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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Aha! I found the work around (open image in new tab, copy URL and then paste URL into the image option in here!) Had to be a new tab.
This image was taken a month bad after his amputation at a day at the park where he had been walking quite a bit. Recently he has not been able to walk far, but we have great friends at the park and they all happily hangout with us so Gabe can enjoy the other dogs and not need to run around too much to mooch and keep up.
His stomache is doing better! We skipped a day of Chemo treatment and he was noticeably peppier and spunkier at the park today. And he had a poop that was a major improvement from before!
Somewhat concerned the Palladia might not be an option for Gabe.. if so then we honestly have run out of options for him and would have to switch to palliative care for him
Here he is in Ohio, we drove from Calgary Alberta to New Jersey to see an Integrative Oncologist, Dr.Kendra Pope. And we were able to enjoy lots of time visiting new places with Gabe. As well as enjoying some time on the East Coast, eating deep dish in Chicago and driving across the plains of North Dakota and Montana.
The photo you linked above of Gabriel giving my partner a smooch was when we first arrived at the beach in new Jersey.
Gabe was sooooo happy to be there, as we travel to Tofino on Vancouver Island every year and go swimming, hiking, birding, and of course, digging in the sand. He absolutely loves the sand and the beach
And yes! I do photography as a hobby and a side business for myself! (Selling prints and doing work with companies, friends and wildlife) so naturally I take an absurd amount of photos of Gabriel.
We were able to raise some money with a print of mine for Gabriel by hosting an auction! And a friend in Oregon donated to Gabriel's Cancer treatments ☺️
So happy to have been able to so this to help with the funds
Contemplated opening a Webstore on my website but we were able to cover all out funds (Insurance and donations helped immensely)
What a beautiful pup Gabe is! My Marley girl just had her front limb amputated last Thursday. I'm sorry to read about your recent struggles.
I read through your string and as a fellow Calgarian, was wondering if you could share the rehab place you tried? Did you like it overall? Feel free to DM me if you don't want to share the place publically!
marleymoo said
I read through your string and as a fellow Calgarian, was wondering if you could share the rehab place you tried? Did you like it overall? Feel free to DM me if you don't want to share the place publically!
I'd love to know too! Also feel free to mention it in our Veterinary Specialists Referrals forum topic.
Cameron I love how Gabe's friends and family came together to help with costs! 
He's clearly soooo loved by everyone he meets, and now even those of us who haven't met him in person but have fallen in love with him long distance!
Hey, a Fellow Calgarian!
So we go to Canine Fitness and they are nothing short of amazing, our Physio is Jen but everyone there has been so kind and helpful throughout the whole process, as well as helping Gabriel before he was a Tripawd pup. They are all trained in Human Physio as well so if you ever need work yourself they can also help. We were also Canine Fitness's first Front Amputation Wheelchair fitting so they can get those in if you wish!
The more people know the better! Canine fitness also does classes for Senior care (A great class) and they have Hydro-therapy such as Water Treadmills, and Swimming pools.
They are also covered by Trupanion if you have that "Rider" or add-on, but I cannot remember the name currently.
If Marley did have the leg removed due to Osteosarcoma, make sure to let them know as they will make sure to not use Laser therapy to be safe (Studies are mixed at the moment if Laser therapy can agitate bone cancer)
If you have any other questions let me know, my partner and I have done lots of research about Osteosarcoma and Tripawd care and since we are local to you we can try our best to help out
We also get massage work by Kris of Paws to Soul Touch Canine Massage (She doesn't have a website but if you were looking for information I could message you directly!)
jerry said
marleymoo said
I read through your string and as a fellow Calgarian, was wondering if you could share the rehab place you tried? Did you like it overall? Feel free to DM me if you don't want to share the place publically!
I'd love to know too! Also feel free to mention it in our Veterinary Specialists Referrals forum topic.
Cameron I love how Gabe's friends and family came together to help with costs!
Will do!
Yes we are very lucky to have dog-loving friends, we are the Group babysitters as well (we have the space and Gabriels so chill with other dogs)
Cameron Hunter said
Hey, a Fellow Calgarian!So we go to Canine Fitness and they are nothing short of amazing, our Physio is Jen but everyone there has been so kind and helpful throughout the whole process, as well as helping Gabriel before he was a Tripawd pup. They are all trained in Human Physio as well so if you ever need work yourself they can also help. We were also Canine Fitness's first Front Amputation Wheelchair fitting so they can get those in if you wish!
The more people know the better! Canine fitness also does classes for Senior care (A great class) and they have Hydro-therapy such as Water Treadmills, and Swimming pools.
They are also covered by Trupanion if you have that "Rider" or add-on, but I cannot remember the name currently.
If Marley did have the leg removed due to Osteosarcoma, make sure to let them know as they will make sure to not use Laser therapy to be safe (Studies are mixed at the moment if Laser therapy can agitate bone cancer)
If you have any other questions let me know, my partner and I have done lots of research about Osteosarcoma and Tripawd care and since we are local to you we can try our best to help out
We also get massage work by Kris of Paws to Soul Touch Canine Massage (She doesn't have a website but if you were looking for information I could message you directly!)
marleymoo said
I read through your string and as a fellow Calgarian, was wondering if you could share the rehab place you tried? Did you like it overall? Feel free to DM me if you don't want to share the place publically!
Thanks for responding! I just booked at appointment with them for Sept (they're busy!) - but going to try another rehab place in the interim to see if we can get in soon. I wish I had taken her to rehab/physio earlier as she's been stiff in the legs for a few years now, off and on...it honestly didn't even cross my mind. Ah well, hopefully it improves some for her. We don't have insurance, another thing to add to past-me wish list as we've spent approximately one billion dollars so far haha. ALL worth it for my pup tho.
Marley doesn't have osteo, she had a nerve sheath tumor in her armpit area, only removable with amputation. The biopsy results said it was grade 1 and the surgeon says he isn't expecting it to grow back elsewhere on her body, which is a huge plus. Now we just need to get her body strengthened so she can be a mobile tripawd, but it's still early days for us...I'm trying to be patient. Someone tell her that too 🙂Thanks again for responding, will keep up with your guys' journey! How does Gabe feel about his wheelchair ? I'm iffy on that but if we can't loosen her up some, will probably have to look into it. I'm also looking into dog strollers but I'm not too sure how she'd feel about that. She wants to be outside, but she's so stiff/sore right now it's hard to get her out at all. I'd love to get her some fresh air and sunshine, especially because I know our weather is about to go the way of the dodo bird soon.
So glad you were able to get in with them!
They are an amazing clinic with lovely people.
It is with a immensely heavy heart I have to say that Gabriel was Humanely euthanized today. His fight with cancer is over and he is at peace.
He was impartial to his wheelchair , he didn't mind getting Into it, but he didn't get enough practice navigating in it, as he was a stoic dog and didn't let 3 legs get him down.
He taught me so so much about life and compassion, and standing up for those who you love.
I am going to miss him for all my life.. I can't believe he is gone now..
Ohhhhhh Cameron! The tears are flowing here at Tripawds HQ. We have fallen so deeply in love with Gabe, it breaks our hearts to know the Rainbow Bridge got a handsome new angel.
We are deeply sorry for this great loss. There are no words I can write to ease your grief. I wish I could. He was a once in a lifetime dog!
Please take comfort in knowing that Gabe lived such an amazing life and was loved by so many people, including all of us he never met but who felt his joy and love for life through the stories you shared with us. We will never forget your brave warrior.
Oh gosh Cameron, my heart sank when I read this. And yes, my eyes also filled with tears.
This is such a brutal and barbaric disease that seemingly takes it's "planned" course no matter the best medical treatment protocol we. vollow. And goodness knows, you did EVERYTHING,, everything possible, above and beyond, to give him the best possible chance for extended quality time.
And he DID have good time for more spoiling, more loving, more swimming, a solid 2.5 walk-about, going out with hooman friends and doggy friendsmore time for digging, and going to his favorite beach in New Jersey.
We are so grateful we had the opportunity to get to know sweet Gabriel and always .loved his photos! .No way you could not smile at every precious photo you took of that Happy boy. His joyful spiritl jumped off the page in some of those delightful photos. And those ears..........yeah, love those ears.
Yes. while out hooman hearts break, Gabriel is running free and has os heart full of your loved that he carried with him💖 I know the void, the break in your routine in caring for him so splendidly leaves you in such an empty place.
We do know rhat all the Happy memories sll these years will, eventually help push the sadness further and further away.
I'm just so very, very sorry. Please know that Gabe made his mark here with his tripawd family. We learned a lot from Gabe..he was quite the "Professor" for us all in so ,many ways.
On the next clear night, gaze up at the stars. There will be one star that catches your eye because it twinkles and sparkles brighter than the others. That's Gabe's eternal loght letting you know he is always with you
Surrou you with Gabe's eternal light and non stop smile
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thank you all so so much, I came here to learn about how to care for Gabriel as best as I could. My partner did a lot of the work on the cancer front I naturally took the route of helping his physical body get used to having 3 legs. Sadly he never really got to experience what life on 3 legs was like without Cancer.. but he showed me how fucking resilient he is and he was so stoic to the very end. I feel he didn't want to show us he was struggling but deep down my partner and I knew.
I will try to keep up with the group here, helping with questions if and when possible. I just want to thank this group for helping Gabe and Us. I feel you two in particular helped me stay levelheaded when we had tough times.
His ears and eyes were my favourite features. So much character and sass.
I don't know how to tag people, but marleymoo if you do need anything for your pup we are in Calgary, of you need a wheelchair we will not need it and you can have it. I can show you how it works and the crew at canine fitness can help you further. I think they would love knowing Gabriel's wheelchair is finally getting some use.
We also have medications and books on cancer if needed.
Message me directly on here if you would be interested.
I am so sorry to hear about sweet Gabe's passing. So tough when their little bodies just can't respond. I really admire how hard you and your partner fought for him to get the best care possible (including driving to NJ!) - it reminds me a bit of the path we've been on with our Marley girl and having to advocate and push through to find answers. I'm positive he felt the immense love and care you had for him. Rest easy, pup.
Thank you very much for your generous and kind offer. If it's okay, I will PM you after our rehab appt on Tues (we managed to get into another centre a bit sooner) if they think a wheelchair would benefit her. Thank you SO much.
Of course! You need to advocate for them or else it feels like will slip through the cracks..
We had a standing appointment for Gabriel there, so it's possible that freed it up for you to go!
I'll keep an eye on here for your message
Cameron you are so so sweet, thank you, your note made my day. Being here for you and Gabe has been a privilege. I'm glad you want to stay involved in some way, whatever you can manage is greatly appreciated and so helpful.
Gabe's strength shone through so brightly the entire time. I never would have guessed just by looking at him that he was preparing to transition. You and your partner knew him so well, and listened to your intuition. What a gift to your warrior.
Many hugs headed your way.
Geez, my heart is so full of gratitude for you and Gabe and for who you are as Souls. The way you are continuing to give, continuing to touch lives on Gabe's behalf, all while grieving so deeply shows the best of humanity.💖 When you can give to others while struggling through all the layers of sadness facing you....that just says soooo much about the depth of your kindness. Yes, we are all continuing to learn how to be better human beings through the enlightenment example you and Gabe on jow to live a life of meaning.....regardless of the circumstances.
So we thank YOU for all the gifts you and Wise Soul Gabe have shared with us.
You and your partner take time to allow yourselves to grieve. There's always an initial "relief" when the transition is surrounded with peace and love and a knowing Gabe really is running free. Then you get knocked back down to your knees with seemingly unbearable sadness.
Just think of all the times Gabe showed his sass .....and smile
Love to you both
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I will do my best to stay on here! I don't know how much I can offer that isn't already here but I'll chime in from time to time!
I plan to make a calendar for the dogs at my local park to put the money towards something like Kalisway, if you had any suggestions for where we can give the money I would love that. (We are in Canada, not sure how that might change things)
Thank you all again, I know Gabe would want to help others going through this alongside him, he was such a great soul and being. He had his boundaries but he was always looking to teach and help other dogs! We do have some video the day he went, it's quite upsetting as he was in respiratory distress, but we took it to remind ourselves that he was struggling.. and we promised if he began to struggle that it was time. But up until 2 days before he was begging for treats and being a fiery pup
You said it so right Benny, yesterday we had grief, but we knew it was best for Gabe, today though we cannot stop crying, the "what ifs" are rolling in and we just want him back. I find myself searching for his scent anywhere. The unbearable sadness is so true..
We plan to donate the medications as well to our hospital for them to give away as needed to other Oncology patients
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