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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Love that limo, Griffin! Work it and get your chauffeur to do all the hard work when you don't want to 🙂
What a beautiful day in the big city. I love how you make the most of all the pretty sights.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Maggie used to do something similar- when she was ready to ride in her chariot she would sit by one of the wheels.
Looks like you had a wonderful day.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Stacy,
I know that Griffen is a therapy dog, and I think you wrote that he needs to finish chemo before you can start again? Have you thought about doing something with wounded warriors? I think it would be inspiring to our veterans to see how Griffen thrives with a missing limb, and would inspire them.
I saw a commercial, and immediately thought of Griffen. Just a thought. Sometimes my mind wanders.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Seeing Griffin enjoying life to the fullest is so heartwarming. He really is making every moment so blissful for himself😊 I love how he makes the most out of fetch by including all the aspects that make him so happy while under the guise of "fetch".😎
And, as always, thanks for our Zen moment. Nope, this is not what you think of when you think of NYC!
Hugs
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!
Hi Nancy! That was a great idea and after reading your post, I immediately reached out to the Wounded Warriors Project. Unfortunately, they aren't doing any work with therapy dog teams right now. Years ago, I reached out to a local VA Hospital because I thought military folks might like working with a bigger dog like Griffin. Unfortunately, even after multiple attempts, I was never able to get in touch with anyone, so Griffin and I happily settled into dedicating our time mostly at the children's hospital, with some visits in schools and at a domestic violence shelter. I am looking forward to the day when we can get back to volunteering - I know how much the children, their families, and the hospital staff loved visits from Griffin! Thanks for thinking about us - that was really sweet!
Hi Sally and Jerry! I'm glad that you enjoy our scenic photos and videos. It is kinda fun showing such a different side to NYC! And, I might need to make a sign to proclaim the wagon Griffin's Limo! 
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
I thought Nancy had such a great idea here ! Griffin would be perfect for this 🙂 But I think your work is really great at the Children's hospital. I'm sure Griffin will be happy to resume his work.
Thanks for all the photos and videos this is amazing.
Stacy, I have to tell you that I'm obsessed with Griffin and I tell many of my friends about the amazing 10 y.o. therapy dog thriving on 3 legs and kicking cancer's butt.
Thanks for the light you and Griffin shine.
Hi Ashley! Thank you for your kind words and support! I would truly be lost if I did not have this Tripawds community to help me ensure Griffin is living his best life! I hope that his story serves as inspiration for others who are facing challenges, 3-legged or not!
Hi Patricia! You know I love photos and videos of Arktik, so please keep those coming! Griffin and I really love watching the progress of his Tripawd twin!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Hi Stacy! I think Griffin is one of the cutest dogs I know! Plus he is so smart and gentle. I do believe your posts help a lot of people, Me included 
Griffin has his second rehab appointment today, this time at Advanced Canine Rehabilitation Center in Warren, NJ. It’s about 45 minutes from our home, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to have to drive to New Jersey! Griffin was also excited to go for a car ride – both of us are tired of being home! I was lucky enough to accompany Griffin for his entire visit, which was so helpful in terms of seeing the massage techniques and stretching exercises for Griffin. David was so patient and informative, taking his time and explaining everything he did. Just like with human massages, there were some moments when Griffin was uncomfortable due tension in his body, but I could see when the massage would release that tension and his whole body would go limp. David’s assessment was that overall, Griffin is doing remarkably well. We will be going back in a month, at which time David will have a recommendation for a brace for Griffin’s carpal (wrist) joint on his remaining front leg.
Griffin got a summer haircut yesterday. It’s a tad shorter than I normally have it cut, but it will grow fast and the shorter hairdo helped to even out the patchwork all over Griffin’s body from the many recent times he has been shaved for surgery and subsequent procedures. He’s a happy, handsome boy no matter what!
After waiting 6 days from the second round to chemo to make sure he did not suffer any side effects, Griffin started taking some of his supplements (vitamins, colostrum, and Turkey Tail) yesterday. I’ll introduce the remaining ones slowly to ensure he tolerates them well, mindful that dosages may need to be tweaked to be just right.
Nothing much else is new on our end. Griffin continues to thrive (he is now 7 weeks and 1 day post surgery) and as long as he is doing well, I am happy!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Has anyone seen Griffin?? I can't fi d him. I mean....wll...I see this picture of a dog who looks similar, but fur is shorter and very evenly clipped. WAIT!! That IS Griffin!!! His smile gave it away! Nobody can smile like Griffin can!!😁
These are such great pictures as always. And you BOTH have great smiles!
So what's going on with Griffin's leg that the Rehab guy recommended a brace? Is he just being pro-active or "treating an issue"? Frankie has a lot of "leg issues" and I've gotten different views on whether they are effective or not. Obviously it depends on the specific situation.
Ot sounds like you had a really good session AND a great carride! As always, thanks for sharing the information. I saw uournpost on Rehab in the other thread. Soooo informative and thorough.
And yes, you make a comy pillow for Griffin!😎
Hugs
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!
Hi Connie! Awww - thanks. His gentleness is definitely a quality that is noticed by people and I think one that makes him a great therapy dog.
Hi Sally! The physical therapist was recommending a brace as a preventative measure. He said that right now, Griffin is balancing and compensating well, but that eventually that joint is going to need support. He took measurements when we were there yesterday so he can have actual recommendations ready for next month's visit. I bought a brace before his OSA diagnosis when I thought his limp was due to a sprain, but the brace is very substantial - kind of like a cast - and Griffin refused to walk in it. I brought it to show the PT yesterday and he said it was too much. He is thinking more along the lines of a neoprene sleeve with some light support for now. You know that I'll be sure to share whatever we decide to do! I hope you and your crew are doing well!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Wow what a fantastic adventure to rehab land! It must have felt so good to get out and to be able to watch the therapist work on him. How pawesome you found a great therapy center and got lots of helpful information about helping him stay strong. And bravo for no chemo side effects. 
Griffin is just knocking down these milestones like nopawdy's business!
Yeah the support brace topic for front leg amputees is a toss up. Some practitioners say the soft ones are useful and prescribe them as a preventive, while others say they are not, that only a custom brace is effective but only when a dog has an existing or developing carpal issue. It's the same even for human foot orthotics for running shoes, nobody really has a definite answer on what's best. The only way to find out is to try and see what works, since everyone is different. You and Griffin are already teaching all of us so much, that this is one more area we look forward to following along with and seeing how it goes. We will be cheering you on the entire way!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Stacy!
Sorry for the radio silence for the past few days. Arktik and I were too busy enjoying the amazing weather (I hope you have similar temperature in NYC).
I will make sure I get new videos and photos 🙂 I have been a bit lazy the past few days on this side.
I think this is amazing for the rehab appointment! What a great experience to be able to assist to the session and learn. I think the conversation about the brace was interesting. Keep us posted on this topic 🙂
Hi Jerry! - It really was an adventure, and well worth the trip! Griffin's exercise and massage routines are getting longer, but I can tell his flexibility is improved since Friday, so we will keep up with them each day.
Hi Patricia! - So glad you and Arktik are enjoying the outdoors just like Griffin and me! I'll be sure to post whatever I learn about the brace. I like that the physical therapist took very specific measurements of Griffin's leg so he can provide recommendations that will work for Griffin's really long legs!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
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