Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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The t-shirts are really easy to make:
1. Get some stretch jersey fabric and sew it into a tube
2. Cut leg hole
3. Enjoy
That's really it. An even easier way is to get some Stockinette from your vet (or surgeon/animal hospital). It already comes in tube-form. It's beige-colored, but I got some ribbon and sewed a heart on the back of one. You can pretty much do anything to spruce it up. I got material today to make a coat, so we'll see how that turns out 😛
We also have a four-legged, super-fluffy, tail-curling-up-onto-his-back dog. One time a little boy asked me where his tail was. I unfurled the tail to show him and then the tail curled back up. I would say, "See? Here's his tail." And over and over he would say, "Yeah, but where's his tail?"
And then recently, the same kind of thing with Lily, our tripod. I explained it over and over but kept getting, "Yeah, but where's her leg?"
So today the puppy was trying to get Jack to play with a yarn ball and Jack was NOT interested. After about 5 minutes of play growling, puppy gave up and dropped the ball into Jack's e-collar. I had never thought of playing basketball with the e-collar before, but I spent a good 10 minutes seeing what kind of things I could put in the "basket". I'm sure Jackers had a great time playing that game 😛 Below is Jack's new coat I made. The chest strap kind of goes diagonally across the front to protect his surgery site. I never knew sewing could be so fun!
OMG that is so funny about the e-collar basketball!
Another great looking clothing option for Tripawds! I'm guessing you're such a great sewer you didn't need a pattern for this, right? For those of us who aren't such great sewers, how did you do it?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so excited to have found this site! My family is about to be the new owners of an 18lb, 11mo old lab mix who was born with 3 legs. After visiting several shelters with some very specific things in mind we came upon this little guy--not at all whe we were looking for! Something about him though... had no idea he was missing a leg until AFTER we realized our hearts were stolen. We have a 13 mo golden-doodle with springs in his feet and joy in his heart. i was amazed at how well this little guy ran and played with him. Everyone loves this guy and mom needed to learn if there was anything I needed to know about a lpup with 3 legs. My husband laughed at the "its all we could afford line"...thats so his sense of humor. I look forward to many moments of levity to come!
margo said:
My husband laughed at the “its all we could afford line”…thats so his sense of humor. I look forward to many moments of levity to come!
That's a good one! You may just need this new Tripawds BBQ apron for backyard parties with your new Pup! 
Thanks for joining Margo! And bless you for taking in your new three legged friend. Please consider starting a new topic to share your story in detail with everyone here in the Tripawds community.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Somehow I missed this thread - wow - what a great idea and I loved hearing all the wonderful pawsitive pluses for being a tripawd!!! Not to mention all the funnies - I have to remember some of those lines!
Um...let's see - life changing decisions?
Mom decides that she really hates her job and what the "hell" am I doing in a job that I hate when life can be taken at any moment - not to mention that my bosses rolled their eyes at me every time I had to take off early for Zeus' treatment (no mind you that I would work until the wee hours of the morning to make up the time!)...so I QUIT last July - 3 1/2 months after Zeus' surgery and started working for myself. One year later - I am A-OK! I wouldn't have had the guts to do it without having started this journey with Zeus.
Smiles - all the time just for the little things such as chasing a tail with 3 legs...chewing a stick and figuring out how to hold it when you have one of your front legs missing...climbing the stairs for the first time after amputation, going down the stairs for the first time...chasing the tennis ball, getting back to living life - smiles, happy tears and laughter - nothing like it!
Best of all for me? All these amazing, wonderful people that I have met through Tripawds. My life has been forever changed and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Love to all ~
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
YAY!!! Isn't it amazing what good can come out of such a sudden, life-changing situation? Who would've thought cancer and amputation could make you learn to be more content and happy?
Zeus said:
Somehow I missed this thread – wow – what a great idea and I loved hearing all the wonderful pawsitive pluses for being a tripawd!!! Not to mention all the funnies – I have to remember some of those lines!
Um…let's see – life changing decisions?
Mom decides that she really hates her job and what the “hell” am I doing in a job that I hate when life can be taken at any moment - not to mention that my bosses rolled their eyes at me every time I had to take off early for Zeus' treatment (no mind you that I would work until the wee hours of the morning to make up the time!)…so I QUIT last July – 3 1/2 months after Zeus' surgery and started working for myself. One year later – I am A-OK! I wouldn't have had the guts to do it without having started this journey with Zeus.
Smiles – all the time just for the little things such as chasing a tail with 3 legs…chewing a stick and figuring out how to hold it when you have one of your front legs missing…climbing the stairs for the first time after amputation, going down the stairs for the first time…chasing the tennis ball, getting back to living life – smiles, happy tears and laughter – nothing like it!
Best of all for me? All these amazing, wonderful people that I have met through Tripawds. My life has been forever changed and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Love to all ~
Heather and Zeus
OMG Heather, I had no idea you had taken such a life changing step. Good for YOU! (and Zeus) I've been lucky to work with a bunch of folks who understood Trouble was my baby and taking off when she needed me was my priority. I was able to work from home when necessary to keep me from making so many trips between work, home, and vet.
I so admire your dedication to yourself and to Zeus. You're my hero!
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.
awwww shucks Shanna - all the credit goes to Zeus and Jerry's place and the Big Man upstairs - I just followed the path that was put in front of me. One foot in front of the other.
You're blessed to have such understanding bosses/colleagues - I now have a VERY understanding boss (hee hee)
Hugs ~
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
THIS MUST BE IT RENE!
Is it time to revive the advantages of being 3-legged thread?
Tazzie said:
THIS MUST BE IT RENE!
Is it time to revive the advantages of being 3-legged thread?
Oh you are GREAT!!!! 
Yes, this is it. Let me re-post in a new topic though to start it anew. Thank you!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It was entirely Fortis's find. I only added a few tags - did you like them Rene? I had to curb myself from changing the title (ahh - savouring the power of the ModPawd).
I can't believe this kind of thread has not been ongoing. Between Tika's morbid humor and this thread, both of which were current when we arrived and were facing amputation, I thought it was standard issue tripawds.
let me add ...
1. Getting -- and shamelessly milking -- the sympathy vote on the mean streets of NYC (it's not easy)
2. Able to pick up enormous Labrador which I haven't been able to do since he was 6 mos. old (same weight, just easier to get my arms around him) He says I am abusing the privilege.
3. Getting to be teacher's pet in therapy dog training class - everybody wants us (though we are grateful for the efforts of our four legged friends as well)
Kazy, too funny!
K, I'll start that new thread now....stay tuned.
And yes, your tags were fantastic Tazzie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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