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.
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Thank you all for the words of encouragement and support as Jake recovers from his amputation surgery (10 days ago). He is doing very well, Monday the stapes will be removed. He is starting to feel confident enough that he has begun to "hop-run". I have just ordered a harness and hope it will be helpful to Jake.
I have always considered myself gifted by the sweet, unselfish, loyal dog who is my constant companion, co-worker (comes with me to work), co-parent (guardian to my 2 children), and friend. But, I had no idea of the depth of his character until he became a "tripawd". At first I questioned my decision to have his leg removed, but the other day Jake taught me differently. As he sat outside in the grass, he raised his head into the wind, closed his eyes, and just let the wind blow his face. I knew right then that I made the right choice, I still have my Jake.
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I like to tell the new folks here that it's an awesome thing to be a Tripawd parent. And I'm sure now you can appreciate why. 
So glad you have arrived at the "I made the right choice" moment so soon after amp.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I'm so glad! Both that Jake is doing well and that you are doing well
Our lab Loa had her amputation a couple of months ago and I remember having a similar moment at about the same milestone--she hopped to her favorite place in the yard, a sunny spot, laid down, and she looked so happy. It felt great.
A friend of mine posted this on my FB:
"I had a conversation with our vet a while back about disabled pets (the vet has an office kitty with three legs named iLean... yeah, lol). I never thought of it this way, but she said that pets tend to do a lot better with disabilities because they're incapable of attaching stigma to it. I mean, look at Jake! He's like, I'M A DOG AND I'M AWESOME. Darn right, Jake!"
So much to be learned from these amazing tripaws!
Every human being needs to follow Jake's example, what a wise soul!
It's nice to hear things are progressing so well. I know it's so hard to see that at first, this ordeal can make your head spin so fast you think it's going to fall off. But if people who are going through it can just take a moment to stop and observe these magnificent creatures and how they cope, they can quickly learn how to take things one day at a time. It's a life lesson that never goes away.
{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jake looks so good using that toy as a pillow! I'm sure he was even more handsome with his face in the sun, nose to the wind...
Samdog continues to surprise us daily and we celebrate the little things together that we would have let go before. He is a good reminder about what is really important in life. It sounds like Jake is setting the same example.
Maybe we should all go outside and let the breeze blow on our faces more often.
Hugs from your dog-bro's family in Arizona!
Slobbery kisses from Samdog.
Samdog was a 10 yr old Golden and retired SAR dog. We found a bone mass on 8/17/12, needle biopsy showed sarcoma 8/22/12, amputation on 8/23/12, post-amp biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma on 8/28/12. Sadly, we found lung mets on 11/27/12 and my Spirit Sam earned his wings on 12/2/12.
We didn't know where we were headed and we don't regret a single step along our path. It all happened too fast, but he left a legacy of love that we will always cherish. Good bye my heart.
You can find our story at http://samdog.t.....ipawds.com
Yesterday morning my kids were cleaning out the car and one of them left the door to the garage open. My daughter started to call for me, "Mom! Mom! Come quick, it's Jake!" Worried I ran to the garage only to find Jake sitting in the back of my Durango wagging his tail and smiling. "mom, he just jumped in". "In the car? How?" "He just jumped".
I had been fretting how I was going to get Jake in the car. Some of you had great suggestions, but none of you suggested that I just let him jump in!! Imagine my surprise! Jake's first trip as a tri-pawd was to Client Appreciation Day at his Vet's office. He got to met another tri-pawd (a Rot-Lab mix rear leg amp) and RAN (Yep, RAN!) with a wolf! The Vet was shocked by his progress as was everyone at the picnic.
Tomorrow Jake is scheduled to get his staples out tomorrow morning. The surgical site is healing pretty well, except for one section that is open and still seeps. Hoping that it will not be to much of an issue in Jake's healing.
Thank you all for the continued support and kind words! It means so much to Jake and myself!
You know- we worry and fret and wonder how things will happen and meanwhile our pups just get on with things!!
That is one lesson I learned from Maggie- there were some things she couldn't do anymore as a rear amp, but that was mostly due to her size (she was a fairly small pug). For awhile I missed the things she couldn't do anymore, until I realized that she didn't care!
It is so rewarding to see them figure things out- I bet you were so proud yesterday!!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hah! Atta boy Jake!!!
As a front amp - Sam, generally gets into the car pretty well - as long as he targets his front foot to the seat... When he misses, I'm there to catch his booty - some days it works, other days we end up in a pile on the seat! It is definitely easier for him to jump up into the car, than try to climb out... we use the harness for that. After seeing the difference - he will never get into the car without it again. He jumps and I slow the descent enough that he can get all three feet down. I can't lift 80 lbs, but I can slow it down! Hah! (though my shoulder already feels like I've been lifting weights!).
How exciting that he got to meet another tripaw! They must be everywhere, and I just never noticed before.
Time to start noticing, I guess.
Hugs to you both. Keep it up, Jake!!!
-Samdog and his mom.
Samdog was a 10 yr old Golden and retired SAR dog. We found a bone mass on 8/17/12, needle biopsy showed sarcoma 8/22/12, amputation on 8/23/12, post-amp biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma on 8/28/12. Sadly, we found lung mets on 11/27/12 and my Spirit Sam earned his wings on 12/2/12.
We didn't know where we were headed and we don't regret a single step along our path. It all happened too fast, but he left a legacy of love that we will always cherish. Good bye my heart.
You can find our story at http://samdog.t.....ipawds.com
Hey Jake, what a fun outing to have for your first big adventure as a Tripawd! It was a lonnnnng time before my people saw another three-legger like me. When we finally met up with one, that pup and I were like, "what's the big deal, silly people!"
Be careful jumping out of the car OK? Stress fractures can happen when four leggers do crazy stuff like that. The Ruff Wear harness has a handle on top that your Mom can help you with next time you want to get in or out. We really like it for that reason. Thanks for ordering one!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Been a while since I posted. Jake has been through a lot since his amputation surgery 4 weeks ago (tomorrow). He had to have further surgery when he was not healing. The vet re-opened his surgery site to remove necrotizing muscle around his shoulder. Then he developed a staph infection. Much to the vet's surprise, he fought off the staph infection before it was fully diagonised! now he is doing exceptionally well! Back at the dog park, kid's school, and office. back to being the center of attention with his loving personality.
So, what is next for Jake? He was nominated to become a therapy dog! Possibably the first tripod therapy dog in Nevada! His first test is Thursday. I am So PROUD of him! He is such an inspiration to myself and those who know us. Just imagine what he will be able to do for others! Stay tuned!
Glad to hear Jake bounced back from the many setbacks early on. They truly are remarkable. Congratulations on the therapy dog nomination. I am sure he will make the best therapy dog ever.
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.
Happy One Month Ampuversary Jake! And good luck on your test Thursday! I know you'll do great!!
Jake, you are a miracle dawg. To fight off a staph infection so soon after amputation surgery is really a heroic feat, I am so thrilled that you made it!
Kudos to you for getting out there to be a role model and healing hearts and lives with your therapy dog work. Good luck with your training, we're behind you all the way. Send us your pic when you get dressed in your fancy therapy dog vest!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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