Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Brutus my 8 yr old newly "tri-curious" baby boy is doing amazing since his front right leg amputation on Oct 6, 2011 due to synovial cell sarcoma. He had been dealing with elbow issues from Nov 2010 until they found the sarcoma in Aug 2011. He had gone in for two elbow surgeries one for a joint capsule tear in Dec 2010 and the other for a bone fragment in May 2011 (I’m sure caused by the joint capsule tear). He just never got back to 100%. Within 5 months of his last surgery they found the sarcoma. It was localized and the decision to amputate was made. I worried whether I had made the right decision and it turns out I shouldn’t have been. He was extremely mobile right after the surgery and in my vet's opinion his case is truly a success story. We’re still working on stairs (he goes down them great, but refuses to go up them). He of course has mastered the most important things like getting on and off the couch and how to continue to hog the king size bed.
I've had Brutus since he was 4 weeks old and he is truly my baby boy. He is a very independent spirit but loves me unconditionally. He thinks he's a human and yes I know that I whole heartedly had a hand in creating the stubborn lil monster he is. But I would have it no other way. So far follow up x-rays have continued to show the lungs and chest cancer free and likewise the blood work continues to come back clean. I don’t want to get too optimistic, but I feel like we have really given the synovial cell sarcoma a run for its money. I can only hope that others find themselves in such a lucky place. Fingers crossed the good fortune continues.
I know how frustrating, draining, and stressful dealing with diagnosing, treating, and recovering from canine sarcoma can be. If I can share my knowledge gained, my experiences, or just be a sounding board, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Brutus was later diagnosed in Sept 2012 with a low grade sarcoma of the Left Kidney. The kidney was extracted and my sweet boy lived another 5 months. I had to say good bye to him on 1/21/13 due to complications from lymph node cancer. My poor guy just couldn't catch a break from this evil evil disease. But one thing that I will be adamant about is that I NEVER regretted his amputation. Because of that tough decision I got another 16 months with the most important man in my life. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Love to all of you and never question your decisions or your devotions to your pets.