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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Today was another good day!
Hazel has managed to keep more solid food down and we've been able to give her some meds without crushing them up first. The bandages have come off too and Hazel is wrapped up in an old t shirt cause I'm a little worried about her laying in the grass so soon after surgery. She's getting more and more confident in her hops, starting to move her front leg to be more central when she moves, and seems to be generally more aware of herself if that makes sense?
Hazel has gone back to her usual ways of wanting to be in the centre of the room that everyone is in, and if people are in different rooms she finds a way to be in the doorway between them all. It's been lovely to see her hear my partner in the kitchen then get up and walk around to a point where she can see us both and settle back down. She was in too much pain before the surgery to want to get up and too lethargic to react to household noises, not even a crinkly biscuit packet could rouse her.
She's come such a long way in such a short amount of time and we're all so proud of her 
nyoom
Yay for Hazel and yay for all of you!
So glad she is feeling more herself.
BTW- I forgot to mention before how beautiful she is! Love the brindle in the coat and the Staffy face.
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
We've had another really good today today! Hazel is just getting stronger and stronger and it's been wonderful watching her recovery.
It's been a full week since the operation and with each day passing I'm more and more happy with my decision to go forward with the surgery. Hazel is so much more like herself again, she's playful, alert and bright.
We took Hazel out to a park today, we picked up a wagon on the way so we could pull her down the pathway and then let her out once we got to a lovely grassy area. She took to being pulled along really well, she's definitely a princess! Lots of people asked me questions about her and gave her lots of compliments. It was really refreshing to be able to talk about her journey and have even strangers tell me how well Hazel is coping
I hope you enjoy this photo of us 
https://www.ins.....w0jsopso0r
nyoom
Hi Nyoom! What a cute photo of the 2 of you! Griffin has a wagon too (click for photo) and it was such a help in the early weeks of his recovery. Your comments about Hazel being alert and bright really highlight how much pain many of our pups are in before their diagnosis is made and speaks to their quality of life improving post surgery. I'm so happy that Hazel continues to do well and kudos to you for being with her each step of the way! Please keep posting photos! ~ 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
Aich a treat to see that delightful picture!! A whole lot of happiness and joy veing shared between yoj two❤ Beautiful picture.
And I hadn't seen the update right before this one so I got a double dose of great news!!! Thrilled to hear j0w well Hazelmos doing.....and it is still early!! Love hearing all the ways her sparkle is coming back😎
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!
It's been a pretty quiet week with Hazel. She's slowly getting better and better at hopping, she takes the one small step down on to and back up from the balcony all on her own now!
I've been taking her out for short walks to make the most of the weather and Hazel is definitely loving them. She gets so excited hearing the word walkies again! Here's a picture from a recent walk.
https://www.ins.....zaeh30igns
Her recovery has been so wonderful to watch. She's getting her stitches out tomorrow, which feels like hitting a milestone on this long road of recovery. So not a lot really to report... but honestly that's such a good thing right now, she's settled back into her usual routine and gets happier and healthier every day!
nyoom
Hi,
I am so glad to hear she is doing so well. It looks like she enjoys her trips to the park. After she gets her stitches out tomorrow, it is definitely time to celebrate. My dog, Lucky, got McDonald's cheeseburgers and he loved it! Let us know how she does,
Have a great day!
Pam
She looks so happy and peaceful!
Stitches out day is awesome! Certainly a reason for a party.
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 Nyoom! What a wonderful update! I'm so glad to hear that Hazel is bouncing back beautifully - what a strong girl! I am also glad to read your posts filled with such peace and positivity. You have come a long way, too! Good luck at the vet's and keep posting photos of the amazing Miss Hazel! ~ 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
Finally an update!
Hazel is doing amazing, she's playful and happy and living her best life as a tripawd.
(If you're just here for dog news then stop reading)
Hazels mum however isn't having the best time. We've racked up £2000 (around $2400) of vet bills for Hazel that we're really struggling to pay off. I told the vets this and they seemed sympathetic, furlough is negatively affecting a lot of people and their incomes right now. But I've received a letter from them threatening court action and I'm just at a loss with what to do. I can pay this off if I have time but they're seemingly not giving me any... I've spoken to them and they might be able to give me a 3 month extension but it's a big /might/ Is it selfish to set up a justgiving page and ask for donations?
I thought I was just doing what's best for Hazel and messed up my maths when calculating how much excess and 10% of her treatment cost would be.
Sorry for the rant I'm just shocked and at a loss...
Any advice appreciated, nyoom
Hi Nyoom! So good to hear from you and to know that Hazel is doing well! I'm sorry about the financial struggles you are experiencing right now. In the US, there is a specific credit card for pet parents called Care Credit. I did a quick Google search and it seems that there is a similar one in the UK called Carefree Credit - https://www.car.....dit.co.uk/. Here's what their website says:
0% APR & Low Interest Payment Plans For Your Vet Bills
I hope this info is helpful! ~ 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
It's great to hear Hazel is doing well and is so happy.
The cost of amputation and ongoing care is a major stressor for many of us and it always costs more than we ever imagined. Please know that some vets have much better relationships with the pet than they do with us and lack people skills. It's unfortunate that your vet did not try to work with you before sending the letter about taking court action.
The tip from Stacy for CarefreeCredit is a good one. Also, here's a Tripawd forum on financial resources : https://tripawd.....ncer-care/
It is not at all selfish to set up a page for donations. Some people here have done that (please note that we are asked to refrain from promoting the page on Tripawds because we are all in somewhat similar circumstances) but you can certainly promote it to friends, relatives, coworkers, etc. You can also set up a facebook page for Hazel telling here story, lots of photos, and promote the fundraising page.
Does Hazel love people/strangers? I've always wanted to go to a dog kissing/hugging booth where I'd pay for a canine hug or kiss. Tripawds warm hearts and Hazel is adorable.
You did do what is best for Hazel - you saved her life, took away pain and made her happy!! Perhaps you can go in weekly and make a cash payment (5 pounds even) so they know you are sincere about the payment and working on it. Seeing you makes it more personal.
Huge hugs,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
So thrilled to hear how well uour beautiful Hazel is doing! And she is sooooo beautiful!
You can rant here any time about anything!! We understand the emotions of every aspect of this journey. And yes, financial struggles are definitely a non stop stress that never seems to let up.
Then all that fades into the background for a bit when you look at sweet Hazel's frosty mug and smooch it!!
You have excellent advice from Kerran and Stacy! Really like all Kerren's idea, especially setting up a face to face with the person who can make the decision!. The owner, or the Vet....not an Account person or Office Manager type. And the kissing booth...brilliant! And just to be a bit of a smartass, you ought to set it up in front of the Vet with their "Court" letter posted!😎!!
As Stacy said, CareCredit is a very useful credit card for dog/cat situations. They are very flexible with their "requirements" and charge no interest the first six months IF paid off. And I can tell you, if not paid off in full, the way they calculate the accrued interest is almost insurmountable!! So just keep a good eye on the balance and do everything possible to pay it in full.
And yes, as everyone has said, doing some type of funding page can hopefully help too.
Gove that gorgeous Hazel a big smooch for is. I just love looking at her photographs.....hint!!
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!
YAY Hazel! You are a super star Tripawd! 
I don't know how I missed your Instagram profile, count me in as a subscriber! Your sweet face just made my day. Would it be OK if we put some of your IG photos in our Tripawds gallery? Your mum is a great photographer!
Now about the vet bills mum...
Of course you can vent here, this situation is tough under ordinary circumstances but now? Oh my gosh I can't imagine! I x3 the excellent tips you've been give. Kerren is correct, we don't allow direct fundraising here or on our Facebook page but you can promote it everywhere else if you decide to start one.
Here's an interesting new Crowdfunding Option for Pet bills, and I think they're in the UK too.
Also, here's our latest list of Financial Resources to Help Pay for Vet Bills, be sure to check it out.
I do love Kerren's idea to bring your payment in person to the clinic, that really shows you're serious. Ask to speak to the Practice Manager to get to the highest decisionmaker in the back office.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted on how you're doing OK? Don't beat yourself up, you are doing your best and that's what counts.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'll definitely have to start updating the instagram a lot more then! Hazel is a superstar model when she wants to be (or when treats are involved) Hazel and I would love to see her in a Tripawds gallery! Feel free to use any of the content from her instagram.
After a few hours of crying and panicking I managed to scrape together £700 by cancelling a few subscriptions and from a savings account I forgot I had access to that my mum set up for me when I was a baby, now seemed like an appropriate time to use the funds.
We did set up a fundraiser too and it's hit 20% of the goal in just a few hours, I'm so greatful to all my family and friends
I also received a very generous offer from the bank of (partners) mum&dad so the stress is basically all gone...
Whew what a whirlwind of a day! I'll bless you all with a video of Hazel being really smart as soon as I figure out how to upload it 
Thank you all for your kind, thoughtful and very very helpful words, I definitely couldn't have made this journey with out you all. nyoom
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