Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi there
I'm just stopping by to introduce myself. My name is Mary and I live in WA. My husband and I recently lost our wonderful old Australian Cattle Dog to liver cancer and are being considered to adopt a really neat 10 month old Border Collie. She had a really rough start in life and as a result, ran the streets for months with a badly broken left front leg. Once in rescue, the leg was a amputated so now she's a Tripawd!
I'm just here to read and learn in preparation for what will hopefully be our new family member.
Here's a picture of her. Isn't she gorgeous?
quiltymare said:
Here’s a picture of her. Isn’t she gorgeous?
Youbetcha! What a girl!
Mary, we are so glad you found us. Thank you for joining the Tripawds Community. Where in Washington are you?
Your tripawd looks like a big ball of puppy energy! We are sure she will do just fine as a three legger. I'm part Border Collie myself, so trust me, we have the extra spunk that keeps us going, ad going, and going!
What else can we tell you about life on three legs?
Your friend,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks! and nice to meetcha.
We live in Kent, WA, which is South of Seattle about 30 minutes. We have 5 acres with goats, chickens and horses so Stella will learn a job helping me keep peace on the farm. She'll also have 2 sisters, one who is an 8 year old Border Collie who was born deaf and one who is a 5 year old Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix. We also have 2 other dogs and their pawrents living with us... one is a Rat Terrier who belongs to my son and one is a Toy Australian Shepherd that belongs to our friend. We love our furry family.
I think the most immediate questions I have involve what things I need to have on hand for Saturday when she arrives. It is not 100% sure that she's staying yet but if she does, we have a very well stocked animal supply store near by, Reber Ranch, so we can run up and get what we need. I assume crate, bed, collar, leash, ??? I'm particularly interested in what type of bed is best for her? Her ampuation is only a month old but I've been told she keeps up with the other dogs at the rescue pretty well.
Thanks
quiltymare said:
I think the most immediate questions I have involve what things I need to have on hand for Saturday when she arrives.
I’m particularly interested in what type of bed is best for her?
It doesn't take much to keep a tripawd hoppy! Check out the Exercise Tips at the bottom of our Resources page.
As far as a bed goes, a good firm mattress like the one my friend Lalla wrote about is good.
Hmmm....what else. Well, look around your house for things that she might slip on. Hardwood floors, stairs, etc., and try to block them off until she gets used to being shown the layout.
Sounds like she will have a blast with all of the critters at your farm! I'm jealous!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good for you, Mary, for wanting to adopt this cute little dog! She needs a mom just like you, who will love and care for her to the nth degree. I bless this website everyday for all the good advice I hear and I'm learning a lot everyday.
I don't have any good advice for you, but I do want to offer my best wishes to you and your new 3-legged baby (if you do take her in). Something tells me you've already made up your mind!
Congratulations, Blazer, Kimber & Vicki
You are an angel Mary for helping and loving these dogs.
What is pretty girl's name? If she is already crate trained that might be comforting for her but after watching Radar try to turn in circles to lay down I would think that turning around in a crate may be difficult. Soft bed, good food and lots of love (which it sounds like you have in spades). Remember that even though she is keeping up with the dogs at the shelter, farm life may be a bit tiring for her. Take a cue from her as to when she needs a break and what her endurence levels are.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Holy Cow, I just looked at the title! I've got Cattle Dog on the brain!!! This new girl, who is currently being called Stella, is a Border Collie.
Wow, I feel stupid!
Thanks for all the wonderful, kind words. Yes, we've all pretty much made up our minds we want her. But, we have to pass the home inspection, too. So, we have our fingers crossed that she'll be coming her and be our special girl!
quiltymare said:
Holy Cow, I just looked at the title! I’ve got Cattle Dog on the brain!!!
Oh shucks, we didn't even notice that. No worries, I worked my magic.
We've got our paws crossed for you and Stella. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ahhh, gee, no need to worry! She's a cute dog and that's all we need to know.
Thanks, Jerry! You fixed it and are magic!
We are now all on pins and needles. We kept her bio open last night at home on my laptop and kept looking at her. The kids who are off to college have all looked at her and are anxious to meet her. Friends and neighbors are supportive and cant' wait, either! I have her picture here at my desk at work... so the stage is set.
I'll post as soon as we know!
Wow... I'm pooped out. It's been a long and amazing weekend. Our new girl came on Saturday and it only took a few minutes before both the foster mom and the rest of us realized that the whole home visit was just a formality!
She was staying!!!
I have lots to tell and share... just too tired right now to think.
But, I wanted to say that our new girl is here. She was called Stella in foster but her new daddy wanted to name her Pogo. I thought the name was sort of insulting but she LOVES the name. She didn't really respond to Stella but she really likes and responds to her new name. So, Pogo aka Pogi aka Estella Pogita Esperanza has come home to stay!
Hooray for you and Pogo. I work with rescue and it is so wonderful when the right dog and home come together. You are an angel and Pogo is so lucky to have found you. We look forward to hearing your experiences with your new tripawd.
Connie & Radar
Welcome to your new home Pogo...sounds like you have found your forever home and a wonderful one at that. Can't wait to hear how the rest of the weekend went! Mom says it's such a wonderful and fulfillling experience to rescue one of us - I wouldn't know, but my brother Buddy was rescued into our family and mom always says what a gift he is.
Paws forever - even if it's only 3 🙂
Love Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
I think Pogo is a wonderful name! I've heard that the fewer syllables in a dog's name, the better. Good choice.
And sooooo hoppy to know that a Tripawd found a forever home. Thank you for being such wonderful humans.
Send us some pics when you can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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