Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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HaHaHa! Good visual Jackie! Leave it to Meg to decide to do wheelies😃😎
Probably not, but because this is MEG...ONE OF A KIND MEG....is it possible she IS just having fun??? Is it possible she is just trying to discover new and different ways to use her wheels??
I'm sure it's something that needs ro be addressed and adjusted by Eddie W. But still, you can never eliminate the genius of Meg as a factor in her new way of styln' her wheels!
Love the photo with her sweet look....so relaxed. And I hope you post the video of her doing her wheelies here too! Very educational. PLUS, we can never fet enough ofhe Meg A Star😁😁
Love and hugs ❤
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!
Jackie, I love that visual of Meg and wheelies.
Clare I love how well Meg is adapting to her new wheels. I did want to say thanks to you I feel she has progressed really fast with getting adjusted. I know there will be some more adjustment period but you thought of high value treats for Meg to help the process.
I wonder how fast she will go once she hits that pavement. Make sure to have your running shoes on 😉 I think she is going to go see London on her own 🙂
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Michelle said
Jackie, I love that visual of Meg and wheelies.Clare I love how well Meg is adapting to her new wheels. I did want to say thanks to you I feel she has progressed really fast with getting adjusted. I know there will be some more adjustment period but you thought of high value treats for Meg to help the process.
I agree and i agree 💯 % I think you are both Rockin’ this!!!! I absolutely love love love the pictures that you take Clare! Meg is gorgeous, but you make her look like a Meg-a-Star!!!
I wonder how fast she will go once she hits that pavement. Make sure to have your running shoes on 😉 I think she is going to go see London on her own 🙂
Oh Meg i would love to run around London with you! Me and your Mum would have to get our running shoes on for sure sweetheart, it won’t be long before you are burning rubber my gorgeous girl!
See you soon, lots of love from
Petra, Stewie and his very precious Kittens
Remember...“live in the moment!“
And Petra said: "See ya' soon" ??????
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!
The MegaWheels Day 23
Apologies for the slow update... We've been continuing to practise every day and I've been continuing to worry about whether the wheels are adjusted right, and whether we are practising in the right way and whether Meg has put on a ton of weight from eating so much liver cake and anything and everything else. So it goes...
The rehab vet visit was good and bad. It was good in that Meg has not put on ANY weight despite eating two whole liver cakes! I'll repeat that: she has put on NO WEIGHT AT ALL despite eating TWO WHOLE LIVER CAKES!!! I was truly amazed and relieved and then (of course) I got worried in case it meant she was ill (Pie's only symptom was rapid weight loss). So then I took a deep breath and told myself to pull myself together...
I won't lie, I am finding this process tough. I'm pleased I've been filming because it enables me to see some progress. Meg has been completely amazing. I mean, really soooooo patient with me, and my biggest fear is that she will get fed up, but so far that hasn't happened. Our rehab vet checked her in the cart and said she thought the harness was too high and that was why she was missing steps and coasting and all the rest. She said she couldn't bend her elbow to propel herself forward etc. So I raised the harness and filmed her both before and after and sent it to Eddies Wheels for comment and they said she shouldn't be bending her elbow anyway and it was perfectly normal for her to be coasting and missing steps and so on as she adapts to the wheels and tests out their ability to support her. Which is reassuring, but actually it would have been really good to know this before.
That's the one thing I'd say. It would be seriously useful to have more information, or really ANY information on how to train her to use the wheels. I've found virtually nothing, and certainly no sort of step by step guide, which tells you what sort of things you might expect, and what to worry about and what not, or even how long to spend on it. Five minutes? Ten minutes? Half an hour? I'm hoping this sort of diary may be some use to somebody in the future... The thing is front wheels (especially) are really not common at all, and certainly not in the UK so you are pretty much on your own. Meg's rehab vet does not have experience with wheels. The physio who measured her for them has little experience with front wheels either, and appeared pretty clueless in terms of fitting them, so I've basically had to do all the adjusting myself. I contacted one woman on Instagram, whose dog has front wheels, and she told me that they had worked with a rehab vet at a teaching hospital (in the US) and that this had been invaluable. If only... I contacted Eddies Wheels and asked if they knew of anyone who might be able to help us. They said (rather shortly, to be honest) that they couldn't be expected to have experts positioned all over the world, and there was a man in Bavaria (South Germany), who was an expert but that the cart looked fine to them.
So... here is a video of Meg today. Just very short, but I think (hope) you can see that she is moving better and also that her enthusiasm is undiminished. Thank heavens she has SO much spirit!
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
GOOD GIRL MEG!!!!!! REALLY GOOD GIRLS...BOTH OF YOU😁😁😁🤝🤝
I can REALLY see the improvements! Meg is very fluid in her movements. She's steady and moves with a consistency...a confidence...no hesitation in her steps.
And then we have the TURNS!!! OMD!!!!! HER TURNS ARE BRILLIANTLY DONE!!! SHE'S REALLY MASTERED THE ART OF THE TURNS👏👏👏👏👏😎
So whatever you're doing and however you're doing it, everything seems to be falling in place beautifully!
As far as the "how to guide".....you're creating one right here! Eddie needs to send you some compensation for the expertise YOU are sharing with THEM on front leggers! Bummed that Eddie's was a bit rude to you. Didn't like that at all! Nobody messes with our Meg and her Mum without consequences from karma!🤨😠
You really are in uncharted territory. And to get conflicting views between the Rehab specialist and Eddie's Wheels has to be frustrating. It was reassuring though, to know that what you are seeing is just part of the normal process. And yes, it certainly would have been helpful to have known that rather than worried about something that was actually quite normal.
And YAY for staying trim and fit Miss Meg!!😁😁 No worries Clare! Meg IS exerting herself a bit as she learns how to navigate with the wheels, so she is burning off those liver cake calories perfectly!
What you and Meg have accomplished is truly miraculous! We can all see it in the videos! And those videos really do show the payoff for all your hard work.
Lots of love❤
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!
Hey Clare,
Well she does look GREAT! And of course she's not losing patience, you two are bonding more than you ever have. These kinds of activities are relationship builders and if you thought you were close to her before, well just wait until she's a total expert in using her wheels.
About her not gaining weight...she's working out now, no wonder! Don't worry. She's burning calories and getting that beach body she's always wanted!
I'm sorry you got the conflicting information about the chair's fit. It's especially difficult to do what you're doing without having a wheelchair & Tripawds expert guide you through the process. What it comes down to is that you know Meg best. Take the best of both experts' suggestions and mix and match to see what works for her. Eventually you will find that sweet spot that helps her be the best she can be on wheels. I know you will get there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Clare,
I think you and Meg are doing wonderful. Look at her go. I know it's hard but you are doing awesome. Maybe when you get done training Meg you should ask Eddy's Wheels to be on their payroll to be a consultant 🙂
I agree even though Meg is eating that liver cake she is exercising and using those muscles and working out with the cart.
Keep doing a great job
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Dear Clare and Meg-a-Moving-Star!!!
Please don’t get discouraged!!! What i see on the video is amazing! I see Meg walking on her back legs with much better ease, rather than the little hop that she does when slowing down. I think that is what i am seeing? I commend you highly for plowing through without any professional assistance and then with the added conflict of information!!! You’re a Rock!
i wonder... with the placement of her tail, would it be too high and uncomfortable for Meg’s tail to be brought up above the back of the harness? You know how a dog is happy when his/her tail is high and it helps in training to hold it high... i can see that Meg is super Hoppy in her harness, she is doing an amazing job!!! I just wonder if this tail placement would be an additional to her comfort or not???
I really have to agree with everything everyone has offered here... you are both doing amazing and Sod Eddie’s wheels for being such W***ers!!! I think a letter to the manager after all is said and done might be apropriate... and tell them to come to Tripawds.com if they want to see what an amazing job Miss Clare and our Meg-a-Star have done on their wheels!!! Just saying lovey!! 😉
i am really glad i was able to check in very quickly to see how are Meg-in-Her-Chariot is doing. I am really loving what i see. And the liver cakes are obviously very becoming!! 😉
Tons of love coming your way to both of you, keep up the good work and Miss Meg will be flying in no time at all!
Petra, Smoochin’ Super Stu, Sweet Spitfire Spike, Chester McField, Sleepy Miss Lily and Not so Wandering Ted
P.s.
benny55 said
And Petra said: "See ya' soon" ??????
Sally, I would love to go to the UK and visit with Meg-our-Star, but really i just meant that i would see her here on site! 😉
Kitheth and hugth coming to you ath well Mith Thally!
I really should update more often. Every time I post an update, the next day we seem to turn a corner. This is not a coincidence, it is because of this community, because your wonderful support and encouragement give us SUCH a boost. I'm absolutely serious. I felt greatly heartened by your comments and this positivity also transfers to Miss Meg.
The MegaWheels Day 24
This morning, fresh liver cake in hand (our third batch) we set off up the track as far as the farm, not a huge distance, maybe a hundred yards or so, but the furthest we have been. I tried to just stop worrying and let Meg do her thing. And, you know, I do think she's enjoying it. She is definitely pushing with her back legs more, and walking them rather than hopping. When we got to the farm, we had a rest in the corner of the field.
Then back down the (slight) hill home, and did she EVER have fun. Lifting that front leg up and coasting. Wheeeeeeeeeeee! I didn't get a pic as I was too busy trying to catch up and stop her crashing into the bins. But this is her looking rather triumphant by the gate.
She's also mastered the Wheelie Hupsie. This will be important when it comes to manoeuvring over obstacles.
So all in all, a much better day, and for the first time I felt I got a glimpse of how things might be once she's adjusted to them fully – as compared to yesterday, when I was convinced she never would, and just felt like crying, and maybe actually did cry (full disclosure) though obviously not in front of Meg.
Petra, I'll check her tail placement tomorrow. My impression is that you wouldn't be able to put it above the hard yoke. And it certainly doesn't press down on it or anything. She can wag it etc. But I will definitely check. She has a highly sensitive tail because the nerves in it were damaged when it was cut off as part of the abuse she sustained in the first year of her life, so it's certainly important to check that it isn't uncomfortable for her in any way.
❤️❤️❤️
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Clare,
That is the best news! I thought the exact same thing about that liver cake and her burning off those calorie exercising!!😊
You need to spoil yourself with something that you love as much as Meg loves liver cake!! You have both worked so hard and come so far.
I would send a teaser trailer to your wheels place and tell them for a decent sum you would consider publishing a"how to" video 😁😁😁
Biggest hugs to both of you!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
So today Meg literally fell over. Right over. Forwards. Tail over head. I feel like giving up at this point, I have to say. I really do. I don't know what I'm doing, and there is zero guidance. I'm constantly worried I'm harming her. I'm sorry to be such a downer, but really I just wish we'd never started.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Our sweet Clare, I totally understand the down days. As I was reading your recent updates seeing a big improvement from one day to the next I thought of how this was similar to my hip replacement recovery and learning to clog (dancing not unplugging toilets). Sometimes progress seemed slow and then suddenly the muscle memory got it! Initially I was in my head and then suddenly my muscles and body got it.
Meg was proud she coasted. She may be trying out new tricks and did a flip. I hope her pride and body is okay. Maybe we can put some effort in to finding you some support since you have liver cakes to make.
Huge hugs,
Kerren, Eli, Mona
Don't give up Clare.. Meg has come a long way 🙂 She will continue. It's like learning to hop with 3 legs she probably took a few spills then. She didn't give up and you won't either. I know it feels frustrating but look at what you did the other day. Walk further than you ever have. 🙂
Keep going and keep updating us.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Quite frankly, I'm amazed that this is the first "face plant" (Meg-style-on-wheels) she has had!! True to form, Meg is going to do her own version, but a face plant is still a face plant, and, without question, to be expected!!
I think Michell's example, and Kerren's example, are spot on!😎
Because of your skill and patience, and Meg's genius, you two have worked the kinks out at a much faster pace than most! So when something like Meg's flip happens, it is perfectly normal for you to feel defeated!! It really is similar in so many ways to the ups and down of tripawd recovery as dogs adjust to their new gait. Heck, many dogs find it difficult, if not impossible, to even adjust to the use of a sling or harness!!
Please do not beat yourself up at all for having a defeated moment! And with out sounding negative, you'll most likely have some more too! And as you have a few more experiences similar...just like in recovery.....if it happens again, it won't be nearly as traumatic as the first experience! Its just part of the learning curve for both of you!! Just know that, as we like to say around here, those feelings are perfectly normal!!
And I can assure you, it was far more traumatic for you than Meg!! Kmowing Meg, as Kerren said, she was probably just trying a few new tricks! After all, she's already ,mastered the Wheelie Upsie!!😁
Hate to keep making the reference to tripawd recovery, but how many times do people here question their decision at first??? How ,any times do they say they wish they'd never done the surgery??? I kmow I was in that group!! And we always remind them you are doing this FOR yoir dog or cat, not TO the,!!!
So take it slow...regroup....re -energize ..step back into your indomitable unstoppable s never give up strength of yours...grab some wine and/or junk food....and just make your next outing be one of sheer fun! 🤣😂 No focus on technique, no focus on distance, just focus on the joy on Mwg's face as she gets her lover cake!!
And just so you'll kmow, no matter what you said....and I say that respectfully....we know it's just temporary BS and won't last long!!😉🤣💖❤I happen to know you've taken on bigger challenges (Dr Asshole) than this, and you DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY, have what it takes to deal with this little wheelie thing!! Noooo waaaay that will defeat you!! Beside, ypu have us and The Pie😊😊
We .love you!!
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!
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