alice and dakota, welcome.  seems like many others here have provided excellent advise, about what's to come, so we don't have much to add in that arena.  this is life changing, but it is also an opportunity for amazing growth and discovery - if you let dakota be your teacher, and you keep your eyes open to her lessons.  gayle was a pretty 'skiddish' girl prior to her ampawtation, but she has really come out of her shell and stepped up with these new challenges.  we couldn't be prouder of her, and we know you will continue to see dakota shine as well.  check out the many blogs we've all posted to get a 'back room' idea of life with tripawds.  paws crossed for a smooth recovery,

charon & gayle

Alice we are sorry that it is necessary for you and Dakota to become members; however, as you will see this is a great site for information and real support.  Because of Rusty's advanced stage of cancer we only had a couple of days to make the decision for amputation and I don't think putting him down ever entered into our thinking.  Seeing him now, five months post amputation, so happy and enjoying life to the fullest, we know that we made the right decision. 

Good luck with the surgery!

Chuck & Rusty

Alice, welcome to the Tripawds group.  The amputation day is always emotional and nerve wracking.  I myself was so heartbroken that I thought I would never bounce back.  During amputation day, I was alone at home and I could not bare the horrible feeling anymore. So I decided to make Oslo the best cookies he had ever tasted.  I do not remember how many cookies I baked but I remember doing them with all my heart and I felt way much better after that.  That helped me not to overreact and to stop worrying about how Oslo would feel being on 3 legs...Instead, I was eager to know if would like my cookies when his appetite was to be back.  That may seem silly but it helped. 

Also, keep in mind that Dakota will be free of the source of an horrible pain.  This is a very compassionnate decision you've made. 

Good luck.  We all will be there tomorrow to give you some support if you need to.  Try to sleep well tonight (I know it is easier said tha done) , Dakota will need your help and your strength for the next few days.Take Care!!

Hugs,

Suzanne

I am sending a huge bunch of positve thoughts to Dakota and you this morning.  I wish you all the best ! 

Hi Alice and Dakota!

Sorry for coming in late.  I know you are probably on pins and needles today.  Please let us know how the surgery went today, okay?

My Comet was born with a front leg defect and it doesn't function and I've had her 11 1/2 years.  She came from a terrible situation when I got her as a puppy so I understand the emotional problems.   Comet's emotional trauma weighs on my mind more than her being a 'hopper'.  When you have a needy pooch, it really tugs hard on your emotions.  I totally understand!

But she's such a dichotomy!  She's sassy and super spoiled in comfortable settings and a wreck in uncomfortable settings.   I think she has finally gotten over the fact that ghosts do not live upstairs and isn't nearly as spooked when you go up without her!

The only advice I can offer from my years of dealing with emotional issues and 3 working legs is...just ensure Dakota feels safe (I'm sure you already do!)   He may be vulnerable when strange dogs are around.   I learned that lots of treats and staying really happy helps a lot with the unsafe feeling.  I used to give in to Comet's fears and that was a big mistake!  I made her worse.  We used to feed each other's fears  and we were both a mess!   Tripawds has helped me cope with my fears of her fears!

So, please come over here and get the fear factor out in writing without Dakota knowing and you'll both be fine!   And who knows, he may adjust perfectly fine, especially if he is in pain and becomes painfree!

Wishing you best today and lots of HUGS!

Comet's mom