I was sure I had made a terrible mistake by choosing amputation for my Pug Maggie.  She did fine medically but had no interest in anything for weeks.  Mag had her surgery before Tripawds was here so we were alone. All I had to go on was the vets assuring me that dogs do fine on three legs.  No one told me about the recovery period before you get to the 'dogs do fine on three' part.

Amputation was by far the biggest medical issue I had dealt with at the time.   If you honestly think about it, it's amazing that Chaco can move on his own at all two days after losing a leg!  He is dealing with strong meds and his body went through a lot with the surgery.  Now he has to get used to a new gait and how he uses his body- it is exhausting to be a new Tripawd.

One thing that helped me understand this (way after Maggie's amp) was when I used a new machine at the gym.  I was in great shape, running, swimming, lifting weights. I could hike 10 miles easily in the morning and then get on with my day.  One day at the gym I tried a machine that simulated skating- I had never used it before.  I think I only did about 15 minutes but I was sore for a week!  Even though I was strong and in shape the different motion made me use my muscles in a different way.  I imagined that is how Maggie must have felt after losing her leg.

You did the right thing and are doing your best for Chaco.  DO NOT compare his recovery with any other dog, Chaco is his own dog and will recover on his schedule. Be patient and know that it will probably take a couple weeks before he is fully back to himself so it is important to be positive around him and celebrate every little victory.  Soon those little victories add up to Chaco's sparkle!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls