Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hey everyone,
I just thought I'd introduce myself. I am going to be a first-time Tripawd mommy on Saturday! My husband and I saw a beautiful Pit Bull/Boston Terrier mix at our local shelter with three legs named Kiera. We fell in love. We had been "shelter shopping" for quite a while and had looked at many possible puppies and dogs; but we couldn't stop thinking about that sweet little three legged dog. So finally I called yesterday, filled out an application, she's being spayed tomorrow and is coming home with us on Saturday.
We are thrilled! We have two other dogs, Rottie mixes, who are equally excited. 🙂 I have been reading a lot about tripawds since we decided to bring her home, and have found a lot of great info on this site. So I thought I'd introduce myself. When she comes home I will be sure to get pics and post them.
By complete random luck, I located her previous owner (via craigslist) and have found out some great background info on Kiera, which helps a ton. She lost her leg as a result of damage from being hit by a car. She's about 2 1/2 years old, already had one litter of pups, and used to live with 5 other dogs. She is the sweetest dog.
Anyway, I'll keep you updated. I'm off to buy one more food dish and more dog food!
Thanks,
Andy
Congratulations Andy! Kiera and you were meant to be, what a lucky girl she is to be joining your pack! My Mom says she's jealous and wishes they could have 3 dogs too, to keep our crazy Wyatt Ray in line! That's crazy and lucky you found her old person. If only all of us could know the real story behind our adopted shelter dogs.
We can't wait to hear more about her adventures when she comes home with you. Be prepared becausee everywhere you go, people will stop you and want to know her story. You will need to develop a 10 second pitch to keep her story short or you'll be there all day! She will become famous in your neighborhood in no time.
Thanks for joining us here, and remember if you ever have any questions, you know who to ask. We have such a pawesome family here.
Tripawds Rule!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WooHoo! Hooray!! Our whole world has been widened and brightened by our Tripawd Miss Shelby Pie, and we know yours will be too. Congratulations 
While you are out picking up all of the essentials, be sure to get a Rough Wear harness to help your Tripawd get around. She may not act like she needs help, but the less strain on her single leg jumping in/out of the car etc. the better for long term comfort. We also recommend raising her food and water bowls, again so that she doesn't need to lean extra hard on any one leg. Oh, and trim the fur between her pads (do Boston/Pits have any?) to keep her from slipping, lots of runners if you have hard wood or linolium, massage on a regular basis (who wouldn't love that!), maybe a little chiropractic. And a ramp to get onto the bed. Your bed will be full now!
My, I see why all our Nor Cal Tripawd friends call Shelby a princess! Anyway, best wishes on your newest snuggle bug! Enjoy
Welcome to our little group! And thank you for rescuing a shelter dog and particularly a tripawd. You will be blessed many times over. Tripawds are special little creatures, they bring a smile to your face and warmth to the heart.
You will notice most of the tripawds here are cancer dogs, so it is always uplifting to have a new member that isn't fighting that journey. Can't wait to see pics of the new family member.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi Andy,
Welcome to the Tripawds family, and congratulations on adopting Kiera!! She is going to be one lucky dog, for sure!! Can't wait to see pictures of her and your other doggies! Looking forward to hearing all about her adventures with her new family!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Hi Andy,
Oh, it warms my heart that you rescued a 3 legged dog! I did it, too with Comet - 11 years ago this month!
Except Comet
1) had a deformed front leg
2) was a puppy
3) was scared and snippy
4) came from a hoarder home of 22 dogs (most of them didn't survive)
I got learn of her previous owners through the shelter workers! It was child protective services that stumbled onto the bad dog situation.
I was told that the previous owner tried to come and get Comet after all of that! The shelter workers said they basically threw her out of the shelter.
I think everyone will give you terrifice advice here on how to deal with your new tripawd. I didn't have anyone to turn to when I got Comet. I just played it by ear and really never acted like she was different. Except I spoiled her rotten, revolved my world around her and treated her like a child! It's always been, "all about Comet" and still is!
Please keep us updated.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Welcome and thanks for joining! If you haven't already be sure to review Jerry's top ten amputation concerns blog posts.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Mary and Guardian Angel Angus 
Thanks everybody! It's great to have such a wonderful support system. While I figure out how to upload pics on here, you can check out her link at the animal shelter.
http://montanap.....-0008.html
I can hardly wait to get her...this is the longest three days of my life! 🙂
Andy
Welcome Andy.
Is your new girl a front or rear amp?? There are some differences in how they get around. It is wonderful that you have adopted her!!!
Can't wait to see pictures.
Karen and the pug girls.
She is missing her left front leg. It was amputated when she was a puppy so she has been a tripawd most of her life. She is young, slim and muscular and seems to have no problems getting around. Obviously, it's something we will monitor closely and consult with our vet about to prevent any joint problems from developing in the future.
Welcome aboard, Andy and Kiera! We are deeply moved that you have adopted a wonderful dog and even prouder that she has three legs. I'm sure you will never be sorry you have decided to give her a chance. Your household sounds so warm and friendly. Good luck and, by all means, keep us posted! 
Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Vicki
Ooooo, you're getting a professional tripawd then. Cool! Welcome!!!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
Congratulations, Andy. You won't be sorry for adopting a tripawd. I think you will find that Kiera can do every thing that a four legged dog can do! Her picture is really cute!
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Heck, she'll probably be pulling you down the street on walks! Yoda, as a front-leg amputee, liked to keep his forward momentum going. I've noticed my second tripawd, Gerry, (pictured in an earlier post) who is a rear-leg amputee, can walk slowly more easiliy than Yoda could (but he doesn't like to). Yoda was a leisurely walker before his amputation.
Congrats on your new girl!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
1 Guest(s)
