Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

In early Feb. 2009 my good friend found “Jake” building a nest in the ditch by her driveway. He looked like he had been well cared for at one time but we were unable to find his owners. I took him in and have been trying to find him a new, forever home, as I already have a golden retriever and a great dane of my own. Unfortunately, on March 23rd, my boyfriend let Jake and my dane, Syren, who has moderate/severe hip dysplasia, outside without keeping an eye on them and they wondered off… I live out in the middle of nowhere, acres of state land all around… Several hours later Jake returned with three bullet holes in him. One in the gut, one in the chest, and one that exploded his right front leg. Somehow he made it home in that condition!!! We made it to the vet where we found that the bullet in his gut and chest had missed every major organ, vessel and artery. However there was no saving his leg and it had to be removed on March 25th 2009. We went to pick him up on the afternoon of the 26th, expecting to have to carry, or otherwise help him, but no! The vet assistant emerged being drug along by Jake on three legs! When we opened the door to the truck, he was barking and actually jumped into the vehicle before we could help him! It was amazing and we’ve had to keep him from doing too much too fast. It brings tears to my eyes to see how quickly and how well he’s adjusting. On a sadder note, however, Syren has not been found, and is presumed to have been shot and killed. We miss her very much.