to avoid future injuries and ensure a long, healthy, injury-free life on 3:

Ten Things to Know About Adopting a Tripawd (Part 1)

What to Know When adopting a Tripawd (Part 2)

See you in a new post all about Bonnie!