Ok I'll try to address your worries here and hopefully ease them:

I'm worried since it's her front left leg.

At 8 years young, she's got a lot going for her. Front leg amputees have their own challenges just like rear leggers but for the most part they get around so well. Yes she will move differently and lack some stamina. You will need to monitor her activity and make sure she doesn't overdo things (our ebook Loving Life On Three Legs has lots of tips!). But she can get stronger and go back to many of the things she already enjoys. Consider making an appointment with a canine rehab therapist now (most are booked at least a few weeks out) so that they can show you how to keep Bella strong and injury-free. The best part is that Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit , so no need to worry about that cost.

My husband feels like this is his fault for not noticing the lump sooner. He thinks Bella will hate him/us. I just feel like I'm torturing my poor dog.

Not at all! Oh my gosh. Remember, dogs don't share our silly emotions of regret, shame, or worry. They just want to feel good. By helping Bella now, you are avoiding the inevitable pain of a tumor that will soon get out of control. As we say around here, when you decide to amputate to give back quality of life, you're not doing it to her, you are doing it for her.

It's hard to wrap my mind around removing a body part that is structurally sound and functioning.

For now. But if you wait until she is lame and the tumor explodes, it's an extraordinary amount of pain and heartache that you will all go through. You are being proactive to avoid that terrible scene. Try to put yourself in her paws: if you had the same condition, would you wait until it was awful or preempt the pain?

It's just the least crappy option of the three. I can't stop thinking about the PROCESS of what they are going to be doing to my dog. It's just HORRIFIC.

Agree, totally. Horrific is when the tumor explodes, or when the bone breaks, or when you have to euthanize because there are no other options and time is run out. You aren't there. This is a surgical procedure that will give back quality of life. Try to focus on that big picture and let your vet focus on the actual procedure.

Will she be able to do things she loves like laying on the furnture and playing with my other dog, Raven? Will she be in pain? Will she have trouble walking? Will it mess up her joints? SO much guilt.

Of course she will! You can make things easier for her by putting pet steps and traction down. Many of the things a Tripawd needs for safety around the home are just things you would do for her if she was a much older senior dog. You're just doing them now. 

The pain issue can be resolved by talking to your vet and ensuring Bella is going to get awesome pain management . The recovery process is much easier if pain is handled well before, during, and after surgery.

Most dogs get around really well within a few days. Not perfectly, and she will face plant here and there. But right away she should be able to potty and eat on her own, and move about in your home. Then in a few weeks she should be able to do all she wants to do, and you'll need to reign her in so she doesn't overdo it. 

Tripawds are more predisposed to osteoarthritis. But if you make sure she stays slim, watch her activity levels,  and incorporate an NSAID into her day, you can ward off OA effects. That's another reason we are so gung-ho on rehab. They can explain all of this to you as it relates to Bella's individual needs.

OK I don't want to overwhelm you. Let us know how we can support you guys in your journey. Check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the What to Expect articles when you get a chance and ask us any questions you'd like. Remember, the more optimistic and hopeful you are going into this, the easier things will be for all of you!

Rachel, your insight is so appreciated, thank you for sharing. I'm so happy Addi is doing well!

Awwww sweet Bella. You have such a sweet face I'm so sorry you are in this situation but when that bad leg is off and you are all recovered, oh boy that sparkle is going to come right back! 

Heather, you're doing everything you can to prepare for the big day. Lean on us. Let us know how we can help OK? When things start to feel overwhelming remember you are not alone. Keep us posted!

Welcome home Bella! So nice to see you snuggling in your favorite place on earth.

Heather, I know that incision is gnarly. I cried buckets when I saw our Jerry's incision. But you know what? He didn't care! Not one bit. Once he got his spunk back he just moved on. Bella will too. As Sally mentioned, don't focus on the incision, concentrate on what you picture her future to be. She will get her mojo back when this is behind you! 

Yes, pain medication can cause dysphoria (confusion, anxiety, etc). It wouldn't be unheard of for the hydrocodone to cause that. But don't cut back whatever you do. Follow the vet's schedule and if it continues into tomorrow let your vet know. Pain meds often need to be tweaked and adjusted during the first week, since all dogs react to them differently.

Stay strong, you can do this! Thanks for taking time to update. And oh! Bella has graduated to Treatment and Recovery now! 😉