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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Griffin's Journey
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Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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17 July 2020 - 8:34 am
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Beautifully  said and .very heartfelt.   ❤❤❤  ditto!

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!

New York, NY
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17 July 2020 - 6:27 pm
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Quick update - Griffin is pretty much recovered from our little wagon adventure.  I'm still holding him back a bit on the activity, but he has walked more each day this week.  He is down to a minimum dosage of galliprant and gabapentin, which we will end this weekend.  We were scheduled for a rehab appointment with his regular PT in New Jersey last Monday, which we needed to cancel because of his accident and unfortunately, they are booked solid with no availability in the near future.  So, I am grateful that I was able to schedule a rehab appointment tomorrow at AMC for with the vet Griffin previously saw for the initial consult and one follow up rehab/acupuncture session.  I appreciated being able to stay with Griffin at the rehab place in NJ, but it was a bit of a haul (almost an hour away) and my insurance won't cover rehab not conducted by a vet, so perhaps this is good timing for a change.

Connie - It is so good to hear from you!  I'm so glad that Jake likes his stroller and I'm hoping you have had no time for updates because you are busy with summer fun!  I can't wait for photos/videos and a full update on Jake!  Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words.  I need to work a bit on letting go of what I can't control, but as you said, I want to make sure that I don't have any regrets in terms of making sure I give Griffin the best life!

Patricia - It makes me so happy to see Arktik doing so well.  And it is so reassuring to have you and this community who knows what every step and stumble of this process feels like.  And I truly hope that one day our Tripawd Twins can meet!

Sally and Jerry - Thanks for the constant support and encouragement.  You both are always so quick to respond to provide humor and positivity.  And, just so you know, I do pass along your messages to Griffin!

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

On The Road


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18 July 2020 - 5:39 pm
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And, just so you know, I do pass along your messages to Griffin!

Heee heee, I can just see you reading them to him, that makes me smile 🙂

That's awesome you got into AMC's rehab. I have a feeling Griffin is going to dazzle them with his progress. Let us know what they do for him. 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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18 July 2020 - 6:38 pm
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It is so good to hear Griffin is recovering from his tumble! That must have been really scary...I think I woulda had heart failure 😱 

Just catching up from another stressful work week...sigh.

Please give your sweet boy some belly scratches for me ❤❤❤

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
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19 July 2020 - 4:17 pm
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Aw, Stacy - sorry to hear Griffin had a tumble - but am very happy to hear he's on the road to recovery and is (of course) not letting it hold him down. Hopefully his Rehab appointment was just what the doctor ordered. I think it's so easy for us to forget how sometimes missing a leg makes it so much easier for our tripawds to lose their balance. I cringe every time Copper slips/slides or occasionally falls. I hope Griffin and you had a wonderful weekend and that he's able to go back to full activity very soon!

Member Since:
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20 July 2020 - 8:29 am
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Patricia – It makes me so happy to see Arktik doing so well.  And it is so reassuring to have you and this community who knows what every step and stumble of this process feels like.  And I truly hope that one day our Tripawd Twins can meet!

Stacy, me too I would love for our tripawds twins to meet!smiley4 We will see when the border opens. 

New York, NY
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29 July 2020 - 3:16 pm
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Griffin modeling his Ruffwear Jet Stream cooling vest!

Griffin had his fifth round of chemo today (second round of doxorubicin), which was preceded by a rehab session.  The rehab therapist said that Griffin was an excellent patient during massage and stretches, and his oncologist, Dr. Camps, was happy with the results of his blood work prior to the chemo treatment.  The Animal Medical Center has loosened certain Covid restrictions, and I was able to accompany Griffin into the hospital and up to the rehab/concology floor before turning him over.  And, I finally got to meet Dr. Camps in person – whoo hoo!  👏

Griffin is completely recovered from his wagon accident.  One outcome of the accident is that we have switched back to using the Animal Medical Center for his rehab.  For the last 2 months, we had gone to a rehab place in New Jersey that allowed me to remain with Griffin during his sessions, and it was nice to get out of NYC occasionally.  However, we had to cancel Griffin’s appointment scheduled for the day after his accident and it was difficult to reschedule it due to limited availability.  So, I was grateful that AMC was able to squeeze us in the weekend after his accident and we have set up a schedule for Griffin to have a 30-minute rehab session immediately prior chemo, both of which occur on the same floor of the hospital.  And, because the rehab sessions are conducted by a veterinarian, my insurance will cover the cost.  Griffin has the best smile!

While we had gone to AMC for two rehab sessions soon after Griffin’s surgery, it has been a while since the last one, so Dr. Cherno conducted a comprehensive re-examination of Griffin on June 18, 2020.  He said that Griffin looks great and is moving well.  Dr. Cherno gave me a bit of a scare when he said that Griffin was painful in his front outer toe knuckle and that he could feel a thickening of that joint.  He said that Griffin bared his teeth when that joint was manipulated, so he and Dr. Camps (who happened to be there that day) recommended taking an x-ray to rule out any significant issues.  Thankfully, the x-rays were clear and no matter how hard I pulled, bent, or squeezed that joint once we were home, I could not get any reaction from Griffin, so I’m not sure what was going on. 🤷‍♀️

Another silver lining of that incident is that I noticed Griffin seemed to have more energy and could move more easily once his activity restrictions were lifted, which I believe is a result of being on the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Galliprant which Griffin  took before and after his surgery.  Griffin’s oncologist recommends the NSAID Piroxicam, which comes in standard doses of 10mg or 20mg, but the correct dosage for Griffin is 8mg.  So, I now know about veterinary compounding pharmacies which create custom dosage pills/capsules.  It was worth the time I took to comparison shop as I found a wide range of prices ($0.47 vs. $1.63 per capsule) for the same exact prescription, and chose Golden Gate Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy.

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Griffin and I had another great visit last week to Long Island to spend time with Dad and Donna.  Griffin continues to swim with his right leg tucked high, using it only when turning.  Dr. Cherno says it is normal for dogs not to use their back legs at all (hence the name “doggie paddle”), although in videos taken years ago, I can see that Griffin used his back legs while swimming. And while we were on Long Island, Griffin got a much needed haircut, as can be seen in the before and after photos above!

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Sunday will be Griffin’s 4 month ampuversary – hooray!  sp_hearticon2sp_hearticon2sp_hearticon2sp_hearticon2 On Saturday, we are heading to Lancaster County, PA for a week-long vacation with family and friends, and Griffin will have a blast with some of his favorite people!  We hope that you are enjoying some summer fun and staying cool under this heat dome that has settled across the country.

Griffin enjoying life and the cool grass still covering in the morning dew.

Griffin swimming using his own special doggie paddle style.

Griffin checking out the dog trail while we were on Long Island.  He usually runs ahead but always waits for me to catch up.  What a good boy!

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

On The Road


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29 July 2020 - 6:12 pm
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A good boy indeed! What a great pupdate. I've been thinking of you guys and all our New York friends, after someone told me that it had been 100 degrees for the last few days. YIKES! And somehow Griffin manages to still have a ball. That trail is gorgeous. He's our hero!

We always learn something: I didn't realize that dogs will often tuck their leg in like that. Makes total sense. I never had the chance to see how Jerry swam in clear water, so he could have been very well doing the same thing. And since Griffin is paddling with the left rear and front right leg, it seems to me he instinctively knows how to best utilize his strength and move through the water quickly. 

And of COURSE he didn't do anything when you pressed on that toe he reacted to. To the vets he was probably like "Just keeping you on your toes, doc! heh. heh!"

Glad you are having a great summer together. Enjoy your upcoming visit with family!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
29 March 2020
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29 July 2020 - 8:00 pm
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Hi Stacy.  What a wonderful pupdatesmiley2 Boy, have you and Griffin been busy!  I love the updates and the videos.  Griffin looks fabulous and so happy.  I've been waiting for your post to get my "Griffin Fix".  He is such a doll, always smiling!!  Have a wonderful time visiting family sp_hearticon2

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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29 July 2020 - 8:13 pm
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Well Griffin is certainly  having a glorious summer and knows how to make everyday a vacay day!

I did notice his before and after haircut.  He is so handsome no matter what the length of his hair😎

That's  such a beautiful  trail Griffin "shares" with you.  It looks so shady and cool, but I know nothing has been "cool" the past couple of weeks in the Newy York, Maryland, Virginia  area.  So glad he got some more good swimming in to cool,off.  It is quite enlightening to have such a good view of how he uses his legs in different  ways when he swims.  Interesting how the Vet explained the "dog paddle".  Makes sense.

So Griffin is using Piroxicam  in lieu of Gilliprant?  Let us know how that goes.    Does he have to take anything to coat his tummy?   I think Piroxicam  is possibly  known to shrink tumors too.

We really appreciate you takjng  the time to update us so thoroughly.  We care about this sweet boy and all have  fallen in love with him.  He brings us so much joy and has inspired us from day one at his adaptability. To see the bond you  two share and the devotion  you have to each other comes shining  through in every single post.

Happy, happy, happy!!!  Griffin is sooooo happy....and he makes us all happy just being in his presence....even if it's thru a computer  screen.

Have a great vacay in PA!  Can wait for more pictures!!

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!

Liverpool, UK
Member Since:
2 May 2020
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30 July 2020 - 7:51 am
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I'm so glad Griffin is doing well! 

It looks like you have a fabulous rehab team for him doing everything they can to help him recover

I love all these summery photos of the gorgeous golden boy sp_hearticon2 they always put a smile on my face

nyoom & Hazel sp_hearticon2

New York, NY
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30 July 2020 - 9:52 am
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Jerry - Griffin actually uses both left side legs when swimming, which I would think might cause him to tip over on one side, but clearly he has figured out what works for him.  I also let him swim without the vest just to see what would happen (and I was right there in the pool with him), and he does the same thing.  Whatever makes him happy makes me happy!

Connie - I feel the same way about the updates you provide about Jake.  That gorgeous, energetic boy of yours makes me smile, too!

Sally - Griffin is still on the galliprant because our local vet had refilled a 3 week prescription.  There is a 5-7 day washout period in switching him to piroxicam and since we will be on vacation next week where Griffin will be more active than usual, I didn't want to wean him off the galliprant until we returned.  His oncologist did not prescribe anything to go along with the piroxicam, just the usual caution to watch him like I would with any new drug.  Griffin has handled all drugs but opiates with ease, so I'm hoping that streak continues.  I'll be sure to post vacation photos when we return!

Nyoom - I am very thankful for the access to rehab facilities that we have here in NYC.  I am sending lots of love to you and your sweet Hazel!

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

On The Road


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30 July 2020 - 10:36 am
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Ooooh I must have been cross-eyed watching him swim! OK thanks for clarifying. Whatever works for him, he's such a champ!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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1 August 2020 - 10:50 am
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Hi Stacy! 

Griffin seems to be having a blast this summer. He looks so happy in the water haha. He should teach Arktik about how much fun swimming is (..or maybe not...too long to dry hahaha).

This is so great to see how good he is and I'm glad that rehab is so helpful! 

Keep the video and photos coming. We are off to a little vacation too in Ontario with Arktik. There's a beach where dogs are allowed and we booked a pet friendly hotel beside a dog park. Videos and photos to come 😉

Talk to you soon!

New York, NY
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9 August 2020 - 4:08 pm
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Griffin and I spent last week at Beaver Creek Farm Cabins in Lancaster County, PA where my family vacationed for years during the 1980s and where a group of us returned in 2018.  I love the tranquility and disconnected pace at Beaver Creek, but this year’s visit was particularly special due to the restrictions the pandemic has imposed on our ability to visit family, most of whom we haven’t seen in months.  So many of Griffin’s favorite people – nieces, godchildren, and chosen family – were with us last week, and coupled with the freedom to roam and swimming in the pond, it was definitely Griffin’s version of paradise!  Griffin did not let his tripawd status slow him down – he swam for an average of 5 hours each day we were there!

Griffin has always been protective of the kids, especially in the water.  When they yell coming off the diving board in a pool or the pond, Griffin feels the need to “rescue” them.  You can hear him whining in some of the videos as he tries to get close enough to save them while also holding onto his bumper float toy.  The kids became quite adept at throwing his toy far away from the diving board so that they could jump in peace for a few minutes!

I hope you can tell from the photos and videos below how much of a blast we had on our vacation! We hope that you are having good times and finding tranquility in this summer of covid just like us!

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My dear friend, Virginia, brought her pups, Dewie and Peanut, and Griffin was thrilled to share his vacation paradise with them!Virginia-with-pups-aug-1-blog.jpgImage Enlarger

Griffin never missed a chance to cuddle with his kids!

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My oldest godchild, Joana, is one of Griffin's absolute favorite humans because they have grown up together.  The first photo was taken in March 2020 when Joana was 7 and Griffin 8 weeks; the second photo was taken last week!

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We are missing a few in this photo, but Griffin and I consider all of these kids "ours" - Valerie (10), Gabriel (9), Hailey (12), Makaylah (10), Phineas (9), Savannah (3), Madeleine (19), and Joana (17).

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Griffin was an absolute fish, coming out of the water only when forced to rest or eat!

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In the videos of Griffin's swimming below, I hope you can appreciate the beauty of our vacation home!

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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