Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Rumbles, my 10-year old Boxer had his right front leg amputated 4 weeks ago. He had a non-metastatic malignant tumor on his 'elbow' that our vet surgically removed once, but 6 months later it recurred with a vengence. So amputation became our only option. I spent the first week feeling that we made the wrong decision (even though euthanasia was unthinkable for an otherwise happy, healthy dog). I just couldn't believe that he was going to regain his "Rumbles-ness". He was so confused, depressed, and was having a hard time walking in the right direction. But after his pain meds were finished, I realized that the pills were the big problem (though necessary for his own comfort). The day after his last dose, he was attentive and active again. What a relief! Now he's managing the stairs, has developed an interesting shuffle, shuffle, hop back-up method, is learning to take rest stops on his daily (short) walks and most importantly, is once again following me everywhere I go.

I'm happy to have found this website. I've already read many posts and can see that I will learn so much from all of you and your amazing 3-legged animals! Thanks for sharing your stories.