Hola all you beautiful Tripawds and soon to be Tripawds! My name is Sammy and I'm proud to be a new American and a new Tripawd (all within the same week)! My pawrents rescued me from Mexico after finding me on the brink of death....Jerry was kind enough to write an entire blog post about my harrowing story (I was a gonner!).

My mom just wanted to tell all the other moms & dads struggling with the realization that their precious baby must have their leg removed that it is NOT the end of the world, and in fact, dogs truly have more resilience than we can ever imagine.

Understanding pawrents will approach this process differently, I can simply offer the following:

• It's normal to have feelings of being alone, scared, guilty, sad, unprepared & in total disbelief - This only shows how much you love your little one.
• That said, this is the time when they need you to be your strongest! Trust that the operation is your dog's best chance at a new lease on life.
• I promise you they will get around just fine with only 3 legs - truly, honestly, pinky-swear!!!
• If you read my story on Jerry's blog you will understand why my pawrents questioned whether or not they were being cruel to me for keeping me alive rather than just putting me to sleep...
• I would take 3 legs and some minor inconveniences over never having the opportunity to run around my yard, play with all of my fun toys, including my cat and snuggle up with my mom - giving her my best "puppy dog look"!
• It's simply a matter of time, or what I like to call "getting through". Getting through: the operation, the first time seeing them without the leg, keeping them from running/playing, the first day/night at home, the first potty, the first fall, tricking them to eat the pain medication, keeping them from running/playing, having the stitches removed, keeping them from running/playing.....before you know it, IT"S OVER!
• No matter how many people told my mom I didn't need that 4th dumb leg and that I would lead a healthy, happy & productive life, she just had to go through the process in order to see they were all right.
• So, if you have to feel a little alone, scared, guilty, unprepared and in disbelief, I won't blame you... I know you will "get through" just fine and your baby will do even better! 🙂

Keep Your Nose Wet & Your Tail Waggin!

Jerry, YOU ARE MY HERO & THIS IS THE BEST WEBSITE EVER!!!!

xoxo mi amigos,

Sammy