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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A brief update on Rocco, last two days he changed from night to day. He gets up on his own without me begging in the mornings. He takes a few more steps each day. His awake periods are a bit longer. He does not look depressed anymore. He eats and poops and drinks plenty of water. I still have him on his pain meds and .25 ml of CBD at bedtime. Today he will have a surprise visit that will make him real happy. This friend’s daughter is now a teen but he knows her from when she was a kid he loves all kids. When they visit and he see all these grown kids he goes crazy happy. She is so sad this happened to Rocco but I asked her to be happy around him. My grandson will visit next weekend he crazy loves my grandson as well.
As for me this reminds me of when I have potty (housebreak) trained my dogs, sleepless nights until they learn to hold or to ring the bells hanging on the door. Then I can rest again. I am slowly sleeping more hours. As always grateful I can write Rocco’s accomplishments and my feelings and know somebody reads them.
YAY!!! I hope today's special guests are the icing on the recovery cake! And what a great life lesson for his young friends too.
Your analogy about housebreaking sounds so spot-on. I'm glad you see the resemblance, and now I'll remember to dig that out of my brain the next time someone is so worried about their dog's recovery.
We are grateful YOU are here too! It's always a learning experience for the whole community when folks take time to share their journey. Thank you. And give Rocco extra smooches and belly rubs from all of us!
Thank you for taking the time to chronicle all aspects of Rocco's recovery. As Jerry said, we all learn from everyone 's experiences.
New members will be able ro see how Rocco is recovering at his own pace in his own way and how you are soing an excellent job of recognizing progress. In the beginning it's avout celebrating the "little" improvements, which are actually huge victories early on.
Can't wait to hear how the visit goes with all her hooman friends and family. I k isnit will do wo ders to lift his spirits....and yours too! Videoswoild ve great...hint!
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!
Rocco had a great weekend, with friends he loves and more! He had a blast. He was happy and I was happier to see him happy, he did get exhausted and I made sure to keep him on his pain meds. Then yesterday was a great day for me he put a big smile on my face and in my heart, he RAN!!!! he saw the neighbor getting groceries off the car and barked at him and ran to the edge of the yard. Rocco is getting to be his old self again and I am loving it. I take him for stitch removal Thursday.
What do I do to help him get that back leg strong? I have a pool but he hates getting in it because he fell when he was a puppy and I was not there to help him get out, he finally got out on his own but he now hates it, he loves water but not the pool. Any suggestion?
Over the moon happy!!!!
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!
I am THRILLED to know that Rocco is doing the things he enjoys most! 
YEAH!
What do I do to help him get that back leg strong?
We always recommend an evaluation by a canine rehabilitation therapist. For a Tripawd, it's not about strengthening the remaining leg but building better core muscle strength, and then, slowly, endurance. These experts can show you how to do that! And the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit too. It's an evaluation where they tell you what Rocco's strengths and weaknesses are currently, and then they show you exercises that can build up to where he needs to be to stay strong and injury free.
I would not do the pool work yet, until you have an expert advise you on the best way to approach. Plus, if he hates it anyways, then it's no fun. Water therapy is good for dogs but not in all cases.
Want us to help you find a therapist?
I would appreciate it very much if you would recommend a therapist in the Houston Area. Thank you so much!!
You betcha!
If you are near The Woodlands, our #1 choice is the Center for Veterinary Pain Management and Rehabilitation. Dr. Wall & his team are legendary and many Tripawds have had huge success with them. The practice is recognized around the world for their level of service.
Or, if that location isn't practical the Central Houston Animal Hospital has a great team too!
I'm so happy you want to take Rocco! Keep us posted.
Hello Again,
So grateful to this site and all you do. Here to let you know that my sweet Rocco is on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. He left yesterday. His bone cancer was too aggressive. Of course I am grieving so much. I am keeping busy removing all the runners from the house. I don't know if it's too soon, but I am still doing it. God bless you all.
Love always Tommy
This just breaks my heart to read this. Quite frankly, I'm atunned.
We loved hearing about Rocco and all the ways as he got his sparkle back after recovery. . He got to enjoy the grandkids. He got such immense joy in greeting his Dad when he came home. Because of your exquisite care he was doing soooo well getting back to being Rocco.
You gave Rocco some extended quality time for more spoiling and loving and happy tail wags. And when you knew he couldn't be Rocco anymore you gave him the gifit of release. Rocco knew you loved him en to do that.
So many of our fur families have headed to the Bridge in February and now Rocco in March. Sometimes when several shed their earth clothes around the same time, we give them a. "group name". One March we called that group the Saints of March (when the Saints go marching in)..
I have no idea Rocco was greeted by so many who preceded him to the Bridge. I'm sure they prepared him a feast of chicken dor his welcome home dinner. Then they had ice cream and cake for dessert.
We know how hard the void is now. How the break in routine of caring for your boy keeps the tears flowing. It is soooo clear how much you .loved Rocco and how much he loved you. And we are so privileged to have known him. He j spired us everyday with his determination and zest for life. Nothing held this boy back.
We all believe arou d here that our Spirit Angel's do make contact with us and let us know they are still presen with us, just in energy form. It may take awhile for him to communicate with you because your grief is too heavy to be open to his "signs" right now. Pay attention.
When you can, we would love to hear more about your boy. If you'd like, I would be honored to post some pictures here for you. I'll PM you my email of you want to send me some to post.
Please know we are here for you and understand how your heart is broken more than most can understand. . This journey develops a layer of love and deep bond that few can comprehend.
Surrounding you witn Rocco's .happy wagging tail.....
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!
Tommy I am really sorry, it breaks my heart that another member has gotten their angel wings. Cancer can be so cruel.
I know you miss that boy so much!
Rocco was such a fortunate dog to have you caring for him, making sure that he had a great life and everything he could ever want. Even when things got tough you made sure he was loved and you put his needs first. That is such a gift, and as hard as it is right now to be without him, I really believe that some day you will be with your sweet boy again.
For now, watch for signs. His love and his energy is as powerful as he was, and he is never far from your side in spirit.
I hope when you're feeling up to it you'll share some photos of him so we can honor his life with you. Lean on us and remember you are always part of our community.
Many, many hugs coming your way.
Rocco is as cute as can be. Such a cuddly Teddy Bear🥰
It was always bittersweet for me to look at pictures early on (and maybe even a little bit so many hears ago) But what came sh through with each photo was memory that reminded of Happy and joyous mome ts filled with love. And know that is what Rocco wants you to hold in your heart, all the love and joy you two shared.
Nowsay awwww as you look at this adorable Rocco, look at his adorable mug as he surely is waiting to get another tummy rub.........such a well loved happy boy♥️
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!
Ohhhh sweet angel Rocco.
Thank you for helping out Sally, it's really touching to see Rocco's sweet face today.
How are you doing Tommy?
jerry said
Tommy I am really sorry, it breaks my heart that another member has gotten their angel wings. Cancer can be so cruel.I know you miss that boy so much!
Rocco was such a fortunate dog to have you caring for him, making sure that he had a great life and everything he could ever want. Even when things got tough you made sure he was loved and you put his needs first. That is such a gift, and as hard as it is right now to be without him, I really believe that some day you will be with your sweet boy again.
For now, watch for signs. His love and his energy is as powerful as he was, and he is never far from your side in spirit.
I hope when you're feeling up to it you'll share some photos of him so we can honor his life with you. Lean on us and remember you are always part of our community.
Many, many hugs coming your way.
Thank you for sharing Rocco's picture, I miss him so much
. I really appreciate your soothing words.
jerry said
Ohhhh sweet angel Rocco.Thank you for helping out Sally, it's really touching to see Rocco's sweet face today.
How are you doing Tommy?
I cannot lie and say I feel better because I am not, I miss him so much. I lived for Rocco all these past months since his amputation. Round the clock pain meds, cooking his meals ( I had him spoiled) I now feel guilty for giving him dry dog food that probably contributed to the CA. I miss him terribly.
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