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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Pure bliss! Makes me want to go do the same! Thanks for posting the video.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think Griffin and I are settling into our new normal, so there isn't much to update. One thing I've been struggling with the last few weeks is how to balance caring for Griffin and caring for myself. I've been loathe to leave him alone for any period of time, but Griffin's activity limitations have limited my ability to get the exercise I need. Part of the reason why Griffin's recovery has been so phenomenal is because is was in great shape all of his life. The same is not true for me. I have struggled with my weight since I was a child, and because of that, I made a promise when I brought Griffin home that I would ensure he was active, healthy, and fit. In June 2018, I decided to make the same promise to myself and with Griffin literally by my side, I have lost 120 lbs. since then. Between the pandemic and Griffin's diagnosis/surgery, I haven't really been eating well or getting the level of activity I need to be emotionally and physically healthy. I used to easily log 6,000 steps per day, and today was the first day since Griffin's surgery that I hit that target. I'm not sure that Griffin should necessarily be pushing the limits in walking that far (about 2.4 miles between the morning/late afternoon walks), though he seemed eager enough and kept a brisk pace most of the time. If necessary, I will start taking additional walks just for me and remind myself that if I don't take good care of me, I can't take good care of Griffin. I'm sharing this because I'm sure many other tripawd parents struggle in balancing caring for their human and animal packs while also caring for themselves, and I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone in that struggle. 
And now, please enjoy a moment of zen...
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
Stacy this is such an important thing for everyone to remember:
If necessary, I will start taking additional walks just for me and remind myself that if I don’t take good care of me, I can’t take good care of Griffin.
So so so true!
And congratulations on the weight loss, that is phenomenal! Wow!
I loved watching Griffin explore a little slice of nature by the river.
One thing I would recommend since you live in NYC is a pet stroller . We just got one for Wyatt Ray and after all these years I wish I would have done it sooner. His world is so much bigger now and we are having a ball. He loves not being left alone while we go on long walks. And our therapist says it's perfectly fine to use one, as long as he is still allowed to walk part of the way, sniff and explore to his doggy heart's content, then hop back in for the rest of the walk. Even a fit dog like Griffin will benefit from being able to get all that extra outside time in, by going for a stroller ride.
P.S. Thanks for being at our webinar today!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks to you for hosting the webinar - it was so nice to virtually "meet" fellow tripawd parents today!
I have the wagon, which we haven't been using because Griffin is now able to make it to the park under his own power. Maybe I'll start bringing it for our afternoon walks so I can get in a bit more of a workout than the leisurely stroll that is our usual pace. Thanks for the idea!
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
DUH (smacks head with hand) I totally forgot about the wagon. Heck yeah bring it along!
I'm glad you liked the webinar! We want to refine it and hopefully make it a regular thing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I love how uou amd Griffin became so fit together!! You two are such a goo d team on so manh levels! Truly meant to be together!! Touching lives in so mamy different ways.
This post is an example. As you know, we are all quite inspired by Griffin's spectacular recovery. And we are equally inspired by your commitment to becoming fit and healthy, not just j words, but in action! BRAVO!!
And now you are willing to do whatever it takes to become reconnected to the Fitness RockStar uou were born to be!! We have a Tripawd RockStar and a Fitness RockStar! Two Unstoppable Warriors!! Just love this team!!
And thanks for the beauiful Griffin Zen walk about. Very relaxing.
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!
Today is Griffin's 3 week surgerversary. I haven't posted in a few days because there isn't much new going on with us. Griffin has an appointment for blood work tomorrow and if his blood cell count is normal, he'll have an acupuncture session afterwards. If his blood cell count is low, the oncologist doesn't want him to have acupuncture, so he'll have a regular rehab (perhaps in the water) session instead. So, I'll have more to update tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of my extremely photogenic 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
Hi Stacy, you are such a sweetheart! I loved how you shared your need for exercise and Griffin's needs. You are very down to earth and someone I respect! Also, you shared personally your needs. I really like that. Thank you.
I have also thought of my reduced ability to have Jake romping in the woods as we traverse the trails endlessly. Maybe he can keep up, maybe it's cruel to expect him to, and maybe his reduced activity will make me slow down. Nor sure....but it is on my mind that my "dog" world will change. I love Jake and will do whatever it takes to keep him happy. I trust that whatever this change means is all for the good. But it's a little scary. I would have to say that romping in the woods is my "Zen". I trust that Jake's Journey will bring me to a new "Zen". Peace!
Hi Connie! Walking with Griffin along the Hudson River is our zen place. I've had to adjust my expectations for how quickly I can walk and how far we can go, but I count it as a win that we now make it there twice a day! Jerry reminded me that I could bring the wagon I used when Griffin's stamina level was lower if I wanted to increase my workout and keep Griffin comfortable. I think we will try that this weekend. I already had the wagon (purchased prior to Griffin's surgery) but you might want to look into a dog stroller
for Jake. I'm not sure how rugged the terrain is where you romp, but I know there are some sturdy looking strollers in the gear section that might work to support Jake while allowing you to get the exercise you need. Griffin's stamina has increased tremendously since surgery and so some of the limitations we have now might not be permanent. Regardless, I'm more than happy to compromise to have my best friend by my side! ~ Stacy
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
We ALWAYS love hearing from Griffin, even if it's, just to say "hi"....as long as it's with pictures!!😎
As usual, Griffin has combined CUTENESS with inspiration and tutorials. These are great examples of him doing his exercises perfectly! Honest to goodness, it's as though this amazing dog knows exactly what each exercise is for and to perform each one to get optimum results. A d he knows how to add a dose of cuteness to each photo!
And a pretzel never looked so comfy and adorable!
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 Sally! He does make those exercises look effortless, but there are a lot of treats and scritches involved for some of them! Thanks, as always, for the positive words! ~ Stacy
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
Oh that happy boy! Congratulations on the ampuversary! He has sailed through it like a rock star 
How did today's appointment go? Would love to hear more!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Griffin was at AMC today for blood work following his first round of chemo last week and for a few rehab sessions. His oncologist said his blood test results were great - solid white blood cell/platelet counts and no issues with his liver. She said he seems to be sailing through chemo - fingers crossed that it lasts! He was cleared for acupuncture and hydrotherapy (see videos below). It is a raw, rainy day in NYC, so it was nice for Griffin to get in some exercise time in the pool today!
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
Wheeeee! Good boy Griffin!
Pawesome news about his check-up. Yeah let's keep the pawsitivity going that he stays on this winning streak. YAY!
How did he like the water? And did he get acupuncture too?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAY FOR A GOOD CHECK UP!!!! So glad he has the go ahead to co tinue on with his treatment.😁
So, knowing Griffin sooooo well, would you say he "enjoyed" his water therapy or not? I could go either way when looking at his expressions, but what say you?
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!
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