Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

I found Buster when he was six months old and there was obvious signs of abuse and neglect.  I already had Autumn, my rottweiller and didn't want another dog.  I gave Buster to four different homes and he was returned "due to his energy level".  I also picked him up at the shelter twice... thanks to my getting him his shots immediately upon finding him.  Buster had some behaviorial problems and could be a handful unlike Autumn who was quite, secure and had undergone every expert advice that I came across.  It took some time but Buster blossomed into a 'mostly' obedient dog.  He was always loving and sweet and very smart.  It was just us three, Me, Autumn and Buster, and every free moment I spent with them.  On November 3, 2007 my forever dog, Autumn, died suddenly at 9 years old.  It hurt so bad that I didn't think I would survive and that is when my little man, Buster, became my hero.  His bond with me strengthened, he blossomed further and he stayed by my side.  He was my only reason for getting up and he made sure I did.  Sadly, he started limping and was eventually diagnosed in November of 2008, with osteosarcoma in his front right leg.  His front left leg had been broken before I found him and had not been treated but the surgeon said Buster still could be a tripod since the joint in the left leg was stable.  I and everyone I knew thought that removing Buster's leg was nothing short of terrible or cruel. I knew nothing of tripods but everything about dogs in general.  Still hearing the statistics from the surgeon led me to take a one week vacation from work to be with my baby and do nothing but research the best route from him.  After seeing Jerry and all the dogs on this website, my decision was made and my feelings changed.  It also helped others close to me understand why I made my choice (not that this mattered).  Buster had his right front leg and lymph node removed on 11/18/08 and he was sent home the next night.  The first night did not go so well and doubt within me rose.  The doubt stayed there for awhile in the beginning of Buster's recooperation.  However, Buster being Buster he began improving quickly and his level of mobility was amazing.  Shortly after the surgery and during Buster's amazing progress, the surgeon called with more bad news - yes this is possible.  Very very rarely does ostesarcoma metastize into the lymph nodes and when it does survival time decreases for the animal.  In Buster's case we knew it had gone to the right lymph node as it had been removed and tested during the amputation surgery.  After again performing extensive research directed to this specific issue we elected no chemotherapy due to the statistical survival times.  We did not give up as an all natural war was launch to drive away the demons threatening my Buster.  Buster and Autumn had treated with a homeopathic vet for a very long time before either one had any life-threatening problems.  Buster received supplements, herbs, remedies, magnetic therapy, classical music therapy etc.  His energy level was incredible as was his ability to ambulate.  It truly was amazing.  On Friday December 12, 2008 Buster came with me to drop off Christmas gifts.  The owners of the place where he was groomed were not there and the girl who usually grooms Buster came to greet him and he went wild with joy.  Believe it or not but in all the excitement I had to actually point out to her that Buster's leg was gone.  After playing Santa we went to the park where he took the longest walk (of course with some breaks) that he had taken since the surgery.  We were stopped by some dog owners there who were absolutely amazed at Buster's ability to move about on three legs.  Later that evening I went out for an appointment and when I returned Buster looked uncomfortable.  I decided to take him in my room (he sleeps with me) where he is more comfortable on the bed.  Buster would not move and he weighs about 100lbs.  When it is dead weight it is even heavier.  I attempted to pick him up and we both slammed to the ground where I landed on top.  For some stupid reason my only thought was we over did it on the walk.  I dragged him to my room and when I tried to place his leg on the steps to my bed he fell over with no control.  That was my moment of realization - or one of them anyway.  Our vet was in a concert and he was too heavy and fragile to move.  For 3 hours I called the vet and held Buster in my arms while he struggled to breathe as his breaths slowed and slowed.  It wasn't peaceful.  Toward the end I told Buster it was okay to go and begged Autumn to take him so this suffering would end.  Finally the vet called and rushed over.  By that time Buster had just stopped breathing but the vet said his heart was beating.  She gave him "mouth-to-mouth" then tried to stimulate his breathing with a needle.  The needle made him take one final breath and then Buster passed away.  They believe it was a clot from the surgery or the clot could have been formed by the cancer - though this was an unusual turn of events and he did not go because of the disease.  Buster was only 7 years old and all I had left and I feel very cheated but thankful for him that he didn't have to go down "very sick".  And even though his death may have been a result of the surgery I would still recommend this procedure to any dog owner.  I am a true advocate and Buster's short time after the surgery and quick recovery period was much more joyous than the pain he felt before the procedure was performed.  So this is for my little man who was such the trooper and happy as can be as a tripod.