Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Trooper Hank Harvey Dash to the Finish Line. It was a perfect name for a brave and resilient tripawd. He was evacuated from a Houston area shelter during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. His name in the shelter was Hank. He was about 8-years-old at that time. He spent several years in the shelter before the hurricane. Strangely, the hurricane saved his life because he was evacuated from Houston and a rescue group in Dallas took over his care. A volunteer vet assessed his overall health and it was determined that his limp right front leg needed to be amputated because an old unexplained injury could not be repaired. His right rear leg needed an FHO, he needed to be neutered, and he had to go through heartworm treatments because he was heartworm positive. I was lucky enough to be selected to adopt this sweet boy after his surgeries.
I decided to call him Trooper because he went through so much leading up to his adoption. Trooper was the first boy dog for me. And he was my first tripawd. Trooper and I had 4 ½ great years of fun and adventure. He was a very active and energetic boy. He loved belly rubs, daily stroller rides, plush squeaky toys, and road trips. He was protective. He enjoyed patrolling the yard searching for rabbits or squirrels, etc. He loved to wake me in the mornings by hopping to my bedside and excitedly swatting his tail against the side of the bed until I would get out of bed. He had the loudest bark - he loved to bark in the mornings and when it was time for stroller rides each evening. He’d also bark if he just heard the word “walk”. He was seriously so much fun.
I hope his story will inspire others who are reluctant or nervous about welcoming a tripawd into their family. Trooper knew how much I loved him. But, I also knew how much he loved me…it was obvious when he'd gaze at me while I worked in the yard, the kitchen, or when I was just watching television. I’ll miss him gazing at me with so much love.
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Okay, I'm coming back as soon as I can clear some of the tears from my eyes. But zi needed to say
This was one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever read. You have embodied the essence of Trooper Hank so beautiful and with such heartfelt love. I want to come back after I've had a bit of time to gather my thoughts and soaking the magical life that Hank lived with you.
For now though much love and surrounding you with Hank's swatting tail
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Ohhhhhhh what a story! Thank you so much for sharing it here. I can't help but think that Trooper was destined for you. After all that waiting, and then the hurricane, and finally, his forever home. What a gift! 
You two helped each other out in so many ways I'm sure. That look of joy and happiness on his face says it all. What a sweet, joyful soul. May his love continue surrounding you every day, bringing you more beauty and wonder in the world. I wish I could have met him.
Just curious who is the other dog? They kind of look related.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your kind comments. That other sweet pup was my Vizsla girl, Zoomerang. She passed away in November 2021 at the age of 13-1/2 years. I adopted Trooper after Zoomer's sister (Zippity) passed away in 2017. Zoomer enjoyed Trooper's company and silly antics...and she was incredibly sweet with Trooper - even on his grumpy days. They did look similar, but Trooper wasn't Vizsla...he was a mix of several breeds including Redbone Coonhound & Catahoula Leopard Dog.
So, I lost both pups within just a handful of months. It's an adjustment not having a pup. I'm trying to find the new "normal" in life without a pup.
I'm so sorry for your loss of Zoomerang. Wow that is a lot of heartache all at once. I can't imagine.
What I do understand is not having a dog. We've been without one for 1.5 years almost. Still looking for that one pup but it hasn't been easy. I know our Wyatt Ray is looking for us, just as your three sweeties at the Bridge are keeping their radar up for you too.
((((hugs))))
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have no doibt that Zoomer and Zippity were waiting at the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge to welcome as Hank "Dashed" to the Finish Line!!! I can only imagine the reunion as they greeted each other healthy and whole and young and fit again.
After they celebrated with a feast of chicken and macaroni and cheese, topped off by cakes and ice cream, they shared stories about all the glorious times they had with you😎
The pictures you shared of Trooper Hank (and Zoomerang too) ,are, e smile seeipng how Happy they were. That first one of Hank with all his toys....and then the one of him smiling so happily laying in the grass just enjoying being Hank....loved that one. Loved then all.
I absolutely agree with Jerry, Hank was destined to be with you....born to be with you....had your name stamped on his heart the day he was born. He got to experience love and joy and happiness and security and yes, lots of belly rubs and squeaky toys. Hank waited s long time for you to find each other, but he got to love a gazzillion lifetime of pure bliss by being with you.
Yes, the void you are experiencing brutal. It's silent and heav and it feels as though your world has stopped. I dont believe that Trooper Hank wants you to "adjust to the new normal". He knows it is NOT normal fornyou to not have a dog by your side
I DO know that Hank and Zoomie and Zippity will send you another dog who needs to be loved by their own person. And you have sooooo mich love to give. Hank will ALWAYS have his own special place nestled in your heart. But we know your heart is so large you will make space to bring another dog (or dogs) into your heart and home.♥️
We would love to see more pictures and hear mpre all about the adventures you two shared (and that I cludes Zoomie and Zippity too).
May Trooper Hank's love and eternal ligjt illuminate uoir days with all the Happy memories uou shared 💖💖
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Thank you both for your virtual support & hugs, etc. Your kindness & words of wisdom mean a lot to me! This is an excellent website for tripawd families to share & find information/support, etc.
Paw shucks, you bet. We are here for you always. And I'm glad that we could be there for you. Thanks for the kind words.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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