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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Shanna, it's my understanding Sandee was processed through Lamar Dixon. She was known as Blondie there. She has overcome so much in her life. It breaks my heart that she has to suffer yet another difficulty.
Katy, Sebago is indeed beautiful. We've been here more than 20 years and can't imagine living anywhere else. Next time you come, be in touch. (I'll send a PM with my email address.)
Dharma, your ramp looks much like ours which is covered with indoor/outdoor carpeting (which is getting a little smooth), with multiple raised slats running from one side to the other to keep the dogs' feet from slipping forward.
Yesterday seemed to be a bit of a down day for Sandee. Though she ate and drank, she seemed a bit lethargic. Maybe even depressed. Thanks to this group, it didn't catch me unawares. I just prayed it would pass quickly, and today was a better day. Our house sits on a hillside and the yards are of various levels and slope downward. There's a nice level area beside the house where she'll pee, but then she insists on moving down the hill to her usual poop corner. The trouble is, she then has to move back up the hill and then up the ramp to get back into the house. She's doing it, but it's hard work for her on three legs. After she makes it up the hill, she'll sit a few minutes before heading up the ramp. She hates the sling but seems willing to let me walk behind her, hands cupped, in case she starts to falter. Right now she's lying on the floor, under my legs, snoring. 
Hi Cathleen and Sandy! My apologies for just now catching up with your story, I somehow missed your posts. Doh! She's got quite a story, what a true survivor. I have no doubt that with that kind of strength and with your love and encouragement she will recuperate in no time. Did I miss her age somewhere in your posts? How old is she? I assume she's older if she was a Katrina dog?
The yard does sound like a challenge, it's gotta be tiring for her just to go potty. But what a stubborn girl to only go in her usual spot! It's that kind of determination that will help get her over the recovery hurdle.
Maine is so beautiful! How close are you to the town of Portage? Tripawd Maggie the Agility Dog is from there. Any chance you're nearby?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Portage is in the northeast of Maine and Sebago is in the southwest. They're about as distant as two towns can be. Probably 300 miles or more. We used to go to northern Maine on at least an annual basis, but not so much anymore.
Sandee is probably 9 or 10 years old, but we really can't be sure. She has gotten very gray in the face in last year or so, but is still well muscled and fit. Hopefully those muscles will serve her long and well in her journey as a tripawd--and especially as she navigates this awful hillside! I wouldn't have chosen this surgery for her if I didn't expect she'd do well, but man it hurts to think of her like this and of what the future holds. Several times a day she'll roll over to show me her tummy and the sutures. I get the sense she's saying, "Look. Look what's happened here. Is this the way it's going to be?" I try to reassure her (and myself) with Yes, sweetie, but you're going to be fine. (Can we get a fingers crossed Smiley here!)
Thanks to everyone for the notes of welcome and encouragement. I hope to be able to contribute here in some way.
I apologize that my typing is so bad it looked like I called her Waned or something like that----could have sworn I typed SANDEE. AND SANDEE you are doing so well!!
It's sooooo hard not to worry and, of course, you're anxious for the recover to speed the heck up! My experience with Happy Hannah is that she indeed had good days and less good days for what seemed like an eternity!!And then if the next day wasn't as good as the previous....boy did I worry! I can assure you.....there is nothing to worry about!
She's pacing herself beautifully and sits because she knows she needs to because she's tired. Love that she insists on going in her own "bathroom" spot! Don't we all?
Her story is beautiful and you are a beautiful soul for giving her the life she deserves. Your journey together will only get better and better. Her joyous attitude will continue to come back...maybe slower some days than others. She's still very early in her recovery and his doing great!! Can't wait form you to share all her victories!
The very best to you both. Her sparkle will come back even better than before so get your sunglasses ready....the glow will be too much to much for the naked eye to handle!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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 believe that Sandee came into your life for a reason. It was going to take someone strong and who was willing to deal with what she is going through now. You were the perfect person for her to spend the rest of her life with. You have such a kind heart.
Poor Sandee has been through so much but with your love and guidance, she will push on through and excel. Sounds like she is already adjusting pretty well already. Keep us posted on how she is doing. I'm looking forward to following her success story. Sandee, you can do it!!!!!
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
Oh drats, I was hoping you were closer to Maggie. Maine is a big state!
Try to think of it like this: Sandee is showing you her battle scar and going "Look at me Mom! I'm a Tripawd Warrior Princess now! I can survive anything!" She's been through a lot, it only adds to her ability to beat the odds.
Fingers toes and paws crossed for a speedy recovery. Your girl is a survivor, she will get through this and life will go on, pain free and beautiful the way it's meant to be.
In the meantime you can lean on us, we know how scary this part is for humans!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Keep the faith. Sandee is very early in her recovery, it will take a full two weeks before she is off the meds and can really begin to settle into her new normal.
It is common for them to pace themselves. They know when to rest. Trouble would sometimes get so excited doing something that she would forget she needed to rest. Her favorite thing to do was a parameter check on our yard. She paced herself and would stop and rest along the way, but she resumed the check as a tripawd and continued it until just days before she left us.
I agree with Michele. I believe we were chosen to be with these beautiful creatures on this journey they've been dealt because we have the strength and courage to help them be all they can be.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Thank you all. This is such a wonderful group. Sandee's surgery was a week ago today. She's showing improvement every day and is quickly getting back to her routines. She keeps eyeing our bed, and I'm sure that will be her next achievement--though I hope she'll hold off until after her suture removal! I am so very proud of this little cutie.
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