Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Charley came into our home as a puppy shortly after my then-husband and I separated. For my two children and me, this English Setter was a welcome change to the mood in our home -- puppy kisses and someone else to look after were exactly what we needed!    

Our tripawd story begins in October 2010 when this lively & energetic (but not very well-behaved) 2-year-old pup was hit by an SUV near our house.  I can still hear the sound of the impact in my head.  At the vet, Charley was diagnosed with radial nerve damage and was kept for supervision for 2 nights.  We returned home for a few days, keeping Charley corralled in the kitchen.  His left front leg was constantly in the way & he was often re-opening his wound.  It became clear that an amputation was necessary.  Charley's recovery seemed slow for a few weeks, but then one day he jumped on the couch and I knew we were going to be just fine!  Within a few more weeks, we were taking our regular walks - though now they were more like 'hops'.  A few months later, Charley was running through the woods near our cabin almost as fast as he ever did! 

Charley has been a great way to meet new people.  Kids are very curious about where his leg went (I tell them that it was broken, so the doctor had to take it off) and often grown-ups look at him with a lot of pity at first.  Many times they tell me, "I feel so badly that he only has 3 legs!!!"  I tell them that Charley probably feels badly for them because they only have 2.

He is still very lively & energetic, and not always well-behaved.  But I wouldn't trade this 3-legged wonder dog for anything!

Photo of Charley