Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just wanted to say hello after adopting Molly from a rescue organization in Atlanta.
I currently have a very sweet dog, Mimi, who was part of a litter of seven. I adopted her at 7 weeks old from another rescue organization. She was perfectly happy being the only dog in the house, but every once in a while, I would look at petfinder.com to see if I could provide a home to another dog. While visiting the site, I ran across Molly and she is Mimi's twin. They look so similar it is fascinating. I am pretty convinced that they are little mates (same age, same height, same face, same coat, etc.)
Unfortunately, Molly did not have as nice or as easy of a life as Mimi. Molly was hit by a car and left tied to a telephone pole. A dog rescue worker stopped to get coffee at a gas station and noticed her tied to a pole. She was not effectively using her left leg and after careful consideration, the rescue group worked with a vet to have her leg amputated (May 2011). I am told that Molly was a sweet girl even when she was dragging her injured leg around. She must have been in so much pain. The vet notes state that there were "burn and scuff" marks on her. It was almost too much for me to read.
I adopted Molly yesterday and she has made herself right at home in my house. She ran right up the stairs without hesitation and jumped onto my bed (I supervised). After reading several posts and blogs, I realize that letting her on furniture may be risky, but I don't think I have a choice. She has been loving lounging on my bed with me and Mimi. Molly does not let anything stop her. She has a happy spirit and I plan to shower her with the best of everything.
Thanks to your site for all of the wonderful information and inspirational stories.
Bless you for adopting her!! Shame on whoever had her before!
My Comet was born with a deformed front leg and she pretty much did everything too! Of course, back when I got her which is almost 13 years ago no one ever told me to not let her do certain things, so I just assumed if she could do it, then it was okay. In hindsight, I don't think it hampered her elderly age too much. She blew out out her knees when she was middle-aged but I don't think I could have prevented that since … well….she was three legged!
Post some pictures! We'd love to see her!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Welcome to the gang, and bless your heart for taking Molly home and giving her a loving family! How old is Mimi? And what kinds of dogs are they? You know we'll want pictures, right? After such a rough start, I'd be very tempted to say that Molly should have the bed if that's what she wants. My tripawd is not a furniture dog at all, so I can't comment on whether or not it's a good idea, but I know you want to love her and make her happy. So...pictures!
Shari and Dakota
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Hooray for Molly getting a new happy, hoppy home and a new twin sis.
We need pix!!
As to jumping on the furniture, i can't stop Abby. I mean, I guess I could... I could shut our bedroom door when we leave, but I don't bother. She flies up there easy-peasy. I try to help her get down, but she is not crazy about that and will jump down on her own before I can get to her if she sees me coming to help. She doesn't leap down though - she sort of leans down as low as she can and then eases herself down onto the floor. Hopefully Molly will know to take it a little bit easy with herself.
All the best,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Can't wait to see photos! I'm so glad that Molly will now have a great life with someone who cares about her and takes care of her. People who are mean to dogs (or any other animal) deserve the same sort of torture they dish out. Grrrrr!!!!
Micki
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Awww how sweet! You are a SAINT for giving her a chance, thank you! Molly is just so hoppy to know that she has found her furever home.
Yes, it's hard to keep a Tripawd from overdoing it and it's always going to be a fine line between letting her be a dog and protecting her from premature aches and pains, but once you get to know her pawsonality some more you'll see the signs she gives before she gets tooooo tired.
We are so hoppy for youl, Molly and Mimi! Thanks for joining us here.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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