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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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Member Since:
30 March 2021
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6 April 2021 - 6:50 am
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Good morning! I haven't checked in a couple of days but wanted to share an update.

Things seem to have turned the corner. We seem to have a better handle on our routine and what we need to do to help Toby. And he's adjusting pretty well also. He's had a urinary tract infection (probably from having a hurt leg and not going enough or completely) this whole time, and that's not really improved much. We still need to go outside several times to keep him happy, but that's no big deal. The other bathroom breaks have been more "productive." poopicon Haha. He hasn't been eating very well, mostly just what we are trying to hide medicine in and he's picked up on that so pill time hasn't been a breeze. I am able to put pills in the back of his mouth, but that's not fun for either of us, so it's a last resort. Overall, though, I feel like he isn't in pain and is relatively comfortable most of the time.

We went to the vet yesterday to have his fentanyl patch removed. They said everything looks good and normal, so that's good news. His personality has come back, too. He's a good dog and follows commands very well, so keeping him reeled in is not a problem -- except for when it's my own fault! Life is getting back to normal (other than having to drug him and keep him a little loopy/sleepy most of the time).

We aren't done yet. There's still a lot to get through. But things don't feel as out of control as they were. And I know you hear this all the time, but I don't know how we would have made it through without everyone on this site. Of course, you know this and that's why you keep it going, but I don't know of anyway I can repay you for this help. I'm not going to disappear. I want to be able to help others that are going through this ride. Not sure I have a whole lot to add, but I'm willing to try to offer support. If there is anything else I can do, please let me know.

sp_hearticon2Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!sp_hearticon2

More soon.

Michael

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 April 2021 - 9:16 am
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This is such great news, I'm so happy he's gotten past the day he overdid things. Great job! And despite the UTI got the A+ vet report! YAY! smiley_clap Oh andpoopicon too? PAWESOME!

Toby's recovery story has been so great to watch. He gives hope and inspawration to newcomers when they feel so lost and scared. You've made such a difference by sharing your journey with us.

You are so kind for your offer to help, and it's greatly appreciated. We'll take you up on that! Being able to share your experience and suppor others here in the Forums is a wonderful way to help, and so is becoming a Tripawds Supporter if you are able. You can get the word out to your vet via our Tripawds Ambassador Kit too! Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated and so helpful to others, we can't thank you enough!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
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6 April 2021 - 11:04 am
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Done and done! I'll send pictures with Toby and swag soon!

Michael

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 April 2021 - 3:35 pm
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You ROCK! Thank you for your generous Ambassador Kit gift, it's on the way smiley_clap

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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6 April 2021 - 4:50 pm
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Toby, you will look absolutely  dashing in all your Tripawds Ambassador hear!  Fly that bandanna  proudly sweet boy!

Yes, everytime  shares their story, it definitely  helps the next person.  And we always learn something  new from each adventure. Like "produdtive 💩💩"....great new term for us to adapt!

Glad that patch is off and glad his pain is being  managed.   He may be a little less loopy now.

We'll look forward to pictures 👌

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!

Member Since:
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6 April 2021 - 7:03 pm
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Hi Michael!  I've been following your story with Toby and brings back all the worry and trauma that I suffered when my pup Ari had her right front amputated at 10 weeks old!  I have to tell you i was so worried that I was going to do something wrong, not be able to take care of her properly, how could I do this to this gorgeous puppy.....so many emotions.....Well, I Ari made it easy for me!  She adjusted in a matter of hours and never looked back!  Ari handled this MUCH better than I did and I will be ever  thankful to her for this!  Lol!  Toby will be just fine and you will be amazed at how well he recovers!   Toby will literally have very little to no limitations once he heals.  My girl can swim, climb hay bales, run like the wind, compete in AKC Obedience and Companion Sports Dog Obedience.  She does Rally Training, Scentwork and next week she is going to be tested in Barn Hunt.  Ari is also a National Capital Therapy Dog....and all this and she is 19 mos old!  Toby is going to kick butt and he will be an inspiration to you as well as anyone he meets!   

This is a wonderful group and Renee and Jerry offer SO MUCH good advice, nutrition, core exercises, vet discussions....so many topics to help you thru this and help Toby stay strong, healthy and have a wonderfully full active life..  So many things that helped me with Ari  and continue to help.  The support of the group members is also amazing!   So welcome and keep us posted on your and Toby's progress!  

Carolyn and Ari

Member Since:
25 March 2021
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10 April 2021 - 4:28 am
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Hi Michael,

So good to read that Toby is doing so well!  My boy Smokey and I are new here also.  It is a wonderful resource for info and support.  I learned more here than I did from the hospital!

I hope that your journey continues on a positive path.

Nancy

Member Since:
30 March 2021
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10 April 2021 - 5:33 am
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I'm sorry to say that I have bad news.

Toby's bladder infection continued to get worse. He wasn't able to pee at all and he stopped eating all together. We went back to the vet to get it checked out and during an ultrasound, found masses in and around his bladder. So we weren't quick enough with the amputation.

After all of this, he took to 3 legs so well, it amazed me. But he was already really sick by the time we knew anything was wrong.

He spent his last night with our family, eating pizza and getting lots of love. We had a great evening and he was able to let us know that it was time.

Yesterday, he and I went back to the vet, where he was greeted by the entire staff with tears and love. I held his paw and scratched his belly while he went to sleep one last time. He passed away with the same love in his eyes that was always there and was a good boy to the very end. I buried him on our family's farm in a place of honor.

This is really hard. I miss my boy. But we had a good long time together and were both better for having known each other. 

Thank you for all the support and love. This site and its members are truly a gift.

--Michael

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Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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10 April 2021 - 9:41 am
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Soooo stunned, and heartbroken and crying so hard right now.  So very hard. I have to come back later.

No dog could jave been .loved more💖💖💖💖  

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!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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10 April 2021 - 1:00 pm
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Oh Michael, I'm so stunned and heartbroken to read this sad turn of events. My deepest condolences are going out to you and your family, you all must be missing him so much.

Toby was so loved and all of you pitched in to make his adjustment to the Tripawd life as easy as possible. He had the kind of recovery story that proves if you stay strong and pawsitive, it gets better. Of course we all wish he could have gone on to be here for much, much longer, but cancer had other plans. And even when you were shocked at how mean it was behaving, your sweet boy didn't suffer one minute. It says so much that you summoned a tremendous amount of courage in the face of a sudden change of events to help him transition so peacefully. What a bittersweet gift for a dog who will always be part of your heart and soul, and this community.

I'm so sad that Toby didn't get to be a Tripawds Ambassador while he was in his "earth clothes" as Sally would say. If you don't want to open the kit when you receive it (pretty sure it's still in transit), just write "return to sender" and drop it in the mail, we understand completely. 

If and when you are ready to post a tribute about Toby's life, we will be here. All of us are sending many, many hugs your way. sp_hearticon2

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
25 March 2021
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11 April 2021 - 9:56 am
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My deepest condolences to you and your family.  The price of love but so worth it. 

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11 April 2021 - 11:53 am
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My condolences and very sorry for your loss. You did all that you could do. 

Member Since:
31 August 2020
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11 April 2021 - 9:46 pm
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I am so very sorry for your loss Michael. I was just reading your story from the beginning and that picture of him as a puppy just melted my heart. He must have been such a joy. I hope you are finding peace in knowing he is no longer in pain. As nancylee said above and it is so true "the price of love but so worth it". Sending much love to you and your familysp_hearticon2

Member Since:
4 April 2019
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12 April 2021 - 10:37 am
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I am so stunned and sorry to hear about Toby. Unfortuenly many of us understand the heartache you are having. I lost my boy a little over a year ago and I still miss him. I know right now you have many tears but I do promise that soon you will have laughter as well as the memories come pouring in. It took me a long time to realize that Brownie did not want me to mourn for long, he wanted me to be happy. One day it all clicked.

Toby had a life full of love with you and your family and you were with him at the end. No one, human or animal can ask for more then that.

My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.❤

My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019.  With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer.  I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud!  He will live forever in my Heart!

Brownie Bubba Bell

04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020

"March Saint"

Member Since:
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19 August 2021 - 9:33 am
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Hi all. It's been quite a while since I posted anything, and I don't really have anything new to add. But I know that a lot of us come and go from this site and you don't hear from us again. I didn't want to do that. 

Jerry, this site is an awesome gift to the world. And everyone that comments and follows our stories are a huge help and inspiration.

It's been several months, but I still remember the hopelessness and whirlwind of emotions and questions when hearing that Toby needed an amputation. Plainly, I was so scared. I don't know how I could have gotten through the decision making process or the actual surgery without having this resource with me along the way. You allowed us to get more time with Toby and that was priceless. And even though his cancer had spread faster than we hoped, he really did take to three legs so quickly and easily. It was amazing to see.

I still miss Toby. A lot. Sometimes I think I hear him shift or snore under my desk while I'm working. My wife and kids go back to school next week and the house will be empty except for me. It's going to be hard I think. That dog, that during his first year was such a hellion he almost didn't get to stay, over the years became such a big part of our family and even won over my wife, who was a skeptic from the beginning. But especially, he was my buddy. And I was his.

So, before I leave the site, I just want to say "Thank you," from all of the animals and people who don't get to stay a part of the Tripawds community, and especially from us,

Michael, Tracy, Corinna, and Holt..... and Toby.

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