Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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One of the things that I love about my oncologist's office is that in one of the exam rooms they have a tripawds calendar on the wall and a tripawd heroes book propped up on display. On the day we first took Holly, they handed us the book to look through while we waited for them to take her x-rays etc. They use it as a tool to help encourage people that dogs on three legs really do live normal, wonderful lives. I remember saying to my husband, "Hey, Tripawds, that's that site I found about three legged dogs" (in the few hours btwn her diagnosis and seeing the oncologist, there was much Googling).
That day, I sat in that room, on the floor, right next to my girl. I didn't want a Tripawd. I cried because I just wanted my happy, healthy girl with four legs. How could my dog possibly have cancer? It was just a little limp...were they SURE they weren't wrong about this? Would she get through the surgery ok? How would she adjust to life on three legs? I had so many questions and, above all, I didn't want to hear about median survival times that were given to us in months. But we went forward, and for 7 weeks I was incredibly proud tripawd mom.
This is also the room where we talked to the doctor about her heart problem and revised her treatment plan. It's where, just last Wednesday, when we took her in to get her back legs checked, my Holly laid on the floor, again with me next to her. She had to be carried in, so they just carried her in on her bed; it was great, she was able to keep her comfy bed to protect her from the floor.
Today we dropped Clyde off for his first radiation treatment and melanoma vaccine. We went into that same exam room. On the wall, Mr. June himself, the handsome Jerry, smiled out at me. The Tripawd Heroes book is propped up exactly where it was that first day. I remember just where her head was last week. I know where on the floor I put down the fur tumbleweed that resulted from scratching her on her chest, where her fur was especially thick. I can see her in that room, but she isn't there. I miss being a tripawd mom. Today, I sat in that room, and the only thing in the world that I wanted was a Tripawd...MY tripawd.
Awww. Me too. 🙁
This is why I try to explain to the newbies how awesome it is to be a tripawd pawrent. At first, you're terrified of having to have your dog's leg removed. You can't see that it can turn into a really great experience. (And I can understand that, cuz I was the same way and it sounds weird to say.) But, really, being a tripawd pawrent is pretty unforgettable. Our pups are such heroes and so inspirational.
That maybe doesn't even make sense, but hopefully you know what I mean...
That must have been hard to go back to that same room so soon. Sending hugs and Rita nose-pokes.
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!
Waaaa! Waaaa! Waaa! This makes me cry (for real!).
The pain is so utterly real when we lose our special ones. And Holly was special. (three legged or not) The hurt is so unbelievable for a furry baby. I don't care what the naysayers say, it's like losing a child in a sense.
Awesome is sometimes an understatement on having a tripawd. I know we aren't supposed to admit really to a disability with them but you can't help but be overly protective when they are three legged. I know I was and I don't regret it. But having a three-legged dog that had a super sassy personality, yet was emotionally traumatized early on created this sense of protectiveness that I can't explain. Comet became my identity for 12 years. I was the mother to a special, different dog. I had a brother with a disability that I protected as a child (yes, that makes me a Monkeybutt sibling! 
), so getting a dog with a disability seemed like the perfect match. And we were.
I was getting my nails done a few weeks ago and the lady next to me had a baby in a stroller. The baby started making noises and I looked down and noticed it wasn't a baby, it was a special needs child - probably 5 years old. I watched her mother so lovingly pat the child's arm as she said to me,"she is a special girl". And I couldn't help but tear up. It was precious. And for that moment in time, even though Comet was a dog - I felt that same way about raising my special child. I realizedd I wasn't that protective mother anymore nor am I that protective sister either. My sense of purpose seems so diminished at times.
On a happy note............Did you notice the prettiest pink attired girl in the Tripawd book? That's my girl!
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.
OMGosh...I can't stop crying for you. I very much hope you are finding peace with letting this all out. You will probably never know how much it will help others too!!!!
this is so true. i've always said that having gayle as a tripawd, and going through the challenges she faced, was a privilege. every day was a gift, and the lessons she taught me will be with me forever. we're so sorry you are facing so many challenges in a row. no justice, but know that you are surrounded by puppy love, and friends that understand.
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
We feel so sorry for you. I can just say like the others here that having a tripawd is a special feeling. In some way it gives you strength and you fight together with your dog and you are impressed every day how strong and positively thinking dogs are. We can learn so much from them. We think of you!
I have thought of you everyday since the day you posted you let Holly go.....I was so shocked and didn't want to believe it......your beautiful tripawd had recovered so well after the amp. Hollybeans touched so many people, that's easy to see, tripawd or not, and will keep inspiring others who need it. Like I've said before, those eyes were amazing.
How did Clyde's visit go today? I have been thinking about him too. He is probably all out of sorts too. I will be thinking about your whole pack and sending good thoughts.
All our Best,
Suzie and Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
That was beautifully written. I tell Zeus at least once a day that he is my hero and how inspiring he is. I am glad that you had enough time with Holly to see her heart and spirit shine through an experience that would crush even the strongest of human spirits. She was a special girl who had a very important lesson to share.
My heart aches for you with all of the adversities you have faced recently. Please know that you are still in my thoughts and I will continue to send loads of positive energy and prayers to Clyde.
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
We are 2 weeks post op and I will never forget the docs phone call at 8p that night. We are so surprised the family/friend support we have received and how sweet total strangers have been to her. She is a trooper and if she passed tomorrow - I would not of done anything different. Tripawds are AWESOME!!! Hugz & prayers to you and ur family!!!
That was so beautifully written Alex. And it cannot have been easy to go back into that room so soon!
It is a truly humbling experience to watch our dogs adjust to life on three legs. They just get on with the job of living. I agree, all I want is my Tripawd back too. Being a doggie mum was always very special but being a Tripawd mum took it to a whole new level. I think the whole cancer experience brings you both even closer together than ever before.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Wishing you all the best with Clyde. You are never far from our thoughts.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
I totally agree. I was devastated when I learned Piper would lose his leg, but in the 2 short weeks since then, I have become SO proud of him!! Even more than I was before..if that's possible.
I'm very sorry for all of you who have had to give up your special friends. Our lives are forever changed by them.
The tears flow from here too, Alex. We too felt the same exact way when we first learned the reality of what we were facing. Why us? Why? Why? Why?
But years later, we wouldn't change a thing about our journey. We learned more about life than we ever could imagine. Today we hope that with things like the Tripawds book and this awesome community, that others can see the possibilities when they receive that dreaded news, as well as find comfort in knowing that they gave their best friend a good quality of life, when the journey is over.
I'm so sorry you are going through cancer all over again, I can't imagine this kind of heartbreak, but I hope that Holly's strength will guide you in the coming weeks. Our hearts go out to you, and we send all our love to Clyde for a successful victory over this awful disease.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
cometdog said
On a happy note............Did you notice the prettiest pink attired girl in the Tripawd book? That's my girl!
Of course! And what a pretty girl! 
rizzobeans said
Hollybeans touched so many people, that's easy to see, tripawd or not, and will keep inspiring others who need it. Like I've said before, those eyes were amazing.
I so hope so. She was the sweetest, most wonderful being and I hope that there is some small sliver of good that can come from this. Her eyes were phenomenal....some of the most expressive dog eyes I have ever seen. She could talk to me with her eyes.
Sorry to make folks cry. 
Thank you all for your kind words and continued thoughts - how wonderful to be around people who completely understand what an honor it is to live with and love a tripawd.
I know I am weighing in a little late on this, but I am just catching up and the above posts resonate with me — especially today (I guess yesterday, technically).
Today, we visited the vet in Michigan where we took Sammy last year after he fell coming out of the lake. It marked the beginning of the end for him — osteo in his remaining front leg. Today, for the first time, I noticed the vet's beautiful green eyes. I guess I couldn't see them through my tears last September.
It was good to see her on happier terms and as she vaccinated MB Wiggly Wrigley my thoughts wandered back to Sammy. I was so proud to be his mommy and learned so much from his journey.
Like many of you, I was at first horrified to learn my perfect baby would have his leg cut off. I couldn't think of it any other way and I obsessed about what they would do with his beautiful leg. I worried that he might not seem like the same Sammy. So, so silly. The minute he hopped down the hall my heart swelled with pride. Every time we were were approached by adults or children who admired him and expressed surprise at how well he got around, I felt we were teaching life lessons on courage and resilience. I felt privileged to be on the other end of the leash.
Such an example our tripwads set ... despite the pain, the experience is one I will hold dear in my heart for the rest of my life.
Alex, I am so sorry you had relive those heartbreaking last moments so soon after losing Holly. I am sure it was doubly hard because of Clyde's radiation treatment. How did his treatment go? We will all be rooting for Clyde (and for you) and sending lots of positive energy your way,
Beth, Spirit Smilin' Sammy and MB Wiggly Wrigley
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
My boss and I were just talking about wanting our sweet girls back. It doesn't seem fair to have them fight so hard and then lose them in the end. My boss lost her sweet MB Zoey to lymphoma about 5 weeks ago. It ihelps to know that others feel the same when you are greiving.
If we could have them back we would in a heartbeat, tripawd and all.
My thoughts are with you Alex!
-Kori & Angel Lupe
Diagnosed with possible synovial cell sarcoma of right front elbow 5/31/12. Amputation surgery performed 6/7/12. Final diagnosis of histiocytic cell sarcoma 6/11/12. Her soul and spirit were strong, her body was not...my little girl earned her wings 6/14/12. "If there are labradoodles and goldendoodles, why can't I be a cockadoodle?"-Angel Lupe (June 28, 1997-June14, 2012) http://lupepod......pawds.com/
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