First, BREATHE. This is probably not going to be as hard as you're expecting it to be.  Unfortunately, like Jerry I can't offer anything right this moment but will be back later.  

Just know that we've all been through it, we all had the same fears, and I have yet to see anyone who decided they had done the wrong thing. (I'm sure there are some, I just haven't seen ANY yet!)

Look at the positive aspects: your dog is very young, the entire cancer can probably be removed, and you don't have to wait forever to get rid of the darn tumor!  You have a lot of good things on your side.

Back later... meanwhile, you'll be fine, really!! 

Just wanted to chime in that we don't have the best house for traction , either, but Lili (two months post amputation for Osteosarcoma) has done pretty darn well.  We have full flights of stairs to go to the bedroom, or to go down to the basement/backyard, and all hardwoods on both stairs and the full first level.  

We kept her restricted for a week or so, and she slept downstairs.  We went out the front door to go outside (just 3 small steps rather than a flight of stairs).  But physically, she bounced back fairly quickly.  We never had to help with a sling - she was off trying to get around by herself within a day or so.  We stood back, watched carefully, and let her tell us how comfortable she was.  Within 2 weeks or so, she was using the full flights of stairs, both up and down (though we made sure to stick close by).  She hasn't had any significant problems with the hardwoods.  

That said, she has always been a coordinated, graceful dog.  Her four-legged "brother" has trouble with the stairs, always has, and is prone to stumbling and fumbling around on the hardwoods.  I can't imagine the struggles he would have as a tripawd. 

I agree that runners, rugs, yoga mats, etc. will all help as Barret finds his footing in the beginning.  He may just surprise you by how he takes it all in stride, even though the house doesn't currently seem tripawd friendly.  Good luck and keep us posted!

I hear you on the quick turnaround...we went in for a lump, and 20 hours later, we dropped Sam off for the amputation. It's a bit to process.

We also have three floors, and carpet just in our bedroom. Throw rugs (we bought a bunch of the cheap rubber backed ones at Fleet Farm) helped a lot. Also, trimming the fur poufters on his feet were key.

Lots of alternative food and water sources are good, in case of pickiness after meds...popsicles, ice cream, chciken broth, hot dogs, etc.

Really, it will be about preparing you--he will be fine. We tend to take it harder than they do, b/c well, we're humans, and we worry and regret and fear way too much. "Did I do the right thing? Will he be depressed? How can he enjoy life? I am a terrible pet owner! He has cancer, and only X amount of time left! How will he make it in life with a leg missing? He will never/can't/is sad/etc..."

Dogs? eh. It is what it is. "Today it was four legs; tomorrow it's three...prop me up against the fence, I gotta go pee!"

Hi and welcome to the site no one wants to join. I did just a few weeks ago and I completely understand the head spinning and loads of new information to take in, some of it so scary sounding too. Honestly, Sam's mom is right, its the humans that have the issues, not the dogs. My Atlas is a big beautiful Great Dane (155 pre amp/129 post) and he was up and going out potty with no assistance on day 4 and really didn't want my help earlier but I insisted cause he's soooo big. You'll be surprised how well little Barrett will do. I'm really grateful that the hospital kept him for 3 days and night watch so by the time he came home the pain meds were already figured out.
We put ortho dog beds in his recovery room and laid carpet runners on the hard woods and got the baby gate out from the garage to restrict his movement. We used his favorite cheese treats for pills and a couple times we used the scoop of ice cream in a dish of water just to get him a little extra fluids. Today he is exactly 3 weeks post op and off the goofy pain meds and he totally seems his old loving smiling smooch face self and I can clearly see in his eyes that horrible pain is gone. No regrets.
I got Jerry's e books and am l,earning so much from these super nice folks. You're going to be overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity they dole out here.
Keep us posted on Barrett!

Patricia & Atlas

Welcome!

Now sit down and slow everything down. We too had that crazy fast decision. One thing is that it didn't give us much time to do the second guessing. Barrett is absolutely beautiful and I'll bet he is one tough dog. Dogs are my role model for grace in the face of adversity.  They just do because they have to and don't think about. We do all the thinking and worrying for them.

I think everyone here has covered all the bases for what to expect so I won't repeat it all. Just know we are all here to help and support you at all times. Take Care!