Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone! I thought I'd start a new post now that Jake is doing so much better
Thank you all so much for your support during this tough time. He got his stitches removed today and he hopped into the car to the vet with tail wagging profusely. Once there he did great, then with tail wagging got into the car to come home. He is eating great (I make him his special concoction with kibble added), and I'm able to get a few needed meds into him easily. He sits up with his head straight and very alert. What a huge improvement in 1 week.
The second day home I had him in the woods by the house to go to the bathroom. Earlier in the week I had lost a bird feeder because I had forgotten to bring it in in the eve and a bear snatched it. I had combed the woods for it but couldn't find it. Wouldn't you know it. Jake went into the woods and right to the missing feeder! Dogs are just amazing.
He can go down a tiny flight of stairs and up a case of stairs easily. He doesn't yet play with his toys. I bought a special one for him but am saving it until he seems excited about his toys again. I have him outside with me and he seems happy but mostly just walks a little then lies down and watches me work on the landscaping. I figure if I had this surgery I wouldn't be back to normal yet.
I'll start posting some pictures and videos once I clear space on my phone to enable me to take more photos, etc.
Poor Jake, his recovery was not easy. But with my veterinarian and all of your support Jake has made it to a better place. My husband and I are so relieved!
I now plan to read Loving Life On Three Legs and get Jake to a rehab counselor to help help him with his new body. I can't thank you enough Jerry and Jim for providing this support group full of wonderful people and tons of information!
The other day he started to chase a chipmunk...I called him and he stopped but it was fun to watch....
Oh, Connie! I wish you could see how big of a smile I am wearing right now! This is a stupendous update! I know we talk about our pups getting their sparkle back, but that post shows that you've gotten your sparkle back, too! Finding lost bird feeders? Walking stairs? Chasing chipmunks? Jake is doing an AMAZING job with his recovery and we all know you are right there with him every step of the way. Well done, Connie and Jake! Well done, indeed! 
~ Stacy and 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
ThIs is SPECTACULAR NEWS!!!!! Jake is such a role model for what we say around here so often: EVERY RECOVERY IS DIFFERENT! EVERY DOG RECOVERS AT THEIR OWN PACE!!! And pain MIST be managed in order to facilitate healing. Good for you, andnuour Vet too, for recognizing that!
What recovery also teaches us is that, for many dogs, tpnot all, they actually find just as much enjoyment in lounging around outside with their hoomans in close proximity. At this early point in recovery, Jake has decided he's not going to waste his energy on walks or runs, UNLESS it's worth the effort! Chasing Chipmunks is worth it to Jake! And even though YOU think he was going to find the bird feeder, I think he was really ,looking for that Bear!!!
BTW....would love to see video or pics of the Bear at the feeder.😎
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!
Oh my dog what a terrific pupdate! I'm so so so hoppy to read this and know that Jake is doing great. I was so bummed I missed you in the Tripawds Chat earlier but happy that Admin Jim got to talk to you.
You DID IT! You and Jake, and your vet, what a team! 
This is so hopeful, and we really appreciate your taking time to share the amazing progress he's made. I know it felt like it was taking him forever, now you can breathe a sigh of relief and have fun together!
P.S. I think you should give that treat toy to Jake now 😉 He may just be bored with his old toys and this could be the thing to get him excited about his collection again. Or maybe not, I dunno, just guessing!
Can't wait for some photos and video. Let me know if you'd like help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Amazing news Connie 🙂 Yay for the stitches removal, another step in the right direction. I feel (but I might be wrong) that playing with their toys is among the last things to come back. Anyway for Arktik it seems to be the case. He has been playing more more lately, but not quite as much as before yet. Part of it I think is that he is not sure exactly how to do it yet with his paw missing (for example to hold his toy when he is chewing, etc) but he is getting there. It is really a matter of letting them figuring out their new normal.
I'm so glad for you guys! Looking forward to see Jake's photos and videos too:)
When the recovery starts out so rough seeing the sparkle come back is so much sweeter!
I'm so glad Jake is on his way- get those chipmunks!
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 Connie! Jake looks amazing and he is clearly having a good time! I think he need more balls, though...
~ 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
THIS MADE ME SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!😁😁 Beautiful dog on a beautiful day making beautiful progress!!!!👍
"My ball!!! My ball!!! Keep your social distance my hooman and stay away from me and my ball!!"
Thanks for this great video! Speaks volumes!!!
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!
OMD!!! MORE HAPPY SMILES GOING ON AROUND!!!😁 Jake is having noooo problem digging with that one paw! And he is taking care of any branches in his way!!!
BTW, is that "ball" an apple? Looks like he took a bite out of that "ball"!
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!
Thank you Sally and Stacy so much for all of your such happy posts! Thank you everyone else too! Thank you Jerry for your help today!!!
The reason I posted the videos is because I was very scared when I got Jake's diagnosis. It truthfully was Tripawds that gave my husband and I the strength and hope we needed to have Jake's leg amputated. I read, read, looked at videos, etc.... And so, I feel I need to "pass along" the hope and testimony that a dog truly does have "3 legs and a spare ". I am amazed that Jake can do all that he is doing. I will be careful to not let him overdo. I will get him to a rehab therapist soon. I have not made the appt though but I must. I feel dogs aren't meant to have just 3 legs so there must be undo wear and tear that I should be aware of and try to prevent.
I thank each and every one of you that have helped Jake and me get to this point. I have much to learn but atleast the tough decisions are made and the surgery is behind us. You are all amazing!
WOW so impressive to see Jake digging like this! This is wonderful. He looks so happy. As you said now surgery is behind you and you can focus on all the great things Jake will still be able to do and enjoy 🙂
Hi Connie! My favorite part of that video is not Jake digging the hole. It is how smart he is to break off the branches that are in his way and impeding his ability to dig likes he wants to. What a genius, and a total cutie, too! 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
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