Hi Patricia and Atlas,

I am so sorry that you are going through this, its so hard watching our beloved furbabies fight this deseas.

I also had a 7 year old giant breed with OS and other physical challenges, his name was Porthos. We decided to amputate (front right leg) even though we were not sure if he would ever stand up again, he still had fight in him and we needed to give him that chance. He did very well on 3 legs, charging around, chasing birds in the garden!

Have a look on youtube "Amazing Zane- The Wobbler Syndrome Tripawd" and also "Angus the great Dane on 3 legs" I did at lot of youtube searches when I found out about Porthos' OS, it really helped me to get an idea of what he would look like on 3 legs.

The ruffwear harness is very good, we found a harness that had front and back support better (help em up harness) for Porthos as he had hip dysplasia but to be honest we didnt put it on him that much in the beginning, we couldnt put the front part of the harness on him because of the stitches.

He seemed to get annoyed with me hovering around him the early days after his amp, I seemed to be slowing him down so I let him find his balance and he was fine, the harness was a god send during his final days though.

This is Angel Porthos running around on three legs (I'm a proud Mama!) http://tripawds.....who-could/

Just a tip, remember to keep yourself healthy, eat well, try to get a massage or go for a walk by yourself to clear your mind. We know how stressful and gut wrenching this time is. If you are going to go through with the amputation, try and keep away from anyone who is being negative about the amputation, especially in the first couple of weeks while you are all adjusting, you need positivity and support around you.

Stay strong,

Amanda & Angel Porthos x

Great video, Patricia! Atlas is a happy guy with a lot of personality. Sophie seems to have an abundance of personality as well!

Try the shopping bag trick and see if it works for you. If not, you can use a narrower sling. I used a sling the first few days with Dakota because I already had it so didn't need to do the shopping bag thing. Either one will make it really easy to respond to Atlas's needs instantly. It take 2 seconds to loop one or the other around him to help him up or out.

I would help Dakota outside to pee and quickly drop the sling and turn away. D wouldn't perform for an audience so I had to back off and let him figure it out for himself. If I was too close, he would expend energy getting away to a private place. I learned. The first poop was a bit difficult for Dakota to learn how to change his posture, but he figured it out and did just fine. Don't get discouraged if Atlas seems confused by having to try new positions for these things. Dakota seemed most confused about being unable to lift a leg, but once he agreed to try the tripawd boy-dog pee position (that's a trademarked name ), he was good to go.

I did get a harness but only used it when we went places. It was indispensable for loading and unloading D in the car. It was very helpful for going places with slippery floors because of the handle. And it kept D from running off when he got nervous (at the vet's).

Do you live in the same house that's in the video? If so, what are your hardwood floor plans for Atlas? Throw rugs will be his new best friend. It's easier to keep the dog out of forbidden places, too; you just don't put down a rug into that place. I used yoga mats instead of throw rugs, but you will need something to give him traction .

Make sure you have someone there to help you get him out of the car and into his bed. Put Sophie in a bedroom or something while you get Atlas settled. I didn't do that and had 2 other nosy dogs making things very hard for me when I got home. They were so curious about Dakota going somewhere without them that I couldn't get them to leave for love or money. I wouldn't ever make that mistake again.

Think of questions and write 'em down. Ask your vet. Ask here. Buy whatever you think you need to hide pills in (cheese, liverwurst, pill pockets) and maybe get something to occupy Sophie for a long time (a new bone maybe?), and don't forget a movie or two for you. Do like Atlas--live for the precious moment that's in front of you now. One step at a time.

Shari

Hi. Just seen this. I have a front right tripawd lurcher who is a saluki type and 29.5kg. He is not as big as a dane but he is a running dog. That is exactly what he still is! He can run as fast as our four leg boy. He is also a very happy dog who loves life. I am disabled myself and he has given me a whole new outlook on life. Today one of my little dogs had to have hernia surgery and I have been so worried. Nicky has been there to cuddle me and offer his shoulder. My little dog has bounced back,he is eating and toileting already. I thought I was going to lose him but my vet said go for the surgery. He has a heart murmur but got through fine. 

You are an amazing person. You have given your boy the chance. I bet in no time he will be up and about and showing you he was ready for the fight. I know this sounds like a criticism but it is not.... do not feel sorry for him. When he gets home treat him that this is the beginning of his second life. I did this with Nicky and by day 3 he wanted to walk.He is over a year on now and lives life to the full.

Sending you all big hugs and healing thoughts to the wonderful Atlas.

Yay Atlas!  Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers!